How did United 767-300 business class get so good?

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Watch the full (unedited) takeoff of this flight:
• United Airlines 767-30...
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/ sanspotter
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A lot has changed since the last time I flew United Airlines business class. These days, it’s called Polaris, and it’s nothing like its predecessor.
This a full review of UA493, nonstop 767-300/ER service from Los Angeles (LAX) to Washington Dulles (IAD) in October 2021.
I had seat 9A, and the aircraft registration was N671UA. It was a fantastic 5 hour flight. No, it wasn’t perfect, but…it was surprisingly good.
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[@tejgaonkar6208]

Finally good to see United going in the right direction…my home airport is SFO so United is the airline that I fly quite a bit.

[@sanspotter]

They’re definitely turning a corner! Can’t wait to see what they’ll be like 5 years from now…

[@andysorensen1737]

I flew United in May. For “reduced” services I was pleasantly surprised.

[@Letsgo-hh3ir]

@@sanspotter took a flight on this last year. But was shocked that United pulled this airline from sfo to jfk.

[@joesos]

i've found united to really be upping their service levels recently. American's 767s don't even have tv screens at all and some of delta's dont either

[@JuanWayTrips]

Which ones of Delta's planes don't have the TVs at this point? Their 717s are the only mainline plane (along with regional jets) to not have the TVs. Granted, some of the 767s in Delta's fleet have the tiny and old TVs that barely work.

[@sanspotter]

Things are changing. I always considered Delta One to be the best, but Polaris is getting better.

[@volvo_3877]

@@JuanWayTrips Thats like the United 738 because those screens are tiny and can barely see them. But they are improving, and UA's MAX 8 is miles ahead of there 738NG

[@joesos]

@@JuanWayTrips oh i didnt know, i thought some of deltas 767s still didnt have ifes

[@benjamingruca3591]

American retired the 767 like 2 years ago.

[@simondavey7787]

I'm happy to see that United seem to have upped their game. I'm visiting San Diego in January and would love to buy you dinner. You have informed and entertained me through this last couple of years. I'd still love to see you as PM......

[@sanspotter]

Dude you don’t want me PM of anything. 😅

[@GilbertTravels]

The Polaris window seat is my favorite business seat layout I have flown so far. Didn't seem to have a lot of cons, and it is nice to actually sit right by the window as an avgeek vs herringbone layouts.

[@dianeschroeder3980]

It’s great to see that United is serving hot food again. You won’t get that on domestic first with American or Delta. They are still in major cost cutting mode. And yeah I would definitely complain about that blanket, it was more like a paper napkin. Great review Scott and looking forward to the next one!❤️👍✈️

[@sanspotter]

Thanks Diane! It’s scary to think how good United might be few years now. They are definitely turning things around!

[@Electric1Shadow5]

I just flew on a 767-300 LAX-EWR and there were 0 regular economy seats. The first third of the plane was Polaris business, then 3 rows of premium plus, then the rest of the plane was economy plus in 2-3-2. I had never seen that before.

[@United1158]

The regular economy seats are the 3 seats in the middle of the plane

[@itzDelko]

12:39 “No this wasn’t a perfect experience, no airline experience is” * Laughs in Singapore Airlines A350 *

[@sanspotter]

Haha, I’d have to agree with you on that one.😄

[@MichelleFerr]

Flew business class to Brazil on of these and it was a great experience! Customer service was excellent!!

[@kaisair3190]

Great video, as always. And thanks for adding me to the patreons page for this one. Hope I gonna fly UA31 on a 767-300ER after my A levels exams in 2023. Once again thank you very much.

[@sanspotter]

You’re very welcome! Hope you eventually catch that 767!

[@n1ckyg123]

United is my favorite! But they forsure need to update their wide body planes. Excited for their updates on the 737 planes

[@FlyersAviation]

Glad to see that your United experience was good! I'm actually surprised by United and I wish they can slightly improve in the EconomyPlus section

[@Ikediamond69]

I don’t understand why you don’t have basic lounge acess

[@raphaelmossaz5536]

That was another good review, love your style and your sarcasm! keep it up Scott! cheers from 🇨🇭

[@sanspotter]

Thanks Raphael! Glad you enjoyed the video. 👍🏻

[@shygorilla8082]

I'm so glad I don't see that forward and rear facing business class seat configuration on 767.300 anymore. I really hated those.

