Your voiceover is so professional, you emphasise and articulate facts as good as any high quality documentary. Smmoth, free-flowing, no stuttering or awkward pauses, definitely not robotic as some other youtube trip reports and full of helpful tips and information for Avgeeks and non-Avgeeks. Plus the accent is so sexy 👍👍👍
Glad to hear that! Although the amount of times I have to re-record because I accidentally stutterered is astonishing 🤣, it just doesn’t make the Final Cut 🤫
Fantastic video. I'm really looking forward to more you have coming. I took this flight at Christmas and agree with all your review topics. Strange as it may sound, I'd like to spend a whole day at Changi, just eating and sightseeing. It's one of the best tourist attractions in Singapore.
Such an original series and not covered before! Well done! My favorite is EK1, now covered with the latest A380’s in the network. Looking forward to that one😎
I'm taking a Polaris flight in a week from IAH-LIM. The first leg, however, will be in a 767-400er from IAD-IAH with the "fauxlaris" setup, which I've never experienced before. I hear the seats are much older than the new seats, but hey, I'll take lie flat seats any day on a 3 hour flight. For the second leg, it'll be in the 767-300 aircraft which I absolutely LOVE! It has become my favorite aircraft in United's fleet by far. Even though I've flown on Polaris multiple times by now, I still can't help but get excited knowing I'm going to be experiencing this luxury again. I loved your video and it made me feel nostalgic of all the good times I've had in Polaris.
That’s awesome! I hope you enjoy your flight! I’ve never gotten on one of the 767-400s but I have heard stories about them, especially from before they began renovating the cabins
"United Global Services is an invitation-only, top-tier level of the United MileagePlus program, beyond the publicly listed Premier 1K status" - NerdWallet. Very detailed review as always. Keep up great work.
Loved that wing flex on take off from SFO. UA has certainly picked up their game. Meals looks a little meager though albeit a late flight. Great review Patrick as always!
Great vid as usual 👍 Only problem I have is the inflight service meals leave a lot to be desired. Esp the pre-arrival meal looks like you'll be hungry again an hour after landing. For such a long flight the meals look lacking.
I do wish they would offer a better presentation of the meals. Throwing it all on a tray is a drawback that you find on most US carriers as opposed to most airlines offering a first course, appetizer, and main course separately
Hi Patrick, I only work ultra-long-haul flights out of SFO in Polaris Business. I personally miss the presentation we used to have before the pandemic. United told us that customers want quick service everything at once. Hard for me to believe that because especially my 1K customers tell me on every flight how much they miss the old service and the presentation. I think overall we are a standard US Airline. We introduced Business Polaris in 2016. I think all of our aircrafts now have been completed for the International market. I'm sure you are aware, many International carriers introduced new First and Business classes throughout the pandemic, while UA Polaris is now getting old and outdated. I very much enjoyed your video! Well done! I hope to have you on my flight.
@@f.g.7091 that’s all good stuff to hear! SFO is my home, so I always welcome change with United. Looking forward to see if there’s a post-Covid evolvement with the US Carriers 🤞
@@PatrickSheaAviation Well, we introduced the new Polaris service ( all in one ) post-pandemic. Especially for SIN flights and other ultra-long flights we now have more midflight snacks and fruit baskets. Ice 🍨 is back! UA promised more to come for Polaris Business. 🤞
Very lacking. Meals and superior service. Just boring and bland. Someone please resurrect Pan Am. Was the much better and superior carriers of all the American carriers. No one came close. Still doesn’t come close at all. United…meh
Note on your crew- These days I’ve had some Amazing crews on United. Some of the best FAs I’ve ever experienced on any airline, especially domestic. Vastly different than AA.
The crews can vary widely, but this route especially I’ve had wonderful flight attendants each time. Not sure if that’s by coincidence, but they’ve been awesome!
Excellent video - both the content and the edits. Really top notch. I just subscribed. IMHO, Changi is the best airport in the world. Well run and the immigration is always very quick (lone exception is early Aug for National Day). Keep up the great work and looking forward to more videos from you. Cheers!
1. United highest status is GS 2. I personally think Delta service and food is better than United in J. 3. Silver Kris lounge in Singapore as well as Qatar is much better than any Polaris lounge. 4. Same flight I will always pick SQ33/34 over UA 1/2 especially flying in J.
United has had double daily SFO-SIN since even before Covid. Singapore airlines used to have ~10x per week (nonstop) before Covid, and upped it to double daily after Covid. This was in addition to the service through Hong Kong, which they have not reinstated since Covid.
I find on the 787 cell service is usually confused by the phone latching onto united's wifi signal (which shows active but of course doesnt actually work until the plane is over 10,00feet). Turning off the wifi on your phone usually allows cell service to work fine while youre still on the ground and until the wheels go up.
Very nice. Felt like I was the one traveling with your step by step coverage . I’ve flown Polaris a few times, and hoped the in-flight meal service would improve over time, but alas, it hasn’t, seeing your in-flight meals. Very nice video nonetheless!
Great review. Very comprehensive. United definitely has been stepping it up lately. Domestic first class. Will be going to Europe later this year. Always stick with Star Alliance Carrie’s, but this review will keep United as a definite choice to Europe.
Thank you! Enjoy your flight! I do wish the domestic first class in the US would be improved, but at least it’s better than business class within Europe!
