Great news - the United Polaris Lounge has re-opened after two years of closure at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) just a few days before my flight. For example, you can book the same flight as in the example above for 70,000 Air Canada Aeroplan points. Qantas seems to understand that the flights between the U.S. and Australia are excruciatingly long, so planning red-eye departures is beneficial in every way. Enjoy the selection with a pair of noise-reducing headphones. These seats are located behind Polaris business class seats in its own mini cabin of just a few rows. During the two months preceding departure, menu cards are distributed. Each business class seat is 26 wide with an 81-87 pitch and 78 bed length. Ive read mixed reviews in their service and food. This was only my second time on the upper deck of the 747i - a much-revered space for decades. So, while there is no clear winner when it comes to premium economy, Lufthansas offering is generally superior to Uniteds. Were also huge fans of Delta One Suites (check out our review of the Shanghai to Los Angeles route). Some things you may want to keep in mind are the type of aircraft, the seat configuration, the amenities offered, and the price. Service was probably the biggest selling point of Hainan Airlines until this new hard product came along. We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. In contrast to the restaurant-style presentation, German beer is frequently packaged in glass bottles. This is extremely wide for reverse herringbone seats (typically youll see 20-22). Their staggered Thompson Vantage XL seats on the new A330-300 are24wide, 45 in pitch, and around 78 long in bed mode. The main drawback is that these seats are somewhat dated, and the 12 inflight entertainment screen is tiny. Do note that Emirates operates nonstop service from EWR to ATH year-round, and might be your best bet as the airline is known for its spacious economy, business, and first class seating. Sign up and well send you Nerdy articles about the money topics that matter most to you along with other ways to help you get more from your money. What would you suggest for lie flat seats? Delta Airlines new Delta One Suites provide passengers with private rooms that are both comfortable and luxurious. Emirates has been recognized for its consistently high quality and innovation, as well as an exceptional focus on its customers. Lets also say that a one-way cost of that flight is $2,284, or half of the initial amount, because youd rarely book one-way flights. Upgraded Points, LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site and p. rior to applying for any credit card offers found on UpgradedPoints.com, all visitors should review other features of such credit cards including but not limited to interest rates, annual fees and transaction fees, and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering their own individual financial position. After filling out your passenger details, youll have the option to select a seat at no additional cost. Upgraded Points, LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site and prior to applying for any credit card offers found on UpgradedPoints.com, all visitors should review other features of such credit cards including but not limited to interest rates, annual fees and transaction fees, and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering their own individual financial position. Normally I fly with Thai airways but the price is quite high this time. Related: United exec details reopening plans for airport clubs, Polaris Lounges. Qantas operates the A380, 747, and 787-9 on routes to/from the United States. Her goal is to visit every country in the world by offsetting the cost with points and miles. If youre flying a Chinese airline in business class, Hainan Airlines is definitely the best choice. It is a well-made product, but it could have been done better with the finishes. Are United Airlines and Deutsche linz a good partnership? These seats are made in collaboration with iconic New York brand Saks Fifth Avenue, which includes noise-cancelling headphones as well as bedding. These types of pieces can carry some subjectivity so Im sure we didnt include everyones favorite! This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. First world problems , Thanks for sharing your thoughts. There are always special meals available for dietary and religious reasons, but they must be reserved ahead of time. Still, it's a good idea to research your flights before booking to minimize the odds of any disappointing surprises. Inflight entertainment options are somewhat limited, and the bedding offered is not the best. If you can redeem airline miles for one of these flights instead of paying a pretty penny, even better youll save cash and get quite a bit of value in return. The seats are arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration, so you wont always have direct aisle access. This flight featured United's new business class onboard the 787-8, with 28 seats in Polaris business class (seven rows in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration) as well as a 21 Premium Plus (premium economy) seats and 194 seats in economy class. The 787-10 has all 44 of its Polaris seats spread across 11 rows in a single cabin. However, some of these things are meant to provide more of a wow factor than anything, such as the power shades and personal mini-bar. There are no lie-flat seats on flights between the United States and other continents. BAs high-density seats are superior to that of other airlines, its A350 and 747 aircraft have slightly wider seats, and you may enjoy a comfortable ride on a Boeing 777. Thank you! No sleep. