United's OTHER Polaris Business Product!

[@jerryuma]

Love the 757. Me favorite narrow body plane. Very powerful engines, me enjoy them.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Totally! I will miss it!

[@kevinmcguire5696]

I'm in 1F on my trip from EWR to SFO tomorrow. i've been on in these particular seats before, both domestic and internationally, but it's been a while.

[@prismofrandom6080]

Great Video! I am a big fan of EWR and happy to see it here.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks! I have definitely had some mixed experiences with EWR in my life. It's totally getting better, but it's the only airport where I've arrived early, but deplaned late just due to taxi times and waiting for a gate

[@wellsw3]

Fun fact: B757 was the only air craft that certified to fly to Tibet in China 30 years ago due to high altitude and low air density.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

I would believe that. It's performance is incredible!

[@nickmagers1]

looks like united removed this route in 2024. im travelling from newark to stockholm with a layover in bruseels this summer on this 757

[@jerrynadler2883]

It should be a crime for United to market these seats as Polaris. I flew the same 2-2 seat config on a 2 hour Qatar Airways regional flight.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Yea... although it is leaps and bounds better than their typical domestic first class product, so it is somewhere in between typical domestic first class seats, and the 1-2-1 polaris on widebodies, so they probably just didn't feel the need to create a different class. Although they did just announce a 1-1 setup for their A321XLR's which should make this a bit better

[@theadventureinsider]

Polaris is The service, that’s why they mark the cabin as Polaris. Otherwise it’s standard United First on short flights

[@marcuspethurst2939]

Those seats around for over 13 years at least.

[@hughofIreland]

@@marcuspethurst2939I believe they’re legacy Continental. They have been upgraded-flat screen-but the seats are very similar to what was on offer well over 10 years ago. There are now 39 active in the fleet. Continental had 41, but one suffered a hull loss; I can’t find what happened to the other. I will keep checking. I frankly prefer the B752s over the wide-bodies, with possible exception of the B789. I find the service to be superior. In the front cabin, there are two attendants for sixteen passengers, which is a better ratio than the wide-bodies.

[@LoydChampion]

The 757 in my opinion is the best commercial airliner until they built the 787. The extra power of the 757 saved my life as well as about 150 other people while taking off at LAX one day. Another aircraft that had just landed crossed onto the runway we were taking off from. The pilot pulled the stick back and went to total max power to get the plane over the plane that didn't hold as they should have. If you're familiar with LAX, you know that you cross the beach at about 1,000 feet or higher. Well this guy got it up and then put the nose to level to get the airspeed up before climbing further. When we crossed the beach I could read the back of a guys shirt that was riding his bicycle. I think it may have kicked up some sand and probably scared the crap out of him and whoever else was around. But he got to a good airspeed and then started his climb.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Damn… what a story. That’s insane

[@hughofIreland]

The B752, fully loaded, was able to manage a 5,000 ft runway with ease. Those engines give the aircraft stunning performance.

[@coolbreeze253]

They have FEWER passengers... second only to the misuse of lie and lay.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Good point about SFO's Polaris Lounge. I do prefer using Polaris lounges when on star alliance carriers, but some airports make it a bit easier than others

[@skywarrior28]

Great video. However I don't think you meant production ended 30 years ago about 32:09. They stopped production about 15 years ago I think? But it certainly wasn't 30 years ago. Simple fix if you wanted to. I enjoyed the video though.

[@sjokomelk]

2004. 19 years ago. Way shorter than 30. 😂

[@skywarrior28]

@@sjokomelk Right?! Haha! I'm sure it was just a blooper on his part.

[@tally1604]

I just don't get all the hate long-distance narrow bodies get. I live in a country with a small population that is spread out widely. If not for the new fuel-efficient narrow bodies, we wouldn't have any international flights at all. I have flown 7 hours from my city to Western Europe and East Asia in narrow bodies in ECONOMY, and I don't see any significant difference compared to being in a wide body. A tin tube is a tin tube, and while direct aisle access in business might be a deal breaker for some, it won't be for the overwhelming majority of the flying public.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Yea, I think it is just because it feels a bit more cramped, but I personally love that it unlocks a lot more nonstop markets and provides more competition and therefore cheaper costs

[@Loupadron2010]

