Look up, there’s a new star in the sky. United Airlines, America’s major carrier, has redefined air travel from Australia to the United States with a new business class that puts luxury first. 

Intent on improving the international inflight experience, the new-look Polaris Class is a significant update on United’s previous business offering, now featuring world-class amenities, lie-flat seats and an elevated service to make your next trip to the USA a dream. 

On a recent direct flight from Sydney to Houston (and back), we tested the new United Polaris experience. Flying the Boeing 787-7 Dreamliner, which boasts a spacious, staggered 1-2-1 configuration, everything from the sleek new cabin to the service was stellar. 

Southern charm

Attentive, affable and spirited with that famous ‘southern hospitality’, staff greet you with both a smile and a glass of chilled champagne. Along with classic business class features, one of the most impressive aspects of Polaris’ offering is the amenities. The airline has one-of-a-kind, curated partnerships with cult US brands such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Sunday Riley and Away.

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Beauty sleep

Created in partnership with United, bespoke bedding is brought to you by iconic American retailer, Saks Fifth Avenue, with a blanket, comforter and two pillows for optimum onboard comfort. Mattress cushions are also available upon request, along with flat bed seats.

Beyond the bed, a stylish amenity kit, designed exclusively by Away and inspired by their classic suitcase design, features premium skincare from coveted American beauty brand, Sunday Riley. Exclusively formulated for United Airlines, the In-Flight Remedy elevates ordinary travel routines with a Facial Cleansing Cloth, Face Cream, Lip Balm and Hand Cream, just the thing to keep you refreshed and moisturised mid-flight. 

Even the bathroom beauty bill is impressive: a Sunday Riley Face Mist that softens the weariest skin and a Garment Groom Spray from Australian brand, Murchison-Hume, a thoughtful addition to freshen any unsolicited scents accrued travelling. Perhaps the most palatial offering is the Polaris sleepwear: plush slippers and butter-soft pyjamas in two-tone grey that make any 12-hour-plus flight a dream. 

Dining delights

As for dining, it fuses classic American fare with an unexpected Australian twist. Expect roasted Tasmanian salmon with lemon hollandaise sauce, Israeli couscous with roasted vegetables, blanched asparagus and roasted cherry tomatoes, seared beef short rib with hoisin barbeque sauce, and the ultimate Aussie culinary homage: a chicken parma, served up with fresh mozzarella, a balsamic marinara and smashed potatoes.

For dessert, don’t miss the all-American classic Ice Cream Sundae; real vanilla ice cream, oozy chocolate fudge and decadent brownie crumble. The all-hours dining service means you can snack mid-flight, with chicken sandwiches, Vegemite and cheese toasties, and a selection of sweet and savoury snacks on tap. 

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Luxury lounging

But for Polaris, luxury begins on the ground. Prior to take-off, a visit to the United Polaris Lounge at Houston Intercontinental Airport is a must (also available in Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington Dulles). Available exclusively to international premium cabin travellers, the newly-redesigned Polaris Lounge prepares you for your flight in the best way possible: relaxed, rested and remarkably content. 

Signature seating, a zen relaxation area and spa-like shower facilities set the tone for the swanky new space. A brilliant cocktail bar seeks to both hydrate (and dehydrate) you, and features playful, aviation-inspired cocktails from the Signatures of the Sky list, including Beet The Jetlag and Texan-themed tipples like the Houston, No Problem Here.

An abundant buffet is great for a quick bite, but for something more, take a seat in the private dining area, where you can order à la carte from a selection of light bites, small plates and mains. Our pick? The Polaris Signature Burger with short rib pattie, Bravo Farms smoked cheddar, chipotle ketchup, beefsteak tomato and Bibb lettuce on a buttery brioche bun (you’re in America, after all). 

With a strong emphasis on providing comfort and creating the perfect environment for a restful flight, comfort undoubtedly underscores United’s reimagined Polaris Class. Given we slept 14-hours straight on the return from Houston to Sydney, we think they may have just nailed it. 

United Airlines runs a three-times-weekly service from Sydney to Houston, with an increased daily service from Dec. 17 (Dec. 15 from Houston). 

The writer was a guest of United Airlines.

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