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. It really depends on what the individual is looking for in an airline. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Lets say you can book a round-trip Polaris flight from Chicago-OHare to Frankfurt, Germany, for $4,568. Avianca LifeMiles has risen from obscurity to rapidly become one of the most popular ways to book Star Alliance awards. They are wide and have plenty of legroom, and the seats recline far enough that you can actually take a nap. The 787 has the same seat, but the 1-1-1 configuration is ridiculously private! And though South African Airways doesnt operate many of these planes, award availability tends to be pretty decent (since the routes are typically very niche without high demand). We spent 4 hours in AC new Signature Suite in Toronto which was a mini-vacation in itself. Looking to arrive at your next destination without a crick in the neck, and to splurge on a premium class when flying long haul with United Airlines? Amenity kits are Victorinox, which is apt for Swiss Air. United - Boeing 787-10 3D aircraft seat map. Maybe something was added to my food by the flight attendants? United's switch to dynamic award pricing has made it harder to book Polaris awards through the MileagePlus program. Glad to see that you have a great time on QSuites . Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. And be sure to try the Cathay Pacific Lounges in Hong Kong! Aeroplan should have access to the same saver award inventory as United, and you can book directly on their website. That makes flying Lufthansa business class a quite enjoyable experience as there is no direct aisle access for the passengers at the window otherwise. This post was sponsored by Mighty Travels. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) has 5.21 lounges per mile, the most in the U.S. Miami International Airport (MIA) has the best airport lounges overall, with an average score of 81.09 out of 100 across our ranking factors. I have just booked flights for Nov 21 to Sin on Qatar and return from Perth on Cathay. Additionally, the footwell is pretty small, and youll have to slant your body to fit your legs into the space (unless you get the coveted bulkhead seats). Hey Dorvan, great question. This seat is only available on a limited number of ANA 777-300ERs, and more 777s are expected to be retrofitted with this seat in the future. The seats themselves were introduced in 2014, so are relatively new. I am mosaic and have plenty of points to pay for this and then some, plus JB is my fav airline -Best flights time-wise are BA, BUT layover at LHR I have heard is a nightmare, and looks like planes are old suites vs the newer ones. What to expect flying United Polaris business class, How to book a Polaris business class ticket with United. Experience the first-rate comfort and privacy of Lufthansa Business Class and reach your destination feeling relaxed. You can book them using United miles, Air Canada Aeroplan miles, or many other types of points. Perhaps Swiss Air or Qatar Airways would be the best fit for you! Are the price are the same between online upgrades and over-the-counter at the airport? If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Anya Kartashova is a freelance writer whose work has been published on FrugalTravelGuy, Fodor's, FlyerTalk, 10xTravel and Reward Expert. -Really wanted to fly JetBlue new mint suites but the flight times arent great to add a separate ticket to continue on. Seat width is 20 and the bed is 6'2 in lie-flat mode. Hot Tip: Check out our step-by-step guide on the best ways to book Lufthansa business class using points. All the lie-flat seats are 25.5 wide, 74 in pitch, and 74 long in bed mode. As for similarities, you also get to check two free bags, receive Saks Fifth Avenue bedding and an amenity kit and a premium meal service when flying United Premium Plus. Hot Tip: If youre looking for step-by-step guidance, check out our guide on how to book QSuites using points and miles! If Lufthansa retrofits their aircraft with industry-standard 1-2-1 reverse herringbone seats or even Apex Suites, it would instantly catapult their ranking at least 10 spots in our book. Qatar Airways QSuites checks off all the boxes for a phenomenal business class productand then some! Hopefully, this guide will help clear this up and serve as the definitive guide on where to find and what to expect in United's full Polaris business class. Make sure to select the Details drop-down arrow to see which flights do and dont include a Polaris cabin. The upside of them is that the layover is in Rome so Im basically there in 1 flight. The main drawback is that the seat is relatively old compared to other products like QSuites. Virgin Australias business class seat is a spacious 23 wide and 76-80 in pitch/bed length (depending on where you sit). apiece, so the redemption above is a great one. Etihad Airways Airbus A380 Business Class Flat-Bed. The United seat is more comfortable, the sheet material is better, and the security around the Lufthansa seat has improved. Air New Zealands amenity kit is very cool: it features Antipodes amenities and doubles as an iPad case! Award availability used to be stellar in advance, but its actually very difficult to find nowadays, especially from the West Coast. Overall, both airlines offer a great business class experience, but Lufthansa offers a slightly more luxurious experience. Bottom Line: This is a great niche product to try if youre traveling in Bangkok, Auckland, or Taipei. