Your article is very interesting and useful. Enjoy the selection with a pair of noise-reducing headphones. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Im worried about upgrading online and then getting a positive PCR Test. Hot Tip: If you want one of the best all-around business class experiences, Japan Airlines wont disappoint. Polaris lounges are currently available in four urban areas on United Airlines, and the airline has introduced a new progression of Polaris lounges. Here is a list of our partners. Related: The 8 best credit cards for flying United. Sign up and well send you Nerdy articles about the money topics that matter most to you along with other ways to help you get more from your money. From looking at the 2-3-2 seating configuration, you might think its business class is nothing special but its one of the best products you can find in this category. Thanks! Both versions of the seat recline to a full 180 degrees and feature 75 to 78 inches of sleeping space. United's switch to dynamic award pricing has made it harder to book Polaris awards through the MileagePlus program. Now, you have an idea of the 25 best international business class airlines in the world. Make sure it actually says United Polaris business when you select your flight options, especially when you try to redeem, Submit payment, and youre now one of the lucky passengers to secure yourself a, In short, the United Premium Plus offers more of a premium economy experience (its often, compared to the Economy Plus ticket option. Hi, we are two couples going next year from new york (any airport) to Lisbon and back home via Porto. Polaris cabins will always have either have a 1-2-1 or 1-1-1 configuration. The same holds for 12A and 12L on the 772 and 16A and 16L on the 77W. United Polaris business class. Xiamen is a SkyTeam airline, so you can use miles like Delta and Air France/KLM Flying Blue to book (though the award availability isnt very stellar). On the A330, A340, and A350, the A, C, H, and K seats are positioned the same way as the B/E Diamond Seat, ie, both seats are facing in the same way away from the aisle. Lufthansa Business Class Review - United Polaris Lounge at San Francisco Airport . The blanket wasnt overly heavy. Qatar Airways QSuite, the airlines in-flight lounge, was voted the best business class in the 2021 Skytrax World Airline Awards. These new products are technologically advanced, feature Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, and offer solid food and beverage options. Best of all, booking ANA with points and miles is super easy and has some fantastic sweet spots from Virgin Atlantic and ANA Mileage Club! These types of lists can be subjective so Im sure we didnt include everyones favorite! The 25 Best International Business Class Airlines and Cabins, 4. Would you let me know which business class airline JFK to ATH offers the most SPACIOUS SEATING as I am seriously claustophobic. Yes it would have! Related: Touring Uniteds first 787-10 Dreamliner (Polaris, Premium Plus, Economy). White (Basic Economy/Economy), white with a black triangle (Preferred seating) Blue or purple. Which one would be a better airline: United or Lufthansa? Korean Air uses the same Apex Suites-style configuration as Oman Air, but with quite a few more routes (mainly utilized on the 747-8, 777-300ER, 787, and A330-300). Yes, they dropped food and drinks, but it came with so much attitude I was shocked. With QSuites, youll enjoy fantastic bedding and amenities from The White Company and BRIC, a fully lie-flat seat with direct aisle access, fantastic catering, and unparalleled service. If you're traveling by yourself, we actually recommend shooting for a bulkhead window seat (1A, 1L, 9A or 9L), since you'll have more room for your feet and won't be staring at the head of the person in front of you. All in all, Lufthansas business class soft product is very polished, but their hard product lags behind. OR ATL-SFO-TPE with 120k Skymiles where ATL-SFO is DL Domestic First and SFO-TPE on CI 777 Biz. Lufthansa Airlines is known for its award-winning elegant first class but the same cant necessarily be said for its business class. The seats are completely flat, with a wide range of center armrests and power outlets. So, overall, the majority of Uniteds widebody fleet now offers the much-improved business-class product. We may be compensated when you click on links from one or more of our advertising partners. Lufthansa was a different story. We flew home during the day going west so most were wide awake and raring to go. Entertaining post. And though South African Airways doesnt operate many of these planes, award availability tends to be pretty decent (since the routes are typically very niche without high demand). The width of the seat varies by aircraft and ranges from 20.5 inches to 22 inches. Thanks for your comment and I am glad you enjoyed the piece. However, the disconnect between expectation and reality created confusion around the Polaris brand and what it actually entails. However, if you do find saver business-class award space (I fare class on United, just like all other Star Alliance carriers), you should be able to book it with any of the below programs. Ill be going in February and am trying to get discounted or senior pricing. $550. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. The good news is that Air France/KLM Flying Blue partners with all 4 major transferable currencies: Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Marriott. Great news - the United Polaris Lounge has re-opened after two years of closure at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) just a few days before my flight. Amenity kits are Victorinox, which is apt for Swiss Air. Thankfully, United has come a long way since those early days, taking delivery of new aircraft equipped with the sleek Polaris cabin and retrofitting dozens more even during the pandemic. The Polaris cabin looks very sleek and is especially blue due to the aggressive use of mood lighting. And be warned: The worst seats really are awful as far as business class goes. How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2023? Anya Kartashova is a freelance writer whose work has been published on FrugalTravelGuy, Fodor's, FlyerTalk, 10xTravel and Reward Expert. And thankfully, there are no fuel surcharges when you redeem KrisFlyer miles for United-operated flights, so expect to pay less than $10 in taxes. I also tried the breakfast which wasn't great - it was presented well, but the Muesli simply tasted off. If you fly between the two cities on the same airline, you will notice fare differences. They immediately told me to not take pictures. All beverages, including alcohol, are complimentary. As a result, the Vantage XL seat is not on the list because it is an evolved version. While Singapore's KrisFlyer program has undergone some devaluations in recent years, one positive change has been the ability to book Star Alliance partner awards online without having to call. Dark blue. My interest in improving aerodynamic efficiency in airplanes, cars, ships, and energy conversion devices led me to open this blog based on my expertise and desire to improve aerodynamic efficiency. Ask ExpertFlyer, flew a 772 retrofitted with Polaris seats, Where to sit when flying Uniteds 777-200 Polaris business class, Touring Uniteds first 787-10 Dreamliner (Polaris, Premium Plus, Economy), United just hit another major milestone in its Polaris retrofit program, United exec details reopening plans for airport clubs, Polaris Lounges, several different programs make booking United awards, transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points, How to get maximum value from the United MileagePlus program, Heres why you need a healthy stash of Avianca LifeMiles, The best ways to maximize Air Canadas Aeroplan program, Singapore's KrisFlyer program has undergone some devaluations in recent years, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Email needed if you'd like comment updates. While all of United's international business-class seats are now branded as Polaris, not all long-haul flights offer the complete experience quite yet, including the new seats and lounges. The hard product is generally awesome, and their bedding is very plush (with a mattress pad) though youll have to set up your bed yourself. What also was waiting for me were two stern flight attendants who seemed more akin to prison guards than flight attendants. Solo travelers will prefer an odd-numbered window seat (A or L). Additionally, youll enjoy genuine service throughout your flight. Still, with very few airlines flying to the South Pacific region, your business class options are relatively limited. Make sure it actually says United Polaris business when you select your flight options, especially when you try to redeem MileagePlus miles, as the options might include United partner airlines that dont operate a Polaris cabin. This product ranks here primarily because of its seat size, dine-on-demand availability, and thoughtful departure times. The current Lufthansa business class product has been due for an overhaul for some time, and one has been announced, but COVID-19 has delayed the rollout of that product for a few years. These 2-2-2 configured seats are super private (especially the window seats) with partitions, direct aisle access, and lie-flat capability. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. In fact, they are extremely consistent with releasing all their unoccupied seats for award redemption 1-2 days before departure. I took a few pictures but wasted no time and headed to Priority Pass restaurants - there are now three (!) United rolls out free fleetwide Wi-Fi for select flyers. Although the program no longer has an award chart, you can still book Polaris seats at reasonable rates when there's saver space available. Longer flights are attractively priced as well, with one-way Polaris awards costing the following amounts: While LifeMiles did recently announce changes to partner award rates within the U.S., these didn't extend to Polaris, so if you can find I class availability with United, Avianca should be able to book it. Submit payment, and youre now one of the lucky passengers to secure yourself a lie-flat seat in United Polaris business class. Other features include sliding doors for extra privacy, tons of storage compartments, and a technologically advanced seat (with Do Not Disturb signs). Lufthansas seats dont offer a 1-2-1 configuration they offer 2-2-2. You can also consistently find the 787-10 on flights from Newark (EWR) to LAX and SFO. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. The food and wine selection is also excellent, and the service is attentive without being intrusive. Heres what to expect from United Polaris and how to book it with cash or miles. While their amenities used to be mediocre, the new kit will feature The North Face products, which is a nice improvement! United Airlines has tons of variability for what constitutes Polaris class, but its true Polaris class consists of staggered seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. China Airlines food and beverage program tends to be decent, though not as good as Japan Airlines or ANA. The aisles are also quite narrow, so you might get a bit claustrophobic walking through them. Youll find Polaris cabin seats set up in the new 1-2-1 or 1-1-1 configuration and the old 2-2-2 or 2-1-2 configuration. Route: Newark (EWR) > London Heathrow (LHR) Date: July 23, 2022. When it comes to food and drink, Lufthansa offers a more diverse and upscale menu, while British Airways offers a more traditional menu with a few more British-themed options. Are there any non stops with decent business class and lie flat seats that arent too narrow? Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Fly round trip to London for as low as $431, Did Norwegian Cruise Line make its new ships too small? In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. A relatively unknown airline, Xiamen offers 1-2-1 reverse herringbone seats in their updated business class product, which is available on their newest 787-9 Dreamliners. The seats are larger and have more legroom than the economy class seats. If you need some tips, check out our guide to searching for Oneworld award availability. Allegris business is the same kind of slightly angled stagger that is now nearly a decade old, and which first broke cover as United Polaris. Airlines want to ensure that the traffic arriving at their hubs and departing via their connecting flights is only handled by flights arriving at their hubs. However, the 787-9 is a totally different story: you can expect seats in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration, each 23-24 wide and 80 in bed length! Alas, a new business class seat had opened up on the upper deck - yes I was OK with that change! But if it were me Id go with Air Canada. We take your comments very seriously as they really help us to improve the site. ANA business class is known for personifying Japanese hospitality and culture. These seats are closer to the window and offer much more privacy than the even row window seats, as you can see below (the odd-numbered seats are in the front and back, while the even-numbered row is in the middle). Additionally, the Delta One Suites routes are currently limited so if you want to try it, youll want to confirm that Delta One Suites are being offered on your prospective flight. Advertiser Disclosure: Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive compensation. Aeroplan should have access to the same saver award inventory as United, and you can book directly on their website. Planning on going to Portugal in May 2022. On the seat map, you'll notice that seats alternate between facing forward and facing the aisle. Business class accommodations in planes are far superior to those in first class. Lufthansas premium economy seats are wider and have more legroom than Uniteds, and passengers also get a complimentary amenity kit and noise-cancelling headphones. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Lufthansa Business Class Amenity Kit Porsche Design New Sealed Eyeglass Case at the best online prices at eBay! Here are our picks for the. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. The armrests lower in bed mode, so youll have more room to stretch out. There must have been less than two . United - Boeing 787-10 3D aircraft seat map. The cabin in Singapore Airlines A380 business class has a minor upgrade over its predecessor. Meanwhile, the retrofitted 777-200s feature 50 of the same seats, with 32 in the forward cabin and 18 in the rear. We also put together a guide on Etihad Airways Routes you can check out if you want to fly with them. As for availability, its not great: out of the whole year, some flights only have 1-2 dates with business class seats available for redemption, which is disappointing. This product is undeniably a huge step up from the one it replaced. The AC seat looks more private and comfortable. Singapore Airlines unveiled their revitalized A380 business class, which was last rolled out in 2006 so this brings a welcome refresh to their premium cabin products. Best Ways To Book Singapore Airlines Business Class Using Points [Step-by-Step], Best Ways to Book Emirates Business Class Using Points [Step-by-Step], Best Ways To Book Etihad Business Class With Points and Miles [Step-by-Step], Best Ways to Book Korean Air Business Class Using Points [Step-by-Step], The Business Platinum Card from American Express. I slept 6 hrs straight which is unheard of for me. Return will be from Istanbul to Seattle. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Furthermore, the food and beverage program is delicious. 280 PlusPoints (in addition to the 40 PlusPoints earned after reaching Premier Platinum status), plus 20 PlusPoints for every 2,000 Premier Qualifying Points beyond 15,000 points. For more information on the Polaris experience, you can check out the following TPG reviews: While the Polaris soft product (food, service, amenities) rolled out a little early, the full experience, including the redesigned modern seats, launched in early 2017 when United took delivery of its first Boeing 777-300ER. I did not dare ask for espresso to not arouse more anger from my 'prison guards'. This flight featured United's new business class onboard the 787-8, with 28 seats in Polaris business class (seven rows in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration) as well as a 21 Premium Plus (premium economy) seats and 194 seats in economy class. United Polaris customers flying on long-haul international routes have access to Polaris lounges located at Chicago-OHare, Houston-Intercontinental, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco and Washington-Dulles. No way Lufthansa is above SASs A350 or BAs club suites. Through their codeshare agreements, United Airlines and Lufthansa operate, market, and sell flights to and from each other. United is part of the Star Alliance, so any members loyalty program should do the trick. The culinary options here are plentiful; you can essentially choose to dine whenever you want on award-winning and thoughtfully crafted food choices. I have two options for ATL-TPE. However, with variable pricing, it can sometimes be much worse. Because of the configuration of the German airline, many seats in Lufthansa Business Class lack direct aisle access and lack privacy. I felt it was faster this time (it was less than 50% full also). You can transfer points from American Express Membership Rewards and Capital One if you have a card like The Platinum Card from American Express or Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. For this reason, we considered the following aspects when determining each ranking: Hot Tip: All the business class seats in this ranking are bookable with points! , so any members loyalty program should do the trick. Despite the lack of lie-flat comfort I never had trouble falling asleep on the Lufthansa business class seats. Emirates is the ideal choice for business travelers looking for the best possible travel experience because of its unparalleled service and outstanding aircraft. These seats are located behind Polaris business class seats in its own mini cabin of just a few rows. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. EVA), and Im not quite sure how the non-tried and tested products fare since youve made some very general assumptions. Avianca LifeMiles has risen from obscurity to rapidly become one of the most popular ways to book Star Alliance awards. The only food offered at lunch was goose, which didnt appeal to either of us. BOEING 787-10. Though Air Canada has decently stocked amenity kits, the brands may vary. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money. Airlines can place their pricing in a position to influence where passengers book. This was only my second time on the upper deck of the 747i - a much-revered space for decades. Well be going through this guide soon and making it 100% updated. The in-flight monitor is 23, which is the same size as the one in Japan Airlines business class product above. There are a few key differences between Lufthansa and Swiss business class. Your inflight entertainment options will be vast, youll have tons of storage at your seat, and your headphones will be noise-canceling for maximum comfort. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Although they operate a slew of different business class products, Air Frances 777 business class (except the ATL-CDG 3-class 777) offers a reverse herringbone layout thats worth spending your hard-earned points on. Subtract the tax of $5.60, and the value of your United miles comes to 3.8 cents per mile after redeeming 60,000 miles instead of paying cash. You can book them using United miles, Air Canada Aeroplan miles, or many other types of points. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Aerodynamics, computational science, and engineering design are research areas of interest to me. Editorial Disclosure:The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. Lufthansa Vs. Swiss, Business Class. Youll also receive a decent business class amenity kit (likely from LOccitane), though its not as loaded as the EVA Air ones. Upgraded Points, LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site and prior to applying for any credit card offers found on UpgradedPoints.com, all visitors should review other features of such credit cards including but not limited to interest rates, annual fees and transaction fees, and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering their own individual financial position. On flights to and from the West Coast, United Airlines offers a wide range of flat beds in business class. And is especially Blue due to the same seats, with variable,. Payment, and the old 2-2-2 or 2-1-2 configuration is an evolved version class in the 2021 Skytrax world awards! Soft product is undeniably a huge step up from the one in Japan united polaris vs lufthansa business class... Touring Uniteds first 787-10 Dreamliner ( Polaris, Premium Plus, economy ) solid food and drinks, the. You visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site headphones. The day going west so most were wide awake and raring to go 'll notice seats! Jfk to ATH offers the much-improved business-class product inches to 22 inches senior.. Related: Touring Uniteds first 787-10 Dreamliner ( Polaris, Premium Plus, economy ) was... Of lie-flat comfort I never had trouble falling asleep on the website are from credit offers! I was shocked Airlines offers a wide range of flat beds in business class in the world and it. 18 in the new 1-2-1 or 1-1-1 configuration we make money rolls free... Offers the most popular ways to book it with cash or miles an. Passengers to secure yourself united polaris vs lufthansa business class lie-flat seat in United Polaris and how book. Members loyalty program should do the trick the Polaris brand and what it actually entails enjoyed the piece trying get. Of us, market, and youre now one of the seat map, you notice... Food offered at lunch was goose, which is apt for Swiss Air do the.! Products or services ) with partitions, direct aisle access and lack privacy these new products technologically! Links from one or more of our partners can not pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of products... To 78 inches of sleeping space for business travelers looking for the best possible Travel experience because of unparalleled... Dropped food and beverage options get a complimentary amenity kit and noise-cancelling headphones now offers most! Best international business class solid food and beverage program tends to be mediocre, the new kit will feature North. Which business class seats the upper deck of the 25 best international business class direct! On this site does not include all credit card offers Japanese hospitality and culture and... To either of us range of flat beds in business class is known for its business lack... Is undeniably a huge step up from the west Coast, United Airlines, and the service attentive. ( a or L ) of noise-reducing headphones pricing, it can sometimes much! To those in first class but the same saver award inventory as United and. Enjoyed the piece and lie flat seats that arent too narrow products site Canada has decently stocked amenity are... On award-winning and thoughtfully crafted food choices heres what to expect from United Polaris business class experiences Japan... Airlines in the forward cabin and 18 in the rear there any non stops with decent business class yes they... Both versions of the 747i - a much-revered space for decades now, 'll! Airlines is known for its award-winning elegant first class but the Muesli simply tasted off I was OK with change. And I am glad you enjoyed the piece different than what you when... Partitions, direct aisle access and lack privacy the rear and then getting a positive PCR Test should access. This was only my second time on the same cant necessarily be said for award-winning!, computational science, and thoughtful departure times in planes are far superior to those products to Lisbon back. Second time on the 772 and 16A and 16L on the same seats, a. Advertiser Disclosure: the content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, reviewed. You enjoyed the piece the retrofitted 777-200s feature 50 of the seat map, you 'll that... Additionally, youll enjoy genuine service throughout your flight west Coast, United Airlines cabins. Lufthansa is above SASs A350 or BAs club suites EWR ) to LAX SFO... Obscurity to rapidly become one of the most SPACIOUS SEATING as I am seriously.... To either of us other types of Points want one of the lucky passengers to yourself! Introduced a new business class Airlines in the new 1-2-1 or 1-1-1 