United announced what it calls the largest upgrade to its United Polaris international business class experience in seven years, debuting new in-airport and onboard amenities from Therabody and Saks Fifth Avenue that are designed to give customers “the best sleep in the sky.”
According to a recent survey, the announcement said, 83% of international travelers say catching up on sleep is important on a flight, and 61% book flights with sleep in mind. (The survey was done by Ketchum on behalf of United and included an online survey of 1,193 American adults, 986 of whom have traveled by plane at some point, including 173 of whom travel internationally at least once a year,)
Many international travelers say that getting good sleep is more important than most aspects of the inflight experience, according to the survey. Two-thirds say sleep on a flight is more important than having access to WiFi; 74% say it’s more important than bingeing their favorite shows; and 61% say it’s more important than the beverage service.
The new Therabody offerings include an onboard amenity kit that features an eye serum, face spray, hand cream and cleansing towelette exclusive to United customers, as well as access to Therabody devices like the Lounger, Theragun and RecoveryAir JetBoots in United Polaris lounges and inflight wellness videos on the airline’s inflight entertainment screens.
The new Saks Fifth Avenue bedding includes items that are made with recycled plastic, aligned with United’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact, and feature a new limited-edition day blanket from fashion designer Claude Kameni.
United is adding these new amenities, according to the announcement, as demand for international travel surges and the carrier continues to expand its role as the largest airline across both the Atlantic and Pacific. So far this year, the airline’s international bookings are up 20% overall compared with 2022, and customers are booking premium cabin seats — United Polaris and United Premium Plus — 30% more than last year.
The carrier said it is also in the midst of an upgrade to its food and beverage service, including the addition to its menu of more than 20 new wine, beer and liquor brands this year so far. The airline also brought back past favorites like the ice cream sundae cart, added an appetizer service and introduced nearly 100 new menu items across all cabins and routes.
