UNITED "Polaris" Transcontinental: Boeing 777-200 between LAX and EWR

[@Paul_Lucas]

Check out Paysend, a quick, secure and easy way to send money abroad. transfers.onelink.me/1eze/winginitpaysend and use the exclusive transaction code 'WINGINITFREE' for three free transfers and an improved exchange rate until the end of the year! Follow me on Twitter: @paul_winginit ¦ twitter.com/paul_winginit Follow me on Instagram: paul_winginit ¦ instagram.com/paul_winginit My website: www.winginit.me

[@davevanhorn9741]

Well, did your checked bag make it to D.C. with you???

[@mattm4497]

Code doesn't work

[@andrewbrackin7375]

I've flown EWR > SFO in polaris 5X this year and United have completely transformed their product in the past few years. United is now a pleasure to fly and the staff are incredible.

[@Hiei2k7]

Saw an interview from CNBC a few weeks ago where one of the Pilots' union heads said that due to the pay shortage causing plane cancellations that some airlines are starting to pay out for Pilots. He works for American and said that United is winning the wages war to keep their planes flying.

[@jahbern]

@@Hiei2k7 my daughter starts college next year and is going for an aviation degree. The airlines are actively trying to recruit kids like her to skip college (or even private flight schools) and go directly to the airlines for training. Previously there have been direct-to-airline pipelines out of the aviation colleges in the bigger universities, but now the airlines are going directly to the most promising high school graduates. You KNOW it’s serious when Delta is telling a 17yo with a pp certificate they will train her to fly for them 😂

[@Hiei2k7]

@@jahbern Sounds like they want her to work for less or to sign some non-enforceable non-compete clause so she can't get trained and then jump to someone with better pay.

[@steve-marsh]

You always give the best info in a really entertaining way, the perfect blend! Thank you Paul

[@jen93106]

Yet another stellar review, and quite the feat for United to get your high praises! The jump from least to most preferred in the transcontinental US category of carriers. I haven’t been able to give them another chance for over a decade, but perhaps I need to reconsider! Even the cooling pillow is new to me! I’m looking forward to your California Zephyr video as promised. Thank you, as always!

[@largol33t1]

The one thing I rate highly about United is how bizarre round trips are. It's probably just me but for some very weird reason, United excels at making return trips FASTER than outbound trips! I have no idea why this is the case. Example: i fought and fought to book a ticket from Dallas to San Francisco sometime around 2003 or so. They stone cold wouldn't budge and insisted the only routes available were with a 2-hour layover at either Denver or Orange County. Yes, Orange County to San Francisco. Almost sounds like a cruel joke when it's not even 30 minutes flying time. After arguing with the booking agent, I relented and let them book me with a layover in Orange County. On the return trip, they were able to send me straight home on one flight: SFO to DFW nonstop. No need to go to jail, no need to pass Go and collect $200! It happened AGAIN trying to fly to south Florida. They forced me to stopover in Atlanta-Hartsfield on the way to Orlando. But on the RETURN trip, they were able to just send me straight home! I have no idea why this always happens to me on United, LOL...

[@juleslowery2030]

Nice vlog Paul. Enjoyed it! One thing... "Who tend to get warm on planes" ?!!! Highlights how much more of a flyer you are. Every single flight I've ever been on I was sure they wanted to freeze us before arrival. 😱❄❄❄

[@scottyerkes1867]

Nice video. I did a United Airlines round trip Philadelphia to San Francisco with a stop in Denver back in the early 60's. All DC8 Jet Mainliners. Very impressive. Thanks Paul for sharing with us😀😀♥️♥️

[@ajc6208]

Hey Paul, really enjoyed the video! The company I work for in the UK designed and made these seats :)

[@profchang]

Airport at 11:51 is Victorville VCV? where they stored lots of planes during the COVID downturn. And is along a major departure route out of SoCal.

[@cancelanime1507]

The old George Air Force base

[@richardnei]

I love your trip reports. Always entertaining and informative to watch. Looking forward to your trips in 2022! ✈️

[@PCBill0622]

The airport in question is Victorville-the former George AFB. In addition to being an aircraft scrap yard, airlines are still storing surplus aircraft from the Covid downturn at Victorville. Delta and Southwest parked serviceable aircraft there.

[@roberthaysley4245]

It’s official name is Southern California Logistics Airport

[@paulgray2387]

Looking fwd to the Boxing Day Special already

[@ArcMedicalResearch]

so excited to hear that we are getting an Amtrak video soon!

[@Calebs_Aviation]

Love the United 777-200 transcontinental video Paul! Also love seeing that 777 in the new United blue livery!! So Cool! Can’t wait to try it! 😎👍🥂🇺🇸

[@MrGreatplum]

Polaris does look excellent - and the view out the window helps too! 👍🏻

[@TheRacerRich]

Man, if he was good with airplane french toast he won't believe what french toast tastes like at a good restaurant.

[@TaniTaniwha]

Thanks for sharing the video Paul. It was a good watch. It did however remind me of a flight we took a couple years ago from Seattle to Newark with United on a 737-900 and what they called first class. Like you, we were up at 3am to get to the airport from the hotel for an early flight. However because of some big storms in New York, we diverted to Washington Dulles. It was such a chapter of errors. To a combination of factors, such as unable to get another slot into Newark, pilots running out of duty time and unable to get replacements, we ended up spending the night in the terminal. We actually caught a 7 a.m. flight to our original destination. It was inconvenient but no real harm done. We treated it like an adventure. I thought it was funny, you going to New York to get to Washington. Thanks again, I really enjoy living varcariously through you and your trips.

[@alexoestreicher1092]

Just got a great deal on this from SFO-EWR and thanks to you, booked seat 9A. Very excited to try it!

[@Paul_Lucas]

Have a great one!

[@OmniaInNumerisSitaSunt]

You are very interesting to watch Paul and you never disappoint with your clear and thorough explanations. Many thanks! 👍🏻✨🤗

[@largol33t1]

Am not surprised you say that. Paul's channel is the only travel channel I watch on this site...

[@ShanghaiFlyer]

Love the daytime flights for the sceneries ! Can't wait for my first real Polaris flight next week to LHR

[@jvstcu76]

Nice review Paul. I still will stay with jetBlue Mint Class for my transcon flights. Their service and meals are so much better than United. (or Delta or American) I must say your ticket price was quite low for Business Class. Take care and have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 🤗❤🛫🎄🙏🌎

[@croberts709]

Wow, I can't believe the views you got all across the country! I've never had that experience. Thanks for this review and for including so much of the scenery.

[@blossomct]

Just a note you put syrup on french toast it's yummie!! Loved looking at America from your post made it look peaceful for a bit..

[@gumpotronic]

"...a real mess of branding." Absolutely perfect description.

[@Mrtraveler01]

All the mergers didn't help. Especially American which was actually bought out by US Airways but kept the American name.

[@Kat-fw9se]

Don’t know if any person does this, but if I see an airline while flying I always wave hoping they are also waving…😂

[@brent_in_aussie]

Nice video as always Paul ! Love the clever shot of the United reflection on the huge engine

[@RogEdwardsTV]

French toast on a plane? Not seen that before! 😀

[@ant647448336]

That was a very nice touchdown.

[@raphaelmiguelbalon9226]

0:03 I just laughed when that United 777 popped out from the right and I don’t know any reason why I’m laughing. But this looks like one of the best videos I’ve seen. Nice.

[@belugast]

Merry Christmas Paul, enjoy the holiday season.🎄🍺😁

[@wardogies]

That’s the same seat I sat in when I flew on United from EWR-LAX I enjoyed it

[@rangersrock8384]

Would be amazing if you could do emirates premium economy would love to see a video on that Thinking of travelling in that class next year would love to hear your thoughts on it 👍

[@nerdoftravel]

I find your reviews really good and well written and this one is no exception! Just flew domestic First class in Polaris seat on the 777-200. Its a nice product however I’ll post a more detailed review on my channel. Hope you can try American flagship first on the same route. Would love to see a review there

[@davidp1288]

Great video as always Paul. Really looking forward to the Zephyr Train video on Boxing Day.

[@torgeirbrandsnes1916]

Great vlog as always! I have had cavok few times all across from coast to coast twice I think. Looking forward to the train. Be safe!

[@steve-marsh]

My complete airport guess is Palm Springs? I'm imagining somewhere really dry to store the aircraft. I'm sure I'll be completely wrong though!

[@TheChosenRed]

Another top notch review Paul! Do you have any CX business class reviews lined up in the new year?! Thinking of booking them for a flight to SYD in April.

[@marciaanderton7170]

I wish I could fly these transports like you do. Although I would not know how to put them on you tube. I am an old person, but I like flying with you.

[@johncraig2684]

the train journey sounds great.....something to look forward to instead of watching The Great Escape again

[@rezaalan3991]

Great flight. Can't wait for your next video, which is Train video.

[@GenkisTravels]

Nice review. I've only flown IAH-EWR in Polaris, too short of a flight to get the 'full' experience.

[@jahbern]

Thanks for the video! Intl business class prices have been pretty great to Europe, so I’m taking advantage next month. My first Polaris experience! I’ll be in the new seats/config on the way to London and the old-style from Munich back home via EWR. It will be interesting to see the difference. I’m kinda bummed about the old configuration, since I’m flying solo, but I figure I’ll try the middle seat and see how it goes. I won’t need to sleep much on the way home and it’s a lunchtime flight anyway. And I’ll be having the French Toast before we land in London, I think 😂

[@aviation_lover3569]

I'm please to say though that majority of our wide body fleet has the new Polaris seats except for all the 767-400s and a few 767-300s all of our 777s have Polaris and only a handful of 787-9s don't. Also the premium plus economy seats can be sold as Economy plus on flights of less than 6 hours

[@greyshadow9498]

That IS legit about a 20 year old remote! Looking forward to the Zephyr!

[@tkm6053]

Hey Paul, I hope you can make the video about the ANA A380 experience Tokyo to Honolulu in the future

[@davethenerd1369]

That aircraft was likely operating a New York to Europe after your flight. I have done this in reverse on a 3 class aircraft. I was in business class from Gatwick to Charlotte then the exact same aircraft operated Charlotte to Dallas, and it would be continued to LA. I got off, cleared customs and sat in 1st class for the internal flight.

[@TheRareVideosXL]

Keep up the good work Paul!

[@michaelborkoski902]

I flew the exact same plane and seat this summer from LAX to IAD. I noticed that the difference between "Flagship" and "Non-flagship" was minimal, but still annoying. No pillows, amenity kits, or a second meal. Agree that US airlines are a mess with branding. The LAX united club lounge is leaps and bounds better than the clubs at Dulles, and I highly recommend the bulkhead seats for the extra room!!

[@chromebomb]

NICE!!! Great job Paul see u in the skys!

[@steveb4331]

As a retired ramp serviceman for United Airlines, back in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s United did name LAX as a hub for the company. We had well over 200 departures and landings daily. And except for two gates in terminal 6 which then Continental airlines only used.two gates United occupied the rest of the gates in Terminal 6 and all of Terminal 7 was nothing but United. And all of Terminal 8 was used for Shuttle by United using nothing but 737’s for their Shuttle by UA. Then they had a remote Terminal on the other side of Terminal 8 across Sepulveda Blvd by their hanger for All united Express flights that passenger were bused to get those flight at the little terminal there. So at one point United occupied basically 4 terminals. Then in 2003 they scaled back because of the events that happened on 9/11. It was a true hub for United that ranked up there with their hub in SFO and Denver. Of course ORD was the main hub. However there was a time when United at LAX had just as many flight as SFO. .

[@graemecatty9921]

Informative video as per usual Paul. Can we see more economy flight reviews please, as for 95% of us, that's all we'll ever fly.

[@thetrainhopper8992]

Newark being a New York airport is confusing? What about London-Oxford Airport?

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Fantastic video as always Paul!😸

[@Bad_Karma1968]

Paul as always a great vlog !

[@xx_peace_xx5300]

United will be happy after they see your video 😄

[@lawrenceakini4981]

Thank you for this KZbin. Safe travels.

[@cuppajoe2]

Glad you had a decent experiance with LAX, I frequent there and it is a pretty bad airport.

[@rushi1178]

One of the best video unitid air I'm from india im following 3ears your videos

[@spearsba]

United is definitely a love hate relationship. I’ve got over 2million miles on them between 2005 and 2018. My current job has little travel. Both trans Atlantic and Pacific routes were routine. Recently I did a round trip between FRA and IAD. Polaris was nice but lumping the drink, meal and dessert together was annoying.

[@roberthamilton1301]

Thanks for the video Mate 👍

[@dixiesmaster]

Great vid. Looking forward to the train ride!

[@LoveStallion]

1:16 Look at that glorious marine layer. I miss home.

[@johnburke5384]

Excellent as always Paul...

[@AlonsoRules]

New York to LA/SF = premium New York to Seattle - "what about us, we're just as far"

[@ritabasgall1003]

All very interesting to me since i was a flight attendant for 20 years. 1966 to 1986

[@georgew.3520]

I have flown only B6 MINT and Delta transcon in the forward cabin. But you mentioned in the "Big 3" category you prefer United. Why United over Delta? Mint inflight experience was fantastic. However, Delta offers SkyClub access. Both the JFK and SEA SkyClubs are the deal breaker for me over B6 MINT. I have flown KLM Business class, and the SkyClub access was awesome pre-pandemic. Now I am curious how United figures into the equation. I have visited United Club locations in EWR, SFO and DEN. Denver was by far the best of the three, with EWR a distant 3rd. Thank you for the great video. Now I need to decide which airline for my late January trip. Thanks again! George

[@xfreaper]

Love your videos! Keep them up! :D

[@RatherBeTraveling]

LOL I have been trying to find a larger version of the "blue pillow" for a very long time! I have flown this flight several times. But I wish they would allow you in the Polaris lounge. Also 9A, 9L, 1A and 1L have the biggest foot wells. But each seat has some drawbacks but are worth it for 9A and 9L.

[@Patrickschlehuber]

The fight radar 24 shot was over my house in Summit county Colorado. 😅

[@themoviedealers]

To be fair, Newark Airport is only 10 miles from Manhattan, you can see the skyline from there, and there's direct train service.

[@kevanhubbard9673]

0513 is an ungodly hour and I use to have to start work at 05 30 and the only thing that redeemed it was a dark section of road where I could examine the seasonal early morning stars and planets on my walk to work.

[@petern6808]

The fare seems ok but the food is shockingly poor for a premium route. Air CANADA has had full service on their premium domestic routes for months.

[@aznamoon1111]

You’re lucky you got a pillow and blanket. I took Polaris first class in February and it didn’t even offer a blanket or pillow let alone an amenity kit from LA to Chicago. I had to request a blanket which was begrudgingly given to me and it was super thin. The whole experience was awful for an overpriced seat. Just super disappointing how some airlines don’t care for the traveler’s experience anymore.

[@Paul_Lucas]

Unfortunately LA to Chicago isn’t a Polaris route. It’s domestic first class. They do fly some larger planes on that route but the only domestic routes in the USA branded as Polaris and with Polaris service standards are the premium transcontinental routes.

[@user-gwp123]

Are you flying Lift in South Africa next year?

[@federicoruiz8629]

9:49 Newark is part of the NYC metro area, also known as the tri-state area :)

[@whatever8282828]

Awwww, if the B-52 can be used for literally 100 years, can't we do the same with the 757? I am pleased to see the new smaller 777 that United bought (in sort of a weird exchange but I can't recall really why).

[@MrJimmy440]

EWR - Ladies and Gentleman welcome to Newark !

[@AviationFin]

Awesome! Greeting from Helsinki!

[@PradeepRaajkumar1981]

Lovely input about interstate domestic flights in States Mate.. Cheers, Pradeep. Pollachi,Tamilnadu - Location Near Coimbatore CJB Airport- South India.

[@Greatanotherchannel]

Just in time for more restrictions

[@benrichards1522]

When in south Africa film some great white shark diving 👌 😀

[@dalemcscurvey714]

Treriffic video good content. Thank you

[@Davehearne43]

Keep up the good work stay safe 🙏

[@eazy529]

2 weeks ago I flew on United 737 8max in economy and it was a good flight. This past week I flew round trip from Newark to heathrow on a 767-300 both on premium plus and economy. Both flight were good except I did not like their economy chicken dish coming back from London. The United club in heathrow is much better than the club in Newark. Although their is going to be in a new United club in Newark spring of 2022.I would rate heathrow United club the 2nd best United after narita since the narita club has an automatic beer machine. Paul have you tried United’s Polaris lounge?

[@JuanWayTrips]

FWIW, I've only flown United in economy a handful of times, but the ground experience seems much different between the West Coast versus the East Coast. They have pretty good terminals at SFO and LAX, but Newark and Dulles are dreadful. I think Dulles is still the worst with that "temporary" terminal they've had since the 1970s/80s. Even as a frequent DL flyer (Platinum Medallion), it's good to see United stepping up their game and matching (maybe even exceeding) their offerings. Perhaps changing CEOs really did help. I only book main cabin/economy with an occasional Economy Plus/Comfort Plus purchase, but it looks like United are finally investing in their economy product too. It's still inconsistent (with only some of their narrowbodies being improved), but I am willing to try it out on a longer flight rather than just a quick west coast hop despite my poor experiences with them in the past.

[@Paul_Lucas]

Wait and see what I thought of Delta One - I flew it a week after this video! You are right about West Coast vs East, Dulles in particular is terrible and the weird terminal arrangement is so grim. United definitely feels a different airline these days compared to 3-4 years ago, at least from my perspective (about 30 flights, half in eco, half in business).

[@JuanWayTrips]

​@@Paul_Lucas Looking forward to it! I liked your D1 video a few years back with your very fair criticisms; after that, I'm glad I just buy their main cabin seats and get D1/FC seats for free with occasional upgrades. Pre-COVID it was hard for me to justify their FC/D1 prices, let alone now. Thankfully their main cabin/C+ offerings are generally pretty good, so I am okay paying for that.

[@_w_w_]

I am DM on Delta and PP on United... While United is catching up, Delta is still ahead. United's culture is just bad, top down... it's in their DNA. You can sense the clear difference in their employees, in every level of interaction. I wasn't a big believer in cultural DNA until I looked at these two companies. These two companies are polar opposite. I am not sure what you mean by UA started to invest - this is the same as before the pandemic as far as cabin product is concerned. UA is so crappy, they don't even bother to print a name on their bread wrappers. It has been 1234VR bread for years... If you don't know what 1234VR is, then you don't fly enough with United. Spending money printing bread wrappers but don't bother correct the name tells you a lot about a company. United also has some of the crappiest and flimsiest plastic utensils. Every detail about United shows an airline that just doesn't care.

[@JuanWayTrips]

​@@_w_w_ Well it was announced over the summer that United would add PTVs to all narrowbodies (excluding regional aircraft, I assume), and their new Max planes already have the new system. I would certainly consider that an investment when it comes to an economy product, as it would certainly match Delta's economy product domestically. Of course, it's going to take a few years for them to do that, but I am willing to give them another try. Plus with all the MQMs Delta has given out, I have Platinum Medallion essentially locked in through the end of 2024. I can venture out a bit and not risk losing my status.

[@Grit_Szn]

At Nighttime its Sweet you will see why it’s called The Dreamliner .

[@macktravels68]

Paul-what camera do you use for those amazing city and airport zoom’s from the plane? Thank you!

[@tavita8699]

I've only ever traveled in business class twice on United both times trans tasman which shows how long ago. The menu still looks as boring as it was way back when however the business class cabin does look impressive. United would not be a first choice carrier my carrier of choice used to be Continental Airlines followed by American. Nowdays I don't travel to the USA and my city Perth is not serviced by any US carrier so I can no longer compare airlines. I enjoyed the video Paul and love that no stone is unturned in your reviews. Happy landings ✈️🥂🌲🎁

[@largol33t1]

Why American? They're sometimes so lost I wonder if the crew of Monty Python was in the cockpit! I have several times given up on them and tried the competition and their rivals beat them EVERY bloody time. Even the "old" Cathay Pacific, which my father used to despise, performed better on the Asian routes than American.

[@tavita8699]

@@largol33t1 It's my personal choice not yours

[@chunkyboyjames]

Did you spot BA’s two 787-10’s in storage at VCV? G-ZBLC & G-ZBLD were transferred straight there for storage rather than being delivered to BA due to the downturn in traffic caused by Covid-19.

[@Cerby1979]

That airport has to be in Victorville, CA. The airport where planes go to die.

[@johnburke1317]

Nice video

[@vernonclark4978]

Would you recommend this seat for a big guy. (6’1 and just a hair under 400lbs) I’ve got two seats in coach but I could save some money with getting this seat for my flight :) Any info is helpful. :)

[@homemadehappiness1316]

Was that aircraft parking lot - mojave air and space port?

[@guintube]

The airport is Victorville. it was once George AFB.

[@masterthespeed7830]

Who knew this guy is an mk dons fan. Coyd

[@Unuthryear]

Not sure what is confusing between Newark, and NY Airports

[@marcbrunjes8686]

Thanks for another great trip report. I am not sure why they call it Polaris for Intl sector n First or Business for domestic. But I think it’s a legal issue. With all those FAA RULES N REGULATIONS? But that’s my guess, only...

[@johncollier608]

The service has improved. As with your experience, I found that transcontinental business class was pretty poor. Granted, that was a long time ago, when intercontinental business wasn't much better. clearly United have upped their game since then. Thanks for sharing, Paul.

[@mikeedwards9306]

Have not flown UA in years for the exact comment made about it being a shabby airline.

[@BrianBoenau]

New subscriber! I have a first class ticket in the 777-200 and the 787 Dreamliner next week from IAD to LAX round trip. How can I tell if I can the united club lounge or not with the tickets?

[@Paul_Lucas]

If it’s IAD-LAX on its own and you have a first class ticket (and no club membership) I’m afraid there’s no lounge access 😞

[@BrianBoenau]

@@Paul_Lucas Yeah I downgraded my club membership chase card when I became silver status with United and have priority pass with another card :)

[@petercamerondavidson4083]

Hey Paul, I'm flying Lisbon to SFO with a layover at EWR in April with United in economy. My EWR to SFO is on a 777-300ER and I noticed it's a $350 seat upgrade to business class with polaris suites, but it doesn't say whether or not that upgrade would include full service. I'd imagine it would, yet it seems like a steal to me. Any idea? Cheers, I really enjoy your channel.

[@Paul_Lucas]

EWR to SFO is full service so I’d take that!