Southeast Asia Trip Report

This article is part of a larger Trip Report on Southeast Asia, where you can learn about flights, lounges and hotels within this route.

In February 2023, I took an international United Airlines business class flight between Washington (IAD) and Frankfurt (FRA) as part of a longer itinerary to Southeast Asia.

Overview of United Airlines Boeing 777-200 Polaris Business Class

I flew from Buffalo, New York to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on a United Airlines business-class award ticket that included four segments:

  • United economy class from Buffalo (BUF) to Washington (IAD)
  • United business class from Washington (IAD) to Frankfurt (FRA)
  • Thai Airways business class from Frankfurt (FRA) to Bangkok (BKK)
  • Thai Airways business class from Bangkok (BKK) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

I briefly discussed the first and last flights in my trip report introduction and wrote a separate review of my Thai Airways flight between Frankfurt and Bangkok.

This review focuses on the transatlantic flight.

United Airlines calls its long-haul international business-class product “Polaris,” and this category includes flights between the U.S. and Europe, among other destinations. Since United doesn’t offer international first class, Polaris is its highest class of service.

United uses several different planes for international business-class flights. My flight was on a Boeing 777-200.

How I Booked a United Airlines Boeing 777-200 Polaris Business-Class Flight

I started searching for award flights when the schedule opened. For United, this is 11 months in advance. Many other airlines allow booking starting 330 to 360 days in advance.

Given the uncertainty in spring 2022 about travel to Asia in 2023, I wanted to book this trip through programs where I already had miles and where awards could be canceled without fees. I focused on Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines award options.

In my initial searches, the lowest-priced business-class award available from Buffalo to Malaysia through United MileagePlus was 99,000 miles per person plus tax. I found an award at this price with flights from Buffalo to Washington (IAD) on United with international segments on Turkish Airlines. The same flights were bookable through Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles for 77,500 miles but with much higher fees, since Turkish Airlines adds fuel surcharges to award flights and United doesn’t. I wasn’t excited about the price or the Turkish Airlines plane with a 2-3-2 configuration in business class. When traveling solo, I prefer a 1-2-1 business-class configuration.

I initially booked outbound flights through American for 70,000 miles with very long connections, but I kept looking for better alternatives. That alternative surfaced later in April 2022, when international business-class awards through United MileagePlus were widely available for 60,000 miles one-way between the U.S. and most of the world. Although United no longer has an award chart, 60,000 miles is well below the lowest rates United normally charges for business class to Europe, not to mention more expensive regions like Asia or New Zealand. I jumped at this opportunity and booked outbound flights for 60,000 United MileagePlus miles plus $42 in taxes and fees.

If you’re interested in booking flights from the U.S. to Malaysia through United MileagePlus, the lowest prices for all business-class flights between Washington and Kuala Lumpur at the time of writing are 110,000 miles, with limited availability at this price point. I’m displaying results from Washington to make it easier to see rates for 100% business-class international flights.

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At the time of writing, flights similar to my itinerary—with United business class to Europe and Thai business class to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur—weren’t available through United MileagePlus at the lowest award rates.

Despite the increase in award costs, booking with points and miles provides good value compared to cash prices. At the time of writing, the lowest prices for all business-class one-way travel between Washington and Kuala Lumpur in February 2024 was about $5,400 on United’s website. A more general search for business-class flights between these two airports (not limited to flights on United or its partners), showed starting prices around $4,200.

If you’re interested in flying from Washington (IAD) to Frankfurt (FRA) or similar U.S. to Europe routes in business class, award prices vary widely depending on when the flight is booked, the booking program, the operating airline and the route. The examples below are for business-class flights in February 2024 and reflect availability and pricing 10 to 11 months in advance.

  • Award flight booked through United MileagePlus: The lowest award rate for the United nonstop flight between Washington and Frankfurt is 155,000 miles one-way per person, but business-class flights on other airlines with connections are available starting around 88,000 miles. United’s nonstop flights from Newark (EWR) to Frankfurt (FRA) are sometimes available for fewer miles than the Washington (IAD) to Frankfurt (FRA) flights.
  • Award flights booked through other Star Alliance partners: United-operated flights discussed above couldn’t be booked through partner airlines’ programs, since these flights are identified as “United Polaris business (JN).” Only United-operated flights identified as “business (I)” can be booked through partner programs. Flights operated by partner airlines that United shows as “business (I)” can be booked through other airline programs. For eastern U.S. to Europe flights, Air Canada Aeroplan charges 70,000 miles, and Avianca LifeMiles charges 63,000 miles on flights where United charges 88,000 miles.
  • Flights booked with cash: When booked about 10 to 11 months in advance, United was charging around $4,100 for its nonstop flights from Washington to Frankfurt inFebruary 2024. A more general search for business-class flights for this route, not limited to flights on United or its partners or nonstop flights, shows starting prices around $1,200.
  • Flights booked through bank travel portals: Major flexible currency programs have travel portals where you can use points instead of cash to book most flights. Points are redeemed at a fixed rate of 1 to 1.5 cents per dollar, depending on the program and specific credit cards you have. For example, a flight costing $1,500 would require between 100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points—for Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders at a redemption rate of 1.5 cents per point (cpp)—and 150,000 points with programs and cards where the redemption rate is 1 cpp.

It’s fairly easy to obtain United miles through credit card welcome bonuses and spending, partner opportunities (including travel, financial, shopping and dining) and crediting flights (on United-operated or partner airlines) to the program.

Chase co-branded credit cards that earn United miles include:

  • United Club Card
  • United Club℠ Infinite Card
  • United℠ Explorer Card
  • United Gateway℠ Card
  • United Quest℠ Card
  • United TravelBank Card
  • United Club Business Card
  • United℠ Business Card

You can also obtain MileagePlus miles by transferring points to the program from Chase Ultimate Rewards, Bilt Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy. In each case, there are credit cards that make it easier to earn these flexible currency points.

United Airlines Check-In

I checked in at Buffalo (BUF) before my first flight and received boarding passes for all four segments of the trip. My luggage was checked through to Kuala Lumpur. I arrived about 1.5 hours before my flight’s departure time because I was checking luggage and traveling internationally. I used the Premier lane, and there was no wait. There was a short line for security, where I used TSA PreCheck.

Traveling domestically and connecting from one United flight to another, I didn’t go through security at Washington (IAD). I arrived at Dulles about five hours before my international flight.

Boarding United Airlines at Washington (IAD)

The boarding process for the flight to Frankfurt started on time, approximately 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Business-class passengers boarded in group 1, and that part of the boarding process was organized. A jet bridge was used for boarding.

United Airlines 777-200 Business-Class Cabin and Seats

There are multiple configurations for the Boeing 777-200 as shown on United’s website, but only version 1 is used for international business-class Polaris flights. This configuration has a front section consisting of eight rows with four seats in a 1-2-1 configuration in each row. The rear section has five rows in the aisle sections and four rows in the center section.

It’s probably easier to understand the seating visually in the photo or United’s three-dimensional seat view, but I’ll explain it too:

  • Single seats on each side of the plane: Consecutive rows alternate between a row with the seat closer to the window (storage console next to the aisle) and a row with seats closer to the aisle (storage console next to the window).
  • Middle section: Rows alternate having two seats closer together (storage consoles next to each aisle) and two seats separated by storage consoles.
United Polaris 777-200 seat configuration

United Polaris 777-200 seat configuration | Photo courtesy of United Airlines

The best seats vary based on individual circumstances. My recommendations are:

  • For solo travelers, single seats in the window section are an obvious choice. If only middle section seats are available, the more separated seats in the middle section are better.
  • For people traveling together who want to communicate during the flight, the best seats are the center seats positioned closer together. These seats have retractable dividers, to provide an option for more privacy.

I intended to choose one of the single seats positioned closer to the window, but I accidentally selected a seat closer to the aisle. While this seat still wasn’t next to anyone and provided a view from the window, it provided less privacy from people in the aisle compared to the seat closer to the window.