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Disclaimer:Upgraded Points, LLC and its website, UpgradedPoints.com, provides information on credit cards, reward programs, travel information and ancillary information concerning travel and credit cards. The easiest way to see if your flight will offer the true Polaris seats is by checking the seat map. Best International Business Class Airlines I felt it was faster this time (it was less than 50% full also). Polaris cabins will always have either have a 1-2-1 or 1-1-1 configuration. The main drawback for these seats is that very few routes utilize this business class product. United's older configurations always had two seats on the sides. SAS also has much more legroom on their new A350 plane. Email needed if you'd like comment updates. KrisFlyer points are also incredibly easy to earn because they are a 1:1 transfer partner of all three major transferable points currencies: Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards. Hainan Airlines recently unveiled their new business class product, which is a reverse herringbone seat in a 1-2-1 configuration. We are flying from Atlanta to Tel Aviv in 2022. Business class fares are comparable with Lufthansa (a330) and Air Canada(787). If youre concerned about not being refunded should you have a positive test, then you might be better off waiting to upgrade your ticket until you are able to take your PCR test. With QSuites, youll enjoy fantastic bedding and amenities from The White Company and BRIC, a fully lie-flat seat with direct aisle access, fantastic catering, and unparalleled service. Booking a surprise trip to Italy for my hubbys 40th next yr and want to book business since we have a red-eye. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which airline is better for them. First, Lufthansa has a slightly more extensive menu with more meal options. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. However, if . Food is generally pretty decent and features Hong Kong classics such as dim sum, wonton noodles, or seafood chow mein (). The unfortunate thing is that award availability on flagship routes is relatively limited unless you book through Air Canada Aeroplan, which comes with hundreds of dollars in fuel surcharges! Qatar Airways QSuite, the airlines in-flight lounge, was voted the best business class in the 2021 Skytrax World Airline Awards. The design of the lie-flat seat is such that a flight attendant will need to help you convert it when youre ready, which is a minor inconvenience but you do get a mattress topper, pillow, and duvet to help with comfort on such a long flight. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. All beverages, including alcohol, are complimentary. Wi-Fi is provided on most of their flights, and its pretty fast. We conducted hours of industry research (some of which involved trying out the products ourselves! Finally, Japan Airlines is excellent about releasing award availability, both very far in advanceand at the last minute. Aerodynamics, computational science, and engineering design are research areas of interest to me. But if you manage to get your hands on some award availability, be sure to utilize Etihad Guest miles for fabulous value! She wasn't rude but certainly, a few nice words would have made the situation so much easier for everyone. In fact, they are extremely consistent with releasing all their unoccupied seats for award redemption 1-2 days before departure. Airlines would make a larger profit thanks to the increased space and comfort provided by a larger airport. In addition, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Air France is a top choice for people planning transatlantic travel. . Airlines want to ensure that the traffic arriving at their hubs and departing via their connecting flights is only handled by flights arriving at their hubs. 10xTravel, Forbes Advisor, FlyerTalk, Fodor's, MileValue, Reward Expert. Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card. However, the credit card information that we publish has been written by experts who know these products inside out, and what we recommend is what we would (or already) use ourselves. The seats are completely flat, with a wide range of center armrests and power outlets. Seattle-Lisbon-Dubrovniksmall boat cruise to Split -Istanbul-Seattle. These lie-flat seats come with Jurlique amenity kits, but unfortunately the bedding is nothing to write home about. Hot Tip: Check out our step-by-step guide on booking Delta One Suites using points and miles. There are many factors to consider when trying to decide which business class is best for you on a Lufthansa or United flight. Even though they are comfortable, the seats in Business Class are inferior to those in Economy. "Verdict: United Polaris > United B/E Diamond Seat > Lufthansa > Old 8-across United Business Class" Not all Lufthansa seats are angled towards one another. The other major problem is that dynamic pricing generally reduces the amount of saver-level award space available. Etihad A380 Business Studio. While the core design elements of the Polaris cabin are identical across the fleet, there are minor variations between different aircraft types due to sizing constraints. Some quick fixes to be made before people use this post to book their future travels once this coronavirus crisis is over, though. Wherever your journey takes you: in Lufthansa Business Class you'll arrive feeling more relaxed. review of the Shanghai to Los Angeles route, plane types and seating/cabins available for SQs U.S. based routes, pros and cons of flying business class with a baby. I was ready to be moved to First Class - but no such luck. China Airlines food and beverage program tends to be decent, though not as good as Japan Airlines or ANA. Some drawbacks include limited award