United Airlines has begun the roll-out of its all-new United Polaris business class, the airline’s most significant product transformation in more than a decade.
The new product features a reimagined, sleep-enhancing experience for intercontinental travellers.

The first phase of United Polaris features an elevated in-flight food and beverage experience, tranquil custom bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue, exclusive amenity kits with products from Soho House & Co’s Cowshed Spa, and the opening of the first of nine United Polaris lounges around the world, at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

“In our quest to be the best airline in the world, we are rethinking and reimagining all we do.

“United Polaris offers an elevated customer experience and redefines the meaning of premier business travel,” said Oscar Munoz, chief executive, United.

“The high quality of amenities United Polaris provides is matched only by the service and care our employees demonstrate from lounge to landing.”

In rethinking the international business class experience, United conducted more than 12,000 hours of research, and sleep emerged as the single most important priority for international business class travellers.

United Polaris’ path-breaking design and sleep-enhancing focus was inspired and informed by insights from hundreds of customers and employees, inflight product simulations and more than 100 product evaluations.

In a first-of-its-kind relationship, United has worked with leading luxury specialty store Saks Fifth Avenue for custom-designed bedding.

All designed to provide the best sleep in the sky, the new bedding collection will feature plush duvets, lightweight day-blankets and a large and small pillow for each United Polaris customer.

In addition, mattress cushions will be available upon request.

Slippers will be available on all flights, and customised United Polaris pajamas will be available by request on flights longer than 12 hours. Flyers will also be able to request a gel-cooled pillow.

New amenity kits will feature ergonomically designed eye shades, calming pillow mist and additional products from Soho House & Co’s Cowshed Spa.

With the introduction of United Polaris, the airline intends to donate tens of thousands of pillows, blankets and other inflight service items to Fisher House Foundation, which United and its employees have long supported.

Additionally, United will offer a new and unique channel for customers on its inflight entertainment system focused on sleep and relaxation.
Customers will be able to relax with soothing nature scenes, guided meditation sessions from Headspace, and experience Slow TV as they settle-in on-board.

“With United Polaris, we set out to put the legacy of the weary business traveler to bed for good,” said Julia Haywood, chief commercial officer, United.

“What we heard from our customers, and what resonated as a very consistent theme, was that they needed a tailored experience that would maximise comfort and sleep.

“Arriving at your destination well rested is something we all strive for when we travel, and for our customers traveling halfway around the world, optimal performance when they arrive at their destination is the only option.”