Overhead storage is plentiful with large bins that fit a U.S. sized carry-on wheeled bag easily. Bins are numbered for each business-class seat. Some seats even have a second smaller storage bin.

I didn’t look for a snack area in the cabin, because there were only a few hours between the time dinner service was completed and breakfast service began. The menu noted that a selection of sweet and savory snacks was available between meal services.

The entertainment screen was large. At boarding, it displayed the seat number.

United Polaris entertainment screen

United Polaris entertainment screen | Photo by Julie Neafach

I found storage with these seats to be good. There is a small cabinet with a mirror that can be used to hold headphones, a water bottle and other small items you might want to have nearby while in flight, such as phones, chargers and glasses. The table area on top of the side console isn’t considered a storage area, since you’re not supposed to have anything there during takeoff and landing, but it was a great place to keep a laptop or tablet during the flight. Similarly, the footwell surface and area below it on the floor were good places for keeping blankets, pillows and shoes when not in use.

United Polaris console and small storage cabinet

United Polaris console and small storage cabinet | Photo by Julie Neafach

Lighting is good in Polaris business class, with both an overhead light and side light next to the console.

The entertainment controller, universal AC power plug, USB port and headphone plug are positioned near the console, as shown above. There is another USB port directly under the entertainment screen, which is convenient for charging items placed on the tray table.

Seat controls are on the side of the seat and are customizable. Using the dial to adjust the seat worked best for me. Standard buttons, including a do not disturb setting, are present.

United Polaris seat controls

United Polaris seat controls | Photo by Julie Neafach

The tray table pulls out from under the entertainment screen and unfolds to provide a significant amount of space. It also slides to allow placement closer to the entertainment screen or the seat.

United Polaris folded tray table | Photo by Julie Neafach
United Polaris expanded tray table

United Polaris expanded tray table | Photo by Julie Neafach

The seat is easy to change into bed mode, and at 78 inches (6 feet, 6 inches), it should accommodate most people in bed mode.

The footwell space was fine for me, but it might be a little tight for a tall person, someone with large feet or a side sleeper. Alternating rows of seats are parallel to the sides of the plane and aisle or positioned at an angle, but the footwell for all seats aligns to the rest of the seat.

I didn’t see individual air nozzles near my seat, and research indicated that the presence or absence of air nozzles varies within United’s 777-200 fleet. More specifically, planes that were Continental Airlines 777-200s don’t have individual air nozzles.

My overall first impression of the seat and business-class cabin was good. The seat size (22 inches wide and 78 inches long as a bed), the general appearance of the cabin and seat and available storage areas and surface space inspired confidence that I would be comfortable for the under eight-hour flight.

United Airlines 777-200 Business-Class Bathrooms

The plane has three bathrooms for business class; one at the front of the plane and two between the two business-class sections. The bathrooms are adequate but on the smaller side without any special amenities.

I had to wait several minutes for a bathroom towards the end of the flight, but that’s normally a busy time.

United Airlines 777-200 Amenities

At boarding, my seat was filled with blankets, pillows and an amenity kit.

United Polaris seat with amenities

United Polaris seat with amenities | Photo by Julie Neafach

United Airlines Business-Class Amenity Kit

The amenity kit was provided by luggage company, Away, and it looked like a miniature suitcase. It seemed above-average for a business-class amenity kit and contained a good selection of items including:

  • An “In-Flight Remedy” package containing Sunday Riley branded items: a facial cleansing cloth, face cream, hand cream and lip balm
  • A dental kit with a toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Socks
  • An eye mask
  • Earplugs
  • Tissues
  • A pen
United Polaris Away branded amenity kit case

United Polaris Away branded amenity kit case | Photo by Julie Neafach

United Polaris amenity kit contents

United Polaris amenity kit contents | Photo by Julie Neafach

United Airlines Business-Class Entertainment

Noise-canceling headphones labeled with the United brand were provided. The quality and comfort seemed about average.