As always your videos all well documented from the moment one enters the airports on either end and the lounges, bathrooms, gift shops, bars, restaurants, security as well as the perks for first class/business class. By the way is first class seating/availability gone in our US carriers? The plane 757 looked very comfortable especially in business class. The US carriers need to start getting up to speed in terms of better service for the paying passenger on any classification of the plane. They had 2 packages of millions in aid given to them after 9/11 and during the chinese virus. The best airline in service and the cabin and the entire flying experience we all know it is Emirates followed by Singapore airlines then Qatar, Etihad, Air France/KLM, Lufthansa, Swiss. I am glad that Terminal C at Newark my closest airport is going through more needed renovations as well as the lounges. They just opened a modern bigger and totally new Terminal A thank goodness. How long was your flight to Stockholm? How high was the plane flying we did not see that on the video. Yeah the bathroom on this 757 is really a tight squeeze. Thanks for all of the videos.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. US carriers do fall behind a lot of the world's top carriers, but I have to believe part of that is due to how large of a domestic market they serve, which offers a much different level of service as compared to an international, trans-oceanic flight. Unfortunately the assistance following 9/11 and the Covid pandemic couldn't go towards upgrades as it was mainly used to keep them afloat. Due to the severe decrease in travelers after those events, airlines (which tend to be barely profitable as it is) needed that assistance to avoid shrinking or going belly up

[@Loupadron2010]

@@PatrickSheaAviation I understand however they charge high fees for everything including headphones, luggage and flights of 2 hours no free food or snacks. They in a way have been getting away with murder. They did not do that in the 90's. I think that if there was an efficient transport secretary in Washington DC and he or she was tough on them and remindrd them of the 2 economic packagrs which come ftom the tax payers and the very same passengers that fly their planes they would become more humane and provide better service and with perks. 🙆🏻‍♂️🙆🏻‍♂️

[@clausstimpfig3803]

there is no first class on UA

[@mikiewifnoe360]

It is rare that I travel alone but if I did I would very much dislike the seat set up on this flight. Other than that is seems ok, not great but ok. And as usual very nice video.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks! And yea... if you're alone, these seats are less than ideal for sure

[@CerveloR5]

I was just on that same Flt. 68 two week ago. 4A Only grudge I had with it was the having to climb over the person next to me to use the restroom.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Yea that’s a bummer. It’s better if you know the person at least

[@coypat1300]

great video as always Patrick. Thanks for all the work and taking us along.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Glad you liked it! Thanks!

[@brian402]

Awesome United Airlines flight review there Patrick, At (20:40) i love that take off roll when i saw on the other runway a United plane landing., as you were taking off. Boeing 757 truely a remarkable great plane one of the better options when flying!🛫👍

[@robertlebo7009]

Why do the people who make these travel videos always groom, dress, look, and behave as if they are going to their local Waffle House for supper?

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

People wear what they're comfortable in. No one wants to be in slacks and dress shoes for hours if they're just sitting in a chair. Not sure about the "behavior" of them, but people seem to be much nicer these days, and much less demanding of flight crews... as my source is an international flight attendant for a major airline for many years

[@tally1604]

Why do people who leave asinine comments on avgeek videos always look, groom, and behave like they are going to their local Walmart to unleash their inner Karen?

[@Primus54]

In my opinion, the “crime” of the merger of Boeing and McDonnell-Douglas was killing off the evolution of the 757 in favor of the 737. While being a so-called “older” model, the 757 is certainly much more modern and beautiful in appearance than the 737, which traces its lineage to mid-‘50s 707s. If you are an aviation enthusiast, there is nothing like the experience of a full performance takeoff and climb out on the 757. Unfortunately, United’s takeoff policy is to calculate and utilize what they call “ultra low performance” engine settings, so even the takeoff roll experienced in this video was much longer than it could have been. I will be sad when the day comes that 757s are no longer an option for passenger flight although they will continue to fly for a while as freighters.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

I totally agree! The 757 is a great airplane, and an awesome representation of aviation history and growth, and I'll be sad to see it go

[@deltafox757]

757 will go the way of the 747 and it’s so sad

[@viscount757]

I always liked the 757 but in today's market where the only thing passengers care about is low fares, the 757's operating costs are too high.

[@_1Brick1_]

Thanks! I did not know this Polaris existed!! Also this is my local airport 😊. Also there’s no air train connection to terminal A is because it’s a brand new terminal. The old terminal A had a air train connection. So this new terminal is Newly Built not renovated.

[@jerryuma]

Polaris came out a few years ago.

[@johniii8147]

@@jerryuma On these aircraft it's just a rebrand. These are the old CO seats that with a refresh of the fabric of the seats. Around for a good 15 years now at least.

[@jerryuma]

@@johniii8147 thank you. Good to know.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

I do like that United was able to upgrade these seats, which was definitely needed since they are putting them on these longer and longer flights. Although it looks like their plans for the A321XLRs will be even better

[@_1Brick1_]

@@PatrickSheaAviation I’m excited about the A321xlr. I’m hoping the do something more like jet blue mint. I hate the 2-2 configuration especially with lie flats. Someone will be inconvenienced in the process.

[@TheLottoKing]

I follow a lot of travel vloggers and you do an awesome job Patrick. Here is to much more success on your channel!

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@kylebowers2353]

Call me crazy. But I remember being on a Delta 752 flight from ATL to ORL and they announced it was a first flight. And that was in 2002. So I’m not sure the passenger 757-200 hasn’t been produced for more than 30 years. I could be wrong. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

[@Gus_the_cat]

I have flown from Newark to Stockholm quite a few times, and always go with SAS! So it would be cool to see Patrick do this route in SAS Business.

