THE UNITED WAY
Review of United Airlines’ Polaris and First cabins from London to Honolulu
By Richard Jones
Let’s face it, the time spent in an airport and on a plane is rarely the highlight of a trip abroad. Something has gone wrong somewhere if it is. However, flying with United Airlines from England to Hawaii and back was one of the most pleasurable and comfortable travel experiences I’ve had.
It’s a long way from London to Honolulu – around 7,200 miles. When you bear in mind the prior drive to the airport, the wait in the departure lounge, a transatlantic flight, a three-hour layover and then a flight from California over the Pacific Ocean, the whole process is the best part of a full day. The biggest compliment I can give United is that I rarely checked the time while I was relaxing in their lounges, and sat in the Polaris and First cabins.
Time didn’t stand still as it can do on most long-haul journeys. In fact, it flew by.
London Heathrow Airport
Living in the north of England, I know all too well that travelling down to the capital for a flight can be tiring and stressful. If you have time and can afford it, it’s wise to book a parking and hotel package. That way, you don’t have to worry if you’re going to get stuck in traffic on the M1 or M25 or if your train is going to make it to the airport on time.
Holiday Extras offers a massive range of parking and hotel options for those travelling to Heathrow and all other major UK airports.
I was booked in for six days’ parking at MBW Meet & Greet at Terminal 2 and after dropping off my vehicle, it was a two-minute stroll over to the Hilton Garden Inn. I spent the night prior to my flight enjoying a beer and bite to eat in their Runway Bar before getting a good night’s sleep.
The hotel is literally feet away from the T2 departures area, so it was just a matter of taking my case (or cases – a United Polaris ticket includes two free checked bags) to the self-service kiosk, putting the tag on, printing my boarding passes and making my way through security, ready for my flight to San Francisco.
The United App
Once you have reserved your flight with United, the first thing you should do is download their award-winning mobile app. They have a checklist of all the things you need, and you can also upload your travel docs beforehand and choose your seats. The app also gives you access to Hemispheres, United’s digital travel publication, full of recommendations for where to eat, where to stay, what to do and more
United is also the first and only US airline to give customers real-time access to their boarding pass, gate and seat number (extremely handy if you have a tight connection), plus a countdown clock to departure time. The airline’s ConnectionSaver feature determines the best time for the airline to hold a flight for a few extra minutes, so more people can make their connection. With the app on your phone and watch, you can also keep tabs on your checked bags.
Meanwhile, on my return journey, one of my flights was slightly delayed. It wasn’t a problem – I simply went on the app and found a list of alternative routes and flights to get me to my destination in the least possible time.
Finally, if you sign up to United’s free to join loyalty programme, MileagePlus, points can be used for award tickets, checked bag fees, Wi-Fi, inflight snacks and more. Members can pool their miles into a shared account.
United Club Lounge
Conveniently located near the gate, United’s lounge is a haven among the hustle and bustle of Heathrow. I found a wide-ranging food-and-beverage selection, including hot breakfast items, a selection of cereals, yoghurts and breads, as well as soft, hot and alcoholic drinks available from the bar. Whether you’re lounging, dining or working, there is plenty of comfortable seating, and for those transiting through the airport, there are hot showers.
Polaris Cabin
Customers in Polaris business class receive priority boarding and as soon as I stepped into the spotless and modern cabin on the United 777-200ER to San Francisco, I felt like a VIP.
Molly and her team of flight attendants greeted all the guests by name and presented us with a welcome glass of sparkling wine and water. On my seat was a snazzy leather bag amenity kit created in partnership with Brooks Brothers, containing Skincare products from Perricone MD: a cleansing towelette, eye serum, lip balm, hydrating mist and hand cream, as well as items to help keep you relaxed during your flight: an eye shade, socks, tissues, earplugs, a dental kit and a pen.
Every seat in United Polaris converts into a completely lie-flat bed, with two blankets and two pillows offering customers “the best sleep in the sky”. For even more comfort, mattress cushions are available upon request, as are pyjamas on all flights to Africa, Asia, India, Pacific and the Middle East.
My flight took place during daytime, but I still managed to get a couple of hours’ sleep – not bad to say I am one of those people who rarely nods off on a plane.