Around 23 mins where you talked about the history of the route… Singapore Airlines didn’t fly to SF via Tokyo. It was historically via HKG (SQ1/2) or ICN (SQ15/16).
Wow, you travelled to Singapore 7 months ago...did you visit Changi Airport, Jewel and other parts of my country? Hope to meet you to show you around in future.
@@dannyong4843 there will definitely be more videos involving Singapore. I’m usually going to or from San Francisco but I’ve gone plenty of places from there as well
@@PatrickSheaAviation It's a good choice to transit from Singapore before flying to other countries. The different levels of Airport facilities in different countries will make you appreciate and enjoy more here. I love San Francisco and just cannot explain why. Will go there again next year. Hope to meet you when you are here in transit again.
Thank you for sharing your long-haul flight here. I agree with about see and having the shower bathroom seating long chair. That is nice to have an added space to place items that you have.
@@PatrickSheaAviation You are welcome. Yes, SFO was and is important to United. Yes, my and my former team would always bring the 747-400s from Chicago to SFO every day for the continuing of flights yo Asia. But we, United, my former, would do the Chicago- Hong Kong Flights and they were nice. So, yes, Business Class then and now looks good for those long-haul United flights.
US airlines can be a bit polarizing. I typically enjoy Polaris flights but there are definitely plenty of categories where it lacks behind other business classes
Just flew United Polaris last weekend from Newark to London. Loved the ability to sleep in a real “bed” and I actually got some sleep, usually impossible for me on a flight. The pod was a little unhandy in that there were no labels to indicate what the various buttons were for so it was a matter of trial and error but on the whole it was a great experience.
I did this flight back in April the week of Easter, an found this lounge, my first international biz flight, I was so happy I paid for the biz class upgrade
that amenity kit! 👌 have you considered doing AC1 from YYZ to HND if your Star Alliance/points allow? ive not done it myself but will likely do so on my next trip to Japan - last time i was there was 2019 and flew YVR to KIX which was an awesome experience
I’ve got all flight number ones on my list… it’s just a matter of how often I’m able to get on one. Unfortunately they are usually on sold out routes meaning that good values typically have to planned months in advance
I have regularly flown Singapore Airlines in business on this route. I’ve also flown several flights on United in Polaris in the last two years to other destinations. I must say that I’ve been very pleasantly surprised by the quality of service and the attitude of the FAs on my United flights. Also the Polaris seat is, I feel, much more comfortable than Singapore’s offering. My last flight on Singapore to Changi was pleasant enough, but I found the service robotic and the lack of pre-departure drink, hot towels and having to ask for an amenity kit off-putting. I will definitely be considering United for my next flight to Singapore.
I have also done Singapore and United on this route a couple times now. Personally I’m a big fan of United’s Polaris product and this route tends to go to some of their better flight attendants (maybe by coincidence 🤷♂️). But I did also enjoy my time in Singapore’s business class and in their brand new renovated lounge!
I avoid SQ because of their business class seat. It's not well designed. The foot well configuration, the flip down bed etc don't make it that comfortable for long haul.
Very Nice Travel Patrick, i enjoyed your vlog and sharing the good reviews about United Polaris, what is the different between Polaris and Regular United Airplanes?
Hi Patrick! I have a suggestion for your The Ones series. Can you try out Starlux Airline flight JX1 from LAX to TPE? I’ve seen and read great things about them but would really like to see a more thorough trip report like what you do. Thanks!
great video! very thorough. just wondering, are you allowed to keep the pajamas, slippers and/or the saks fifth ave stuff or is that kind of tacky? thank you.
A great service and vlog. I did the unique British Airways flight 1 pre covid the Club World London City service. It inherited BAs famous BA1 flight number from Concorde on its London to New York run. This was a unique service on an A318 with just 32 business class seats. The Runway at LCY isnt long enough for take off with full fuel to cross to JFK so it had a refuliing stop in Shannon Ireland where you went through US pre-clearance which the aircraft was fuelled so you arrived at JFK as a domestic passenger. It had a 15 min check in though so popular with business travellers and preclearance and low check in time making it often quicker than a London to JFK direct service
Appreciate your video. Newark airport unfortunately is so overcrowded United is my last choice going to Europe as getting there on time is my priority. Also not all their planes have the new Polaris business class on the east coast quite yet. By the end of this year is the plan, a delay from the end of August. For reliability I take either Lufthansa or Delta as JFK does not quite have the traffic level of Newark. It looks like this is going to be much better on the plane going forward.
I have minimal exposure to Delta and JFK being from the west coast although I do have plans to fly them soon. It would be a nice alternative since Newarks makes me lose my mind every time
@@PatrickSheaAviation I saw that United made a recent statement that although they cut flights before this summer delays are still among the worst in the USA. So they are cutting them more. Newark has two runways north and south, and a third runway running east to west that is shorter and crosses the other two runways so it is almost never used. JFK has four runways around the airport so while it also experiences delays from time to time, it is nothing like Newark. Best of luck!
13:54 sorry to be negative, but I’m sure they could have designed the seating to have more legroom for the feet. But then they wouldn’t be able to sell the first class seats?
While watching your one's series, I realized that I'll be flying Finnair AY1 in a couple weeks (HEL-LAX). I'll report back if it's worth your checking it out.😊
Hey Patrick! Really enjoying your The Ones series. As a Canadian, can I suggest WestJet flight 1, which I believe highlights their first intercontinental flight, and Air Canada flight 1? Keep the videos coming!!
