ULTRA-LONG HAUL United 787-9 Polaris Business Class from Melbourne to San Francisco

Join me as I review United's Polaris Business Class on an Ultra Long Haul flight from Melbourne to San Francisco. Overall, a very pleasant flight with United. I find the Polaris seat to be very comfortable, it's great for sleeping, although there wasn't much of that on this day's flight. This seat often gets critiqued for being too big for the narrow Dreamliner cabin, While I did notice this having spent many hours on the wider 777, it wasn't an issue. The food was good, and I was glad to see that it had improved since the last time I flew this route. There's a big initiative at United to improve the catering, and while it can be a bit hit or miss in these times of restructuring, I came up with two pretty good meals. The only complaint I have is amenities. We were given premium plus amenity kits and no pajamas were loaded. I read that United's pajama supplier went out of business, so fair enough, but not sure about those amenity kits. Other than that, a really impressive flight with United. Let me know what you think in the comments.
Flight Information
Airline: United Airlines
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Registration: N17963
Flight Number: UA61
Flight Time: 14 Hours 15 Minutes
Seat: 11L, United Polaris Business Class
From: Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL) - Australia
To: San Francisco (SFO) - United States of America
Date: Monday, August 14, 2023
Social
Instagram: new.york.aviation
Email: [e-mail]
Equipment
Camera: iPhone12, Sony ZV-E1, GoPro Hero 10
Editing Software: Final Cut Pro 2023
Copyright Agreement
Footage or Photos:
Videos or photos with a New York Aviation watermark are fully owned by New York Aviation and are protected by KZbin Copyright laws. If you wish to use New York Aviation content please contact us before use.
🇺🇸 New York Aviation 2023

[@louiseleonard1992]

I am from Melbourne and used to fly United Airlines from Melbourne to Sydney then onto San Francisco or Los Angeles back in the 747 days

[@NewYorkAviation]

Yes remember the SYD-MEL 747 days - fun times! Thanks for watching.

[@Gamengofan376]

Nice 787 collection

[@MrBjorn6]

I did that flight on 747 in business class worst food I've ever had on plane😮

[@user-ge4vy2zp7v]

I love flying long international flights…it’s such a beautiful feeling to kind of disconnect from the world and enjoy that nice meal in sky 😊

[@AlonsoRules]

There's something special about lining up for a runway and taking off for a long International Flight. The feeling will never die down.

[@vidaakaadom2710]

I think this is the best United airlines flight vlog I've ever seen. Both the hard and soft product, especially the food have improved tremendously! Kudos to United!!!

[@NewYorkAviation]

Yes, I was very impressed. Thanks for watching!

[@largol33t1]

The meal looked tasty. I've flown United a few times in the very early 2000s to SFO and they never served me a lousy meal. One interesting thing they had was chicken with warm German potato salad. It was much better than it looked and I ate it all. On average, United always comes ahead of American and Iberia when it comes to the catering.

[@largol33t1]

PS: the late night snack? I've had vegemite on grilled cheese toast with tomato soup. It tastes awesome. And I LOVE slammin' Tim Tams with orange chai tea.

[@rickjackson7778]

Great video I’m flying Polaris class for the first time in a couple days from Maine USA down to Melbourne and then coming back in a month or so all Polaris class from Sydney right back to DC and then back to Maine. This is great I can’t wait. Thanks very much. I’m so excited.

[@moviewatcher1239]

I feel like I'm right there with you traveling by plane can be so relaxing

[@NewYorkAviation]

Thanks for watching!

[@moviewatcher1239]

@@NewYorkAviation you're very welcome I would love to fly business class someday

[@keithsanderson267]

I love flying Polaris every time a wonderful experience. Thank you for the great review.

[@NewYorkAviation]

Thanks for watching!

[@kevinmackay3035]

Always enjoy viewing your reviews, excellent & enjoyable. We have finally been lucky enough to secure Premium Economy QFF Reward seats from Melbourne to L.A , return in June 2024. 1st time flying in a seat higher than economy & on my favourite plane, the A380. Flew economy in 2019 on the upper deck but economy is no longer available on the upper deck so extremely looking forward to these flights. Thanks for sharing!

