United unveils revamped Polaris experience with new sleep-focused amenities
Ever since the launch of United Airlines' Polaris business class in 2016, the airline has been focused on elevating the onboard sleep experience.
From plush pillows to crisp white mattress pads, United's biz product has long excelled for travelers looking to catch some sleep before a big meeting or a family trip.
Now, seven years later, the airline is back with perhaps its biggest refresh yet to the Polaris experience. While details have slowly been trickling out over the past few weeks, the airline is officially ready to take the wraps off of "Polaris 2.0."
So, here's what you can expect on your next long-haul United business-class flight.
All-new sleep amenities
United positions Polaris as giving you "the best sleep in the sky," and these latest upgrades are undoubtedly focused on helping you drift off during your next flight.
It starts with new sleep-focused amenities from Saks Fifth Avenue, the official provider of bedding for United since 2016.
The new Saks bedding will be packaged in a reusable bag that's washed between flights and eliminates the single-use plastic coverings on the duvet and day blanket.
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Speaking of the signature duvet, the airline is refreshing this blanket with new patterns, and it's also launching a new limited-edition day blanket in partnership with fashion designer Claude Kameni.
This new day blanket looks significantly more comfortable than the old one that it replaces. It'll be available through early 2024, and I can't wait to try it out on an upcoming Polaris flight.
In addition to the new day blanket and packaging, the airline will continue to provide all travelers with a large plush pillow and a cool gel pillow.
It wasn't immediately clear if mattress pads, fleece-lined slippers and pajamas will continue to be available on select long-haul flights, and we reached out to United for clarification. We'll update this story when we hear back.
Revamped amenity kits
It's official: United is ditching Away in favor of Therabody.
The carrier is launching new Polaris amenity kits, and they only scratch the surface of the carrier's new tie-up with famed wellness brand Therabody.
The amenity kits themselves feature TheraFace eye serum, TheraFace face spray, a TheraFace cleansing towelette and TheraFace hand cream, as well as some typical essentials, such as a bamboo toothbrush, toothpaste, eye mask, ear plugs, socks and a pen.
While I loved the hard-shell design of the previous Away amenity kits, these new Therabody kits double as belt bags that are starting to catch on with some flyers.
In fact, United has been slowly phasing in these new kits, and I even got to try one out on a recent flight from Tel Aviv to Newark. I personally liked the scent of the face spray and hand cream, but I still prefer the durability of the Away kits.
Lounge upgrades
United's partnership with Therabody isn't limited to the aircraft. In the coming months, you'll start seeing Therabody products in all of the airline's Polaris business-class lounges.
Dubbed "Reset Suites," United is building out dedicated spaces in each of its business-class-only lounges that'll be outfitted with Therabody wellness products, such as the Therabody Lounger, RecoveryAir JetBoots and the Theragun.
I've been using the Theragun for years to aid in muscle circulation after workouts and long-haul flights. I'm looking forward to trying out Therabody's full suite of products the next time I pass through a Polaris lounge.
The airline says that every lounge will offer at least one semiprivate room, with Reset Suites opening in Newark and San Francisco in late October, followed by Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and Washington's Dulles International Airport later this fall.
United didn't say whether it was adding new space to its Polaris lounges for these Reset Suites or if it was repurposing existing spaces, but we'll update the story with more details as we get them.
If you enjoy using these products in the Polaris lounge, United is launching a new offer to earn up to 6 MileagePlus miles per dollar spent on eligible Therabody purchases at united.com/therabody.
Bottom line
United's long-awaited Polaris refresh is finally here, and it brings some exciting upgrades to the onboard "soft product" — all of the amenities that aren't physically attached to the aircraft.
The revamped sleep amenities should help make it easier to fall asleep, while the refreshed amenity kits are only the beginning of what's poised to be a far-reaching partnership with popular wellness brand Therabody.
Aside from the sleep essentials and amenity kits, United is also teasing some recent catering upgrades as part of its big Polaris refresh. This includes stocking more than 20 new wine, beer and liquor brands, with brands like Justin Justification and Bell’s taking flight later this year.
The carrier says that it's "in the midst of an ongoing journey to elevate the Polaris food and beverage offerings onboard," which is exciting news for any Polaris flyer who's experienced its sub-par catering options.
While United's splashy announcement covers the Polaris amenities, the rumor mill has been swirling about when the airline will finally unveil a new seat, or "hard product," for its business-class cabins. Rumor has it that the final touches are nearly complete, so I wouldn't be surprised if an announcement were imminent.
Until then, rest assured you'll have a comfortable night's sleep when flying in United Polaris.
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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. |
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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
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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.