[@brightlineflorida1221]

Nice Video, oh and don't forget the IFE was a little bit shy. Trying to break the barrier though. Give a round of applause to the United IFE for breaking the ice.

[@sanspotter]

👏🏻👏🏻😄 Yes, it did need a bit of encouragement…

[@parthkadakia3350]

Hey Mate.. just a quick question.. I will be flying Business class EWR to Zurich soon.. United Polaris Boeing 767-300...The only seats available are 1L and 15A, 15L, 17A, 17L.. since i do not have any options left, what would you recommended the seat I pick? would 1L be better for privacy with window or too close to bathroom.?? or the 15 or 17 A would be better? Much appreciated!!

[@andrewbrackin7375]

Glad that you got to try Polaris! I just flew this last night from EWR > SFO.

[@alexandergarland77]

Okay okay I know I am late but I have a great reason!!!! I was riding in Houston Texas!!!!! But I wouldn't forget to check in!!!! The Mountainbiker is here!!!!! Let's freaking go another Sanspotter video!!!!

[@Geocon04]

On the HNL flights we almost always get the Sak’s Fifth Avenue Pillow and Grey Herringbone Blanket with a small amenity kit in the Polaris Domestic First Class. At least that’s my experience from SFO the past few years.

[@michaelsharp3615]

That San Diego to Los Angeles flight must've been like a 20 minute flight

[@ryguyfryguy2]

I flew this Geneva to DC and it was incredible!

[@halaba2795]

I flew one of these in Polaris from jfk to Lax and it was amazing

[@SKS8080]

The lounges are overcrowded so if u want access get a United Club credit card.

[@sanspotter]

The United club at LAX is pretty good when it’s not crowded.

[@roberthamilton1301]

Thanks for the video 👍

[@davidroll8758]

So I am booked on United, in Polaris, on a 767-300 from ORD to LHR in December. Your video has given me hope that my flights to and from will be comfortable. As you said about pricing, I booked WAY ahead. Took a chance to book before there were rumors of travel opening up to the UK. Just looked today and I paid for Polaris Business the same or even less than some other airlines' economy!!! I am looking for to it!

[@sanspotter]

That’s awesome! It definitely pays to plan ahead, and I’m sure you’re really going to enjoy those flights. I just hope you’ll get a thicker blanket than I did!

[@davidroll8758]

@@sanspotter you and me BOTH! I am 6'1 almost 6'2 and a bigger guy. I decided comfort and legroom over price! Being a career Paramedic I can sleep in the front of an ambulance or economy class. But dang it, I'm 49 and don't want to!! Lol

[@klasdillon]

@@sanspotter He'll get the Saks Fifth Avenue blanket. What you got was one of the overnight red-eye first class blankets, that are typically used on narrow bodies.

[@davidroll8758]

So a follow up, few months later, from the journey at Christmas time. Well worth the money but more grateful I got them on the cheap way early. Super comfortable. Great amenities. Flight attendants from ORD to LHR a bit grumpy and militant. Barely had moved thr glass from My mouth and being yelled at to put my mask up. I was swallowing and about to take another drink. She did this several times. Good thing I slept the majority of the flight. Don't need the verbal abuse. Flight back, LHR to ORD was FANTASTIC. The purser (?) was AWESOME! Maybe 8 or 10 of us in Polaris class. So friendly, nice polite, chatty but not over baring. I would do it again when I can get a great deal as I did. I do survive and get by on a Paramedic's salary!

[@mattball2700]

Most of our flights together to Germany have been on 767s.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

You did very well on this flight. As we try to get back to what ever flying is!!😊

[@LMays-cu2hp]

I did laugh when you talked about the blanket.!!! Cute that was in the flight. You have a cool back pack so maybe next time pack a nice blanket and headset to be your back up things you cone across. 😉😉😉 Me, being a former employee flying I taught myself about flying like what you experience when you make laugh as you come up against items like this. Thank you always if your reviews..😀😀

[@gwynn1983]

Scott, we want to see you on the new Swoop flight soon!

[@sanspotter]

Me too! However, it’s winter in Canada and I’m not very tempted to go up there right now. 😅

[@GoldenKilla7027]

Excited to see this video. I will be traveling on ual 767 soon! Cant wait for my trip

[@sanspotter]

You’re really going to like it! I was definitely surprised.

[@erwinwills2289]

How much was the actual ticket cost?

