At Grouptripo, we believe travel is about experiencing comfort, efficiency, and a touch of luxury—especially when flying long distances. Recently, we had the opportunity to experience the United Airlines Business Class, specifically their acclaimed Polaris cabin, on a journey from San Francisco to Tokyo. This blog shares our full review—from check-in and lounges to in-flight comfort and service—so you know exactly what to expect if you’re considering this premium travel option for your next adventure.
If you’re also comparing options like American Airlines Business Class, we’ll sprinkle in a few thoughts throughout for a balanced perspective.
The business class experience with United Airlines begins at check-in. There’s a designated counter for Polaris Business Class travelers, which can speed up the process significantly during peak times. Although we arrived quite early and didn’t see a huge line difference, our checked baggage was marked with a “Priority” tag—meaning quicker processing and possibly gentler handling.
Once we passed security, we headed straight to the Polaris Business Lounge—an exclusive space tailored for premium travelers.
The Polaris lounge is a two-floor haven. The first floor is spacious, with lounge chairs, individual charging booths, and drinks stations. However, the real magic happens on the second floor, where you’ll find:
We were there in the morning, so the buffet featured breakfast foods like pancakes, fruit, yogurt, and sandwiches. Not overwhelming in variety, but fresh and tasty. The Dining Room opened shortly after we arrived, and we jumped at the chance to try it.
We ordered the Bay Crab Cake and Smoked Salmon Open-Faced Bagel—delicious and light. The small portions meant we didn’t feel overstuffed before the flight and left room to try more onboard.
Boarding for United Airlines Business Class was smooth and swift. Being in Group 1 was a big perk—it gave us time to settle into our seats, explore, and soak up the excitement before takeoff.
Our seats were in the center aisle, where United offers two configurations: parallel seats or angled, V-shaped seats. We went with the diagonal layout for a bit more space and privacy.
If you’re flying as a couple and enjoy chatting or sharing food during the flight, the straight-ahead seats may be better for interaction. For solo travelers or those valuing personal space, the angled seats offer ideal separation.
Let’s talk about the actual seat—more like a luxury pod. Spacious, private, and packed with smart design: