WASHINGTON — The not-at-all surprising conclusion of United Airlines’ research is that sleep is the single most important priority for international business travelers.
And sleep will be the top priority for United’s new business class, which will be called Polaris Business Class. United will start rolling out the redesigned business class cabins on international flights in December.
Each Polaris business class passenger will have a forward-facing pod-like seat that will lay flat and feature mood lighting, multiple storage and surface areas, a 16-inch high-definition screen, electronic privacy dividers and a “Do Not Disturb” sign.
Polaris Business Class passengers also will get bedding designed by Saks 5th Avenue, slippers on all flights and pajamas on flights longer than 12 hours.
“United Polaris will change the game in international business travel with an exceptional level of relaxation and comfort throughout our customers’ journeys,” said United CEO Oscar Munoz in a statement.
United says it also is improving its business class food service and will open new Polaris Business Class lounges in several airports, including Dulles International Airport.
The new business class will debut Dec. 1, first on Boeing 777 aircraft, then 787s and Airbus A350 aircraft. A Polaris retrofit will eventually reach older Boeing 767 aircraft.
