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Delayed Seats Causing New United 777-300ERs to Collect Dust

March 27, 2017
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2 min read
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Delayed Seats Causing New United 777-300ERs to Collect Dust
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There has been much publicity surrounding United's new Polaris product (especially the all-new seat design), which is now flying between San Francisco (SFO) and Hong Kong (HKG), and soon between Newark (EWR) and Tel Aviv (TLV). The first aircraft to be equipped with the new seats is the airline's new Boeing 777-300ER (of which it has 13 on order), but it seems like the flying public will have to wait even longer to get on board these new aircraft thanks to a seat delay from Polaris' manufacturer, Zodiac. Instead of introducing the new 777s into the fleet, United has had to put one into storage, with another joining shortly — which has apparently made United CEO Oscar Munoz 'not happy.'

This is not the first time that Zodiac has been in hot water with a US airline. American Airlines cancelled a contract with the French company last year after constant delays led to a slow rollout of the retrofits to AA's Boeing 777-200s as well as an inconsistent business-class experience.

Assuming United keeps its contract with Zodiac, the delays of Polaris seats simply means that business-class passengers will be flying without the full Polaris experience unless you're booked on one of the airline's routes that features the new 77W. But, chances are that you'll encounter an older United aircraft, potentially with the dreaded 2-4-2 configuration in business class.

Despite delays, passengers who have gotten to try Polaris out have given the product generally positive reviews. United had originally said that many routes will see the brand-new aircraft before the end of 2017, but now it looks like that plan may be in danger.

H/T: Skift

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.