Why United Business Class Matters

If you’re planning a long-haul trip in 2025, United Airlines Business Class—branded as Polaris—remains one of the strongest premium cabin products from any U.S. carrier. After years of updates, United’s global fleet now features refreshed interiors, upgraded bedding, redesigned lounges, and more consistent service compared to the 2010–2018 era of “old United.” Call our travel experts anytime at +1-833-894-5333 We’ll help you find the best fares, award space, and upgrade options.

Three reasons Polaris stands out in 2025:

• True consistency across major long-haul aircraft like the 777, 787, and 767.
  
  
• Polaris lounges—arguably the best U.S. business class lounges.
  
  
• Premium bedding and amenities, considered top-tier among North American airlines.

United Airlines Business Class—also known as Polaris—offers lie-flat seats, premium dining, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, priority airport services, Polaris lounges, and enhanced long-haul comfort. It’s best for international travel on 777, 787, and select 767 aircraft.

What Is United Polaris Business Class?

United’s Flagship Business Cabin

United Polaris replaced the airline’s former "United Global First," marking a major shift toward consistency and premium quality. Introduced in 2016 and now widely available fleet-wide, Polaris is:

• United's highest cabin class (no first class above it)
  
  
• Offered only on long-haul international flights
  
  
• Available on select premium transcontinental routes
  
  

How Polaris Differs from Standard Business Class

Not all United “business class” cabins are created equal. The term Polaris applies only to:

• Long-haul international flights
  
  
• Wide-body aircraft
  
  
• Cabins with the newest 1-2-1 business seat
  
  

Older business class seats on domestic flights or unrefurbished aircraft are not Polaris, even though they’re sold as Business Class. Always check the seat map before booking.  Call agent anytime at +1-833-894-5333 We’ll help you find the best fares, award space, and upgrade options.

United Airlines Business Class Seats (In-Depth Review)

Seat Layout & Configuration

Most United long-haul aircraft now feature the Polaris 1-2-1 layout, offering:

• Direct aisle access for every passenger
  
  
• Angled privacy wings
  
  
• Forward-facing seats (no herringbone or reverse herringbone mix)
  
  

The cabin feels modern, understated, and intentionally quiet.

Lie-Flat Comfort

The hallmark of Polaris is its 180° fully lie-flat bed, with:

• 20–22” width depending on aircraft
  
  
• 6'6"–6'8" total bed length
  
  
• Smooth recline and comfortable sleeping position
  
  

The hard product is competitive with Delta One and superior to many older AA business class seats.

Privacy Features

United’s Polaris seat includes:

• High seat walls
  
  
• Personal privacy dividers in the center seats
  
  
• Partial sliding partitions
  
  
• “Cove-style” curved design
  
  

It’s not the most enclosed business seat in the world, but it’s very comfortable and practical.

Storage & Workspace

Polaris seats provide:

• A large tray table suitable for laptops
  
  
• Deep storage caddies for headphones, tablets, and water
  
  
• Side pockets for passports and small items
  
  
• AC + USB power outlets
  
  
• A small vanity light
  
  

Storage is noticeably better on the 777 and 787 compared to the 767.

Aircraft-Wise Polaris Experience

United 777-300ER Business Class

The flagship of the Polaris fleet features:

• A large 60-seat business cabin
  
  
• Quiet engines and smooth ride
  
  
• Roomy footwells
  
  
• Best seats: Odd-numbered window seats (A/L) for maximum privacy
  
  

United 787-9 Business Class

The Dreamliner’s cabin is smaller and quieter:

• More intimate 30–48 seat offering
  
  
• Slightly narrower cabin but great ambiance
  
  
• Best for solo travelers seeking a calmer flight
  
  

United 767-300 Business Class

Though narrower, the 767 offers:

• A boutique-style 1-1-1 layout
  
  
• Fully refurbished Polaris cabins
  
  
• Some of the quietest cabins in United’s fleet
  
  

Best for couples or passengers preferring fewer people around.

United Polaris Lounge Experience (One of the Best in the U.S.)

United's Polaris Lounges are industry-leading. Unlike other airlines, United restricts access strictly to:

• Passengers flying long-haul business class
  
  
• No access for elite members without a qualifying ticket
  
  
• No guest access (except in rare exceptions)
  
  

Lounge Features

Inside a Polaris Lounge, expect:

• Restaurant-style dining rooms with chef-crafted meals
  
  
• Buffet service
  
  
• Premium alcohol, including Champagne & cocktails
  
  
• Showers with Cowshed amenities
  
  
• Quiet suites for sleeping
  
  
• Barista-made coffee drinks
  
  

These are far better than traditional U.S. airline lounges.

Best Polaris Lounges

The top locations:

1. Chicago (ORD) – Flagship, excellent sit-down dining
   
   
2. Newark (EWR) – Great for Europe-bound flights
   
   
3. San Francisco (SFO) – Stylish with great Asian meal options
   
   
4. Los Angeles (LAX) – Smaller but premium
   
   
5. Houston (IAH) – Underrated with short walking distances
   
   

United Business Class Dining (Full Review)

Multi-Course Meals

Meals are served in courses, typically including:

• A plated appetizer
  
  
• Choice of entrée
  
  
• A signature ice cream sundae or dessert
  
  
• Bread basket
  
  
• Cheese plate (on some routes)
  
  

Wine options include reds, whites, and Champagne; United’s newer menus emphasize higher-quality proteins and regional dishes.