[@Kuzo32]

757 is a really nice aircraft. I go to EWR as my main airport, however I’ve only been in terminal C because I fly United. The first one you went in looks really nice. 1 question though. Do you know how the view of the top floor of the EWR Marriott is? I might want to go next time I fly out of EWR. And im not sure which lounge it was, but im 99% sure it was this one: 3:59 , but it was really nice. Anyways Great video keep it up!

[@theadventureinsider]

4:50 SFO has the largest Polaris lounge

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

It does. If I'm not mistaken it used to be the Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, United Business and Global First Lounges, all combined into one big Star Alliance Lounge once United did away with Global First Class

[@TCAS330]

Great review and thanks for sharing. I really hope to get on a 757 any time soon before they retire. In Europe it’s becoming harder with just condor and jet2 (as far as I know) operates them….

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Good Luck! When in doubt, USA will continue to see them for years, although the international service will dwindle down over the next few years

[@johniii8147]

Best bet is to book a DL flight on one. They will have them for another 3-5 years.

[@ricardog5408]

Yooo production ended in 2005, not 30 years ago 😂 32:17

[@viscount757]

I like your videos but don't like the fast forwarding. Would prefer if you just cut out the repetitive parts and showed everything else at normal speed.

[@edward88881]

Nice immersive video. I actually felt a tinge of jet lag during the descent 😅. It's nice to see Newark terminals improving with better food and retail options.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Ha! Second Hand jet lag is REAL!:)

[@mmnj6963]

The seats marketed (and priced) as Polaris on the 757s are essentially the same as those used for "Business First," which was United's premium cabin on most long-haul flights, before Polaris was introduced several years ago. Last I saw, the 757-200s are also currently being used on some transcontinental domestic flights. Although no longer state-of-the-art, these seats are still a tremendous step up from the First Class seats on the 737s and A319-A320.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Totally agree. I’d take these over the traditional couch style seats on the domestic markets. I see them at SFO quite often on Hawaii, Chicago, Boston, and New York

[@spencerpierce1251]

Actually, these were Continental's BusinessFirst seats and United got them with the merger. The seats are a joke and totally outdated.

[@Bacchusmbt]

Thank you for selecting the vegetarian option, nice to see something other than a slab of beef on these trip reports...

[@ljacobs357]

Flew United 777 Polaris from Houston to London. The only thing good about it was the seat and privacy. Agree with you about the single tray service.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

The widebody Polaris is one of my favorite business classes in the world. But they REALLY need to take a look at their catering

[@jimmyjames6492]

The Polaris product offered on the B757 looked pretty decent IMO. Curious about the cost - did you pay ca$h or use points? Thanks for the info + video!

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

This was purchased with cash for about $1,500. Mileage rates for flights originating in the US are insanely high rates

[@jimmyjames6492]

@@PatrickSheaAviation That's not too bad of a price IMO. Thanks for answering my question!

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing your trip here! The 757-200s are really nice and I do miss flying my former airline's fleet.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks! The 757s are a wonderful airplane!

[@LMays-cu2hp]

I hope are enjoying Stockholm. The food, people and the culture there!!! Nice. ☺ Smile

[@Bacchusmbt]

That seat and the seat amenities are looking kind of worn...

[@johnerp92]

I worked at the Polaris lounge in EWR when it opened in 2018 and it's nice to see it is still in great condition. It really hasn't changed much since then. I think I may have seen some of the people I worked with back then too 😅

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Ha! That’s awesome

[@nisookh]

Yum , love red onions a lot 😅 . Great vid 😊

[@michiganwannarbor3255]

I flew on on them from ORD to Edinburgh. A true godsend and I avoided transiting at Heathrow.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

That is the absolute benefit of narrowbody transatlantic routes. It unlocks many more nonstops. I would totally suck it up and take a narrow body if it meant I could fly direct

[@lukedaniell]

Looks like one of the older aircraft they used on the old "premium service" LAX/SFO to JFK flights -- back when United still flew into JFK.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Yep. These are the same aircraft that they brought to JFK

[@hanj31]

you mean inferior. Pro tip always use the polaris lounge no matter which terminal/ gates your star alliance business class flight departs from. At airports where the other star alliance carriers do not share a terminal/ gates with United there are trams/ trains/ shuttle buses to take you between the terminals/ gates or in the case of LAX you can walk between TBIT and T7/T8 air side. If you want the shuttle after you check in for your star alliance flight at TBIT you can take the shuttle land side to T7/T8 and then when you're done in the lounge you have to just walk back to TBIT. Also the polaris lounge at SFO was created with the space occupied by united business and global first lounges as well as the spaces occupied by the Singapore airlines lounge and the EVA air lounge. That's probably why its bigger than the one at EWR. Everyone at SFO on a long haul international flight with any Star Alliance carrier gets funneled into that lounge. There is no other star alliance lounge for those business/ first class passengers to be funneled into like at EWR or IAD where they have lufthansa lounges and/ or Turkish airline lounges.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Good info about the SFO Polaris Lounge. I do prefer using the Polaris lounges when traveling Star Alliance, but some airports make it easier than others

[@hanj31]

@@PatrickSheaAviationI think SFO and IAH are the only two airports that are like that. ORD maybe but not sure.

