UA Polaris class

[kangarooflyer88]

Any current tips / tricks for United Polaris?

Partner and I will be flying J back to SYD from SFO soon on UA863.

Will add my experience here after

Quite a few tips. First you can access United Clubs and if available United Polaris lobes at all airports in your trip. For instance if you’re flying Chicago to Sydney via LA you could access the Polaris Lounge at both Chicago and LA. The lounge itself is nice, there is a traditional buffet but also sit down dining where you order off a menu like the Qantas First lounge. There are a number of amenities in Polaris that are available on request including pyjamas and gel pillows so be sure to ask for them if you need them.

As others have pointed out, United has a solid long haul business class product. Is it as great as Emirates or Singapore? Probably not, but very serviceable and consistent. Having recently flown Qantas long haul in business is say they are in past with each other aside from United having the better lounge.

 

[ozstamps]

As I recall it might come down to the union contracts with the US carriers. Those with the longest tenure tend to get the most lucrative routes (long haul). Not necessarily the top performers.

I have flown probably 200 long haul United flights in Biz or First.

Ancient FA's was the norm - sadly.

Often they appeared to be wearing $10 Walmart sacks, and often with no makeup and ratty hair - all fine with the union, it seems.

The FA Seniority 'bidding' process ensures this. 3 or 4 turns a month to SYD or EZE or GIG etc was the month's roster.

Iris Petersen was the oldest in our time - she was 85 when she chose to retire after 60 years with United - US airlines cannot sack anyone based on age. If Iris wanted SYD she got SYD .. all the time. She had FA seniority NUMERO UNO.

Iris Peterson - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[trooper]

That may well be. Which justifies calling out underperforming individuals. Not a whole age group.

 

[ozstamps]

I paid many $100,000s for a couple of 100 of UA flights staffed by gum chewing grannies on bored autopilot - you did not. I did not get all their names. I am free to describe my experience as I saw it. UA pilots need to mandatory retire at 65 is an interesting data point to Iris Petersen at 85 etc.

You are totally entitled to characterise them how YOU wish, after a few dozen flights. Look forward to your reports - and their names of course.