United Airlines testing Polaris, economy amenity improvements
Last year, United Airlines rolled out new pajamas in business class — while I'm no apparel expert, the new PJs don't feel as well made, though the carrier has still been boarding only a handful per flight. Generally, if you're on a flight with pajamas, it's best to ask for a set as soon as you board, since the crew often does run out.
Beginning Feb. 1, United will be boarding one set of pajamas for each and every Polaris customer, so you don't need to worry about the carrier running out — for now, only on flights between Chicago (ORD) and Tokyo (NRT), though if the trial is a success, the airline could expand the new provisioning to all of its pajama-equipped flights. For flights between Chicago and Tokyo, flight attendants are instructed to offer pajamas to business-class flyers before takeoff, or after departure if there isn't time.
Additionally, on the same Chicago-Tokyo flights, and on the return leg as well, the crew will offer eyeshades, ear plugs and dental kits to all economy flyers. Flight attendants will be making the rounds with those amenities after takeoff, before the main meal service. The move follows recent service improvements from Delta, which include welcome cocktails and an upgraded meal service on certain coach flights.
While this is clearly a positive change, especially in economy, lately I've been bringing my own sleepwear, instead of using the set United hands out. While the carrier is using the same manufacturer as before, I find United's previous Polaris pajamas to be considerably higher-end, with longer-lasting materials and pockets in the pants. They're more tastefully designed, as well — the latest version sports a huge "POLARIS" logo on the back.
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Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel75,000 bonus milesAnnual Fee
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Why We Chose It
The Capital One Venture X card is one of the best all-round travel credit cards ever launched. Not only is it offering a tremendous welcome bonus, but cardholders can earn tons of miles on everyday spending and receive a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus to boot. Its annual fee is $395, but cardholders can count on up to $300 in statement credits toward travel booked through Capital One Travel each year and other valuable benefits like access to Priority Pass lounges and Capital One’s own growing family of airport lounges.Pros
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- Up to $300 in annual travel statement credits toward bookings make through Capital One Travel.
- 10,000 bonus miles (worth $100 toward travel) each account anniversary.
Cons
- The $395 annual fee might be expensive for some, but this card’s benefits provide much more value than that.
- If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you.
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive up to $300 back annually as statement credits for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Named editors' choice for "Best New Credit Card of 2021" by The Points Guy
- Earn 10 miles per dollar when you book on Turo, the world's largest car sharing marketplace, through May 16, 2023