When an incredibly low fare from Santiago de Chile to Orlando via Houston on United’s newly retrofitted Boeing 767-300ER in Polaris class popped up, I could not resist splurging.
As someone intimately familiar with the 763ER, I love both flying and being flown on it, even if they’re getting quite old. I’m also quite fond of United’s global footprint and expansive route network, so I couldn’t wait to get a taste of what’s yet to come.
What I experienced was definitely something I wasn’t used to – for good and for not-so-good.
United 767-300ER Hard Product Review
As someone who once flew the Boeing 767-300ER for a competitor (one which offers a very outdated business class cabin), I didn’t have very high expectations of United’s 763ER Polaris cabin.
But when I walked onboard, I was positively delighted and impressed.
Mood lighting, stunning finish, large IFEs, adorable lantern lights adorning the seats, and excellent ergonomics make United’s 767 Polaris product trump any other I’ve ever seen by several football fields.
It’s more than putting lipstick on a pig. It’s turning it into delicious bacon.
Here are the top 10 reasons United’s Polaris seat on the Boeing 767-300ER is one of the best:
- Stunning marble tabletop
- Wide, comfortable seat that extends up to 6’5” of length
- Bright, responsive, high definition IFEs
- Mood lighting
- Good amount of storage
- Tucks in nicely towards window for great privacy
- Ample footwell space
- Do Not Disturb & ‘Do Not Wake Me for Meals’ options
- Solid, large tray table that doesn’t sag
- Second, Tempurpedic pillow for incredible comfort during sleep
Some of the minor issues/inconveniences of Polaris on the 767 include:
- Annoying automated seat belt sign announcement that also turns on the screen
- Bright blue screen if you select “don’t wake me for food”, even on full dim
- Some seats on the 763ER are better than others, and are much less private and closer to the aisle
- Footwell area also varies from seat to seat
- Odd rows seem to have very little purchase on windows – and row 7 is completely missing one
- The WiFi seems very erratic – likely using an older system on the 767
United’s International Meal Service: Good, but slow
As I felt I 11 hours of flight time would give me adequate time for a nice dinner and still allow 8 or so hours to rest, I opted to have dinner. I was wrong.
The dinner service from Santiago to Houston was so slow, erratic even, that it ended eating into my sleep time. During the hour I waited for service to start, I contemplated cancelling dinner several times, as it started getting worrying.
Luckily the salmon, which arrived over an hour and a half into the flight, was absolutely delicious and fresh. No ‘Airplane’ seafood jokes to be had here!
The wine selection was great, and the warm nut appetizer was tasty as well.
For breakfast, I opted for the shakshuka – which was surprisingly good for airplane food.
Overall, I was pleased with everything about United’s meal service here. The main downfall is just how long it takes, especially on a shorter flight. If I’m on a transatlantic flight with United, I’d make sure to skip the meal.
Lounge Experience (Houston/IAH)
Overall, I was quite pleased to find several dedicated Polaris Lounges at United’s hub in Houston-IAH. I loved the private, exclusive feeling of entering the lounge and immediately going up an elevator.
The finish of the lounge matched well with the Polaris cabin – that same sleek, marble look and lantern-style lighting. It’s a good look.
That being said, I was quite disappointed with the food offerings. For business class on a truly global airline, the buffet felt awfully like the Hampton Inn. The coffee was quite decent, and there were alternative milk options, so that part was decent.
Overall, I’d go to the Polaris lounge for peace, quiet, and a nice shower – but not for the food.
United App Experience
One thing to note is just how incredible United’s app experience is. From booking flight awards, changing flights, providing detailed updates, pushing applicable and useful notifications, and sharing tips and tricks, it’s leagues ahead of any other I’ve used.
No wonder it’s the most downloaded airline app in the world.
Overall: I’d fly United Polaris again
Considering how much better the 763ER feels when it’s adorned with a brand new Polaris cabin, I would not hesitate to fly on this configuration with United again. Perhaps I’d skip dinner both on the plane (too slow) and at the lounge (too lackluster), but I’d find a way.
After all, the most important thing on a long international flight is sleep. And the Polaris seat on the 767 makes a pretty great bed.
(Especially when it’s less than $1000 for the whole trip.)
3 replies on “The Highs & Lows of United Polaris (767-300ER, SCL-IAH)”
Fabulous review Pierre!! Perfectly balanced
text and images for a delightful, informative
read!! 🤩🙏
I’ve also noticed horrendously slow meal service on overnight flights to/from South America, that cuts into an 8hrs rest. However, on EWR to Europe, they move more efficiently than a 5-star Asia-based carrier… Entree is always served within 15 mins of takeoff, and they’ll even serve breakfast on final approach to maximize sleep. I assume the fast service is due to it being a competitive market, and a shorter flight
True! Probably has to do with the fact that their rest breaks are much shorter going to Europe. If they spent the same amount of time doing the service, their rest break would be nonexistent!