Elevating Luxury: The United Polaris Experience
So, let’s dive into it. United Airlines has recently rolled out its brand-spanking-new Polaris business class lineup. We’re looking at a shiny future where these new seats will grace their upcoming Boeing 787-9s, all decked out in high-end fashion. Today, we’re zooming in on the United Polaris Studio concept – it’s United’s take on the “business class plus” experience.
Before we jump into a deep dive, let’s hit the highlights first, shall we?
Basics of the New United Polaris Studio Concept
United’s idea is to sprinkle some fairy dust on the typical business class setup aboard their future Boeing 787-9s. Out of 64 sleek Polaris seats, eight will transform into Polaris Studio seats, offering a souped-up ride through the business class skies.
Here’s the play: these special seats will take the aisle seats in the bulkhead rows across two cabins. Why, you ask? Because bulkhead seats have more wiggle room, and United is hoping you’ll shell out extra for this upgraded space and class.
The Polaris Studio seat is putting on a growth spurt, measuring up 25% larger than the standard Polaris seat. Think of it as giving your living room away to an ottoman and a swanky 27-inch 4K OLED screen – a massive leap from the typical 19-inch screen!
United’s not stopping there, oh no. Polaris Studio passengers will get a roster of elevated perks:
- Global Services ground treatment: Roll up like a VIP with special check-ins and tarmac transfers that surprise and delight.
- Food & Drinks: Your journey kicks off with a caviar amuse bouche and a sip of Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé, among other culinary delights.
- Amenities: Luxuriate in hoodie-pajamas, slippers, noise-canceling headphones, top-tier skincare products, and plush velvet pillows.
The Problem with United Polaris Studio Seating
When surrounded by glitz, you’d hope the issues are as rare as a sunny day in London. While United deserves a round of applause for creating this “business class plus” idea, there’s a flip side, folks. Mainly, the seating arrangement is bang-next to the galley and lavatories. Here are a few realities to chew on:
- Light Pollution: Curtainless galleys mean you’ll meet more light than you’d like during flight meals and service.
- Noisiness: US airline crews are known for their, let’s say, enthusiastic conversation. Expect a symphony from the galley that no noise-canceling headphone can entirely dampen.
- Lavatory Whiffs: Positioned close to restrooms isn’t ideal, especially on United’s longer routes.
So, it’s legitimate to wonder if this product, despite its dazzling extras, really stacks up when you consider proximity to the more, uh, aromatic and noisy areas of the plane. Maybe United is relying on their acoustic headphones and premium bubbles to distract from the interruptions?
Additionally, United’s service delivery could be a make-or-break factor. There are fantastic flight attendants, for sure, but consistency is another story. It’s bound to spark a few debates about staffing between the suits and the unions, considering the number of passengers – especially with those premium seats to manage.
What to Expect from United Polaris Studio Pricing
Now, this is where everyone’s interested – what’s the price tag on these swanky seats? United’s playing coy, only saying that Polaris Studio will carry a heftier price than the usual Polaris offering.
The pricing could go a couple of ways:
- Tiered Access: Think of it like paying a fee for better seats after booking, letting you enjoy the upgrade for a set cost, regardless of whether you’re a miles spender or a cash handler.
- Separate Product: Alternatively, Polaris Studio could be its own beast, separately priced from the start of your booking journey.
The smart bet might be on the first option, mimicking other airlines. If travelers can expense it as a booking cost rather than a separate upgrade, it could slide past company accountants unnoticed. And hey, why worry, isn’t it always easier to spend someone else’s money?
United floated the Polaris Studio idea to customers about a year ago, proposing prices from $300 to $650. But, with that many saucy amenities wrapped in, could the fare ramp up? Maybe $1,000 over the standard fare could fly, though somewhere around $500-$800 might hit the sweet spot.
Considering the eight seats are 12.5% of the business class inventory, there’s also the question of repeat business. If customers aren’t sold on the environment or service, they might not come back for seconds.
Leftover seats? Most likely, staff traveling on benefits could snap those up, but United will likely dangle enticing upgrade options for loyal elite members too – they don’t want those seats purely as “employee perks” now, do they?
Bottom Line
United’s unveiling their latest Polaris business class revelation – and with it, the debut of the Polaris Studio, which introduces the promise of more airspace and lavish extras. The enhancements are the sort you’d daydream about when planning your ultimate flight experience.
However, the proximity to the galley and lavatories is a sticking point, particularly since American airlines aren’t known for dimly lit, hush-hush service areas. This might not be ideal when you’re paying premium for an experience that should sweep you off your feet.
I’m keen to see what United decides their worth is and how passengers respond.
Over to you: What’s your take on the United Polaris Studio? Think it’ll catch on? And what’s your bet on the pricing game? Let me know, or, in the meantime, why not dream of hitting the slopes at the Val Seny ski resort, where the only whirring sounds are those of distant chairlifts and not galley activity.