WestJet #1 is definitely in my bucket list (as are the rest of the Ones) but I haven’t flown westjet before so I’m a bit excited to get on that one. Thank you!!
At 8.49 in your video i was pleased to see our international airline,✈Air New Zealand parked next to your departing flight United 787-9.,awesome flight report btw Patrick👍
I was about to take this route this summer to meet a friend in Singapore but It didn't work out because I would have been there for a total of 5 days. I do want to try this route sometime tho! I was going to do SFO-SIN and return doing SIN-NRT-DFW on JAL and American
Do you get to keep the pajamas or slippers? I just booked my first Polaris flight for later this month, one on the 789 EWR-JNB and one on the 77W CPT-EWR and I'm so excited I can't see straight
Singapore is always a blast! I do enjoy United’s food taste-wise, but they could definitely improve, starting by splitting up the courses instead of giving out just one tray with everything
@@PatrickSheaAviation agree. Not dividing courses is just pure laziness. If it were a two hour flight, I get it, but 16? It’s just so staff can go on break sooner I would imagine!
Flew this route back in July of 2022 in economy. Tbh I was not expecting much from United, but it ended up being much better than expected! Would recommend if it is the cheapest option of course😂
I love the Polairs lounge. A la carte dining alone makes it worth it. When I flew Asiana airlines to ICN in business class last april there was no wait for the dining room Presumably because we were still somewhat on covid times at that time. Make sure Y'all leave tip.
This flight with miles is 250k usually unless continuing on with another airline generally. You can find it for as low as $1800 cash but usually is around $3-5k
Flew a UA 787-10 in business recently from BCN to EWR. The service was slow and perfunctory, the catering below average. Flights to Asia have been on Cathay Pacific and Qatar, both far better in my opinion, especially Qatar.
Polaris Lounge is for business or first class passengers on a star alliance carrier on trans-oceanic routes. United Club is for either people who purchase United club memberships, or star alliance gold members on an international economy ticket
I enjoyed your video and welcome to Singapore. Me being a local and an avgeek I will be flying Polaris for the first time in July and of course ana Room on my way to Hawaii including the ana a380 honu... And onto NYC and DC. Meantime I wish you well .. will subscribe to your channel and yes I will use the lounge at SFO.. I used to live in the USA in the early 80s... ❤
I would argue that Turkish Business Lounge in IST is better (and Miles and Smiles lounge to that matter which is symmetrically opposed). They have actual beds for layovers longer than 8 hours, much better food although less options and definitely the best view of the apron.
Polaris Lounges are all much better than the United Clubs. The United Clubs have much fewer restrictions as to who can enter, but also the Polaris lounges are commonly much newer
Great video! I don't love United's blue plastic accents in a premium cabin. Looks more like a city bus than a premium offering. Hard and soft offerings seem to be on par with AA. Honestly, none of the big three legacy airlines in the US are nothing to write home about. I look forward to seeing your other "The Ones" videos.
Pan Am knew how to do it right. And I agree American carriers are so bad at this internationally. They lack guidance and a mission for superior service.
I would dispute that. The hard product is excellent - in fact, often ahead of EU or Asian carriers. It's the soft product that is, politely speaking, awful. I remember being served "dinner" in business on AA a few years ago by an FA using a full arm oven glove, industrial tongs and an aloof manner which made me think I'd been teleported to Wallmart. I'm generally happy to disembark without having lost any fur. Call me anytime US airlines, I'll teach you how it's done.
Simply put, they don't have anyone to compete to in the States. Sure, you have charters like Omni, but who is flying them? If no one is competing to put out the best first class products, then US carriers don't have to. I will say, Delta and United are far better than what American(t) has to offer.
I would completely disagree. I have flown a good number of US and European in business and united is probably the best after Fin air. Still need to need to work to catch the Middle East but they have a lot of government help so it’s not a fair fight.
Great review. But how that could be voted best lounge in the world is absolutely beyond me. So many lounges are so much better than this. Singapore, Emirates, Etihad and Turkish to name just a few.
Lovely channel. If I had one tip though you should improve the quality of your audio, be it by getting a new voiceover mic and soundproofing the room you take your voice overs from. Maybe get a new camera, although the video quality seems to have gotten better quite a bit.
Hey Patrick. You do an awesome job on "reporting" keep up the good work. I use to be a F/A for United, they have come a long way on their products and services. I'd luv to be able to fly internationally on SQ business or first someday!!!. Have safe and fun travels 🥾.
Good Video, but one safety comment I would make would be to leave your shoes on till after take off. Since if something went wrong and you had to evacuate the aircraft you do not want me to be running around in slippers or just socks.
Us airlines have some ways to go in terms of matching the hospitality standards but in some areas they have really outclassed the competition. While not being as pretentious or overtly luxurious US airlines offer efficiency all the way from boarding to landing. They have the best tech that outpaces the others by miles(best apps, best baggage tracking, real time updates and customer chats, best IFEs, better quality padding m etc).They have the best rewards programs, the best customer service(Qatar and Emirates don’t even have customer services in some cases and when they do it’s just horrific). Also sometimes I think we can’t blame US carriers for their lower standard of soft product. These carriers do have insanely large fleets and way more destinations to serve so given the amount of locations they serve they have done pretty well for themselves while making a lot of profit. And compared to a few years ago they have made great strides in becoming more presentable day by day.