[@mxyzptlyk]

Another great report, Scott. You were running toward the 767-300. I run away from them. I prefer to spend my money on new equipment, not the old stuff should have been retired years ago. After all, premium products are available on new equipment. Even European tour operators that bought them cheap from airlines that deemed them too old for purpose years ago are retiring them, but US airlines keep pulling the tripe out of them. Pigs and lipstick spring to mind. I appreciate that you are reviewing a product and not the Wright Flyer that it was installed in. I really like your delivery and sense of humour (humor), more please. And yea, United need to invest in cleaning products.

[@sanspotter]

Thanks Tony! Glad you’re enjoying the videos. I too was skeptical about the 767 before this flight, but United did a really good job on it. This was probably better than my recent Delta One experience.

[@irvingjohnson9244]

Love your humor in this one! And Simon is great, also. I haven't heard of Neil. I'll check it out, thanks for sharing.

[@aidanzacharyguzman1676]

Scott, when the pandemic is over, you should totally try Cebu Pacific, the largest airline in the PH and the oldest LCC in Asia.

[@sanspotter]

I’ve been wanting to try them for years. Maybe next time I go to Asia…

[@ishanjani9885]

I heard United will have A321 XLR so please fly that Whenever it comes out

[@christianmanuel8624]

Any international trips??

[@stevenv2190]

Wave "hi" to the plane spotters? Probably have your flight on their recording.

[@henrysteppel2031]

What?? United is getting better?? OMG

[@doc4science410]

I had the option to pay $289 to upgrade to United “First Class” on a 77W from ORD-LAX, but didn’t act on it. Unfortunately it looks like that might have been a good idea since the plane was swapped to a 787-9 pre-Polaris.

[@sanspotter]

Wow you really missed out!! That would have been a heck of a good deal especially since that is a flight typically longer than 4 hours.

[@_1Brick1_]

how did you get that option?

[@-er-un1wt]

Sad to think I probably won’t get to fly the 767 again. Also definitely seeing a lot of the united new livery now.

[@sanspotter]

You still have time! The 767 will be around for many years to come. 👍🏻

[@peterhughes7099]

What ho Scott, great to see you back! No comments about chicken & rice this time as I don't think it'd be a good breakfast meal! 😂😂

[@sanspotter]

I think this is the longest I’ve gone without chicken and rice on an airplane in my entire life. 😩😄

[@altu-kj4ym]

I flew it on the 777-300ER from Newark to Mumbai 16 hrs in that seat makes time fly past I’m sad that EWR to Mumbai is now served by a 787-9 bc there is a chance we might get a non Polaris plane on a route that was promised by United as Polaris

[@kevinkong2178]

So happy to see your new aviation video. Btw, how to recognize the 767-300 and 767-300ER

[@sanspotter]

Thanks Kevin! To be honest I don’t really know. 😬

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Excellent video!

[@sanspotter]

Thanks Ryan!

[@dennisgr3641]

Great video as always dude!! You should fly on UA B737 MAX 8 First Class, it’s probably the best US Domestic First product atm. Keep up the great work!

[@sanspotter]

Thanks Dennis! I don’t have any plans to do that yet, but I’m sure I’ll have the opportunity soon. I’m looking forward to it!

[@jichaelmackson1805]

I find the old style seats more comfortable than the new ones, the slimline seats don tf recline, more like sliding honestly

[@Blank00]

@@jichaelmackson1805 United's new seats are on par with Delta first class seats, both are better than what AA has

[@mckennasmall]

Sounds like Jeff brooks doing the dubing for San spotter

[@DirtyBlueshirtAU]

I might be partial, but I agree, Polaris is a really nice product, and I'm really glad with the meal service on United so far (but can we get glassware back now? Please?)

[@summerrain5132]

At the beginning, I’ve flown on that Dreamliner, N12006!

[@sanspotter]

That’s a good lookin’ bird!

[@summerrain5132]

@@sanspotter Yeah. Flew that same Polaris product from EWR to LAX.

[@vegemiteonscones5580]

Were you going to Jeb’s wedding?

[@sanspotter]

Nope! Just going to Dulles and back to try Polaris.

[@vegemiteonscones5580]

Are you going to fly internationally soon?

[@brigittelehmann9749]

lovely flight which i enjoyed

[@sanspotter]

Thanks Brigitte! Glad you liked the video. 👍🏻

[@sergiolaurencio7534]

Everyone Gangsta until United gets the Ulta stint🌞

[@sergiolaurencio7534]

Who knows, maybe they would be the best US airline( Imagine they ordered the 350-1000)

[@sergiolaurencio7534]

( the ultra extinct is not that strong)

[@vicg5323]

If this is biz class, I’m sticking to economy. You want a proper biz class you need to try KLM.

