I flew 20 hours from Australia to the US in United Airline's Polaris business class. The flight was a game changer, and I'll definitely be flying it again — here's why.

• Rachel Dube took a 20-hour flight with United Polaris business class.
• She says the service was amazing, and the seats were comfortable.
• Dube says the flight went quickly and she would fly United's Polaris business class again.

While I've always loved international travel, the pandemic really sparked my love of aviation.

I splurge on some flights, but I'm also a big fan of using points and miles and finding flight deals. Typically, I'll fly 50 to 60 long-haul flights a year on various airlines to try out new routes and airline products and to visit new places.

Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey is my home airport, and since it's a hub for United Airlines I fly with them a lot. I've gained status with the airline and love the perks and its international routes. 

On a recent flight to Brisbane, Australia, I flew United's business class, called Polaris

United's business product Polaris is one of my favorites to fly and has now been rolled out into every wide-body aircraft that United operates internationally. For long-haul flights, the airline has an incredibly comfortable seat that can be turned into a lie-flat bed. It has a large TV screen, and there are thoughtful amenities like pajamas and slippers. 

The seats are in a 1-2-1 configuration with ample storage, plenty of space, and a seat that turns into a lie-flat bed. They also offer plenty of privacy even with the open configuration.

I found that it was a game changer during the 20 hours of flying

This wasn't my first time flying United Polaris business class, but I found it helped me combat jet lag. In the past, I'd flown routes only to Europe, so I didn't fully get the opportunity to use the lie-flat bed for a full night of sleep, or other amenities like slippers and pajamas.

The journey home from Australia started at the Brisbane Airport. Though United doesn't have a lounge there, Air New Zealand (a Star Alliance partner) does, so I waited there until early boarding.

After boarding, I headed to my seat, which was outfitted with an Away amenity kit, two Saks Fifth Avenue blankets, and two pillows.

Within the Away amenity kit was an eye mask, a pair of socks, a toothbrush kit, tissues, and some miniature-size skincare from Sunday Riley. Each seat also had a pair of noise-canceling headphones, a water bottle, and a set of slippers.

After settling into our seats, we were offered Champagne or water. I opted for the water and opened up the large tray table that offered plenty of space to eat and drink.

The cabin looked brand new and had luxe features

The flight had a 16-inch TV screen, a seat-control panel that reclines the seat and moves the seat into a lie-flat position, and an extendable TV remote with a device outlet beside it.

I was impressed with the amount of space the seat had and the under-seat compartment fit my large tote comfortably. There was also ample room for my carry-on luggage in the overhead bins.

In addition, each seat had a reading light and adjustable window shade that can be controlled with the push of a button.

When I first turned on the TV, it displayed a schedule of the first flight with what services would be available during the time aboard. The total flight time for this flight was 13 hours to San Francisco. 

The flight offered lunch, snacks, and breakfast ahead of arrival

Australian-inspired options like a seared barramundi fish fillet, a Vegemite-and-cheese toastie, and fairy bread were offered during the flight. I wasn't too hungry after we took off, so I just got an ice-cream sundae.

Since the journey was longer than 12 hours, pajamas were also available. I asked the flight attendant for a pair when we took off. 

After my snack, I headed to the bathroom to change into pajamas. They were oversized and extremely comfortable. The business-class lavatory is definitely larger than the one in economy. It also featured an assortment of Sunday Riley toiletries for usage during the flight.

When I arrived back at my seat, I switched it to the lie-flat position

I set my seat up with the two pillows and two blankets. It was super comfortable. 

During the flight, I dozed in and out and watched an assortment of movies. I slept for quite a while but also was able to enjoy the entertainment.

In between the movies and rest, I also checked out the flight map. It was interactive and showcased the flight path, aircraft speed, and more.

Once we were getting closer to landing, I ordered the spinach, feta, and rosemary frittata. I ended up eating only the bowl of fruit and the croissant, which were all I needed.

After we landed in San Francisco, I had a few-hour layover before my next flight to Newark

I headed to the United Polaris lounge. The lounge was super spacious and featured a made-to-order restaurant, ample seating, and tons of other helpful amenities. I opted to take a shower and change in between flights and it made me feel so much better.

My seat on board was pretty much the same and featured all the same amenities aside from one fewer Saks Fifth Avenue blanket. This flight was aboard a Boeing 777-300ER, which has 60 business-class seats. 

The only noticeable difference in my seat was that my tray table had this helpful stand for tablets. It was a thoughtful touch I'd never noticed before.

The amenity kit was also a little less luxe and included fewer items than the other long-haul flight's. This flight was only five hours, so I didn't feel as if we'd need the extra amenities anyway.

Overall, I loved the space, comfort, and service aboard United's Polaris business class, and I will definitely be flying it again. Both flights went quickly, and I arrived home to Newark Liberty International Airport in no time.


Correction: August 21, 2023 — An earlier version of this story misstated the Boeing aircraft type. Dube flew on a Boeing 777-300ER, not a Boeing 737-300ER.