Dining
Not only does the Polaris Cabin feel like mile-high luxury hotel, it also feels like you’re dining at a top-class restaurant. The main meal was served about an hour after take-off, although there was the option of express dining which allows you to get all your courses at one time or select a few items. After a glass of sauvignon blanc and a bowl of freshly roasted mixed nuts, I had a choice of appetiser.
I went for the whipped ricotta cheese with artisan bread, served with a selection of pickles and dips and a baby arugula salad with dressing. For the return flight, it was smoked salmon. I was then given a choice of entrées, including beef tenderloin, Frenched bone-in chicken breast or lentil stir-fry. But I went for the prawn linguine with chilli tomato sauce, which was as good as any pasta dish you’ll taste in a top Italian restaurant. For dessert, it was a United classic – a made-to-order ice cream sundae with strawberry, chocolate and caramel.
There are also mid-flight snacks, including fruit, crisps and biscuits, and a second hot dining service before landing. Safe to say, I didn’t leave the aircraft hungry when we touched down in Northern California. From August, United’s culinary offering are set to be elevated even further as the airline forms a new partnership with Chef's Table. United has enlisted 11 world-renowned chefs from four continents – representing United's seven US hub cities and key international gateways in London, Tokyo and São Paulo – to curate regionally-inspired meals. They include Tomos Parry, the founder and co-owner of three open-fire restaurants in London, including the Michelin-starred Mountain and Brat.
Entertainment
Switching on my 16-inch touchscreen and putting on my noise-reducing headphones gave me access to a wealth of in-flight entertainment, and I was able to choose from four experience modes: Entertain me, Relax and sleep, Focus time and Kids Zone.
With a choice of the latest film releases and premium content from Apple TV, HBO Max, A24 and Spotify, I watched One Battle After Another and a full series of Ted Lasso.
There is also the option of United Private Screening, in which you can use seatback entertainment system or your personal device, and a special a relaxation channel with content designed to help guests settle in.
United Elevated
Although I thought United Polaris was the height of luxury – from May 1, 2026, the airline’s most premium international aircraft yet – the 787-9 Dreamliner with the United Elevated interior – is operating between London and San Francisco.
The new United Polaris Studio suites are 25 per cent larger than Polaris with privacy doors, extra ottoman for companions, 27-inch screens, luxury skincare amenities and exclusive caviar and wine pairing.
San Francisco
Such was the comfort on board the flight, I was slightly reluctant to leave my little cocoon when we touched down in California.
But after disembarking and following the signs for Connecting Flights, I was in for more VIP treatment as I entered the San Francisco airport’s United Polaris Lounge, which is even more impressive than Heathrow’s Club Lounge.
There are luxury wellness Therabody Suites and showers for customers to relax prior to their flight, as well as rows upon rows of comfortable seating on two levels, and a huge bar and a dining area.
I still had a short amount of time to wander around the shops and stretch my legs, before boarding my flight across the Pacific Ocean to Honolulu.
United First Cabin
As this was a smaller, narrowbody internal US flight, I was booked in the United First cabin.
While not quite as spacious as the Polaris cabin on the previous flight, there was still extra space to recline and lay down, as well as a six-way adjustable headrest, plenty of storage space and pockets for personal items, and a granite-topped, extendable cocktail table.
For travellers flying between the continental US and Hawaii, there are also amenity kits designed in collaboration with Reyn Spooner which contain skincare products by Honua.
The flight attendant Raul couldn’t do enough for me and the passenger adjacent.
The roast chicken and creamy mashed potato dinner he served up was delicious.
Arrival in Hawaii
Over a day and a half since setting off from South Yorkshire, I arrived on the paradise Hawaii island of O’aho feeling surprisingly fresh.
American philosopher and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson once famously wrote: “Life is a journey, not a destination.”
And flying in United’s luxurious Polaris and First cabins enables you to enjoy travelling just as much as the holiday or business trip itself.
Factbox
During peak season, United Airlines operates up to 24 flights per day to the US from London Heathrow, Edinburgh and Glasgow, with destinations including Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington DC.
From May 1, 2026, United’s most premium international aircraft yet – the 787-9 Dreamliner with the United Elevated interior – will operate between London and San Francisco.
For more information and to book, please visit united.com
Imagery provided by United Airlines and Richard Jones