[@clausstimpfig3803]

think this flight will be discontinued. At TWA we had Pilot bases In Berlin Paris Frankfurt or London with service to ARN. BUT WE OFFERED THE ROYAL AMBASSADOR FIRST CLASS SERVICE. Even on our numerous intra-european routes with full traffic rights.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Nah this flight is not going anywhere. If anything it’ll be upgraded to a larger aircraft

[@aj742]

I think United should check what "vegetarian" means... Great trip report btw. 👍

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Ha! Yes… thanks!!

[@tsmith76092]

I’ll admit… I’ve gotten a remote stuck like that on a flight before. BUT, who designs a remote with a cord that won’t fully retract, but will also get stuck if it’s put back with any cord hanging out!?

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Lol I thought the same thing 🤣

[@skyserf]

0:40 It’s brand new, it wasn’t renovated.

[@janet8182]

I think the Polaris lounge open hours are 6:30 am to 10:30 pm. I was not able to use the lounge when I was doing a red eye flight departing just after midnight.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

I’ve had a similar problem out of SFO with a 11:45pm departure

[@walterwlim]

21:01 Nice timing with the JetBlue arrival.

[@johniii8147]

Just gotta say Patrick really time to wash those shoes..lol. Great video as always but the shoes need a wash. I flew this route before the merger. Same product rebranded. I won't really be sad when they go.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Yea it may just be time for new shoes altogether lol... washing them doesn't seem to be doing the trick well enough. The product seems to be going away once the A321XLRs arrive, but I guess my question is will you miss the 757? or just the product?

[@johniii8147]

@@PatrickSheaAviation If there still in good shape otherwise try hot water, vinegar and baking soda with toothbrush. Friend taught me that trick and cleans them up nicely. I'm lazy now so I almost always travel in some black shoes now. In terms of 757 I'm not one of the fanboys that will really miss them. They served their purpose at the time but they are old now. I've flown it many many times now but won't be disappointed when it's gone.

[@CerveloR5]

United is also pushing the B757 non-stop from EWR-LIM on 8+hr flights as UA886/887

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

The 757 really is a work horse. At least until the A321XLRs take over

[@SternenruferinPatchouli1]

did Sully Sullivan also fly for United? i guess so:) sadly hes retired now....imagine you fly to Stockholm and your Captain is Sully :) id freak out hes such a Hero

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

yup, although Sully was always part of US airways. Starting with Pacific Southwest which later joined US Airways

[@davidcole333]

I have nothing but contempt for single aisle long haul. If I'm stupid enough to pay for a business class seat and want a window, I'm climbing over my seat mate for aisle access. If I'm in cattle class, I've entered into 8 hours of hell. I can't say it loud enough, single aisle long haul is one of the worst ideas to come along in aviation. Passengers should be revolting against this concept.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Unfortunately it does open new markets so they more people can get nonstop service instead of connecting. Because of that it’ll just continue to grow and the people that now have access to these new direct flights seem to be in favor of them

[@flightfernando]

United/Continental flew EWR to Berlin, 9:50 h of flight in 757-224...(not in 222)

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

That would have been fun. I’m assuming it was branded Continental at that point?

[@cosmicadventurer1999]

Boooo! I wanted that Away amenity kit. I’m not flying until early 2024.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

I know! I definitely see it as a downgrade

[@AL-pu7ux]

$25 dollar bottles of wine…

[@fdanieln8759]

I totally get what you were trying to say but its known as the sports car or corvette of the skies. Rocket ships already go into the sky lol. Excellent review and video though

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks! And yea... but the 757 is a rocket that can also carry 200 people

[@mikeyweaselwhipper3074]

tfw you ask for vegetarian, and they serve you shrimp....

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

LOL I honestly didn't even pick up on it until the comments came in

[@tilleyd7192]

When will this service resume? It appears to be seasonal. I want to visit my cousin over there!

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

I’m not quite sure, but once it warms up in spring and summer I’m sure it’ll be baxk

[@collinallison283]

Yo what’s the song at the end of the Polaris lounge tour? Sounds really dope

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

I don’t actually know the same of the songs but I get ‘em all from Epidemic Sound

[@neehark]

I flew United Polaris from Chicago to Delhi on their 787 back in December and they did have plate by plate service. Perhaps they ain’t consistent? Or perhaps it’s only on the flagship wide body Polaris services? Not entirely sure. I’m glad they brought the dessert/sundae cart though, I was waiting for that!

