May 18, 2023

Insider Review of the United Airlines Polaris Lounge

If you’re looking for exclusivity and a luxurious touch when you travel round the world, then the United Airlines Polaris Lounge is for you. It is a considerable upgrade from the standard United Club lounges, with passengers gaining a huge range of benefits pre, during and post-flight. Exclusively offered to international Business Class and First Class passengers, the Polaris Lounge is a highly regarded premium feature.

Round The World Features: On Ground

Airfare Geeks are your specialised travel agents, here to provide you with in-depth and honest reviews about the latest travel trends, features and updates. Discover everything you need to know about the United Airlines Polaris Lounge and see if it’s right for you on your next round the world trip.

Lounge Features

The Polaris Lounge is a significant step up from the United Airlines regular lounge, ideal for those travelling for business or who appreciate the private space to work. Guests at the lounge can choose between multiple areas that feature chairs, tables and powerpoints to work at. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a much quieter location, you can book a private working room.

Once you’ve completed work and are ready to relax before a long-haul flight, you have the option to choose between a shower room or a nap room. In a shower room, you’ll be given towels and provided with the necessary amenities. These amenities have been specifically curated by the iconic Sunday Riley skincare brand, exclusively for United Airlines. If you choose to take a nap to avoid jet-lag, you’re provided with a daybed in a room that features soft lighting and gentle white noise.

Food And Drink

Uniquely to the Polaris Lounge is the a la carte dining restaurant. Compared to other lounges where only a buffet is supplied, the Polaris Lounge is fitted with a full dining experience featuring an extensive menu and suggested wine and beer pairings.

However, if you don’t have enough time to sit down and enjoy a full meal, there are plenty of other options. The lounge features buffets and snack bars, including candy jars and even a make-your-own sandwich station. Included in the price is complimentary specialty cocktails, wines, spirits, and specialty coffee and tea. In contrast, the United Club Lounge provides only a limited selection of beverages.

Round The World Features: In Flight

Inflight Entertainment

Your inflight entertainment will vary depending on your flight route for round the world travel. However, you’re provided with many movies and TV shows. To pair with your entertainment, you’re supplied with noise-cancelling headphones. Unlike the Qantas A380, you’ll have access to WiFi for international flights. However, this comes at a cost based on the selected time limit.

Seating

Seating Of course, one of the major perks of flying Business or First Class is having the ability to fully recline in your seat. The United Airlines Polaris Business Class showcase seats with the following features.

Completely adjustable lie-flat seat
Side bench
Storage in the cabinet
Mirror on the cabinet door
USB outlets and powerpoints
Pillows and bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue
Night light with a brightness setting
Clothes hook

Amenities

If you’re a fan of amenities kits, then this could be for you. United Airlines have continued its partnership with high-end skincare brand Sunday Riley up into the sky. Passengers who fly on long-haul international and transcontinental flights receive a hard pod amenities kit. You’ll find the brand on the ground and in the air throughout United Airlines, with products specifically chosen to give the skin extreme hydration when flying. In addition to this, your amenities kit features the following items.

Socks
Eye mask
Ear plugs
Pen
Tissues

Accessibility And Exclusivity

How Do You Get Into The United Airlines Polaris Lounge?

Gaining access to the United Airlines Polaris Lounge can be done in a variety of ways. Listed below are the options for how to gain access.

Be an international Business Class or First Class passenger
Fly long-haul international premium class on a Star Alliance member airline
Upgrade to Polaris class using miles
Be at premier status and credit card upgrades on award tickets
Receive a complimentary upgrade

Locations

To add to the element of exclusivity, the Polaris Lounges are only located in the following six airports.

Chicago O’Hare
Houston Intercontinental
Los Angeles
New York/Newark
San Francisco
Washington Dulles

These particular lounges have been upgraded from the standard United Club Lounges. Passengers travelling with United Airlines Polaris Business Class on long-haul international flights have complimentary access to the lounge prior to departure, during connections and upon arrival. It’s important to note that, unlike other lounges, the Polaris Lounge is only open at specific times, and this varies for each location.

United Polaris Business Class is only available on long-haul international flights across an ocean or to deep South America. Business or First Class flights within North America, Central America or the Caribbean do not qualify for access. This is something to keep in mind when booking your round the world airfares.

Check Airfare Deals

Overall Thoughts

Depending on where your round the world airfare is to or from, the Polaris Lounge is definitely worth trying. Compared to the original United Airlines Lounges, the luxury additions of a nap and shower room, followed by a fully reclining bed in the air, can make long-haul flights feel like a breeze.

If you’re considering booking a round the world flight, get in touch with our specialist travel agents. Our team of well-travelled individuals are here to help, Providing their professional guidance and recommendations. Discover the latest airfare deals to create your own adventures, or read through our Geek’s Guide to find inspiration for your next trip.