Some good stuff you pointed out. While they may never meet the glitz and glamour of Emirates or Singapore, they have a very different style of airline, and airplanes and routes of all sizes. I do agree that they have some great features that work for them all around in their model
I have flown this route, but I completely prefer Singapore airlines SQ21 From EWR-SIN. I think the service on Singapore airlines is far superior than United, also…..I’ve been able to get round trip business class for as low as 3700RT. United is often around 2k more to get to singapore
It is a much different experience, but it’s not exactly a 1:1 comparison. Emirates/SQ/Etihad are predominantly long haul carriers, where as most US carriers have such an intricate short and medium haul domestic market, that their long haul is just one cog in the operation as a whole, so it does make sense why their product would reflect that. Not to discredit the things they do well… I believe with that considered, they do offer a great hard product, and the soft product is luckily something that is always evolving and improving!
@@PatrickSheaAviation Very true. Those carriers have zero dometic market. The US carriers are predominantly domestic and it still accounts for a majority of their flights, revenue and profits. That still doesn't excuse them though on poor long haul food service.
This guy is the goat for aviation travel. Love your videos
Thank man!
Blud got the Fortnite pfp 💀
@@Akry_RBLX hehe
I love how unique this series is
Thank you! I am having a ton of fun with it, so I’m glad you like it!
Your voiceover is so professional, you emphasise and articulate facts as good as any high quality documentary. Smmoth, free-flowing, no stuttering or awkward pauses, definitely not robotic as some other youtube trip reports and full of helpful tips and information for Avgeeks and non-Avgeeks. Plus the accent is so sexy 👍👍👍
Glad to hear that! Although the amount of times I have to re-record because I accidentally stutterered is astonishing 🤣, it just doesn’t make the Final Cut 🤫
Excellent video! I don’t understand why you don’t have thousands more following! Thanks
I appreciate it! Thanks man!
Fantastic video. I'm really looking forward to more you have coming. I took this flight at Christmas and agree with all your review topics. Strange as it may sound, I'd like to spend a whole day at Changi, just eating and sightseeing. It's one of the best tourist attractions in Singapore.
Not strange! Changi airport is a trip in itself!
I actually have a video I’m working covering everything there is to do at Changi Airport. I agree it’s a vacation in and of itself
Thank you for your comprehensive review. I thoroughly enjoyed it. 🌹
Thank you!
Such an original series and not covered before! Well done!
My favorite is EK1, now covered with the latest A380’s in the network. Looking forward to that one😎
I’m hoping to get Prem Econ on that one soon! Thanks!
We will be taking this flight in December in Polaris. Thanks for the overview of what to expect.
Enjoy! It’s a blast
Nice👍
Thanks for sharing
Greetings from Helsinki ❄️ Finland
Thank you! Hello!
I'm taking a Polaris flight in a week from IAH-LIM. The first leg, however, will be in a 767-400er from IAD-IAH with the "fauxlaris" setup, which I've never experienced before. I hear the seats are much older than the new seats, but hey, I'll take lie flat seats any day on a 3 hour flight. For the second leg, it'll be in the 767-300 aircraft which I absolutely LOVE! It has become my favorite aircraft in United's fleet by far. Even though I've flown on Polaris multiple times by now, I still can't help but get excited knowing I'm going to be experiencing this luxury again. I loved your video and it made me feel nostalgic of all the good times I've had in Polaris.
That’s awesome! I hope you enjoy your flight! I’ve never gotten on one of the 767-400s but I have heard stories about them, especially from before they began renovating the cabins
"United Global Services is an invitation-only, top-tier level of the United MileagePlus program, beyond the publicly listed Premier 1K status" - NerdWallet.
Very detailed review as always. Keep up great work.
Such a great video. Love these vids! Impressed that You’re Premier 1K, awesome.
This is such a fascinating series. I hope to get the SQ one!
Thank you! I too am excited for the journey to come!
Loved that wing flex on take off from SFO. UA has certainly picked up their game. Meals looks a little meager though albeit a late flight. Great review Patrick as always!
I totally agree. I think United’s game is improving. Food and Check In would be my next steps for them to look at
I’m glad to hear he had such a great trip. Not to out myself, but I was one of the employees working the trip on the ground. 12:21
Ahh hello!! I’ve probably seen you a million times if that’s the case
Great vid as usual 👍
Only problem I have is the inflight service meals leave a lot to be desired.
Esp the pre-arrival meal looks like you'll be hungry again an hour after landing.
For such a long flight the meals look lacking.
I do wish they would offer a better presentation of the meals. Throwing it all on a tray is a drawback that you find on most US carriers as opposed to most airlines offering a first course, appetizer, and main course separately
Hi Patrick, I only work ultra-long-haul flights out of SFO in Polaris Business. I personally miss the presentation we used to have before the pandemic.
United told us that customers want quick service everything at once. Hard for me to believe that because especially my 1K customers tell me on every flight how much they miss the old service and the presentation.
I think overall we are a standard US Airline.
We introduced Business Polaris in 2016. I think all of our aircrafts now have been completed for the International market.
I'm sure you are aware, many International carriers introduced new First and Business classes throughout the pandemic, while UA Polaris is now getting old and outdated.
I very much enjoyed your video! Well done!
I hope to have you on my flight.
