Star Cross

United's Polaris class improves its product-somewhat-on a transatlantic route

- JAKE JONES

United provides Saks Fifth Avenue bedding in its long-haul Polaris cabin; the airline operates a fleet of 21 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners; amenity kits are supplied by Therabody

WEEKEND TRIPS ARE common, and Chicago's dreary winter intensifies the desire to escape for a little while. However, when I told others about my weekend trip to Europe, I often received judgment regarding my definition of rest and relaxation. Am I crazy? Maybe. But securing an 80,000-mile redemption for United's lie-flat Polaris business class definitely made the nine-hour flight a lot more bearable!

Check-In

United has designated the south end of O'Hare Airport's Terminal 1 for Polaris and United Premier 1K check-in. When I arrived, it was empty and there was no wait. Since I wasn't checking any bags for my weekend trip, I simply checked in using the United app and went straight to security.

Unfortunately, my flight coincided with a less-than-ideal situation regarding the airport experience at O'Hare. United is in the midst of a much needed expansion of its Polaris lounge, and the scheduled monthslong closure of the lounge began a few weeks before my flight. As a result, all Polaris passengers were granted access to the standard United Club and received vouchers for two premium drinks at the bar.

While the vouchers acknowledged that United Clubs are a step down from the Polaris lounge experience, I expected more to be done to accommodate Polaris passengers. I would have anticipated at least a premium food offering rather than the often underwhelming buffet selection that most United Clubs provide.

Boarding