Snacks & Mid-Flight Menu

Depending on route length, you’ll find:

• Sandwiches
  
  
• Fruit plates
  
  
• Ramen or hot snacks
  
  
• Fresh cookies
  
  
• Self-serve snack stations on some aircraft
  
  

Special Meals

United offers:

• Vegetarian
  
  
• Gluten-free
  
  
• Vegan
  
  
• Low-sodium
  
  
• Kosher/Halal (must be pre-ordered)
  
  

Bedding & Amenities — Where United Truly Shines

Saks Fifth Avenue Bedding Set

The standout feature of Polaris includes:

• A large plush duvet
  
  
• Cooling gel pillow
  
  
• Regular pillow
  
  
• Optional mattress pad (ask a flight attendant early)
  
  

Delta One may have better seats, but United has the best bedding of the U.S. airlines.

Amenity Kit (2025 Version)

Recent kits typically include:

• Skincare products (often Sunday Riley or Therabody partnerships)
  
  
• Lip balm and moisturizer
  
  
• Eye mask
  
  
• Socks
  
  
• Earplugs
  
  
• Dental kit
  
  

Sleep Quality Review

Polaris offers:

• Quiet cabins
  
  
• Cooler cabin temperature (rare in U.S. carriers)
  
  
• One of the best setups for real rest on long-haul flights
  
  

Overall: Excellent for red-eyes and ultra-long-haul flights.

United Business Class Pricing (2025 Overview)

Typical Cash Prices

Prices vary by route, season, and aircraft:

• $1,200–$2,200 for domestic “Polaris-equipped” positioning flights
  
  
• $2,500–$4,000 for Europe
  
  
• $4,000–$7,000 for Asia
  
  
• $5,000–$9,000 for Australia/New Zealand
  
  

Award Pricing (MileagePlus Miles)

MileagePlus uses dynamic pricing:

• Europe: 55,000–80,000 miles one-way
  
  
• Asia: 70,000–110,000 miles one-way
  
  
• Australia: 80,000–130,000 miles one-way
  
  

Booking early usually yields better rates.

Cheapest Routes to Fly United Polaris

Historically low-cost Polaris routes include:

• Newark (EWR) → Dublin (DUB)
  
  
• Chicago (ORD) → London (LHR)
  
  
• San Francisco (SFO) → Tokyo (NRT/HND)
  
  
• Los Angeles (LAX) → Sydney (SYD) during shoulder seasons
  
  

How to Upgrade to United Airlines Business Class

MileagePlus Miles Upgrade

Use miles to upgrade from eligible economy or premium economy fare classes.

• Higher fare classes (W, Y, B) clear sooner
  
  
• A co-pay may be required
  
  
• Best results on less busy routes
  
  

PlusPoints Upgrade (Elite Members)

Premier Platinum and 1K members receive PlusPoints, United’s elite upgrade currency.

• Higher status = priority
  
  
• Upgrades clear in waves before departure
  
  
• Premium routes (Sydney, Singapore) are more competitive
  
  

Last-Minute Airport Upgrades

One of the cheapest methods:

• Offered during check-in
  
  
• Pricing varies but can be surprisingly affordable
  
  
• Great tactic during slower travel periods
  
  

Paid Upgrade Offers

United frequently emails passengers post-purchase with upgrade deals.

• Can be cheaper than buying miles
  
  
• Especially good when business class loads are light
  
  

United Business Class Rules You Should Know

Baggage Allowance

• 2 checked bags free (70 lbs each)
  
  
• Priority baggage handling included
  
  

Priority Services

Business class passengers receive:

• Priority check-in
  
  
• Fast Track or Premier Access security
  
  
• Early boarding (Group 1)
  
  

Wi-Fi & Entertainment Policy

• Wi-Fi available on all long-haul aircraft
  
  
• Charges apply except for messaging on some routes
  
  
• Large 16–18" HD screens with hundreds of movies
  
  

Best Seats in United Business Class (Seat Map Guide)

Best Window Seats (Solo Travelers)

• Odd-numbered A/L seats on 777 and 787
  
  
• Farther from aisle, more privacy
  
  
• Ideal for work and sleep
  
  

Best Middle Seats (Couples)

• Center seats (D/G)
  
  
• Movable privacy divider
  
  
• Easy conversation without leaning
  
  

Seats to Avoid

• Last row in cabin (proximity to galley)
  
  
• Bulkhead seats with slightly smaller footwells
  
  

Comparison Table — United Polaris vs Delta One vs AA Flagship

Is United Airlines Business Class Worth It? (2025 Verdict)

Yes — United Polaris is absolutely worth it for long-haul travel in 2025.

What makes it stand out:

• Polaris Lounges are the best business class lounges in the U.S.
  
  
• Bedding is unmatched among U.S. carriers
  
  
• Seats are consistently comfortable and fully lie-flat
  
  
• Service, while variable, has improved noticeably
  
  
• Award pricing can be excellent, especially to Europe and Asia
  
  

If you value sleep, comfort, lounge access, and overall cabin consistency, United Business Class is one of the best premium cabin values available from a U.S. airline.

United Airlines Business Class — FAQs (2025 Version)

1. Is United Polaris the same as business class?
   Yes—Polaris is United’s international business class.
2. Does every aircraft have Polaris seats?
   No. Some older 767 and 787 aircraft still rotate into service without Polaris seats.
3. How much does United business class cost?
   Typically $2,500–$7,000 for international routes.
4. What is included in Polaris?
   Lie-flat beds, lounge access, premium dining, and Saks bedding.
5. Do I get lounge access?
   Yes, on long-haul business class tickets you get Polaris Lounge access.