[@sanspotter]

KLM is definitely on my list!

[@jeadie2273]

Post the Continental-United merger, things were bad. Being in Cleveland, we lost our hub status and I rarely flew United anymore. Now, things are different, for sure. United is more like the old continental airlines. They do seem to actually give a crap about customer service and the flight options from Cleveland are almost as good as when we had a hub..(still miss terminal D, though….come on United…open it again already!!!). Glad to see they are stepping up their game.

[@sanspotter]

Yeah, they totally decimated CLE. Things do seem to be moving in the right direction though. 👍🏻

[@jeadie2273]

@@sanspotterIt made the way for some ULCCs to come in, which helped Cleveland in the long run, however, pre 9/11, we were supposed to get direct international flights to Europe and they even built facilities to handle more wide bodies, but that never happened. Because the ULCCs offered many non stop flights to the west coast and other destinations, United stepped up. I even see delta, United, jet Blue and spirit all fighting for the same cle-bos route which I take a lot. The competition is good. Love your channel...keep it up!

[@LadyJennivieve]

I always regret watching "Air Crash Investigations" every time I fly. LOL

[@sanspotter]

Me too! I find that kind of stuff fascinating, but the anxiety I get from watching it is a mofo. 😬😬

[@MEBUGBUG]

You should try out Hawaiian Airlines again - they were so bad when we flew 3 weeks ago! I was so looking forward to my first trip to Hawaii in over 30 years - it could have really ruined my trip if I had let it - they need to be called out for horrible service and disgusting food. And don't even think about asking for a pillow and blanket if you are not in first class - you will get the "UGH" service - trust me you need to try them again...........

[@sanspotter]

Sorry you had such a bad experience!Yeah, the food was really disgusting the last time I flew economy class with Hawaiian airlines three years ago. They used to be my favorite airline in the US, but they’ve really things go over the past few years. Maybe I do need to try them again soon…

[@MEBUGBUG]

@@sanspotter we did say something and Hawaiian Airlines apologized all over the place and gave us $300 towards our next tickets. Can't say I'll ever use it though, at least not for awhile....

[@ricardo_del_toro]

The United Polaris seat is fantastic but it’s not on all routes. LHR to SFO still operates the older version and it’s meh.

[@ns81]

Economist's answer: because Delta and Jet Blue are offering great competitive products. Sidebar - is it better than Delta One? D1 is kind of my Ride or Die, for domestic flights at least.

[@sergiolaurencio7534]

Right now z United is like getting up, beating Delta

[@zoebells767]

Ahhh Dulles my home airport

[@sanspotter]

I forgot how large of an airport it is!

[@rauldelgado5020]

United is the best airline in the world!!!

[@merriganvacations]

I've never had an issue with lounge access on any Business/Polaris class tickets. It's literally who the lounges are for. You may have been given bad advice haha.

[@mr.sir.]

Hey when will we see a redesign of the L1011? You did the 707 awhile back and I'm just curious if you'll do a template of the Tristar? Also, I love your Flight reviews!

[@saraha.1422]

The food looks gross but maybe I'm too used to Swiss Airlines fine food. Yeah and the cleaning needs improvement. Wouldn't pay for this. To think it's the same price as Swiss Airlines Business Class is mindblowing.

[@yourtravelswithbruce]

Very tight looking.

[@art-eg2zn]

Well I flew from Dallas to San Francisco 2 days ago on the 767 and I found a broken bed

[@sanspotter]

Oh man that sucks! Hopefully they were able to move you to a different seat.

[@davidlazarus67]

I still think of Fight Club with United.

[@sanspotter]

You forgot the first rule of Fight Club 🤫😄

[@davidlazarus67]

@@sanspotter Oops sorry.

[@framedman]

I dunno, Scott, your experience seemed well below par, and that's from your account. JetBlue looked way way better. And cheaper.

[@Redpantslol]

I lol'd wayyyy too hard at "1 ply comfort"

[@sanspotter]

It wasn’t funny at the time. 🤬😂

[@Redpantslol]

@@sanspotter I've got a story for an impromptu trip to Europe if you want. Lots of WTFery but in hindsight, as usual, it's part of the adventure. I finally got my upper deck 747 flight as part of it, though ☺️

[@shopwithaaron]

Shame the color choices don't reflect an upscale vibe!! Cloth seats...uh no

[@JohnSmith-zi9or]

United is the ghetto of airlines in America. I took the 787 flagship with Polaris from KIX to SFO. The flight happen to be the first airplane retrofitted with the new Polaris business class. Just like your flight, the area in and around my seat was covered with food crumbs and trash. And during the flight my seat got stuck in a reclined position. I had to change seats for landing.