[@NewYorkAviation]

Thanks for watching, Kevin. Great that you were able to get a good deal on QF PE. Prices are astronomical, that’s why I’ve had to stick with United. Look forward to hearing about your experience!

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing your trip here. Nice!!☺☺

[@JellGExplorer]

Great review of your Polaris Business Class experience! Loved the plane spotting bonus as well😊

[@NewYorkAviation]

Thanks so much!

[@davidsavage6227]

Nice video! Great to see how United is improving.

[@NewYorkAviation]

It really is. Thanks for watching!

[@Akry_RBLX]

Finally, a Melbourne trip report

[@gunvaldsandhaland7757]

I Like The Sundae Ice Cream,Great Trip Report

[@NewYorkAviation]

Thanks for watching!

[@ericholck3914]

I love the pods in United's Polaris. I've flown a couple of trips to Europe in them, as well as a couple of trips across the US. I started using them in the early days post-Covid, because it seemed a bit safer, having your own little enclosed space, but then I got hooked on the privacy and comfort. Just be careful to check when you're booking United business class that you're actually getting new Polaris seating, or you may get stuck with the old configuration, which is much more of a traditional business class seat. (It's pretty easy to spot on the seat map, because the newer configuration will show single rows of seats along the sides, vs. double rows.)

[@trivet1970]

looked like a very enjoyable flight!

[@user-fq6yu6ys9j]

Great video great food all in all a wonderful flight cheers jerry

[@tatinisom6374]

thanks for this video, I now know the difference between the crooked seats and the straight on the seat map.

[@isaacflyaway]

Thanks for the detailed review :) Im not a huge fan of Dimmable windows especially when the crew locks them :(

[@TM-uy4jg]

I just flew Polaris last month. It was great

[@PalmBeachDog]

Long gone or the days of Continental business first with separate courses served from carts. Today’s Polaris is basically economy from 30 years ago.

[@vuho2075]

Wish I can travel. I envy you. Thanks for the video

[@jmm8229]

Good video. Looks like you'd a relaxing flight. Dont miss the long hauls but trans Pacific should only be done business class or above. Cathay Pacific, good. Quantas, so so. Emirates, good. United (surprisingly)good.

[@stuartj5520]

I wish United would let you buy the small blue gel pillows. They are amazing and make the onboard experience for me in Polaris! Pity there aren’t many Polaris lounges, the one in Newark is absolutely fantastic 🙂

[@NewYorkAviation]

The bedding is great. Had the Polaris lounge on the way down to MEL and can’t say enough good things about it. Thanks for watching!

[@davidsavage6227]

I think United has an online store where you can buy the gel pillow.

[@Gamengofan376]

Nice

[@JeanClaudeCOCO]

The sleep/bedding/Seating/Comfort is where United shines. They’re one of the best in the world. Most Aviation vloggers always rate them best or better than the usual who seem to top the biz/first category. If they could just refine the food offerings/presentation standards and work on their delay issues they’ll be solid most of the time.

[@petercole8798]

Love the vid ❤.

[@mylesgarcia4625]

TOO MANY shots of the friggin' jet engine, but you can't go wrong with United! My go-to airline.

[@charlesjay8818]

TOO MANY shots of the engine???? what else was he supposed to film based on where he was sitting? Your go-to airline?? hahaha tell that to the Chinese doctor who was draged off the plane and sued United for a tidy sum looool

[@mylesgarcia4625]

@@charlesjay8818 Ever heard of judicious editing?

[@linesided]

I flew United Polaris LHR-EWR last weekend and I was super unimpressed. The phrase "barely adequate" applies to seat size and catering choices (lack thereof). Not to mention a circa-2000 era flight map. I rate it very poorly against AA, AC and BA. The best thing about Polaris was the United lounge, where I had a very nice shower before departure and the full english was delicious. Honestly, I much preferred the older gen UA seat on their 767-400. My IAD-HNL flight was a pure joy in all aspects. Remember, some people are paying upwards of $10kUS per leg for this seat - it's just not worth it.

