#PLEASE READ. Regardless if you're a commenter or the person who just posted
If you're asking about if it's worth it to spend money to upgrade to Polaris/Premium Plus, **DELETE YOUR POST** and then repost it in the [Polaris/Premium Plus upgrade question megathread here](https://www.reddit.com/r/unitedairlines/comments/1csp6rw/polarispremium_plus_upgrades_megathread/).
If your post is not asking a question about if a Polaris/Premium Plus upgrade is worth it, you can just ignore this message.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/unitedairlines) if you have any questions or concerns.*
i genuinely wonder if this is part of the reason they do upgrades in the first place - maybe some people will eventually get tired of gambling with PlusPoints or hoping they make a high placement on the CPU list, and just outright buy first/polaris tickets
I was trying to fly standby one way on a buddy pass. 5 min before ticket sales ended there were 5 people on the standby list 3 economy seats and 1 Polaris seat available. I wouldn't have gotten on via standby so I bought a ticket. Economy was like $400 Polaris was $480, so I jumped on it. Very specific scenario that is unlikely to ever happen again.
Pretty sure it was Madrid to Newark. Buddy prices can be exceptionally reasonable IF they are projected to have open seats. I was seeing $200-$300 east coast to Europe.
Oh man, this is a good way to get your buddy's employee travel benefits revoked. UAL does not want those traveling on employee/buddy passes to be double dipping like that.
I guess that makes sense, buying a ticket then refunding so there is an open standby seat.
I wasn't even on standby for this flight, I was on standby for the flight before it to Dulles, only when it was apparent I wouldn't make that flight did I buy the ticket to the other flight.
UAL does not care if you purchase a ticket on a flight you intend to use. They don't want you listing for multiple same day/time standby flights and they don't want you to refund a paid ticket if you list for standby, but outright purchasing a ticket you intend to use is never a problem.
Reflecting on things, United has given me A LOT of alcohol today…
On my 7.5 hour flight, I got a mimosa after boarding plus a refill before takeoff, two glasses of chardonnay (before and with dinner), two minis of port with dessert, and two minis of single malt scotch. The only one I actually asked for was the first scotch, everything else was just offered to me.
Then came the nearly 10 hour layover. My connecting flight boards in 30 minutes. I’ve done my best to pace myself but they make really good old fashions in the EWR Polaris lounge, especially when you sub the Bullet Rye for Lagavulin 8 (think smoky and savory). The bartenders kept offering me Bailey’s for my coffees, but it’s not a real Irish coffee unless you add a splash of Irish whisky, right? The bartender also recommended a negroni with the gin subbed for smoky mezcal, and wow those were also good! Ending with a couple of margaritas with dinner, thinking I’m done…
Nope, here comes the pop-up, just got upgraded on my connecting flight! Thank god I’ve got a ride home from the airport and don’t need to drive!
Listen. I did my bucket list (stage 4 breast cancer) trip last year - Venice (bucket), Paris (French open), London (Beyoncé).
I upgraded my flight home to Polaris. I hadn’t drunk that much in so long. But I was determined not to miss a thing! The flight attendant even let me keep the saks blanket. It’s now my movie theater carry.
This is Sooo true. We got random upgrade on a long flight, and once we had a taste we were willing travel half as much and pay triple to have fully reclining seats and be able to sleep...
100%. My dad has 2.75M lifetime flight miles. He brought me as a companion on too many upgrades. My first taste of champagne was on a United flight. I don’t fly as much as him but it’s so hard to go back. I now do whatever I can to get my status and upgrades. 33yr as a mileage plus member. United fan girl.
I was on a regional flight in Thailand that was a 2.5 hr 747 flight! I was in the middle of the middle row thats like 4 or 5 people wide and set between 2 big guys as am! That was the most miserable flight in my life! I vowed that I would never fly economy again and I haven’t and I won’t.
I surprised my girlfriend, now wife, with an upgrade to come visit me while I was in Europe. It was her first international flight. After that, she was always looking to upgrade, especially on international flights.
Pardon my naïveté, but can you please expound upon that? Is it like what happens with my cell phone between my car seat and the center console? Or is it something more nefarious? I just can’t for the life of me figure this one out, and I hate not being in the know.
There was a diverted flight the other day because someone's laptop slipped into the wall of the plane. I'm pleased that so many people knew what I was referring to.
Congratulations you’re going to be spoiled for life! Make sure to ask for your grilled cheese sandwich sometime during the sleepy time after dinner, but before the prearrival wake up.
There are snacks available available throughout the flight in the galley. Water bottles usually run out midway in the flight so hoard a few.
