The day is finally here. Today, 1st December, sees United Airlines launch their brand new Polaris product. It was announced some time ago, and is a welcome change to the currently awful business and first class product United provide. Unfortunately, like many US based carriers, United just can’t compete with other airlines that offer a far more premium product, so hopefully United Polaris will make a difference and improve their current offering.
Although the full product isn’t launching until early 2017, from today business and first class passengers will be able to experience the Polaris ‘soft launch’, with improved meals, new amenity kits, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, and a new Chicago O’Hare lounge.
When the full product rolls out it will include all of the above, as well as ‘suite-like’ pods designed to help those all-important trans-atlantic naps, and spa-like showers in the new Polaris airport lounges. The most important change though will be the configuration of the planes. Currently business class is 2-1-2, but the new Polaris product will ensure every seat has direct aisle access.
We’re still not entirely sure how much this new luxury business and first class experience will cost, however we expect the prices to go up considerably. And even when the main product does launch in early 2017, it will only be available on the 777-300ER on select routes to begin with.
In other news, United have also introduced the ‘basic economy’ fare to rival the likes of low-cost airlines Spirit and JetBlue. They’re introducing some pretty horrific changes including making ‘basic economy’ passengers pay for handluggage. You can find out more about it from The Points Guy.
Do you think United’s new Polaris product will be able to rival the Gulf and Asian business and first class offerings?
Let us know in the comments!