@@f.g.7091 that’s all good stuff to hear! SFO is my home, so I always welcome change with United. Looking forward to see if there’s a post-Covid evolvement with the US Carriers 🤞
@@PatrickSheaAviation Well, we introduced the new Polaris service ( all in one ) post-pandemic. Especially for SIN flights and other ultra-long flights we now have more midflight snacks and fruit baskets. Ice 🍨 is back! UA promised more to come for Polaris Business. 🤞
Very lacking. Meals and superior service. Just boring and bland. Someone please resurrect Pan Am. Was the much better and superior carriers of all the American carriers. No one came close. Still doesn’t come close at all. United…meh
Excellent series . Nobody does this better . Can't wait for the next one !
Awesome! Thank you!
Note on your crew- These days I’ve had some Amazing crews on United. Some of the best FAs I’ve ever experienced on any airline, especially domestic. Vastly different than AA.
The crews can vary widely, but this route especially I’ve had wonderful flight attendants each time. Not sure if that’s by coincidence, but they’ve been awesome!
Excellent video - both the content and the edits. Really top notch. I just subscribed. IMHO, Changi is the best airport in the world. Well run and the immigration is always very quick (lone exception is early Aug for National Day).
Keep up the great work and looking forward to more videos from you.
Cheers!
I appreciate it. Thank you!
1. United highest status is GS
2. I personally think Delta service and food is better than United in J.
3. Silver Kris lounge in Singapore as well as Qatar is much better than any Polaris lounge.
4. Same flight I will always pick SQ33/34 over UA 1/2 especially flying in J.
United has had double daily SFO-SIN since even before Covid. Singapore airlines used to have ~10x per week (nonstop) before Covid, and upped it to double daily after Covid. This was in addition to the service through Hong Kong, which they have not reinstated since Covid.
Great video! I just found your channel searching for UA Polaris review videos!!
Awesome!
I find on the 787 cell service is usually confused by the phone latching onto united's wifi signal (which shows active but of course doesnt actually work until the plane is over 10,00feet). Turning off the wifi on your phone usually allows cell service to work fine while youre still on the ground and until the wheels go up.
Very nice. Felt like I was the one traveling with your step by step coverage . I’ve flown Polaris a few times, and hoped the in-flight meal service would improve over time, but alas, it hasn’t, seeing your in-flight meals. Very nice video nonetheless!
Yea food service is the biggest drawback of the US carriers, although the seat and experience are very comfortable at least!
I haven’t been in a Polaris lounge, but i have been in the first class lounge at EWR which was really nice
Awesome! Polaris lounges are next tier! I hope you get to try one soon
Great review. Very comprehensive. United definitely has been stepping it up lately. Domestic first class. Will be going to Europe later this year. Always stick with Star Alliance Carrie’s, but this review will keep United as a definite choice to Europe.
Thank you! Enjoy your flight! I do wish the domestic first class in the US would be improved, but at least it’s better than business class within Europe!
Great video! When you land is there a lounge United Polaris has access too?
Not in Singapore. The only United Arrivals lounge that I’m aware of is in Heathrow. If you’re connecting, then you can use the normal lounge
Around 23 mins where you talked about the history of the route… Singapore Airlines didn’t fly to SF via Tokyo. It was historically via HKG (SQ1/2) or ICN (SQ15/16).
HI Patrick, what wquipment did you use to film this flight? The night 60FPS video looks really solid!
This is all on my iPhone. I don’t have any of the fancy cameras or anything at this time
@@PatrickSheaAviation iphone 14?
Wow, you travelled to Singapore 7 months ago...did you visit Changi Airport, Jewel and other parts of my country? Hope to meet you to show you around in future.
I love Singapore! I was actually just there a few days ago too
@@PatrickSheaAviation Good to know, Will you do a video on Singapore? Where do you fly to from Singapore?
@@dannyong4843 there will definitely be more videos involving Singapore. I’m usually going to or from San Francisco but I’ve gone plenty of places from there as well
@@PatrickSheaAviation It's a good choice to transit from Singapore before flying to other countries.
The different levels of Airport facilities in different countries will make you appreciate and enjoy more here.
I love San Francisco and just cannot explain why. Will go there again next year.
Hope to meet you when you are here in transit again.
About the bathroom: have you ever seen the Sing Air or Asiana bathrooms? Theyre spacious, with lots of amenities, and Asiana even has a window
Depends on the aircraft type but totally agree. Those windows make a big time difference
Thank you for sharing your long-haul flight here. I agree with about see and having the shower bathroom seating long chair. That is nice to have an added space to place items that you have.
It’s great to have! Glad you liked the video and flight experience
@@PatrickSheaAviation You are welcome. Yes, SFO was and is important to United. Yes, my and my former team would always bring the 747-400s from Chicago to SFO every day for the continuing of flights yo Asia. But we, United, my former, would do the Chicago- Hong Kong Flights and they were nice. So, yes, Business Class then and now looks good for those long-haul United flights.
Cool video and great critique with your VoiceOver. My most recent United Polaris to ICN was a bit disappointing. As you mentioned, hit or miss.
US airlines can be a bit polarizing. I typically enjoy Polaris flights but there are definitely plenty of categories where it lacks behind other business classes
Great Video! Love United, especially Polaris.
Thanks! I do enjoy Polaris flights
Just flew United Polaris last weekend from Newark to London. Loved the ability to sleep in a real “bed” and I actually got some sleep, usually impossible for me on a flight. The pod was a little unhandy in that there were no labels to indicate what the various buttons were for so it was a matter of trial and error but on the whole it was a great experience.