[@NewYorkAviation]

I personally had no problem with the seat, but I see your point. A lot of people just think it's too claustrophobic and prefer the older generation ones as you said. With a sub par service there certainly is area for improvement. The Polaris lounge helps though. Thanks for your comment.

[@MrBjorn6]

Food looks good 👍

[@elizabethcoronado7831]

I missed the engine, could you show that?

[@nkhan4]

The meal services felt lacklustre, even air Canada doesn't bring food to you still with it's heating foil on it.

[@NewYorkAviation]

I agree. There’s lot of room for improvement here. Thanks for watching!

[@SaagarShivsaiKhandrika]

Thank you so much for uploading the video😊❤ and what is your next flight?

[@NewYorkAviation]

Thanks for watching. El Al LHR-TLV next week.

[@SaagarShivsaiKhandrika]

⁠Do you have anymore British Airways 787 Flights videos that you can post on KZbin?

[@damiena07]

Nice review. Loved the food and the overall review. How many hours was the journey?

[@NewYorkAviation]

14 to SF then another 5 to Newark! Thanks for watching, food was great.

[@clementeshun767]

19:01 what was that😮😮 i thought the plane was crashing due to the speed downwards 😂😂

[@idxluaviation]

Cool Video New York Aviation! How you been?

[@sleepyg2011]

United Airlines has stepped up it brand big time across-the-board.

[@KO-vv1oz]

Singapore has entered the chat :D

[@NewYorkAviation]

:D

[@lutherfoust5483]

great video. So how much was the flight? My guess is roundtrip ticket is $7,000.00?

[@NewYorkAviation]

thanks for watching! $3,200 round trip in Premium, used points to upgrade to business.

[@paulkazzer]

Very nice review. Next time visit the Singapore Airlines lounge. Nicer food than ANZ especially the nasi lemak sambal rice dish. 😊

[@NewYorkAviation]

I tried to but they were closed! Would’ve much preferred the SQ lounge. Thanks for watching

[@sleepyg2011]

Commencing in 2025 will be Qantas Sunrise Service ultra long haul flight from JFK -SYD should be very interesting 🤔

[@bestericaviationandspirts6219]

I flew United Airlines back in 2021 it wasn’t that bad for me

[@jamesmoninger1982]

A very pedestrian meal, given this is a long-haul international business class flight. Why do they have to serve everything on a single tray on a 13-hour flight?

[@TheFilipinoTraveler]

Kinda strange that you got the premium plus amenity kits instead of the business kit.

[@NewYorkAviation]

It was weird. I think it was because UA were in the process of switching the supplier. Thanks for watching

[@MPDLR]

Lots of engine and sky. I've never seen that before even though I fly a lot and I'm reviewing premium seats.

[@powscaper]

Much better than flying QF to the states

[@bens1221sop]

United Airlines Business Class, and passenger looking at Singapore Airlines, realizing or not realizing that SA's business class outshines UA's.

[@louiseleonard1992]

Was it a bumpy flight

[@gcklo]

You could have gone to the Silverkris Lounge

[@markgeiger3658]

Like to see ya on a Quantas Sunrise flight when they get going from New York!!!

[@NewYorkAviation]

Looking forward to that! Thanks for watching

[@Denbig.]

I always fly cattle class.

[@ulyssesingene8934]

ULTRA LONG HAUL United Airnes Boeing 787-9 Polaris Business Class from to san Franisco

[@user-sl9ov6rn4q]

14:08 the service has started

[@pritamkoli]

Five star coverage. Just change the font color.

[@manif3323]

Do they provide pejamas on this flight ?

[@devonsanchez8292]

Wow mate, United cheapened out on the amenity kit. That kit is meant for Premium Economy, Polaris Business passengers should have been given the Away hard case amenity kit that looks like a luggage which is for international long haul flights. I don't understand why United doesn't bother to stick to their policies. I've experienced receiving their cheapesr kit, which is in a blue ziploc bag, meant for only domestic First Class within the US. Oh United, you failed your passengers yet again, smh.