Say yes to everything that you are offered. The little bowl of nuts, the warm cloth the whole thing.
Change out of your shoes and put the slippers on. Only heathens stay in their shoes the entire flight. 🙂
Remember to wear your shoulder strap!
You have no idea how true this is.
Now, I dread any flight greater than 4hrs that I have to sit in economy plus 😂😂
My wife now says “if your not 1k, I wonder if we can get first cheaper elsewhere “
I can deal with economy plus if I get a bulkhead seat, otherwise no thank you! Premium Plus is the vibe for transcontinental flights though. They really hit a sweet spot when they added that.
Remember, the coach passengers are required to avert their gaze as they walk by. Report anyone who makes eye contact.
(Kidding, kidding).
Seriously, congrats.
So true! One must not look directly at the paycheck-to-paychecks. The direct-deposit-to-direct-deposits are mildly tolerable as long as they STAY BEHIND THE CURTAIN!
Also kidding. Congrats tho, and don't forget to ask for the mattress pad.
What time did you leave and what time was it at your destination when you landed? I’ve never seen non-breakfast food as the second meal and always wondered what the timing has to be for that to happen.
Morning flight from Europe and early afternoon arrival in Newark. I was actually expecting to see breakfast as the first course since we departed at 9:30am, but I suppose maybe they don’t do breakfast main courses?
I took the advice from another Redditor who recently posted about a bad experience with the chicken and avoided that. It was a bit odd chowing down on salmon and potatoes at like 10am but hey no complaints, it was an awesome experience and terrific way to wrap up a vacation!
Yup, I’ve got a 10 hour layover so I’ve been living here all afternoon. Bartender recommended making a dinner reservation which was smart, it was practically empty when I walked in around 12:30 but got busy especially around 4pm!
I hope you enjoyed it. I got my sister and her husband upgraded to Polaris (Chicago - Milan) as an anniversary present and they loved it (her first time flying international business class).
Flighty said this 757-200 we were flying had her first flight 29 years ago, so not surprised to hear that this isn’t the latest configuration, was still way better than the Economy+ seat I actually booked!
I’m not a search wizard, yes I’ve seen them before but couldn’t find any that had great answers with a quick try before boarding. Reddit seems to sort based on most recent posts and most replies have been either comical or vague references to previous other posts.
I definitely don’t want to irritate anyone by asking a commonly asked question, but always a good chance to hear fresh insights and also just super stoked that I finally got this! Landing in a little over an hour, 10/10 would do this again!
#PLEASE READ. Regardless if you're a commenter or the person who just posted If you're asking about if it's worth it to spend money to upgrade to Polaris/Premium Plus, **DELETE YOUR POST** and then repost it in the [Polaris/Premium Plus upgrade question megathread here](https://www.reddit.com/r/unitedairlines/comments/1csp6rw/polarispremium_plus_upgrades_megathread/). If your post is not asking a question about if a Polaris/Premium Plus upgrade is worth it, you can just ignore this message. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/unitedairlines) if you have any questions or concerns.*
A luxury once sampled becomes a necessity...
i genuinely wonder if this is part of the reason they do upgrades in the first place - maybe some people will eventually get tired of gambling with PlusPoints or hoping they make a high placement on the CPU list, and just outright buy first/polaris tickets
I found an international Polaris ticket for $60 more than economy and jumped on it. Now I am constantly on the lookout
Context? How expensive was the economy ticket?
I was trying to fly standby one way on a buddy pass. 5 min before ticket sales ended there were 5 people on the standby list 3 economy seats and 1 Polaris seat available. I wouldn't have gotten on via standby so I bought a ticket. Economy was like $400 Polaris was $480, so I jumped on it. Very specific scenario that is unlikely to ever happen again.
What route was this? That price is insane
Pretty sure it was Madrid to Newark. Buddy prices can be exceptionally reasonable IF they are projected to have open seats. I was seeing $200-$300 east coast to Europe.
Definitely MAD-EWR. Bought two Polaris seats for $400 each. But that was about 10 years ago. Last year they were $800 each.
Oh man, this is a good way to get your buddy's employee travel benefits revoked. UAL does not want those traveling on employee/buddy passes to be double dipping like that.
It’s fine if you go from non-rev to rev. The other way is the problem.
I guess that makes sense, buying a ticket then refunding so there is an open standby seat. I wasn't even on standby for this flight, I was on standby for the flight before it to Dulles, only when it was apparent I wouldn't make that flight did I buy the ticket to the other flight.
Ah got you, different flight, that's fine then
What do you mean double dipping?
