As someone who grew up with fond memories of flying coach on the old Alitalia, I approached my first business class experience with equal parts excitement and skepticism. Could the premium service justify its hefty price tag? My wife and I decided to find out on a recent journey from Newark to Rome, trading our usual economy seats for the much-touted United Polaris business class experience.
The Polaris Lounge: Newark’s Hidden Gem
The journey began well before boarding our aircraft. Tucked away in Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal C is what I can only describe as an oasis amid the typical airport chaos—the United Polaris Lounge.
Unlike standard airport lounges, the Polaris Lounge feels genuinely exclusive. After a swift check-in, we entered a space that immediately lowered my blood pressure. The modern design features private seating pods, each equipped with power outlets and adjustable lighting. For those traveling with companions, comfortable living room-style seating areas allow for conversation without disturbing others.
The à la carte dining experience deserves special mention. Instead of the expected buffet scramble, we enjoyed restaurant-quality table service with dishes prepared to order. I savored a perfectly cooked filet mignon while my wife opted for fresh pasta. The cocktail menu was equally impressive—the signature Polaris Star martini provided a sophisticated start to our journey.
For those seeking pre-flight relaxation, the lounge offers shower suites stocked with Saks Fifth Avenue towels and Cowshed spa products. There are even private daybeds with Saks bedding for longer layovers.
The Flight Experience: Space, Sleep, and Service
Boarding was a revelation—no jostling for overhead space or waiting in lengthy queues. Once onboard, the Polaris cabin’s layout immediately impressed with its direct aisle access for every passenger—no climbing over sleeping neighbors for bathroom visits.
The seats themselves transform into fully-flat beds stretching 6’6″ long, complete with Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, including a mattress pad, duvet, and multiple pillows. After years of coach travel where successful sleep meant contorting yourself into increasingly improbable positions, the ability to actually lie flat feels nothing short of miraculous.
The amenity kit contained Cowshed toiletries, comfortable slippers, and other travel essentials. Perhaps most appreciated was the noise-canceling headphones that paired well with the extensive entertainment selection on the 16-inch screen.
Service stood out as consistently attentive without being intrusive. Flight attendants addressed us by name and seemed genuinely committed to ensuring our comfort. When I mentioned my preference for espresso, the attendant noted it and appeared with a fresh cup shortly after breakfast without prompting.
The Return: A Tale of Two Lounges
While the Newark Polaris Lounge had set a high bar, its counterpart at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport couldn’t quite match the experience. The partner lounge United uses in Rome, while comfortable, lacked the distinctive Polaris touches that made Newark’s offering special. The buffet-style food options were standard lounge fare rather than the restaurant-quality offerings we’d enjoyed in Newark. The seating, while adequate, didn’t offer the same privacy or thoughtful design elements.
This disparity highlights a reality of international premium travel—the experience can vary significantly depending on your departure point.
The Food Question
Business class dining often features prominently in marketing materials, but did it live up to the hype? The answer is mixed. While the presentation was elegant and the multi-course structure appreciated, the quality fell short of expectations. Despite the white tablecloths and real silverware, airline food remains airline food—even in premium cabins. Some dishes were surprisingly good (a burrata appetizer stands out), while others suffered from the inevitable limitations of aircraft ovens.
Is It Worth It?
The most common question friends ask: Is business class worth the significant price premium? For regular vacation travel, the honest answer is probably not for most people. The cost difference could fund an additional vacation or significantly upgrade your accommodations at your destination.
However, for special occasions, longer flights (particularly overnight routes where sleep quality matters), or when points and miles can offset the cost, the value proposition improves dramatically. You arrive feeling refreshed rather than depleted—a benefit that can add precious days to your actual vacation enjoyment.
For business travelers whose companies foot the bill, the productivity benefits of arriving rested and the ability to work comfortably during the flight create legitimate value.
The Verdict
For this Italian-American who grew up believing the Alitalia coach was the only way to cross the Atlantic, business class was an eye-opening experience. While the Rome lounge and onboard cuisine didn’t quite match expectations, the overall journey—particularly the exceptional Newark Polaris Lounge and the genuine comfort of actual sleep on an airplane—transformed travel from something to endure into something to enjoy.
Is it an experience worth having at least once? Absolutely. Just be warned—once you’ve turned left when boarding, it becomes very difficult to turn right again.
Tom is a lifelong New Jersey resident, Rutgers and FDU alumni and the publisher of The Digest.