That’s awesome! Yea it’s great to be able to get some real sleep on a flight. Glad you enjoyed your flight
Awesome content! New subscriber. Great vlog. Felt like I was there with you.
Thanks!!
I did this flight back in April the week of Easter, an found this lounge, my first international biz flight, I was so happy I paid for the biz class upgrade
That’s a great experience for your first business class!
that amenity kit! 👌 have you considered doing AC1 from YYZ to HND if your Star Alliance/points allow? ive not done it myself but will likely do so on my next trip to Japan - last time i was there was 2019 and flew YVR to KIX which was an awesome experience
I’ve got all flight number ones on my list… it’s just a matter of how often I’m able to get on one. Unfortunately they are usually on sold out routes meaning that good values typically have to planned months in advance
I love Polaris class ! Quite classy and fancy !
totally! I’m a big fan of Polaris!
I believe SQ used to stop in HKG from SFO. Their LAX 777 service stops in NRT.
Correct. Singapore used to operate SFO to SIN through NRT and HKG. SQ flight number 1 was actually the former service from SFO-HKG-SIN
12:47 do they have two different entrances to board the plane?
I have regularly flown Singapore Airlines in business on this route. I’ve also flown several flights on United in Polaris in the last two years to other destinations. I must say that I’ve been very pleasantly surprised by the quality of service and the attitude of the FAs on my United flights. Also the Polaris seat is, I feel, much more comfortable than Singapore’s offering. My last flight on Singapore to Changi was pleasant enough, but I found the service robotic and the lack of pre-departure drink, hot towels and having to ask for an amenity kit off-putting. I will definitely be considering United for my next flight to Singapore.
I have also done Singapore and United on this route a couple times now. Personally I’m a big fan of United’s Polaris product and this route tends to go to some of their better flight attendants (maybe by coincidence 🤷♂️). But I did also enjoy my time in Singapore’s business class and in their brand new renovated lounge!
I avoid SQ because of their business class seat. It's not well designed. The foot well configuration, the flip down bed etc don't make it that comfortable for long haul.
Great series, Pat! Love these vids.
Thanks! Glad you’re enjoying them!
Very Nice Travel Patrick, i enjoyed your vlog and sharing the good reviews about United Polaris, what is the different between Polaris and Regular United Airplanes?
Polaris is the branding they use for their International Business class product. It is the namesake for the seat and experience
Hi Patrick! I have a suggestion for your The Ones series. Can you try out Starlux Airline flight JX1 from LAX to TPE? I’ve seen and read great things about them but would really like to see a more thorough trip report like what you do. Thanks!
I’ve been looking at that one for a while. No real good point redemption that works for me so it’ll be one Ill have to save up $$ for
great video! very thorough. just wondering, are you allowed to keep the pajamas, slippers and/or the saks fifth ave stuff or is that kind of tacky? thank you.
It’s not explicitly mentioned whether they’re yours to keep or not. I have seen people take things with them, but some choose to leave them behind
A great service and vlog. I did the unique British Airways flight 1 pre covid the Club World London City service. It inherited BAs famous BA1 flight number from Concorde on its London to New York run. This was a unique service on an A318 with just 32 business class seats. The Runway at LCY isnt long enough for take off with full fuel to cross to JFK so it had a refuliing stop in Shannon Ireland where you went through US pre-clearance which the aircraft was fuelled so you arrived at JFK as a domestic passenger. It had a 15 min check in though so popular with business travellers and preclearance and low check in time making it often quicker than a London to JFK direct service
The death of BA1 is tragic! 😩. Of course it happens right when I begin to be able to see the world
Africa Picture 2:03
Appreciate your video. Newark airport unfortunately is so overcrowded United is my last choice going to Europe as getting there on time is my priority. Also not all their planes have the new Polaris business class on the east coast quite yet. By the end of this year is the plan, a delay from the end of August. For reliability I take either Lufthansa or Delta as JFK does not quite have the traffic level of Newark. It looks like this is going to be much better on the plane going forward.
I have minimal exposure to Delta and JFK being from the west coast although I do have plans to fly them soon. It would be a nice alternative since Newarks makes me lose my mind every time
@@PatrickSheaAviation I saw that United made a recent statement that although they cut flights before this summer delays are still among the worst in the USA. So they are cutting them more. Newark has two runways north and south, and a third runway running east to west that is shorter and crosses the other two runways so it is almost never used. JFK has four runways around the airport so while it also experiences delays from time to time, it is nothing like Newark. Best of luck!
13:54 sorry to be negative, but I’m sure they could have designed the seating to have more legroom for the feet. But then they wouldn’t be able to sell the first class seats?
Fantastic review!
Thanks!
While watching your one's series, I realized that I'll be flying Finnair AY1 in a couple weeks (HEL-LAX). I'll report back if it's worth your checking it out.😊
Awesome! I’ve got that one in my plans. There’s some great redemption with Alaska Airlines points!
thanks for sharing it was a wonderful journey i enjoyed it greetings from the netherlands
Thank you!
The best description
I’ve taken ANA1 several times. That’s DC to Tokyo. I highly recommend it.