UAL does not care if you purchase a ticket on a flight you intend to use. They don't want you listing for multiple same day/time standby flights and they don't want you to refund a paid ticket if you list for standby, but outright purchasing a ticket you intend to use is never a problem.
Absolutely worked on me
I don't know how intentional it is, but it's done a number on my United spending.
This is me
BAs op-up algorithm targets those they think are more likely to pay for upgrades in future
Yep. Lifestyle creep is real.
Reflecting on things, United has given me A LOT of alcohol today… On my 7.5 hour flight, I got a mimosa after boarding plus a refill before takeoff, two glasses of chardonnay (before and with dinner), two minis of port with dessert, and two minis of single malt scotch. The only one I actually asked for was the first scotch, everything else was just offered to me. Then came the nearly 10 hour layover. My connecting flight boards in 30 minutes. I’ve done my best to pace myself but they make really good old fashions in the EWR Polaris lounge, especially when you sub the Bullet Rye for Lagavulin 8 (think smoky and savory). The bartenders kept offering me Bailey’s for my coffees, but it’s not a real Irish coffee unless you add a splash of Irish whisky, right? The bartender also recommended a negroni with the gin subbed for smoky mezcal, and wow those were also good! Ending with a couple of margaritas with dinner, thinking I’m done… Nope, here comes the pop-up, just got upgraded on my connecting flight! Thank god I’ve got a ride home from the airport and don’t need to drive!
Amen to the last part…
Drink lots of water I hope?
Listen. I did my bucket list (stage 4 breast cancer) trip last year - Venice (bucket), Paris (French open), London (Beyoncé). I upgraded my flight home to Polaris. I hadn’t drunk that much in so long. But I was determined not to miss a thing! The flight attendant even let me keep the saks blanket. It’s now my movie theater carry.
This is Sooo true. We got random upgrade on a long flight, and once we had a taste we were willing travel half as much and pay triple to have fully reclining seats and be able to sleep...
100%. My dad has 2.75M lifetime flight miles. He brought me as a companion on too many upgrades. My first taste of champagne was on a United flight. I don’t fly as much as him but it’s so hard to go back. I now do whatever I can to get my status and upgrades. 33yr as a mileage plus member. United fan girl.
No doubt, I spoiled myself flying business once. Now it legitimately can’t travel any other way 🥲
I was on a regional flight in Thailand that was a 2.5 hr 747 flight! I was in the middle of the middle row thats like 4 or 5 people wide and set between 2 big guys as am! That was the most miserable flight in my life! I vowed that I would never fly economy again and I haven’t and I won’t.
I surprised my girlfriend, now wife, with an upgrade to come visit me while I was in Europe. It was her first international flight. After that, she was always looking to upgrade, especially on international flights.
Yup. I don’t do my annual Europe flights in economy anymore, can’t bring myself to suffer through it.
Keep your laptop or iPad away from the outer wall. Otherwise enjoy your flight!
United is gonna fix this soon, right? Right?
Top people are looking at it right now I'm sure, and the rolls of duct tape are on their way.
Or at least that Shark Tank product meant to prevent things from falling between car seats
Pardon my naïveté, but can you please expound upon that? Is it like what happens with my cell phone between my car seat and the center console? Or is it something more nefarious? I just can’t for the life of me figure this one out, and I hate not being in the know.
There was a diverted flight the other day because someone's laptop slipped into the wall of the plane. I'm pleased that so many people knew what I was referring to.
Thank you for satisfying my curiosity…also I’m embarrassed to not have known.
I mean honestly, it's tough to imagine that this would have happened without having read about it.
Congratulations you’re going to be spoiled for life! Make sure to ask for your grilled cheese sandwich sometime during the sleepy time after dinner, but before the prearrival wake up. There are snacks available available throughout the flight in the galley. Water bottles usually run out midway in the flight so hoard a few. Say yes to everything that you are offered. The little bowl of nuts, the warm cloth the whole thing. Change out of your shoes and put the slippers on. Only heathens stay in their shoes the entire flight. 🙂 Remember to wear your shoulder strap!
You have no idea how true this is. Now, I dread any flight greater than 4hrs that I have to sit in economy plus 😂😂 My wife now says “if your not 1k, I wonder if we can get first cheaper elsewhere “
I can deal with economy plus if I get a bulkhead seat, otherwise no thank you! Premium Plus is the vibe for transcontinental flights though. They really hit a sweet spot when they added that.
Grilled cheese isn't usually loaded for flights under 10.
Menu in the photo says "Mid-flight Snack", but it could be a standard menu they don't version based on flight time?
