I couldn’t resist the opportunity to fly from Santiago de Chile to Orlando via Houston on United’s refurbished Boeing 767-300ER in Polaris class, especially when I came across an affordable fare. As someone intimately familiar with the 767-300ER, I’ve always enjoyed flying and being flown on this aircraft, even though it’s becoming quite old.
The expansive route network of United and its global footprint have always been a major draw for me. But this trip gave me both good moments and a few not-so-good ones.
I couldn’t wait to see what was yet to come, hoping for a glimpse of something new, but also, I found myself used to certain things. I’m definitely fond of Polaris class, though the experience wasn’t without its flaws.
While the aircraft was comfortable, there were moments that made me feel like there’s still room for improvement, especially for an airline with such a strong reputation.
The journey had its highs and lows, reminding me that even the best of class can offer both the good and the not-so-good.
Review of United 767-300ER’s Hard Product
When I walked onboard the United 767-300ER in Polaris class, I was immediately impressed by the overall cabin. Having flown a Boeing 767-300ER for a competitor in the past, I had low expectations because the business class on that flight felt outdated.
But this time, everything was different. The seat was comfortable and the entire Polaris product exceeded what I thought was possible.
The mood lighting and stunning finish caught my attention first, followed by the large IFEs that made the entertainment options feel more luxurious.
I was particularly fond of the lantern lights adorning the seats, and the ergonomics of the layout felt well-thought-out.
The ultra-wide and sturdy tray table was an especially nice touch, making the entire setup feel more refined.
All these features made the Polaris product feel like it trumped any other business class cabin I had experienced before, and it was definitely more than just lipstick on a pig—it was the equivalent of turning it into bacon.
Top Features of United’s Polaris Seat on the 767-300ER
- Wide, comfortable seat that extends up to 6’5” in length.
- Vibrant, responsive, high-definition in-flight entertainment systems that offer a premium entertainment experience.
- Mood lighting that adds a relaxing ambiance to the cabin.
- Ample storage space to keep your personal items secure.
- Tucks nicely towards the window, providing great privacy.
- Ample footwell space for comfort and ease of movement.
- Do Not Disturb and Do Not Wake Me for Meals options for a peaceful flight.
- Solid, large tray table that doesn’t sag, offering a stable surface.
- Second Tempurpedic pillow for incredible comfort during sleep.
- Perfect ergonomics designed for optimal comfort and relaxation.
Minor Issues and Inconveniences of Polaris on the 767
- Annoying automated seat belt sign announcement that turns on the screen.
- Bright blue screen when you select “don’t wake me for food”, even at full dim.
- Some seats on the 763ER are better than others, with some being less private and closer to the aisle.
- The footwell area varies from seat to seat, causing discomfort in some areas.
- Odd rows have very little purchase on windows, with row 7 missing one.
- The WiFi is erratic, likely due to the older system on the 767.
| Issue | Description |
| 1. Seatbelt Sign Announcements | Annoying automated seatbelt sign that interferes with the screen |
| 2. Blue Screen Distraction | Bright blue screen when selecting “don’t wake me for food” |
| 3. Seat Privacy | Some seats are less private, especially near the aisle |
| 4. Varying Footwell Sizes | Some seats feel cramped due to inconsistent footwell space |
| 5. Lack of Window Purchase in Certain Rows | Odd rows like 7 may have no window purchase |
| 6. Wi-Fi Issues | Older system results in erratic Wi-Fi connectivity |
United’s International Meal Service: Tasty but Slow
United’s meal service is delicious, well cooked, and reasonably healthy, but it’s a bit slow to prepare. On my 11-hour flight from Santiago to Houston, I was hoping for a nice dinner and still plenty of time to rest.
Unfortunately, the service was so slow and erratic that it ended up cutting into my sleep time. After waiting for about an hour, I even considered canceling my meal, but when the salmon finally arrived—over an hour and a half into the flight—it was fresh and absolutely delicious.
The wine selection was also great, and the warm nut appetizer was quite tasty. For breakfast, I tried the shakshuka, and it was surprisingly good for airplane food.