I’ve been trying to get on that one but it’s typically super expensive and not great mileage redemption
Hey Patrick! Really enjoying your The Ones series. As a Canadian, can I suggest WestJet flight 1, which I believe highlights their first intercontinental flight, and Air Canada flight 1? Keep the videos coming!!
WestJet #1 is definitely in my bucket list (as are the rest of the Ones) but I haven’t flown westjet before so I’m a bit excited to get on that one. Thank you!!
At 8.49 in your video i was pleased to see our international airline,✈Air New Zealand parked next to your departing flight United 787-9.,awesome flight report btw Patrick👍
Air New Zealand is high on my bucket list! Hopefully sometime soon 🤞
I was about to take this route this summer to meet a friend in Singapore but It didn't work out because I would have been there for a total of 5 days. I do want to try this route sometime tho! I was going to do SFO-SIN and return doing SIN-NRT-DFW on JAL and American
Both of those legs sound like fun! I hope you get to go and get a chance to enjoy Singapore! I love it there!
Do you get to keep the pajamas or slippers? I just booked my first Polaris flight for later this month, one on the 789 EWR-JNB and one on the 77W CPT-EWR and I'm so excited I can't see straight
Yes you can!
I agree. Polaris is the best in the US. It also fares well against European airlines when traveling to Europe.
Definitely! Polaris is my go-to when I can. Granted I’m biased with SFO being my home base
Great review as always but wow, the food looks beyond dreadful. United could really improve in this space! Hope you enjoyed Singapore, great city!
Singapore is always a blast! I do enjoy United’s food taste-wise, but they could definitely improve, starting by splitting up the courses instead of giving out just one tray with everything
@@PatrickSheaAviation agree. Not dividing courses is just pure laziness. If it were a two hour flight, I get it, but 16? It’s just so staff can go on break sooner I would imagine!
Flew this route back in July of 2022 in economy. Tbh I was not expecting much from United, but it ended up being much better than expected! Would recommend if it is the cheapest option of course😂
That’s awesome! I know that there are mixed opinions on most US airlines, but I do find United’s Polaris seats to definitely be the most comfortable
I love the Polairs lounge. A la carte dining alone makes it worth it. When I flew Asiana airlines to ICN in business class last april there was no wait for the dining room Presumably because we were still somewhat on covid times at that time. Make sure Y'all leave tip.
Totally! That’s awesome!
@@PatrickSheaAviation just need to check out the one in LAX (my home airport) during lunch or dinner breakfast left a lot to be desired.
This was a great flight trip report
Thank you!
It’s a clever name for the channel!
Did you fly on QF1 from Singapore to London after this flight?
I wish! If I had an extra $8000 laying around maybe!
@@PatrickSheaAviation That's a shame. You could have had the a380 experience
@@iFlyTheWorld I know 😩😩 hopefully soon in the future!
Great video. Did you book with miles or $$, if with miles can you say how many thousand miles?
This flight with miles is 250k usually unless continuing on with another airline generally. You can find it for as low as $1800 cash but usually is around $3-5k
@@PatrickSheaAviation oh wow...thank you so much for your response. Have a great day.
I’m taking this flight early next year - Odd Seats on the window !
Great review!
Thanks!
13:24 maybe it’s just the angle but it looks pretty cramped.
Ah, the jet setting lifestyle of the Uber rich. Thank you for a great video. Oh God, I envy you.
Flew a UA 787-10 in business recently from BCN to EWR. The service was slow and perfunctory, the catering below average. Flights to Asia have been on Cathay Pacific and Qatar, both far better in my opinion, especially Qatar.
What are the requirements to enter the Polaris Lounge or the United Club?
Polaris Lounge is for business or first class passengers on a star alliance carrier on trans-oceanic routes. United Club is for either people who purchase United club memberships, or star alliance gold members on an international economy ticket
Do you still have to pay for Internet service even in business class?
At this time it’s $8 for the full flight but it sounds like they are trying to make it free in the future
good job keep up the good work
Thank you! I appreciate it!
I enjoyed your video and welcome to Singapore. Me being a local and an avgeek I will be flying Polaris for the first time in July and of course ana Room on my way to Hawaii including the ana a380 honu... And onto NYC and DC. Meantime I wish you well .. will subscribe to your channel and yes I will use the lounge at SFO.. I used to live in the USA in the early 80s... ❤
I think ANA the room is only on their latest 777's
That’s awesome! I love Singapore! Enjoy your travels. ANA’s A380 is big on my wish list!
What is a quiet suite?
I would argue that Turkish Business Lounge in IST is better (and Miles and Smiles lounge to that matter which is symmetrically opposed). They have actual beds for layovers longer than 8 hours, much better food although less options and definitely the best view of the apron.
There are some better business class lounges around the world. The award this one won these past couple years was specifically for lounges in the US
How was the turbulence for the whole flight?
It was totally smooth! The return flight did have a few bumps but nothing too crazy
Looks like the Polaris lounge is better than the United club when I was there in December 22 there elevator was broken.
Polaris Lounges are all much better than the United Clubs. The United Clubs have much fewer restrictions as to who can enter, but also the Polaris lounges are commonly much newer
Great video! I don't love United's blue plastic accents in a premium cabin. Looks more like a city bus than a premium offering. Hard and soft offerings seem to be on par with AA. Honestly, none of the big three legacy airlines in the US are nothing to write home about. I look forward to seeing your other "The Ones" videos.
