United upgrades Polaris experience with amenities
United's new onboard amenities in United Polaris are designed to promote wellness, comfort and sleep for international passengers
In the largest overhaul since 2016 of its United Polaris international business class experience, United Airlines has announced new in-airport and onboard amenities from Therabody® and Saks Fifth Avenue.
The new reusable belt bag made with recycled plastic, passengers will find Therabody products including an eye serum, face spray, hand cream and cleansing towelette exclusive to United customer. The kit also includes go-to amenities for arriving refreshed, including a bamboo toothbrush, toothpaste, eye mask, ear plugs, socks and a pen.
Passengers can also access free wellness videos onboard from Therabody's team of experts. The videos are tailored for passengers looking to incorporate simple, effective wellness practices into their trip, like movement, breathwork and guided meditations that support relaxation and sleep.
At the airport, Therabody's Reset Suites are scheduled to open this autumn at all United Polaris lounges, starting with New York/Newark and San Francisco lounges late October and followed-by Chicago O'Hare, Houston Intercontinental, Los Angeles and Washington Dulles. It is anticipated that every lounge will offer at least one semi-private room each outfitted with Therabody wellness technology, including one Therabody Lounger, which combines sound and vibration therapy for full body relaxation. Additional amenities available through lounge valets include the Theragun and RecoveryAir JetBoots to support circulation, lymphatic drainage and muscle recovery and aid in decreased swelling and stiffness, plus SmartGoggles to help customers feel more relaxed. The TheraFace skin and body care products are also available in the United Polaris lounge restrooms and showers.
MileagePlus members can now earn up to six MileagePlus miles per dollar spent on Therabody online purchases. This offer is available for MileagePlus members in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and select locations in Europe.
The new Saks Fifth Avenue bedding includes select items that are made with recycled plastic, aligned with United's commitment to reducing its environmental impact. This includes a large pillow and duvet and an extra cool gel pillow – United Polaris is the only US business class cabin that provides two pillows per person and the only airline to offer a cool gel pillow.
Also included is a a new limited-edition day blanket featuring a pattern by fashion designer Claude Kameni and made from 100% recycled plastic. The limited-edition blanket will be available through early 2024.
The introduction of these new amenities comes at a time that the airline's international bookings are up 20% overall compared to 2022 and customers are booking premium cabin seats – United Polaris and United Premium Plus® – 30% more than last year.
"International travel is booming and our customers have direct access to more places around the globe than any other airline – with these new amenities, now they'll also have the best experience flying there," said Andrew Nocella, United Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer in a October 3 statement. "We know amenities can really elevate the overall flying experience and are confident United Polaris flyers will love the new wellness-focused offerings created with our best-in-class partners Therabody and Saks Fifth Avenue and increased focus on sourcing recycled materials."
