United to launch international business class Polaris from Dec 1

United Airlines has announced it will be launching its new international business class “Polaris” starting from December 1, 2016. The airline’s premium customers can look forward to the Polaris experience right from the United Polaris Lounge, which will be making its debut on the same day at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. This will be the first lounge in the series, set to be opened at other airports in the future.

Media reports said that the state-of-the-art luxury lounge will be equipped with many amenities that a business class traveler might be looking for. These amenities include private rest and relaxation pods, table lamps, induction charging for devices, private seating stations with pull-out desks, and shower facilities. Among other offerings include a Bloody Mary cart, wine flights, amenity kits from Cowshed, bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue, and gourmet meal service. The lounge will also have a dining area, where customers can enjoy a la carte meals and a buffet selection. This will be alongside a tended bar offering customers opportunity to sip fine wines and other alcoholic beverages of their choice.

United Airlines is planning to open nine Polaris Lounges during the next two years. Apart from Polaris Lounge at Chicago O’Hare this year, the airline will be opening new Polaris Lounges at various domestic U.S. airports including Washington Dulles, San Francisco, Newark Liberty, Los Angeles and Houston in 2017. The airline will be inaugurating new lounges at some international destinations as well in 2018, which includes Tokyo Narita, London Heathrow and Hong Kong.

Earlier in September this year, United Airlines, which is also a member of Star Alliance, showcased its new Polaris business class during a test flight conducted between Newark Liberty and Paris CDG. An upgraded meals and drinks service was also rolled out on the occasion by the airline. The airline has already indicated that it will start offering its new Polaris business class seats on the newly acquired Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.