Where did you get your suitcase
Costco! It’s just a samsonite carry on bag
@@PatrickSheaAviation thank you
US airlines have a lot of catching up to do on their business/first products
Pan Am knew how to do it right. And I agree American carriers are so bad at this internationally. They lack guidance and a mission for superior service.
I would dispute that. The hard product is excellent - in fact, often ahead of EU or Asian carriers. It's the soft product that is, politely speaking, awful. I remember being served "dinner" in business on AA a few years ago by an FA using a full arm oven glove, industrial tongs and an aloof manner which made me think I'd been teleported to Wallmart. I'm generally happy to disembark without having lost any fur. Call me anytime US airlines, I'll teach you how it's done.
And economy/coach.
Simply put, they don't have anyone to compete to in the States. Sure, you have charters like Omni, but who is flying them? If no one is competing to put out the best first class products, then US carriers don't have to. I will say, Delta and United are far better than what American(t) has to offer.
I would completely disagree. I have flown a good number of US and European in business and united is probably the best after Fin air. Still need to need to work to catch the Middle East but they have a lot of government help so it’s not a fair fight.
how much did it cost?
Great review. But how that could be voted best lounge in the world is absolutely beyond me. So many lounges are so much better than this. Singapore, Emirates, Etihad and Turkish to name just a few.
Well right now it’s the best in the US…
Did you spot Air India at SFO?
Oh yes. I see Air India frequently at SFO considering they have 3 destinations served with 3 daily flights
So why did you book seat 05A?
You ask a great question…. I seem to forget these things when booking. I’ve made the same mistakes a few times 🤷♂️
I took Polaris to TLV and before i knew it the flight was over, compared to economy in which i couldn't wait for the flight to be over with.
Oh yes, I know the feeling. Having to fly economy after flying business class always makes the flight feel 10x longer!
What is meant by the #1 flight?
Flight number 1. Like UA1 in this case. Usually something of importance for an airline
Lovely channel. If I had one tip though you should improve the quality of your audio, be it by getting a new voiceover mic and soundproofing the room you take your voice overs from. Maybe get a new camera, although the video quality seems to have gotten better quite a bit.
Great 👍
Hey Patrick. You do an awesome job on "reporting" keep up the good work. I use to be a F/A for United, they have come a long way on their products and services. I'd luv to be able to fly internationally on SQ business or first someday!!!. Have safe and fun travels 🥾.
QF
Good Video, but one safety comment I would make would be to leave your shoes on till after take off. Since if something went wrong and you had to evacuate the aircraft you do not want me to be running around in slippers or just socks.
You don’t know how fast I run in slippers 😜. But yes you are correct. Thanks!
Us airlines have some ways to go in terms of matching the hospitality standards but in some areas they have really outclassed the competition. While not being as pretentious or overtly luxurious US airlines offer efficiency all the way from boarding to landing. They have the best tech that outpaces the others by miles(best apps, best baggage tracking, real time updates and customer chats, best IFEs, better quality padding m etc).They have the best rewards programs, the best customer service(Qatar and Emirates don’t even have customer services in some cases and when they do it’s just horrific). Also sometimes I think we can’t blame US carriers for their lower standard of soft product. These carriers do have insanely large fleets and way more destinations to serve so given the amount of locations they serve they have done pretty well for themselves while making a lot of profit. And compared to a few years ago they have made great strides in becoming more presentable day by day.
Some good stuff you pointed out. While they may never meet the glitz and glamour of Emirates or Singapore, they have a very different style of airline, and airplanes and routes of all sizes. I do agree that they have some great features that work for them all around in their model
I have flown this route, but I completely prefer Singapore airlines SQ21 From EWR-SIN. I think the service on Singapore airlines is far superior than United, also…..I’ve been able to get round trip business class for as low as 3700RT. United is often around 2k more to get to singapore
That’s a hell of a deal. I do like SQ business class, although I think their hard products are comparable, SQ’s soft product wins for sure
Five star coverage
Thanks!
Thanks for the detailed video. It was a great experience and learning of the United Polaris trip. :)
Glad you like it! Thanks!
TBBT, Crazy Rich Asians, and Young Sheldon? You got GREAT entertainment taste
Lol! That’s all I’m here for 🤣🤣
May I ask what do you do for work?
I’m a pilot… so I guess I just don’t get enough aviation from that alone🤷♂️
@@PatrickSheaAviation Thanks for letting us know.
But none of us base airlines are not even close to the class of Singapore airlines emirate airline eithad or Ana Cathay Pacific. I mean that’s shame
I wouldn't say it's a shame. Just the nature of the US business model that works well for them.
Seat wise they are all good its in the soft product where they are lacking minus the lounge.
Us airlines are private for profit business. They don’t have state support. Also they have CBA so it is more expensive labor cost.
It is a much different experience, but it’s not exactly a 1:1 comparison. Emirates/SQ/Etihad are predominantly long haul carriers, where as most US carriers have such an intricate short and medium haul domestic market, that their long haul is just one cog in the operation as a whole, so it does make sense why their product would reflect that. Not to discredit the things they do well… I believe with that considered, they do offer a great hard product, and the soft product is luckily something that is always evolving and improving!
@@PatrickSheaAviation Very true. Those carriers have zero dometic market. The US carriers are predominantly domestic and it still accounts for a majority of their flights, revenue and profits. That still doesn't excuse them though on poor long haul food service.
Global services is the highest UA status level. It’s invite only though.