The on-board entertainment system was easy to use and had a large selection. I mostly focused on the movie selection and found a 2022-release comedy that I had been hoping to watch on a flight. There was a mix of older and newer movies and television shows. There were numerous other options available including audio, kids’ selections, maps and news.

United Airlines Business-Class Bedding Amenities

Two Saks Fifth Avenue branded blankets and two pillows were provided. One blanket was like a duvet, and the other was a lighter weight, herringbone pattern blanket. The smaller pillow was memory foam, and the larger pillow was a regular pillow.

United Polaris Saks Fifth Avenue herringbone blanket

United Polaris Saks Fifth Avenue herringbone blanket | Photo by Julie Neafach

United Polaris Saks Fifth Avenue duvet

United Polaris Saks Fifth Avenue duvet | Photo by Julie Neafach

Seat toppers, pajamas and slippers weren’t provided. My understanding is that United provides pajamas in United Polaris business class for flights over 12 hours. I’ve also read that seat toppers may be available on request, but I’m not sure if that only applies on flights over 12 hours.

United Airlines Business-Class Pre-Departure Amenities

Pre-departure beverages included a choice of water or sparkling wine. Beverages were served in real glassware.

United Airlines 777-200 Wi-Fi

There was Wi-Fi on board, but I didn’t use it or check prices. My understanding is that Wi-Fi pricing on United flights varies depending on several factors. United also offers free Wi-Fi for T-Mobile passengers on certain plans.

United Airlines Business-Class Menus

A single page menu was available at my seat when I boarded.

United Polaris menu

United Polaris menu | Photo by Julie Neafach

United Airlines Business-Class Takeoff from Washington (IAD)

Takeoff was a little behind schedule due to the boarding process taking longer. The flight was pretty full in business class, but I don’t know how full it was in other cabins.

There wasn’t anything memorable about takeoff. Once we moved away from the gate, only a short time elapsed before takeoff, which was smooth.

United Airlines Business-Class Dinner

Before takeoff, flight attendants asked business-class passengers for their first and second entrée choices for dinner. I selected fish, a seared turbot filet, as my first choice and received it.

Orders for remaining service occurred just before the service began. After takeoff, the flight attendants took drink orders. I ordered a glass of wine. There was no wine list, but the flight attendants were able to tell me which types were available. After serving the main course, they took dessert orders.

I ordered an ice cream sundae for dessert. I asked whether the chocolate topping was hot fudge or chocolate syrup. The flight attendant didn’t know but came back to tell me it was hot fudge. After I placed my order, another flight attendant told me it was chocolate syrup, and she was correct.

Dinner service began with flight attendants placing a blue placemat on each passenger’s tray table. Beverages with a ramekin of nuts were served first. The entire dinner except dessert was served on a single tray. Dessert was served last.

United Polaris wine and mixed nuts
United Polaris appetizer and fish entree
United Polaris dessert

United Polaris wine and mixed nuts | Photo by Julie Neafach

United Polaris appetizer and fish entree | Photo by Julie Neafach

United Polaris dessert | Photo by Julie Neafach

Overall, dinner was somewhat disappointing given United’s effort to brand Polaris as a premium airline experience, but I wasn’t surprised given what I have read about United Polaris business-class food. The almonds in the mixed nuts were a little stale. The salad was fresh, a good size and contained more than just lettuce. The fish was pretty good and tender. The asparagus was burnt and not very green. I didn’t really know what the other sides were and barely touched them. The ice cream sundae tasted pretty good, even though the ice cream wasn’t high quality.

On a short overnight flight departing around 10 p.m., I believe that most passengers want a faster-paced meal service to maximize sleeping time. I found the pace of service on my flight too slow. It was about 45 minutes into the flight when drinks were served, another 15 minutes until the dinner tray was delivered, and more than an hour after that when my sundae was served.

United Airlines Business-Class Breakfast

Breakfast orders were taken in the morning. In addition to the choices on the menu, the flight attendant mentioned a continental breakfast option, which consisted of yogurt with granola and some berries and a croissant.