Overall, I was pleased with the food, but the downfall is how long it takes, especially on a transatlantic flight where I’d likely skip the meal to avoid the wait.
| Meal | Description |
| Dinner | Salmon (delicious, though served after an hour and a half delay) |
| Appetizer | Warm nut appetizer (quite tasty) |
| Breakfast | Shakshuka (surprisingly good for airplane food) |
Patience is not simply the ability to wait – it’s how we behave while we’re waiting.” — Joyce Meyer
Experience at United’s Polaris Lounge in Houston (IAH)
The lounge experience at United’s Polaris Lounge in Houston was a bit of a mixed bag. While I was pleased to find several dedicated lounges at United’s hub, the food was underwhelming for a business class lounge of such a global airline.
The atmosphere of the lounge gave off an exclusive feeling as you enter and take the elevator up. The finish matched well with the Polaris cabin, with its sleek, marble design and lantern-style lighting.
However, the buffet felt more like something you’d expect at the Hampton Inn rather than a premium experience.
The coffee was decent, and there were alternative milk options available. Despite the food, the lounge provided a great space for peace, quiet, and even a shower, making it a great place to relax before a flight.
| Feature | Description |
| Atmosphere | Exclusive feeling with sleek, marble design and lantern-style lighting |
| Food Quality | Underwhelming compared to other premium lounges |
| Coffee & Drinks | Decent coffee with alternative milk options |
| Additional Features | Peaceful environment with a shower, ideal for relaxation before the flight |
Exploring the United App Experience
United’s app offers an incredible experience with a focus on ease of use. Whether it’s booking flight awards, changing flights, or getting detailed updates, the app stands out.
It pushes useful and applicable notifications and shares tips and tricks, making it leagues ahead of any other airline app I’ve used.
With its friendliness and attention to detail, it’s no wonder that United’s app is the most downloaded airline app in the world.
The best way to predict the future is to create it.” — Abraham Lincoln
Overall: I Would Definitely Choose United Polaris Again
Flying on the United Polaris 763ER was a unique experience, and I’d definitely fly this route again. Boarding the plane, I was greeted with an exclusive atmosphere that made me feel like I was stepping into a private world.
The Polaris lounge at SCL was a great place to relax before the long international flight, though it was a bit slow in terms of service. Once on board, the seat turned into a great bed, which allowed for a more comfortable sleep compared to other long-haul flights. The cabin felt brand new, with adorned interiors that offered a sense of luxury.
However, the food could have been better—while dinner was fine, it didn’t quite match the level of expectation set by the rest of the experience.
Some of the lackluster details, like the configuration of the seat, made me hesitate a bit, but overall, the flight was a memorable one, and I can’t wait to fly again.
The way the Polaris service handled the rare international route was impressive, and I can see why so many choose this for a better flying experience.
Crew Service: Warm but Occasionally Unsteady
One of the most important aspects of any premium class experience is the level of service provided by the flight attendants.
On this flight, the crew was friendly and accommodating, offering a warm greeting upon boarding and regularly checking on passengers during the flight.
However, there were moments when the service felt inconsistent. For instance, while some attendants were proactive in offering assistance with meal preferences or sleep needs, others appeared distracted, and it took longer than expected to receive drinks and additional amenities.
Despite these occasional lapses, the overall service remained courteous and professional, although there is room for improvement.
Seat Layout: Benefits and Drawbacks
The seat configuration on the United 767-300ER in Polaris class is designed for privacy and comfort, but not all seats are created equal.
The 1-2-1 configuration ensures direct aisle access for all passengers, which is a significant advantage on long-haul flights. However, depending on your seat choice, the level of privacy can vary.
Some window seats, while offering a great view, are located closer to the aisle, reducing the sense of personal space.
Additionally, the footwell area varies in size, leading to inconsistent comfort levels across different rows. It’s worth considering seat selection carefully, especially for passengers prioritizing privacy and space.
Entertainment on Board: A Premium Experience
United’s in-flight entertainment system on the 767-300ER in Polaris class offers an impressive array of movies, TV shows, and music, making long-haul flights more enjoyable. The large, high-definition screens are responsive and offer excellent clarity.