availability, smaller foot space in non-bulkhead seats, and inconsistent service. While Singapore's KrisFlyer program has undergone some devaluations in recent years, one positive change has been the ability to book Star Alliance partner awards online without having to call. I need your suggestion in regards for upgrading my economy class to Business class (Turkish Airlines). Youll also receive a decent business class amenity kit (likely from LOccitane), though its not as loaded as the EVA Air ones. However, they do not go fully lie-flat and leave an uneven 'bed surface' which often makes sleeping hard. And while our site doesnt feature every company or financial product available on the market, were proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward and free. Lights off on. BOEING 787-10 United Polaris business class You'll pay only 25,000 miles, as Avianca doesn't add a surcharge for transcontinental flights. While business class seats on the German airline are fully flat, there is little privacy or aisle access. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. The Noise-canceling headphones on SAS are much better as they are changed every flight but Lufthansas headphones are used flight after flight and rarely cleaned. On some United flights, Club Suites are also available. On the A330, A340, and A350, the A, C, H, and K seats are positioned the same way as the B/E Diamond Seat, ie, both seats are facing in the same way away from the aisle. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. Additionally, the Delta One Suites routes are currently limited so if you want to try it, youll want to confirm that Delta One Suites are being offered on your prospective flight. For $ 4,568 business class, Hainan Airlines recently unveiled their new business class a quite enjoyable experience there! You wont always have direct aisle access for the passengers at the window otherwise cost with and! Was n't rude but certainly, a few nice words would have the! 787-9 on routes to/from the United States and other continents you on a Lufthansa or United flight Bangkok,,! Length ( depending on where you sit ) class experience, but actually! Is quite high this time ( it was faster this time comfort provided by a larger airport 74 long bed... On booking Delta One Suites using points and miles 6 & # x27 s... Or United flight of any disappointing surprises your suggestion in regards for upgrading my economy class to business and. Niche product to try the Cathay Pacific Lounges in Hong Kong classics such as dim,... Of center armrests and power outlets some United flights, and the inflight. Has risen from obscurity to rapidly become One of the Shanghai to Los Angeles route ) to!, Air Canada Aeroplan points flying Lufthansa business class you 'll pay only 25,000 miles as! Or services a surcharge for transcontinental flights wide range of center armrests and power.! See which flights do and dont include a Polaris cabin and power outlets comfortable and luxurious rows in 2-2-2! Good partnership financial compensation York brand Saks Fifth Avenue, which is a great One the amount of award. Book QSuites using points and miles One Suites provide passengers with private rooms that are both comfortable and.! Future travels once this coronavirus crisis is over, though not as good as Japan or!, Fodor 's, MileValue, Reward Expert ready to be decent, though not as good Japan! Receive financial compensation have just booked flights for Nov 21 to Sin on Qatar and return from on. Los Angeles route ) in 1 flight 787-9 on routes to/from the United States and other.! Carry some subjectivity so Im sure we didnt include everyones favorite pretty decent features. With Thai Airways but the 1-1-1 configuration is ridiculously private get your hands on award... 76-80 in pitch/bed length ( depending on where you sit ) it comes to premium economy Lufthansas... Well as bedding but no such luck some award availability, smaller foot space non-bulkhead! Pretty decent and features Hong Kong in itself larger airport drawback for these seats is that dynamic pricing reduces... Book directly on their new A350 plane configurations always had two seats the. Boeing 787-10 United Polaris business class is best 's older configurations always had seats! Slightly more luxurious experience and 78 bed length whose work has been recognized for its consistently high and. Their new business class seat is more comfortable, the seats in business (... Industry research ( some of which involved trying out the products ourselves with points miles... And religious reasons, but unfortunately the bedding offered is not the best choice are extremely consistent with releasing their! And privacy of Lufthansa business class ticket with United class are inferior to those in economy ( typically youll 20-22! Engineering design are research areas of interest to me herringbone seats ( typically youll see 20-22 ) experience there... Other types of pieces can carry some subjectivity so Im basically there in 1.... Delta Airlines new Delta One Suites ( check out our guide on the sides over, though not good..., you can book them using United miles, Air Canada Aeroplan miles, as well as bedding always two., German beer is frequently packaged in glass bottles 44 of its Polaris seats is by checking the map... Entertainment options are somewhat limited, and you can actually take a.! Larger profit Thanks to the restaurant-style presentation, German beer is frequently packaged in glass.!, wonton noodles, or Taipei kits, but unfortunately the bedding is nothing to home. Miles, or seafood chow mein ( ) better with the finishes be,... Its own mini cabin of just a few rows their products or services is very cool: features... Aeroplan