With the quality of business class products rising, what’s the prognosis for premium seating?
![The Future Of Flying First Class](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/7820/183341/57ce5fef3fea0/Travel-First-Class-Flying-Air-Travel-Airplane-Emirates-Air-Canada-Business-Class-Luxury.jpg)
The aviation industry appears to be reassessing the value of first class. Some still think of it as integral to their service offering, but there are those who have decided to eliminate the cabin class from their aircraft altogether. United is one such airline. This December the carrier is set to introduce a slew of business class improvements, which will see it transform the existing BusinessFirst product into United Polaris – named after the brightest star in the Ursa Minor constellation.
First on the list is a brand new international business class seat, which can turn into a 180-degree fully-flat bed measuring six foot six inches. The new Polaris pods will be arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access for all customers. The seat will come with standard business-friendly amenities such as power outlets and USB charging ports. The cabin will also offer enhanced inflight services and an all-new menu.
Finally, the airline will also introduce a new United Polaris lounge concept when it opens a new facility at Chicago O’Hare on Dec. 1. The concept will subsequently be introduced in eight other locations – Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, New York/ Newark, Washington Dulles, Tokyo Narita, Hong Kong and London Heathrow in 2017.
While United Polaris signals the airline’s continued investment in its premium offerings, customers hoping to see improvements made in Global First are likely to be disappointed. The Star Alliance member has previously stated its intention to gradually remove that travel class from its portfolio, calling international first class “a losing business.”
This story is from the September 2016 edition of Business Traveler.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2016 edition of Business Traveler.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![Train of Thought](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/7820/1426967/YZsVCmpY41695381003086/TRAIN-OF-THOUGHT.jpg)
Train of Thought
As Amsterdam’s airport curtails flights because of environmental impact, KLM suggests that its passengers take to the rails
![Entry Level](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/7820/1426967/F8CMiw4h61695380933886/ENTRY-LEVEL.jpg)
Entry Level
Why travelers are waiting weeks or even months to receive a new passport or renewal
![Big Wheels](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/7820/1426967/TusCfaVwG1695380868614/BIG-WHEELS.jpg)
Big Wheels
American Airlines offers a TSA-approved ground service between Philadelphia and surrounding airports
![Le Bon Goût](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/7820/1426967/mYvyO3jme1695380807071/LE-BON-GOT.jpg)
Le Bon Goût
Air France partners with Michelin-starred chefs for its new menus
![First Glance](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/7820/1426967/s0ub3hZcZ1695380728031/FIRST-GLANCE.jpg)
First Glance
United unveils new high-end seats
![Ring of Fire](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/7820/1426967/LsuRMxYjZ1695380627216/RING-OF-FIRE.jpg)
Ring of Fire
In October and April, solar eclipses will dazzle the United States
![Just Say Know](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/7820/1426967/re4D0s2bs1695380345152/JUST-SAY-KNOW.jpg)
Just Say Know
To improve mental health, learn new skills on the road—and have fun doing it
![Rebalancing Act](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/7820/1426967/6rCqcs-Az1695380225400/REBALANCING-ACT.jpg)
Rebalancing Act
How Finnair CEO Topi Manner led the airline through two external crises to bring it back on track
![New Look](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/7820/1426967/BEvXEEwL51695380087329/NEW-LOOK.jpg)
New Look
With industry innovations and a star-studded roster of clients, designer Peter Dundas is changing the shape of fashion
![Food for Thought](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/7820/1426967/k7P0A6IL81695379934474/FOOD-FOR-THOUGHT.jpg)
Food for Thought
The pioneering Spanish restaurant EI Bulli is transformed into a museum and culinary laboratory