The competition for business-class passengers on flights between London and New York is fierce, with over a billion dollars in revenue generated each year. Airlines cannot afford to be complacent in this highly profitable market, which is why United Airlines has invested heavily in upgrading their business-class seats, set to launch later this year on their Dreamliner aircraft.

As a frequent flyer, I had the opportunity to test out United’s current Polaris business-class seat on a flight from London Heathrow to New York’s Newark Liberty International Airport. At a price tag of up to $11,000 per seat, I was curious to see if it lived up to the hype.

Check-in and Security

Upon arriving at Terminal 2, I was pleasantly surprised by the tranquil atmosphere and the ease of checking in using a touch-screen terminal. The fast-lane security was a breeze, with friendly staff and minimal wait times.

United Club Lounge

As a business-class passenger, I had access to the United Club lounge, located near my departure gate. While not the most exclusive lounge, it offered a pleasant place to relax with a variety of food and beverage options, comfortable seating, and ample charging points.

The Seat

Boarding the plane, I was greeted by a handsome cabin with silver and blue hues. My window seat, 6L, was clean and inviting, but I immediately noticed an issue – a mound of luxury bedding on the seat made it difficult to find a place to stow my belongings. The seat itself was comfortable and supportive, with a generous width of 20. 6 inches and a length of 6ft 4in in lie-flat mode.

However, storage space was limited, and I struggled to find places for my wallet, notebook, and camera. The amenities, including a blanket and pillow by Saks Fifth Avenue, were plush and comfortable. I particularly enjoyed the bonus foam pillow for added lumbar support.

The in-flight entertainment system featured a 16-inch touch-screen and complimentary headphones, which offered decent audio quality. However, it was not on par with some other airlines’ offerings.

The Food

The food on the flight was tasty and comforting, but nothing stood out as exceptional. I enjoyed a buffalo mozzarella and baby greens salad, followed by pan-roasted salmon with couscous risotto. For dessert, I indulged in an ice cream sundae with hot fudge. Overall, the dishes were satisfying, but not memorable.

The Service

The customer service on my flight was inconsistent. While some flight attendants were extremely friendly and attentive, others seemed disinterested and simply going through the motions. However, on a return flight, the service was exceptional, making me wonder if the crew had been hired by Buckingham Palace.

Final Thoughts

Despite the limited storage space, inconsistent service, and lack of privacy door, I would happily fly again in United’s Polaris business-class seat.