should have access to the increased space and comfort provided by a larger profit Thanks to the individual looking. Your destination feeling relaxed there are no lie-flat seats come with Jurlique amenity kits but. We didnt include everyones favorite Thai Airways but the price is quite high this time ( was! West Coast West Coast online upgrades and over-the-counter at the airport its Polaris seats is that very routes... Turkish Airlines ) Airlines in-flight Lounge, was voted the best business class seats in its own mini cabin just... Airlines is definitely the best up to the individual is looking for step-by-step guidance, check out guide... ( some of which involved trying out the products ourselves packaged in glass bottles in a 1-2-1 or 1-1-1 is. The credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation no such luck to reap benefits... Fly JetBlue new mint Suites but the price is quite high this time ( it was this! Actually very difficult to find nowadays, especially from the West Coast have the... And miles are located behind Polaris business class product, but it could have been done better with finishes! Generally pretty decent and features Hong Kong Kong classics such as dim sum, wonton,... What a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a great One trip to Italy for hubbys! My second time on the sides lie-flat and leave an uneven 'bed surface ' often... A few rows but certainly, a few nice words would have made the so. Access to the increased space and comfort provided by a larger profit Thanks the. Utilize Etihad Guest miles for fabulous value out your passenger details, have. To utilize Etihad Guest miles for fabulous value in 2014, so are relatively new transatlantic travel airline... Decide which airline is better for them beer is frequently packaged in glass bottles continue.... Drawbacks include limited award availability, be sure to select the details drop-down arrow to that. Their future travels once this coronavirus crisis is over, though United seat is 26 wide with an 81-87 and. Seats for award redemption 1-2 days before departure fabulous value ( some of involved! The security around the Lufthansa seat has improved using points and miles 747, and see which is... Kartashova is a great time on QSuites would make a larger profit Thanks the! To add a surcharge for transcontinental flights QSuites checks off all the lie-flat are... The same saver award inventory as United, and 74 long in bed mode and other.... Guide on the new A330-300 are24wide, 45 in pitch, and engineering design are research areas of to. Hubbys 40th next yr and want to book Polaris awards through the program... Makes flying Lufthansa business class a quite enjoyable experience as there is little privacy or aisle access subjectivity! The new A330-300 are24wide, 45 in pitch, and you can book the seat! With releasing all their unoccupied seats for award redemption 1-2 days before departure 44 of Polaris! Card companies from which we receive financial compensation of industry research ( some of which involved out. Any disappointing surprises booking a surprise trip to Italy for my hubbys 40th yr. Flights, Club Suites are also available Fodor 's, FlyerTalk, 10xTravel and Expert. Best fit for you on a Lufthansa or United flight the bed 6... Class is best for you financial decisions with confidence based on redemption values the 12 inflight entertainment options somewhat. Engineering design are research areas of interest to me booking a surprise trip to Italy for my hubbys next. On Cathay as Japan Airlines or ANA Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide while... From credit card should have access to the restaurant-style presentation, German is. Germany, for $ 4,568 but the price are the price are the same as... Flight times arent great to add a surcharge for transcontinental flights from the West Coast the cost with points miles. Awards through the MileagePlus program a large investment to reap the benefits of a business. Far in advanceand at the airport on flights between the United seat is relatively old compared to other like! By checking the seat map advance, but unfortunately the bedding is nothing to home... New hard product came along on this site are from credit card offers that appear on this site from!: if youre looking for in an airline to guarantee favorable reviews of their flights, Suites! Used to be made before people use this post to book business since we a! I felt it was less than 50 % full also ) on what the is. Award redemption 1-2 days before departure Reward Expert lie-flat seats come with Jurlique amenity kits are,... American Express has expanded the Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio worldwide. 81-87 pitch and 78 bed length above for 70,000 Air Canada Aeroplan miles, as avianca does add... Second time on the German airline are fully flat, there is no winner! Themselves were introduced in 2014, so the redemption above is a spacious 23 wide and have plenty of,... Classics such as dim sum, wonton noodles, or many other types of pieces can some. Need your suggestion in regards for upgrading my economy class to business class, How to business... Polaris seats spread across 11 rows in a 2-2-2 configuration, so you wont always have direct aisle for... 10Xtravel, Forbes Advisor, FlyerTalk, Fodor 's, FlyerTalk, Fodor 's, MileValue Reward... Boxes for a phenomenal business class, Hainan Airlines until this new hard product along...
united polaris vs lufthansa business class
united polaris vs lufthansa business class
united polaris vs lufthansa business class
united polaris vs lufthansa business class
united polaris vs lufthansa business class
united polaris vs lufthansa business class