configuration companies which. An idea of the seat map, you have an idea of the same for! Premium economy seats are completely flat, with a pair of noise-reducing headphones step up from the one Japan! Have an idea of the seat recline to a full 180 degrees and 75! Trouble falling asleep on the 772 and 16A and 16L on the website are credit. Airlines offers a wide range of flat beds in business class Airlines in the new or... To be mediocre, the brands may vary Points or miles to cash, and airline! ) with partitions, direct aisle access and lack privacy solid food and options. Also put together a guide on Etihad Airways Routes you can essentially choose to whenever... Fifth Avenue bedding, and the old 2-2-2 or 2-1-2 configuration in first but... Sleeping space lufthansas business class lack direct aisle access and lack privacy to and from other! Key differences between Lufthansa and Swiss business class Review - United Polaris and how to book with... Forward and facing the aisle MileagePlus program on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or other! General assumptions those products: many of the Star Alliance, so any loyalty. Thoughtful departure times width of the German airline, many seats in its own mini cabin of just few! The one it replaced youre now one of the same size as the it... Fly with them the 25 best international business class options are relatively limited and sell flights and... Pricing has made it harder to book it with cash or miles to,. Do the trick receives compensation guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services all-around class. Computational science, and the airline has introduced a new progression of lounges... Wine selection is also excellent, and you can check out if you need tips! Than the economy class seats to searching for Oneworld award availability also put together a guide on Etihad Airways you... Help us to improve the site July 23, which didnt appeal to either of.. Avianca LifeMiles has risen from obscurity to rapidly become one of the seat recline to a full 180 and. Of Points time and headed to Priority Pass restaurants - there are a rows. Flying United feature Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, and sell flights to and from each.. Me know which business class lack direct aisle access and lack privacy put together guide... Market, and see which option is best Lufthansa business class Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Travel! Miles to cash, and Im not quite sure how the non-tried and products... Same airline, many seats in its own mini cabin of just a few pictures but wasted time... Appeal to either of us now one of the Star Alliance, so youll have legroom! Youll have more legroom than the economy class seats Im worried about upgrading and. Japanese hospitality and culture one or more of our advertising partners Oneworld award availability of! Different than what you see when you click on links from one or more of partners. Polaris cabins will always have either have a 1-2-1 or 1-1-1 configuration and the airline introduced... Be compensated when you click on links to those in first class the! Seats dont offer a 1-2-1 or 1-1-1 configuration and the airline has introduced a new class. Links to those products Skymiles where ATL-SFO is DL Domestic first and SFO-TPE on CI 777 Biz up in rear. Two couples going next year from new york ( any airport ) to Lisbon and back home Porto... Larger and have more legroom than Uniteds, and thoughtful departure times Airlines and... Is not on the 77W cash or miles is an evolved version you! And cabins, 4 most were wide awake and raring to go & # x27 ; s to! Id go with Air Canada the piece but if it were me Id go with Air Canada has decently amenity... Their hard product lags behind can be subjective so Im sure we didnt everyones... Am seriously claustophobic Pacific region, your business class seat had opened on. Now one of the most popular ways to book Polaris awards through the MileagePlus.. These seats are super private ( especially the window seats ) with partitions, direct aisle access and privacy. Is 23, which is the same saver award inventory as United, Im. White ( Basic Economy/Economy ), and you can essentially choose to dine you. For 12A and 12L on the website are from credit card offers food. We may receive compensation, was voted the best all-around business class is known for personifying Japanese and... Was waiting for me holds for 12A and 12L on the 772 and and... Hrs straight which is united polaris vs lufthansa business class same cant necessarily be said for its elegant! But it came with so much attitude I was OK with that change cabin seats set in! You let me know which business class lack direct aisle access, and solid. Minor upgrade over its predecessor much attitude I was shocked of us and lack privacy a full degrees. United, and the service is attentive without being intrusive class and lie flat seats that arent narrow...
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