United We Fly

I’m a loyalty program loyalist.  It might be genetic as my dad was quite the partaker of frequent flyer reward plans from their inception.  He likely signed me up to accrue airline miles even before I learned to crawl.  Through the years, I’ve learned quite a bit on how to maximize my stash and these riches have helped supplement my travel addition.

 

Having traveled on many different airlines (being fortunate to dabble in upper class when possible), I hadn’t yet crossed the pond in United’s Polaris even though it was introduced in 2016.  My general opinion has been that most non-U.S. airlines provide a more elevated experience even in (as my dad would joke) peasant class.  Having flown on Lufthansa, British, Emirates, Virgin (Atlantic and Australia) and Finnair to name many, the food, seat layout and service seem in another league.  America does a lot well, but eating a made-to-order caviar platter, taking a shower or having a flight attendant find a flameless candle and sing “Happy Birthday” has never happened to me on a U.S. carrier.

 

The offerings to Switzerland using United miles didn’t show any partner options, so it seemed time to try what their website claimed is “Business Class Reimagined”.  The site further described Polaris as bringing “… a new level of quality to every aspect of premium cabin travel” and providing “the best sleep in the sky”.  I don’t think companies are legally allowed to make baseless claims so it must be true!  Let’s find out.

 

The first leg of the trip (PHX to ORD) was traditional domestic first class although I was impressed with 5 breakfast options for pre-order.  After struggling between the waffle and crepe choices, mature-Jill figured there was bound to be a crave-able treat later in the day, so I selected the frittata (10-year-old Jill rolled her eyes).  That kid was right, the frittata was a-natta-good (sorry).

 

Turns out, it’s just as well my belly was empty, because O’Hare is home to the inaugural Polaris Club – which was definitely swankier than the regular lounges – and offered table-service dining (in addition to a large buffet, bar, nice views and lots of seating).  Even after 1 p.m. I was wait-listed 1 hour and by the time I was seated, it had jumped to 90 minutes.

After selecting the chicken with pears (topped by honey mustard jus) and upon my waitress’s enquiry, I mentioned my allergy to asparagus (yes yes, it’s weird) which she brought to the attention of the kitchen staff.  Suddenly, the very friendly chef was at my table introducing himself and explaining how he would prepare my meal.  The chicken was flavorful and due to its small portion, I had plenty of room to sample the warm skillet cookie.

Time for the flight!  It was a 1-2-1 configuration and although I was in the middle section, the person next to me was faced the opposite way with such a tall wall between us, it felt quite private.  As I typed ‘wall’…I had a memory of old WKRP reruns where Les Nessman pined for these – here’s a clip so it can be in your head, too!

 

Menus were handed out but still feeling full from the lounge-lunch, I wasn’t craving much…except the ice cream (apparently 10-year-old Jill and adult-Jill have some things in common).  The pasta was inedible, thus more room for sweets! My request for ‘a little caramel sauce but a ridiculous amount of hot fudge’ was made to order, so a D for dinner but a star for the sundae.

 

Other commentary:

• The seat was comfortable but didn’t feel particularly luxe.
• The movie selection was delightfully vast.
• My morning apple crepe was delicious.
• Do I agree with the website’s assertion of a ‘new level of quality?’ – ‘yes’ if you are comparing it to United business class pre-Polaris, ‘no’ if you are comparing it to other airlines’ ‘premium cabin travel’.
• Was it the ‘best sleep in the sky’?  I couldn’t sleep (maybe too much sugar?).
• Would I fly it again?  Sure, especially if United wanted to fund the trip in exchange for another review (just a suggestion, nudge-nudge).

Have you flown Polaris or do you generally stick to peasant class?  What’s your favorite airline?  Did you ever watch WKRP and if so, do you remember the Thanksgiving turkey promotion?  Let me know in the comments!