[@NewYorkAviation]

I think they were in the middle of a switch of suppliers, wasn't a big deal for me - but people do pay a lot for business so deserve the proper experience. Thanks for watching!

[@neilcharles2520]

The US carriers are the worst for flying International..I gave up after Flying Polaris to CDG from Washington DC and back last year,even the Polaris Lounge was horrible...except for the Bartenders..even my first class flights from MCO to DC was bad...The Flight attendants hate their job,especially the older ones...They want you to eat and go to sleep and don't bother them..I think they get better service in economy...How can you serve hot champagne?

[@resolute1306]

Back with the 747s, United didn’t have screens for passengers. Even through all the other airlines did. Have never flown with United again except when I got a free Business Class Upgrade only to find out their business class was like today’s premium economy. Bye bye United.

[@MO-fu7vi]

Well things have changed from there 747 days I find it amusing people complain about how shit United but haven’t flown with them for 20 years 😂😂there new Polaris is excellent and there premium economy is close to on par with a large number of other carriers

[@user-sl9ov6rn4q]

8:22 a person who has the marshals

[@patrickpick3091]

The fast forwarding killed a decent beginning to a good start.

[@brettsells4397]

to get used to vegemite you need to eat it reguarly in small amounts on toast after awhile you,ll get used to it

[@charlesjay8818]

Melbourne to San Francisco is hardly Ultra long haul, Perth to London, Singapore to NYC, Dubai to Auckland these are Ultra long haul

[@user-sl9ov6rn4q]

The weapons are not allowed in the airport

[@AVERYCK77]

It seems so narrow, you can hardly move in this sort of business seat thing

[@NewYorkAviation]

The Polaris seat is a bit narrow for the 787 cabin, it's a tight squeeze. Thanks for watching!

[@linesided]

You can't even move your knee out 6 inches when you're lying on your side. UA lost the plot with this seat IMO. And I was on a 777 - it's no better.

[@louiem5654]

Not that FA removing the foil at your seat. Smh

[@JeanClaudeCOCO]

Yes thats the refinement issues and inconsistencies you get with the crews on Delta, United, and American Airlines. That stuff should be done behind the scenes. The training and hospitality presentation for those in front of the cabin should be ongoing not something you learn 20 years ago when you started your cabin crew career. On the other hand I can see why they left the foil there because in the US the standard is to reveal the food in front of the customer. Still in a fine dining restaurant you won’t do that to the customer food. It should be a fine dining experience on board the airline.

[@user-sl9ov6rn4q]

T is terminal

[@lawrenceisnotmyname]

Thanks for the video, great work! I'm curious though, as this was >12hr journey, why didn't you receive pajamas?

[@largol33t1]

9:22 - LMAO, the tiny sign that says "give way to aircraft." Like what bloody fool is going to argue with someone steering a 400-ton Airbus A380? Even smaller planes like an ATR72 will do pleeenty of damage if you like to argue over who has to give way...

[@maxsaviation9512]

Food as disgusting as the service makes it hell for me I’d rather fly on a low cost carrier than united

[@anthonypolanco4499]

Low cost don’t have long flights

[@Akry_RBLX]

Wdym? I flew United, food was nice

[@stevesmitherman2981]

Of course they do Ever heard of Jetstar Scoot Level etc

[@stevesmitherman2981]

Agree The presentation and quality is more economy plus than business

[@patrickpick3091]

American carriers may well hit the nail with dessert's but why do they always destroy a decent entree with Mac and cheese. Ugggh. What a waste of the caterer's hard work. Cultural I suppose?

[@stevene465]

I loath United Walmart Airlines - and their “Polaris “ class -the food is slightly better than Premium Economy and their American “hokey” service is subpar - I paid a lot of money for this exact trip and it was truly wasted - and as far as American carriers “nailing ” desserts -Ice Cream- with fake cream and sugar is hardly premium - nice video though

[@scpatl4now]

Vegemite is nasty

[@stunna7807]

Cringe…