[@johniii8147]

That would certainly be unusual on UA these days.

[@neehark]

That’s unfortunate! It was the last ULH Polaris flight I’ve had. I’m hoping to do Delhi to Newark Polaris in the next couple months so 🤞🏻

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

That's awesome! I haven't seen a plate-by-plate service ever since Covid. It was normal before Covid, but they never seemed to return to it. Unfortunate since I personally believe that Polaris is one of the best ways to travel. The seats are comfortable, and the entertainment is endless. Not to mention that sundae cart :)

[@totoroisbi]

I like taking the 757-200 Polaris EWR-LIM, good product, but gets into LIM to late for connections.

[@carsonpredovich3399]

The vegetarian option came with a side of prawns? Lol

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Lol, I didn't even pick up on that until the comments came in lol

[@clausstimpfig3803]

primitive service. so bad. no french champagne like on TWA. NO INTERNATIONAL FIRST CLASS CABIN...TRY AF LA PREMIERE SERVICE OR SINGAPORE FIRST OR THE SWISS FIRST CLASS EFF 2025 OR CATHAY PACIFIC

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

You seem to only like a flight if it has the “first class” label, which doesn’t really hold any weight these days. A lot of airlines that do have first class only have it so that they can market a first class cabin. Business class is amazing now

[@clausstimpfig3803]

no US carriers are run down without the elegance that they once offered. Businessclass is nothing. On the LA PREMIERE FIRST CLASS OF AIR FRANCE THERE ARE JUST $ SEATS , Just like on the new LUFTHANSA OR SWISS ALLEGRIS. NOW THAT IS LUXURY PLUS THE CAPTAIN SHAKES HANDS WITH YOU .Trying to speak in your language and voila the first glass of DOM PERIGNON. Happened to my husband and me recently @@PatrickSheaAviation

[@rollsroycepower9335]

It's a pity that these were never ordered by any Australian carriers. They would have been brilliant on flights from Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane across to Perth. You are absolutely right. They are indeed powerful pocket rockets. As always, thanks for the videos, & this particular one fell on my birthday, so a nice birthday present!!! Keep up the great work 😊

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Happy birthday! I will miss the 757 once it’s gone, but enjoyed my flights on them while they’ve existed. My guess is that they’ll stick around for another 5 or so years here in the states, at least for domestic service

[@marcambouphaure]

It is always a great pleasure to watch your trip report 😀 😊

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thank you!

[@philstevens9914]

What's with the Swedish sign on the click-icon?

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

🤨?

[@cpthatt]

I love all 757 and I would hate to see them go.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Agreed! The replacements just aren’t the same

[@starventure]

This might be the current worlds longest, but there were longer flights by other carriers in the past in the same type.

[@paulmoeller5220]

Liked the drag race with the Jet Blue plane landing!

[@reganalbertson1593]

Wow, those 757s aren't going to get replaced quite yet... All of the Airbus 320 planes are due for an extensive engine inspection due to engine manufacturing defects that may cause catastrophic engine failures. Nice vid, by the way

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks! And yea I have seen the news on the range impact of the new ADs for the aircraft. Hopefully it doesn’t affect the markets too much

[@Kennys-x5m]

United stopped operating 757 on international routes, only wide-bodies with the real Polaris 3 cabin layout

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Not quite. They’ve still got quite a few international 757 routes

[@Kennys-x5m]

@@PatrickSheaAviation like?

[@siriwongyuktasevi7363]

​​​@@Kennys-x5mLike EWR & IADto EDI, EWR to OPO, ORD to DUB, etc

[@charlesh3854]

Hey Patrick 😅. Another great review. Luv the fast forward after takeoff, music, and Stella, my favorite. Yes, Ual Polaris should go back to plating there meals. Fly safe. Warm Regards Charles 😀

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thank you! Glad you liked it! I agree, United should start serving plate by plate

[@stevene465]

Great review as always Patrick - I unfortunately cannot be swayed on anything United - lack of a mattress pad and slippers ( no excuse ) They’d say it’s the storage - not true and the food - yuck and presentation is premium economy on those nasty blue underplate things

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

You will get mattress pads and slippers on their longer flights, but meals definitely need some work

[@txmd78]

Took that same flight to and from Stockholm in July. Stockholm was such a great city! Stayed at atSix hotel. Highly recommended!

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Awesome! I unfortunately didn't get to stay in Stockholm on this trip, but want to go back for sure

[@cheapercharlie]

20:43 great catch on the take-off / landing

[@davidoneal1518]

I agree with you that I would rather be served in courses. United adopted the one tray service so people could get to sleep faster because according to surveys of their top tier passengers, that is what they wanted. This 9s also the reason they have the sit down restaurant in the Polaris clubs. Great review as usual btw.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thank you! It is interesting because the menus do say to ask if you want an expedited service for sleep, but I’m not sure how you get more expeditious when you’re already just doing a one tray service

[@gcklo]

I flew this type of Polaris from Newark to Iceland last year. It was a 5 to 6 hour flight so it was fine

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

That’s a good length. Was it a redeye though? Because that seems a bit tough to try and sleep on that short of a flight

[@AGTngo]

Fantastic video! Very well-done & great music.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks man!

[@CaptainStevenMarkovich]

Excellent trip report 👍

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks!

[@underworldblu]

That cabin has seen much better days, even being Polaris.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Definitely. It sounds like their new plans for the A321XLRs will be better

[@Sacto1654]

If you take this flight in the fall of 2024 (hopefully!), you'll likely fly on the new A321XLR, which will likely have an updated Polaris business class.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

I would love to try those A321XLRs out as soon as they get here

[@luiskp7173]

Is that thing ever going to be certified? And with how much weight penalties? Now EASA not only wants reinforced central tanks but reinforcements in the belly area where the tanks/fuselage/main landing gear converge. It’s getting close to a 100-ton plane. At that weight they will probably be on the limit of what the tires can handle, without a bogie landing gear like the 757 it will probably become a tire buster just like the Concorde in its time. And don’t even get me started on Geared turbofans. And if all that isn’t enough, the performance will be mediocre, probably won’t be able to take off fully loaded from EWR 11/29 runway on a hot day. I’m not a Boeing fanboy either, but this stretching and overweighting of small planes has to come to an end, time for a proper 757 replacement!

[@jamesellis4214]

love the 757 , have flown it on many different airlines and very sad to see it go away

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Agreed! And the replacements might get the job done, but they all lack the glory of these 757 rocket ships!

[@andreforcier97]

Was on that same flt in 2015 in 3F. Was actually going YYZ-LHR but wanted to use Aeroplan miles. At the time the number of miles AC wanted was nuts plus the surcharge on top🤪! But could use my Aeroplan miles on UA with no extra charge. My best friend worked at AC so used a buddy pass YYZ-EWR and LHR-YYZ on standby. The EWR flts is never an issue getting a seat so wasn’t worried about the connection. The seats look exactly what my flt was. The whole flt was great with one exception. They had to see if it would help with the heat. Went to the lav, the poor girl working the galley! It had to be 20° hotter in there. When they made the announcement about the heat problem and IFE, my mind went straight to Swissair 111. We were a bit further along pass Peggy’s Cove, I kinda looked around to see if anyone else was thinking the same. I gave it a shrug put my seat flat and was able to sleep despite the temperature. By the time they served breakfast, temp was great and had an uneventful normal landing. On Air Canada’s old Aeroplan, I didn’t a lot of J flying on UA, also Swiss, SAS, LOT. Never used LH because like AC, they would have a huge “surcharge” for “reward tkts” 🙄. I love the B757, will miss them! P.S. I had the ice cream too, but the only topping was Bailey’s 😉.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Bailey's! Nice one! AC's Aeroplan intrigues me, as they work on a bunch of different airlines that I can't use my UA miles on. Although being out of SFO, I end up on United more than anyone else. The surcharges do drive me nuts at time, especially airports like Heathrow. Although I guess it's better than the full cost of the seat :)

[@andreforcier97]

@@PatrickSheaAviation Aeroplan is pretty good, seem the only airline that would ding you really hard was LH. One trip I wanted to fly on LH’s A380, the extra $ & miles needed was nuts! But seems all the other Star Alliance metal, same number of miles on AC or the other, plus maybe $10-15 total. Would have to do a lot of searching, but was always able to get the dates, or close to it. I’m retired so have lots of room to play with. My best friend past from breast cancer some time ago. I flew the Atlantic 4 times that year. 3 when she was here, last one for her funeral. AC has updated the whole plan, since they bought it back from the company that had it for years. Did a trip to YVR this past Aug. had a 1/2 miles coupon for 25K status. Then did an E upgrade outbound for $250CAD. Then coming home, didn’t feel like seating in Y for 5 hrs, so did an “upgrade bid” the lowest I could enter was $500CAD. 48hrs before got the confirmation. Was able to go in and pick the seat I wanted. So for $750CAD got all J and a great window. If your interested clipchamp.com/watch/ulGGkDGBr7M. Full takeoff/landing then warp speed. So 5hr in 22mins. 👍✌️

[@runningrauster8971]

I’ve always loved the 757! Another great report.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks! The 757 is wonderful and it’ll be sad once it’s gone

[@flyingmiran]

I really want to fly on 757 once

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Well if you find yourself in America they’ll be around for probably at least 5 more years, at least domestically as United and delta still operate plenty of -200s and -300s

[@flyingmiran]

@@PatrickSheaAviation if i will be there in america surely i will experience

[@ekuche8335]

You needed to ask for the mattress pad. United gives it on ANY Polaris flight not just 12 hours you just have to ask. I get it on all of my 8-10 hour flights.

[@davidkamen]

Why should you have to ask, why can't the cabin crew ask the PAYING passengers ?

[@latoyabaker6302]

​@davidkamen9336 not all passenger want or need it. I always ask for the mattress pad while my husband may not use the matteess pad

[@davidkamen]

@@latoyabaker6302 yes but when starting to prepare for a meal service for example, the cabin staff ASKS if you want to dine and if a menu is involved, they ask your preferences. Nobody is offended if you don't want to dine and nobody would be offended if asked about the mattress. It's all part of the SERVICE aspect.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Interesting... I have been on flights with United and told that slippers, PJs, and mattress pads were only available on flight of 12+ hours

[@davyf7620]

Very interesting video Patrick! Good job, and I’ll miss those 757’s as well when they start retiring them someday…

[@johniii8147]

Retirement is already in full swing. Not a lot left in passenger service and both UA and DL are taking replacements here for the remaining ones here shortly.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks! They will definitely be missed

[@pabloalto6341]

Super nice vid! 👍

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks dawg!

[@stevegonzales3612]

I have been a United 1K for the last 10 years...but as of this year 2023, I started flying British Airways (One World) and already have there top tier - Gold. I see a big difference in customer service to include amenities...so after February 2024, I will lose my 1K status but I am glad to be atop British Airways tier status, to include all the amenities with One World.

[@johniii8147]

UA is now definitely know for poor food and service in business class. Now if Oneworld or Star makes he most sense just really depends on where you live and travel destinations. I like BA but they are pretty useless going to Asia or Australia. The trick I learned when having to fly UA is to fill up in the lounge and not to expect much onboard.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

One World status intrigues me, but with SFO as my home airport, with the amount I travel, UA status is somewhat inevitable

[@johniii8147]

@@PatrickSheaAviation That makes sense since UA dominates SFO. Not a lot of options on a Oneworld carrier beyond AS and AA only to their hubs. I'm in ORD so I can pick and choose between both with UA and AA.

[@danalamborn4464]

Nice video. What was the mileage on the EWR-ARN flight? My Icelandair 757 flight from KEF to SEA was pretty flippin' long.

[@johniii8147]

They flying distance between EWR-ARN is longer by roughly 300 miles than KEF-SEA.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

This one sits at 3415, which if I'm not mistaken makes it the longest all time 757 flight

[@johniii8147]

@@PatrickSheaAviation It's the current longest route. But At one time La Compagnie's EWR route from slightly Nice was slightly longer and CO's route to Berlin.

[@tally1604]

Do you think the upcoming A220-500 might tempt the likes of United to ditch old Boeings on trans-Atlantic routes for that type in particular?

[@johniii8147]

That aircraft doesn't exist and Airbus has not committed to it. If they did it would have LESS range not more since it's just adding weight and size to an existing platform. UA already has a plan in place for the 757s with the 321XL and 50 on order. UA has been rather uninterested in the 220 in general.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

What he said. United plans A321XLR's to replace these for skinny transatlantic routes rather than A220s

[@tally1604]

@johniii8147 that's just not true. The A220-500 or A221, whatever it winds up having as a name, will not only have more capacity - 170 seats, 20 more than the 300 version - but 200 km more in range up to 6500 km, because of new wings and engine options, while shaving 20 to 25% off operating costs. Sounds like an all-signing all-dancing plane any airline would be foolish to pass up. Airbus has all but greenlit its production.

[@jerryuma]

Me just finished watching video. One suggestion. Please describe how much you pay for ticket. Me think this is information is helpful and many people want to know and this why other travel youtubes give this information. Thank you sir.

[@perryugalde639]

Cost of the ticket can be retrieved from the airline website, and it will vary on the season. Also, the travel vloggers I follow have never mentioned cost. The focus is the product.

[@jerryuma]

@@perryugalde639 thank you. Well the ones that I watch often explain the price, normally at the end of video. Sometimes the KZbinr might use miles and/or explain a good deal they got for the ticket and how they found it.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

I can throw that in if you'd prefer, but I typically only mention it if there was some creative way that I found to book it for cheaper than typical

[@jerryuma]

@@PatrickSheaAviation understand. Thank you.

[@melvincabebe]

Another great video! I recently visited the Polaris at EWR. It definitely was smaller compared to the one in SFO. So it was really hard to find some seats during peak hours. I notice that you use your phone to make your videos. That’s awesome! Do you use a special software to edit your videos?

[@johniii8147]

Yeah EWR is crowded in general for the peak evening bank to Europe in general. Especially terminal C.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

An iPhone and iMovie is all the technology I need to make my videos, although I do want to find possibly better software that I can use to improve the audio and editing of the video

[@johniii8147]

@@PatrickSheaAviation You are very well spoken, so appreciate that. The audio is a little sketchy sometimes but I don't mind that. You're one of the better airline bloggers out here. You can tell you put the work in and know what you're talking about.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

@@johniii8147 thank you! Very kind!