[@maxleitschuh7076]

"How did _______ at United get so good?" seems to be a question that's flying around a lot these days.

[@sanspotter]

Very true! Nice to see them turning things around.

[@patrickpick3091]

Sorry, but where did they get so good?

[@sanspotter]

That seat! 😍😍

[@Bobrogers99]

I would have given United a lukewarm review. No lounge, no pillow and blanket, a decent seat that was not quite clean, a decent breakfast (but you were hungry), and an entertainment system that had to be pampered. Nothing was bad, just not commendably good.

[@TysonIke]

On routes from Los Angels to Washington DC all other airlines fly narrow body planes like 737-900’s and A321’s. Even United usually flys 737-900’s on this route. United doesn’t put their Saks Faith Avenue bedding and amenity kit on this route because it’s a domestic route. Not a transcon route. This isn’t really United’s Polaris product as to their domestic first class product on a plane with Polaris seats. United has been using extra wide body 767’s to replace the 757’s on some routes.

[@Blank00]

It would be the same story for a first class experience on Delta's and American's most similar route

[@johnbacus4245]

i love your videos, you are so funy love and peace john miami

[@jhalin4579]

Headphones should work well and be of good quality, but nobody relies on airline-provided headphones these days. Even airlines that offer brand name high end equipment will never come close to even the most basic offerings you can pick up for just a few bucks, and then they’re always your own! Ask a flight attendant what percentage of customers actually use them, or just take a walk around the cabin during a time most movie watchers would be plugged in. Not even a quarter.

[@NomadicakaLunaticplatypus]

Good news for you as SAN crappy T1 will be gone within the next 6 years

[@mjandl7047]

Dude! You always have time for lounge access lol.

[@sanspotter]

Coulda shoulda woulda 😆

[@Comejuinme]

It was the hatwen the hat is you will hear as good with out the hat

[@MomentsInTheSky]

You? Complaining? No! So just to be clear, you definitely didn't get lounge access - it's just you didn't mention it much 😆

[@sanspotter]

My natural way to review a product I really like seems to be to say negative things about it for the entire video. 🤷🏼‍♂️😂 Anyway, nice to see you in the air again!

[@hothotheat3000]

I can’t go back to them. Two bad personal experiences sealed their fate for me. I’ll pay more as long as I don’t fly with them.

[@philstevens9914]

Good? Nah, it's garbage. I'm a UNITED 2,000,000 miler so I have the experience to comment!

[@bluehellFCB]

Drinks in a plastic cup is sub par for a business product. Flew United this summer in polaris to Europe and had the same service you had. Compared to Etihad wich i recently flew in business were i received propper service and beverages in actual glas. Us carriers are a joke.

[@sanspotter]

I was willing to forgive them because of it being a domestic flight. Hopefully they do better on international routes!

[@kodi258]

@@sanspotter spoiler I’ve flown them pre pandemic and during the pandemic, United international sucks incredibly bad Polaris or not, same garbage old dirty planes with bad service and plastic cup alcohol service with no welcome drink

[@kourtneyjohnson1557]

@@kodi258 if you flew pre pandemic, then you're a liar and no longer credible. I fly them all the time and they always had pre-departure service and drinks were never given in a plastic cup outside of maybe the pre-departure. If you flew during the pandemic, then you're delusional to think that you would receive pre pandemic service. Please be honest and not biased. Can't stand people like you 🙄

[@djtexas4993]

Yeah United first is definitely back to no-plastic… all glass drink service (and real cutlery) as of a few weeks ago on my flight.

[@djtexas4993]

And that was domestic.

[@alexcika9906]

Nerd alert

[@edmondhuot4626]

This is good?? SMH...the bar is so low. And fir the record their livery is not just boring...its confusing - 1/2 defunct Continental...1/2 United.

[@stav55]

United and American still bottom of the barrel compared to top European and Asian business class offerings. When will they learn?

[@WilliamMurphy-uv9pm]

More importantly, when will the customers walk away from US domestic carriers? Only then will the airlines get the message and do something about it.