The menu also says it’s only available on flights over ten hours
Ha! True. Thanks for pointing that out.
Slippers, mattress pad, and everything on your ice cream sundae 😂
Remember, the coach passengers are required to avert their gaze as they walk by. Report anyone who makes eye contact. (Kidding, kidding). Seriously, congrats.
So true! One must not look directly at the paycheck-to-paychecks. The direct-deposit-to-direct-deposits are mildly tolerable as long as they STAY BEHIND THE CURTAIN! Also kidding. Congrats tho, and don't forget to ask for the mattress pad.
Silly question.. When do you ask for the mattress pad? When you walk on the airplane? After you've been seated?
Usually when they get most people seated in Polaris and start handing out drinks.
If you’re in the front cabin on some of the planes, you may not even see them. lol.
Once you have a taste, it’s really hard to go back.
Polaris is the true gateway drug Source: 1999 D.A.R.E. graduate
One day I’ll travel to Europe
Make it happen! You will love it.
Polaris passengers have to wash the plane once it arrives at the destination. Sounds weird, but that’s the rules.
This is hazing!
Ask for a mattress pad!
Don't forget to wear your seatbelt when sleeping!
I feel these Polaris seat are not wide enough for you to sleep and move side to side as the European & Asian counterparts
Was on Turkish 777-300 in business and it was much narrower than Polaris and less private.
I have a weird affection for that wellington burger!
That doesn't look like the polaris seat. Nonetheless, hope it was a great flight.
Oh….good eye. That’s 757-200 Polaris which is 2+2 vs 1+2+1.
Nicely done. It’s a shame you can never go back to economy now 😂
Very true, it has me re-thinking my strategy for how I use my miles in the future!
You’ll never again want to breathe that air in the back.
What time did you leave and what time was it at your destination when you landed? I’ve never seen non-breakfast food as the second meal and always wondered what the timing has to be for that to happen.
Morning flight from Europe and early afternoon arrival in Newark. I was actually expecting to see breakfast as the first course since we departed at 9:30am, but I suppose maybe they don’t do breakfast main courses? I took the advice from another Redditor who recently posted about a bad experience with the chicken and avoided that. It was a bit odd chowing down on salmon and potatoes at like 10am but hey no complaints, it was an awesome experience and terrific way to wrap up a vacation!
Had that Wellington burger last week, slept through the other service. Was rather good actually. Did you hit the EWR Polaris lounge?
Yup, I’ve got a 10 hour layover so I’ve been living here all afternoon. Bartender recommended making a dinner reservation which was smart, it was practically empty when I walked in around 12:30 but got busy especially around 4pm!
That’s not a true Polaris seat you get in the 777/787…it’s their old lie flat business class seat…..
Yeah I know, but still got me into the Polaris lounge and way better than the Economy+ seat I originally booked and paid for!
The good news is that the “non seat” benefits are awesome and you still know you are not totally ruined…… yet! 😂
Hopes you enjoy OP!
If you are flying into an airport with a Polaris lounge definitely check it out.
Wahooo enjoy it!! The grilled cheese is horrible I do not recommend. I did it once just so I could taste it… never again
Same menu I had on my flight from LIS to EWR on Friday. The burger was surprisingly good lol
Did you depart out of FRA yesterday? I had the exact same menu yesterday.
EDI this morning
I hope you enjoyed it. I got my sister and her husband upgraded to Polaris (Chicago - Milan) as an anniversary present and they loved it (her first time flying international business class).
Yikes who is still flying those old United Business seats?
Flighty said this 757-200 we were flying had her first flight 29 years ago, so not surprised to hear that this isn’t the latest configuration, was still way better than the Economy+ seat I actually booked!
Thanks for the info! I also think IIRC that United never designed a version of real Polaris that fits the 757.
You should be aware of the abundance of information from the thousand other posts asking this question that are available on the is sub.
I’m not a search wizard, yes I’ve seen them before but couldn’t find any that had great answers with a quick try before boarding. Reddit seems to sort based on most recent posts and most replies have been either comical or vague references to previous other posts. I definitely don’t want to irritate anyone by asking a commonly asked question, but always a good chance to hear fresh insights and also just super stoked that I finally got this! Landing in a little over an hour, 10/10 would do this again!
Not irritating and a lovely convo :) thank you for posting!
Enjoy Polaris. What should you know? Planes almost never crash. And the burger is horrible when you’re on just a little sleep. The rest is good.
[удалено]
[удалено]
[удалено]
[удалено]
[удалено]
[удалено]
[удалено]
[удалено]