The range of content is extensive, with options for all tastes, from the latest Hollywood blockbusters to classic films and an impressive selection of music. Additionally, the user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate.
While there are no major complaints, some passengers might feel that the variety could be slightly expanded, particularly in terms of niche genres or more international content.
Pre-Flight Process: Efficient but Room for Improvement
United’s pre-departure experience at Santiago de Chile (SCL) was smooth overall, with dedicated check-in counters for Polaris passengers that ensured expedited processing.
However, there were some bottlenecks at the security checkpoint, leading to minor delays. The lounge at SCL provided a comfortable environment to relax before the flight, though it could have benefited from more seating and quicker food service.
The boarding process was efficient, though some passengers noted that it could have been more organized, particularly when it came to prioritizing Polaris passengers for boarding.
Overall, the pre-departure experience was positive, but improvements in efficiency could elevate it further.
Frequently asked questions
What can I expect from the United Polaris experience on the 767-300ER?
The United Polaris experience on the 767-300ER offers a luxurious cabin with comfortable seats, mood lighting, large IFEs, and great meals, though there are some minor inconveniences like slow service and inconsistent footwell space.
How comfortable are the seats in United’s Polaris class on the 767-300ER?
Polaris class seats on the 767-300ER are spacious and comfortable, extending up to 6’5”. They provide great privacy, ergonomic design, and ample space for relaxation on long flights.
What are the main issues with the United 767-300ER Polaris product?
Some downsides include variable footwell space, lack of window access in certain rows, unreliable Wi-Fi, and interruptions from the automated seatbelt sign affecting the screen display.
Is the meal service quick on United’s Polaris class?
The meal service is a bit slow, especially on long-haul flights. While the food is tasty, delays in service can take away valuable time for rest during your journey.
How would you rate the Polaris Lounge at Houston?
The Polaris Lounge in Houston offers a quiet and relaxing environment with decent coffee and shower facilities. However, the food selection is somewhat underwhelming for a premium business lounge.
How good is the in-flight entertainment on United’s 767-300ER?
The in-flight entertainment system is top-notch, with high-definition screens and a vast selection of movies, TV shows, and music. The interface is intuitive, though more diverse content options would be welcome.
How user-friendly is the United app for booking and services?
United’s app is highly intuitive, making it easy to book flights, check status, and receive helpful notifications. Its attention to detail makes it the most downloaded airline app worldwide.
How efficient is the check-in and boarding process for Polaris passengers?
Polaris passengers enjoy fast-track check-in and boarding, though there are occasional delays at security and during boarding. The process is mostly smooth but could benefit from better organization.
Is there any issue with privacy in United’s 767-300ER Polaris seats?
Privacy varies depending on seat selection. While most window seats offer good privacy, some near the aisle may feel less private due to their proximity to other passengers.
Would you recommend flying United Polaris on the 767-300ER again?
Despite some minor drawbacks, United Polaris on the 767-300ER offers an overall excellent experience with comfort, superior service, and a luxurious atmosphere, making it a strong choice for future flights.
Conclusion
To sum up, my journey with United Polaris on the Boeing 767-300ER was an enjoyable experience, blending luxury and comfort with a few areas that could use refinement.
The cabin’s design, seat comfort, and in-flight entertainment were impressive, though there were some drawbacks, such as slow meal service, inconsistent crew interactions, and varying levels of privacy in certain seats.
The Polaris Lounge in Houston offered a relaxing atmosphere but could have improved its food offerings, and the United app proved to be a useful companion throughout the trip.
Despite these minor flaws, the overall experience was still highly favorable, and I would gladly choose United Polaris for future flights, thanks to its excellent cabin, thoughtful amenities, and overall comfort.
Stephanie Kiley, founder of PilotXplore, is a commercial pilot and Doctor of Education based in Connecticut. I shares expert aviation insights, travel tips, and airline reviews, making air travel easier for all. Passionate about flying and learning, she loves exploring new destinations and simplifying aviation for travelers.