Flying from Newark (EWR) to London (LHR) in United’s Polaris Business Class is a top-tier experience—from the Polaris Lounge at Newark to the fully lie-flat seats onboard the Boeing 767-300. In this Travels with Hursty trip report, I’ll take you through the whole journey, starting with the lounge and ending with a smooth touchdown at Heathrow.
Polaris Lounge – The Best Part of Flying United?
If you’re flying United Polaris Business Class, you get access to the Polaris Lounge at Newark Terminal C—and let me tell you, it’s one of the best pre-flight lounges in the U.S.
Walking in, you’re immediately greeted by friendly staff who check you in and send you off into a proper oasis of comfort. There’s plenty of seating, loads of power outlets, and even private phone booths if you need a quiet spot.
But the real highlight? The food and drink.
🍽 Full-Service Dining – If you’ve got time, grab a proper sit-down meal at the Polaris Dining Room, where the menu includes things like seared tuna, short rib, and fresh salads.
🥂 Premium Drinks – Fancy a signature cocktail, craft beer, or a glass of champagne before your flight? The full bar has you covered.
☕ Barista Bar – Need a caffeine hit? The barista station serves up fresh coffee, tea, and espresso-based drinks.
If you’re just after something quick, the buffet is solid too—with hot and cold dishes, desserts, and light bites. This isn’t your average airport lounge—it’s a proper pre-flight experience that makes the whole journey feel a little more special.
After an hour of relaxing, refueling, and enjoying a cocktail or two, it was time to head to the gate for United 767-300 Polaris Business Class.
Onboard United 767-300 – Polaris Business Class Experience
Boarding was smooth, and one of the perks of flying Polaris is that you get to settle in early. The 767-300’s business class is set up in a 1-1-1 configuration, meaning every seat has direct aisle access—a massive win for long-haul flights.
The Polaris Seat & Cabin
Once onboard, I found my seat and immediately noticed how spacious and comfortable it was. United’s Polaris Business Class seats are fully lie-flat, with:
✔ Plenty of personal space – You don’t feel cramped at all.
✔ Adjustable recline & leg rest – Find your perfect position.
✔ A large pillow & plush blanket – Supplied by Saks Fifth Avenue.
✔ Noise-canceling headphones – Great for blocking out engine hum.
✔ Ample storage – Handy for stashing your essentials.
The 15-inch entertainment screen was loaded with movies, TV shows, and music, plus Wi-Fi was available if you wanted to stay connected.
In-Flight Service & Dining
Once in the air, the United Polaris crew kicked off the service with pre-dinner drinks and warm nuts—a classic business class touch.
🥘 Dinner Service – The meal was actually pretty good! I opted for beef short rib, which was tender and flavorful, served with a side of mashed potatoes and greens. Other options included a vegetarian pasta and a chicken dish.
🍷 Drinks – United offers a solid wine selection, plus premium cocktails and spirits.
🍰 Dessert – The signature Polaris ice cream sundae was on offer, along with a cheese plate.
Service was friendly and efficient, and the crew made sure drinks were topped up throughout the flight.
Getting Some Sleep
After dinner, it was time to test out the lie-flat seat. The Polaris bedding is some of the best in the sky, with a proper mattress pad, a soft pillow, and a cozy duvet. I managed to get a solid 4-5 hours of sleep before waking up for breakfast.
Speaking of which…
🥐 Breakfast – A light meal was served before landing, with options like an omelet with sausage, fresh fruit, and yogurt. It wasn’t groundbreaking, but it did the job before arrival.
Arrival at Heathrow
After a smooth descent, we touched down at London Heathrow (LHR) right on time. The Polaris experience made the overnight flight feel effortless, and I landed feeling way more refreshed than I would have in economy.
Final Thoughts – Is United Polaris Worth It?
✅ Polaris Lounge at Newark – One of the best business class lounges in the U.S.
✅ Lie-flat seats – Comfortable, spacious, and well-designed.
✅ Great service & solid food – Not Michelin-starred, but definitely enjoyable.
✅ Direct aisle access for every seat – No awkward climbing over strangers.
If you’re flying EWR to LHR and want a comfortable, premium experience, United Polaris Business Class on the 767-300 is a great choice.
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Would you fly United Polaris Business Class on a long-haul route? Let me know in the YouTube comments!