How to Fly the Real United Polaris to Europe This Summer
While United has come a long way since the slow and still-incomplete launch of its new Polaris business class, this top-notch hard product is still only available on a fraction of United's long-haul fleet. The difference between United's old and new business class seats is night and day, from a 2-4-2 configuration on some planes (yes, that's an eight-across business class cabin) to the sleek and private seats below.
With summer vacation right around the corner, today we're going to take a look at your options for flying the "real" Polaris seats to Europe this summer, including a few routes that have a surprising amount of award availability.
How to Book Polaris Awards
If you collect transferable points like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards, you'll have plenty of options for booking business-class awards to and from Europe. While United is switching to dynamic award pricing for its own flights later this year, thankfully that change comes after the peak summer travel season. For now, we can still operate with the usual saver-level and standard award prices. You'll want to seek out saver awards for two reasons: not only are they infinitely cheaper than standard awards, but saver award space means you can book the seat through a partner program instead of using United MileagePlus.
Here are your best options for one-way, United-operated, business-class awards to or from Europe:
- United MileagePlus: 60,000 miles (will change when dynamic pricing kicks in)
- Air Canada / Aeroplan: 55,000-57,500 miles
- Avianca LifeMiles: 60,000-63,000 miles
United is a 1:1 transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards, while Aeroplan and Avianca are 1:1 transfer partners of Amex Membership Rewards and 2:1.5 transfer partners of Capital One. Citi is also a 1:1 transfer partner with Avianca, making these miles incredibly easy to earn.
Where to Find the New Polaris Seats
As noted above, United's long-haul fleet is still a mixed bag. For now, it can be broken into three categories:
- Fully-Polaris aircraft: These types of planes all feature the full Polaris experience.
- Mixed-Polaris aircraft: These types of planes have some that feature Polaris and others that don't.
- Zero-Polaris aircraft: These types of planes all feature United's old, non-Polaris business class.
Let's start with the first category: United's 777-300ERs and 787-10s all feature the real Polaris seats. You'll find the 777-300ERs flying from San Francisco (SFO) to both London-Heathrow (LHR) and Frankfurt (FRA), but saver-level business class award space is practically nonexistent on these routes. The 787-10 is primarily based out of United's hub in Newark (EWR), and it operates a number of flights to Europe.
However, most of United's trans-Atlantic flights are still operated by 767 and 777-200 aircraft, which all fall into the second category above. Many of these have been retrofit with new Polaris seats (including United's "high J" 767s with 46 Polaris business class seats), but there are still dozens of 767s and 772s flying today with the old business-class seats.
If you're booked (or are looking to book) one of these planes and want to see if you should expect the real experience, you have two options. The first is to check the seat map on ExpertFlyer. The "real" Polaris cabin is in a 1-2-1 layout on 777s (as opposed to 2-2-2 or even 2-4-2), while on a 767 it's an unmistakable 1-1-1 configuration. Alternatively, you could look at the seat map on the United website. If the business class cabin is displayed in dark blue, it's the real Polaris seats. If the cabin is orange, that means the plane sports the old configuration.
Finally, United's 787-8 and 787-9 planes all fit into the third category: None of them feature the updated layout. However, United did announce plans to retrofit them starting later this year, so that will be a welcome change.
For everything you need to know about Polaris business class — from where to sit on each type of plane to which lounges are open and much more — be sure to check out TPG's complete guide to United Polaris.
How to Fly the Real Polaris to Europe This Summer
While award availability changes quite frequently, at the time of writing there are still a number of routes where it's possible to book the real Polaris business class to Europe for this summer.
The best availability I found (by far) was from Washington-Dulles (IAD) to Brussels (BRU) on a 777-200. Every day that I checked showed the new Polaris seats, but this is something you'll want to double check for yourself before booking. The space was so good on this route that most of these dates had seven or more awards available. At the time of writing, the following dates had award availability:
- July: 1, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 22, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30
- August: 11, 12, 13
Most other routes didn't have availability quite this good, but it's still possible to find a few scattered dates with Polaris award space. This is by no means a complete list, but I also found the following dates and routes had availability:
- Newark (EWR) to Barcelona (BCN): 7/22 and 7/29
- Newark (EWR) to Dublin (DUB): 7/23, 7/29, 8/13, 8/20
- Newark (EWR) to Brussels (BRU): 7/9
If you do book any of these flights, I'd highly recommend setting up an aircraft change alert in ExpertFlyer, as that will notify you if United makes a last-minute equipment swap to a plane with the old configuration. And remember that you can always add a connecting flight within Europe by taking advantage of United's Star Alliance partners like Lufthansa, LOT Polish, SAS and Brussels Airlines.
Bottom Line
While most people book their summer vacation as far in advance as possible to lock in award space, it's not too late if you're looking to make last-minute summer plans. Make sure to leverage all the tools at your disposal (especially ExpertFlyer) to double check that you're getting the real Polaris experience before you start transferring miles and booking an award.
For more on United Polaris make sure to check out the following:
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| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- 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.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $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.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- 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.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $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.