I wasn’t particularly hungry, since it had only been a few hours since dinner, so I ordered the continental breakfast. Breakfast was served on one tray.

United Polaris breakfast

United Polaris breakfast | Photo by Julie Neafach

This meal was another mixed experience in terms of food taste and quality. I liked the yogurt with granola, although some people would find it too sweet. The croissant didn’t even look like a croissant and was hard. Coffee was drinkable.

United Airlines Business-Class Bed

As discussed above, Saks Fifth Avenue blankets and pillows were provided. The quality of the bedding was good, and having two options for blankets and pillows was useful.

Despite a comfortable, 78-inch length and 22-inch width bed, I probably only slept two or three hours on the flight. Admittedly, I’m not a good sleeper in general, but the logistics of the flight impacted my sleep. With a flight time around eight hours, dinner service being slow, and breakfast service beginning about 1.5 hours before arrival, there wasn’t a lot of time to sleep.

Since the flight departed at night, the cabin wasn’t brightly lit during the flight, but cabin lights weren’t fully dimmed until dinner service was completed. Lights were brightened again when breakfast service began.

United Airlines 777-200 Arrival

Arrival was about on time, and the landing was smooth.
A remote gate was used. Instead of deplaning using a jet bridge that connected to a gate, passengers deplaned by stairs and were bussed to the terminal. Passengers entered Terminal 1 Concourse A.

My connecting flight was scheduled to depart from Terminal 1 Concourse B, and getting there involved walking to a different area in Concourse A and boarding another bus to Concourse B.

United Airlines and Thai Airways, the operating airline for my connecting flight, are in Star Alliance. As a connecting passenger on a business-class ticket, I was able to access Star Alliance business-class lounges at Frankfurt (FRA). My review for the Frankfort (FRA) to Bangkok (BKK) Thai Airways flight discusses the lounges I visited.

United Airlines 777-200 Business-Class Family Friendliness

I think the United 777-200 business-class cabin has an average layout for families traveling together. It’s good for two people who want to sit next to each other, specifically in the middle section in alternating rows in seats positioned further from the aisles and closer together. These seats would work for someone needing assistance or close monitoring during the flight. The business-class cabin doesn’t have seats where more than two people can be close to each other during the flight.

United offers other features for traveling with children. Kid’s meals are available as special meals on many United flights, and entertainment options include kid-friendly movies, television shows and games. In partnership with Sesame Workshops, United offers a children’s travel kit with an activity book, crayons and other items on many flights.

Overall Impression of United Airlines 777-200 Business Class

The most important factors for me when flying long-haul business class as a solo traveler are: lie-flat seats, a single seat in a 1-2-1 configuration to provide more privacy, onboard service and food.

United Polaris seats and bedding were good, but the service and food quality/presentation generally weren’t as good as I have experienced on Asian and Middle Eastern carriers. I flew international business-class flights on Thai Airways and Japan Airlines as part of this trip. These experiences confirmed my expectation that seats on United would be better, but food and service on Thai Airways and Japan Airlines would surpass United’s standard.

Final Thoughts

United Polaris business class on international flights is a solid choice for international travel, especially when traveling from or connecting through U.S. airports with a Polaris lounge. There is room for improvement with the food and service in United business class.

This is completely subjective, but eastern U.S. to western Europe flights present a situation where I question if business class is worth the extra cost compared to economy or premium economy. My thoughts are:

  • Overnight flights under eight hours long, like this one, provide limited time to enjoy the in-flight experience and get more than a few hours’ sleep. Even if I skip meal service, I’m not going to be able to sleep while it’s occurring.
  • My ideal length business-class flight is around 12 hours, to allow time to eat, work if necessary, watch a movie and potentially get around six hours of sleep.
  • On the other hand, being in economy and trying to sleep sitting up isn’t fun and would make almost eight hours seem a lot longer.

Since my final destination was Southeast Asia, and I had overnight flights on two consecutive days, business class definitely was worthwhile for this trip.

This article is part of a larger Trip Report on Southeast Asia, where you can learn about flights, lounges and hotels within this route.