United 787-10 Polaris Business Class Review: Honolulu to Chicago
Flying from Hawaii to the mainland in comfort can be hit or miss, depending on the airline and aircraft. But if you’re lucky enough to catch a retrofitted United 787-10 with Polaris Business Class, you’re in for one of the best premium experiences on a domestic long-haul route. This United Polaris 787 review covers what it’s like flying from Honolulu (HNL) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) in Polaris Business Class, based on a recent trip.
Booking and Check-In Experience
Award Booking Details
This flight was booked using 87,000 United MileagePlus miles. The original itinerary was from Honolulu to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) via San Francisco (SFO) on a 737-900ER. Due to a delay out of HNL, United rebooked me on a nonstop to Chicago (ORD) aboard a 787-10 with a Polaris lie-flat configuration—a substantial upgrade from a domestic recliner seat.
Check-In at HNL
Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport features a relaxed, open-air layout. Thanks to CLEAR and TSA PreCheck, security took under five minutes (though it’s still best to arrive early).
United Club Lounge – Honolulu (HNL)
Lounge Access
Access to the United Club Lounge at HNL is available to:
- United Club members
- Polaris Business Class passengers
- Star Alliance Gold members on international itineraries
The lounge is located in Terminal 2, above Gates G2 and G3, and operates from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.
Lounge Experience
If you’re flying Polaris out of Honolulu, this lounge offers a welcome space to relax. It’s bright, open, and overlooks the tarmac. Amenities include:
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- A selection of salads, sandwiches, chips, and local snacks like Spam musubi
- A full-service bar with wine, beer, and cocktails
- Sparkling water, juices, and soft drinks
- A Dole Whip soft-serve machine—a fun, local touch
While not as luxurious as Polaris lounges in major hubs, the HNL United Club delivers solid pre-flight comfort with island flair.
Polaris Cabin and Seating Configuration – United Polaris 787 Review
Cabin Layout
The retrofit United 787-10 features the Polaris Business Class cabin in a 1-2-1 layout, ensuring every seat has direct aisle access. There are 44 Polaris seats on the 787-10.
Seat Design and Comfort
The Polaris seat, based on the Safran Optima platform, is 20.6 inches wide and converts into a fully flat bed that’s 78 inches long. Each seat includes:
- A 16-inch HD touchscreen
- Universal power outlet
- Two USB-A ports
- Ample storage and personal space
Preferred Seating Tips
- Odd-numbered window seats (A and L) are more private, positioned closer to the window.
- Odd-numbered D and F seats are best for duos, since these seats are directly adjacent.
- Avoid even number seats, the foot well is in the isle giving you less privacy.
Polaris Bedding and Amenities
Polaris passengers receive Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, including:
- A plush duvet
- Day blanket
- Large pillow and cooling gel pillow
An amenity kit is also provided, stocked with essentials like a dental kit, lip balm, earplugs, and hand lotion.
In-Flight Experience
Boarding and First Impressions
Polaris passengers are among the first to board. The cabin makes a strong first impression—quiet, sleek, and private, with pod-style seating and minimal noise.
Once onboard, passengers were welcomed with a drink: water, orange juice, or champagne. Saks bedding and amenity kits were already placed at each seat.
Dining and Beverage Service
Shortly after takeoff, dinner service began. On this flight, the main course was a Chicken with rice and broccoli. It was well-prepared and flavorful.
The drink menu included a variety of wines, beers, and spirits. I went with a glass of red wine, which paired well with the meal. After dinner, flight attendants served United’s signature Polaris ice cream sundae, made to order with toppings—a fun and memorable detail.
Comfort and Sleep Quality
The lie-flat Polaris seat really excels on overnight routes. With the plush bedding, a comfortable cabin temperature, and minimal noise, I got several hours of uninterrupted sleep.
This is true international-grade comfort, not just a recliner with extra legroom. The footwell allowed for natural movement, and the lighting was dim and non-intrusive. The crew also kept announcements to a minimum, helping the cabin stay quiet and restful.
Entertainment and Connectivity
United’s in-flight entertainment system on the 777-200 offers a strong lineup of:
- Movies (including recent releases)
- TV shows and music
- Games
The system is controlled via a responsive 16-inch touchscreen or a handheld remote. Noise-canceling headphones are provided.
Wi-Fi was available throughout the flight. While good for email and light browsing, don’t expect to stream video. Purchasing Wi-Fi in advance through the United app may offer a better deal.
Final Thoughts: United Polaris 787 Review – Is the 787-10 Worth It?
If you’re flying between Hawaii and the mainland, and the 787-10 with Polaris is available, it’s absolutely worth booking. The lie-flat seat, elevated service, and thoughtful details like Saks bedding and ice cream sundaes set it above the typical U.S. business class experience.
Based on this United Polaris 787 review, it’s clear the product holds its own among premium domestic options—especially when booked with miles or upgraded using PlusPoints.
Verdict: A strong, consistent premium product that delivers real comfort and value.
This flight was 87,000 points – that’s also enough points to go from the US to Europe in business class!
Have you flown United Polaris Business Class? Share your experience in the comments below or check out more premium cabin reviews at CVPoints.com.
