United Polaris: A First Time For Everything

There is a first time for everything and this was my first time flying
United Polaris international business class. What an unbelievable experience flying from
Chicago to Paris in comfort and style. And, when I say in style, I really mean it.

Upon arrival at Chicago O’hare International Airport, I used my TSA pre-check to swiftly get through security and head straight to the United Polaris Lounge, located right outside of gate C17. And, how lucky, our flight was leaving out of gate C18!

Chicago O'hare AirportChicago O’hare Airport

United Polaris Lounge Chicago O'hare

United Polaris Lounge Chicago O’hare

From the moment I entered, I knew this was going to be a great experience before boarding my flight to Paris. I took a quick walk through the massive lounge, walking by all the comfortable chairs, sleeping pods, large bathrooms with showers and so much more. United really put a lot of thought into designing this exquisite lounge.

United Polaris Lounge Chicago

United Polaris Lounge Chicago

I met up with Ashley and we immediately scoped out all of the drink options at the bar as well as the plethora of food. There was so much to choose from (and very clearly marked for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) that I just had a hard time figuring out what to get. I couldn’t help but try a few things, because, why not?! First things first though, we needed to kick-off this
adventure with some champagne.

United Polaris Lounge Chicago

United Polaris Lounge Chicago

United Polaris Lounge photo credit: @mushroomstew

United Polaris Lounge photo credit: @mushroomstew

What’s also really great is there is an actual sit-down restaurant where you can order food too at no extra charge. Unfortunately we did not get the chance to dine at the restaurant this time around, but that’s ok, I’ll save it for the next time I fly Polaris 🙂 I wish I could’ve come to the lounge like 6 hours in advance and just hung out! When does that ever happen? Usually I’m timing my arrival at the airport to get to the gate right when they are boarding. But,
this was one experience where I wish I could’ve gotten there early to relax in the lounge and take full advantage of all the amenities.

Dining Room at Polaris Lounge Chicago

Dining Room at Polaris Lounge Chicago

Dining Room at Polaris Lounge Chicago

Menu at Dining Room at Polaris Lounge Chicago

Our time flew by quickly and all of a sudden it was time to head to the gate. I was so excited to get to board with Group 1 for my epic trip to France! And, how fortunate, our plane was one of the newly outfitted aircraft with the updated Polaris seating pods. Seat 5A, here I come!

Group 1 Boarding Time!

Group 1 Boarding Time!

Seat 5A on United Polaris to Paris

Seat 5A on United Polaris to Paris

Welcome Drinks To Board United Polaris

Welcome Drinks To Board United Polaris

I'm Ready For Takeoff to Paris

I’m Ready For Takeoff to Paris photo credit: @mushroomstew

Goodbye Chicago!

Goodbye Chicago!

Having a private pod was hands-down the best airline seat I’ve ever had. It was such a comfortable, cozy little area and I felt like I could relax, sleep, watch a movie, eat, whatever, and no one would know otherwise. I also really appreciated all the lovely amenities like the Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, the Sunday Riley skincare and even the white terrycloth slippers so I could really get settled in.

Saks Fifth Avenue and Sunday Riley Products on Polaris

Saks Fifth Avenue and Sunday Riley Products on Polaris

Getting Comfy In My Slippers on Polaris

Getting Comfy In My Slippers on Polaris

Being vegetarian, I always request the Asian Vegetarian meal when I fly. We enjoyed a three course meal which included a salad starter course (lentil salad, green salad, naan and bread) and then the main course (paneer, spinach and mixed vegetables with yellow saffron rice) with the best for last, the dessert cart! A cart full of options from mini pies to little cheesecakes to a
make-your-own sundae option are all there for the taking. I tried all the things (duh) and I’m telling you, that hot fudge sundae is honestly one of the best sundaes I’ve ever had. You can imagine I made sure to have it on the way home too!

First Course For Dinner on United Polaris

First Course For Dinner on United Polaris

Main Course Indian Meal

Main Course Indian Meal

The Polaris Dessert Cart!

The Polaris Dessert Cart!

The Best Hot Fudge Sundae Ever!

The Best Hot Fudge Sundae Ever!

Stunning Sunset During Dinner

Stunning Sunset During Dinner

After our filling meal, I got cozied up and fully reclined my seat to lay flat to get some rest. I used the eye mask to cover my eyes and slept for a solid 3 hours. I woke up to the crew getting ready for our breakfast service. Already? Didn’t I just eat? I had another great Indian meal and poof, we were landing in Paris. Honestly, this was the fastest 8 hour flight I’ve EVER been on. If only every flight could be like this.

Asian Vegetarian Breakfast on United Polaris

Asian Vegetarian Breakfast on United Polaris

Approaching Paris!

Approaching Paris Half an Hour Early!

Not only that, we landed half an hour early in Paris!!! I didn’t think this flight could get better and it just did. Overall, I can’t rave enough about my experience on United Polaris. Everything from the comfort to the service to amenities were top-notch and now I’ve officially been spoiled for life. If you have the chance to fly United Polaris, I highly recommend it. It is definitely going to be my preferred choice when flying international.

Please Note: While this post is in partnership with United, all opinions are my own.

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