[@jonathanfactor6688]

Great video thanks

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks!

[@keiththomas6861]

Great vlog thanks

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thank you!

[@Bob-cv6ol]

I have flown on many 757s over the years...a great plane; I enjoyed every trip!

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

I have many memories on the 757, and it'll be sad to see it go away

[@retroguy1976]

i have flown that aircraft since the 80's starting with eastern, delta and united i'll be sad when they are retired

[@perryugalde639]

I do foresee more narrow body aircraft being used for east coast to Europe travel, especially for (but not limited to) smaller markets. For example where smaller markets are concerned, narrow bodies have the potential to serve year round rather than seasonally. In addition, airlines have the option of utilizing narrow bodies during the "slow" travel period and widebody aircract during "peak" travel period. Edinburgh (EDI) is a case in point. Increased year round flights - US to EDI - is a major reason EDI is aiming for US Pre-Clearance.

[@johniii8147]

It's nothing new. CO did it for years out of EWR.

[@perryugalde639]

@@johniii8147 CO was also a Sky Team member. Long story short, CO is non-existent. And air carriers operate differently - not just UA from EWR, but also carries operating from BOS, CLT, and JFK (to name a few airports).

[@johniii8147]

@@perryugalde639 CO became Star about a year before the merger. My point was narrow bodies on transaltic form the east coast of the US isn't a new concept. Been done for many years now. It was actually TWA that had the first 757 service across the pond way back in 1989. While it's true CO no longer technically exists, the EWR hub and now UA's entire remaining fleet of 757s came from CO. CO was the the Stockholm route on the 757 for many years prior to the merger. This route is just a reintroduction of that.

[@perryugalde639]

@@johniii8147 After everything you wrote, CO does not exist, and there is nothing technical about this fact. Furthermore, my initial comment reads US east coast to Europe, not specifically EWR-ARN on UA. Stay on topic.

[@johniii8147]

@@perryugalde639 I'm well on topic. The reality is/was the CO basically took over UA. They kept the united name but all the senior management at the time was CO and all the major systems and branding were CO ( and largely still are).

[@maxsaviation9512]

Considering their service and reliability I’d rather pay an extra 500$ for a better airline

[@tannerasadorian3850]

They’re no less reliable than any other major US carrier

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

I personally don't know if you'd find any different level of reliability booking this trip, regardless of what you'd be paying

[@EpicThe112]

Really excellent video Patrick however there is a catch to this one if you want a better service you should be looking at Scandinavian Airlines Newark to Stockholm it's on a wide-body A350-941 or A330-343X. Because during the winter time your Boeing 757 will not make it across the Atlantic Ocean due to high winds. Between from the flight deck old timer United Airlines customer call it Channel 9 or an exterior camera Scandinavian Airlines which one would you choose.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Oh yea, I'm sure in the future, I'd take the SAS widebodies, but I couldn't resist getting a UA 757 transatlantic flight before they're retired! Personally, I would choose an external camera over the flight deck, but partially because I spend every day at work listening to ATC conversation, but I don't get to watch an A350 land from an external view so that intrigues me more for sure

[@deepaksubramony5438]

I heard EWR had a brand new state-of-the-art terminal open recently, but all the terminals you showed in this video are just as trashy and butt-ugly as always. Do they not have a new terminal at all?

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

The last wing of Terminal C isn't bad, and they just opened a brand new Terminal A at the beginning of this year. The rest of Terminal C and Terminal B however looks almost the same as it has for quite a while

[@jackyoungblood953]

Hey Patrick, I feel like an essential factor in these reviews is cost!

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Definitely, I need to start figuring out the best way to get that in to these videos

[@viscount757]

​@@PatrickSheaAviationAs a start, why not just mention what your fare was, or are you an airline employee using passes and industry discounts?

[@sriraghuram2159]

Nice. Pin pls

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks!

[@davidkamen]

Business class on any narrow body aircraft is not worth the price, regardless of the airline or route.

[@johniii8147]

Wouldn't agree with that. Use to fly CO's 757's across the Atlantic on the time all the time and it was a great Business First product at the time.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Some airlines do it well, jetBlue for example. Even Aer Lingus which alternates between 2-2 and 1-1 rows for solo and family travelers. An all 2-2 setup is definitely less than ideal

[@johniii8147]

@@PatrickSheaAviation I expect UA (and AA) will do something similar on the XLRS. I think AA already has a mock up of their for them what they will look like.

[@Brandon-jp5ow]

These planes aren’t going away anytime soon lol

[@johniii8147]

They will be going more quickly than you might thank. Both UA and DL have massive incoming orders for their replacement that will be delivered within a few years.

[@Brandon-jp5ow]

@@johniii8147 I get that but DL has said the planes will be around for another decade

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

The replacements are already due in during the next year or two, and then these will either become cargo, domestic, or scrap soon after