REVIEWS
The new Polaris business class seating
UNITED B767-300 Polaris business class, New York Newark-London Heathrow A table can be
pulled out under the IFE screen
UNITED FLIES FIVE TIMES DAILY from New York’s Newark airport to London Heathrow, typically with the 767-400ER, but a 767-300, which has the newer Polaris seating, also frequently flies the route. United says it is adding a new Polaris business class configuration to the fleet every ten days, in new aircraft or by retrofitting. But with such a large fleet, it is likely to be summer 2019 before you can be sure of getting Polaris on every Newark- Heathrow flight. By Julian Gregory
CHECK-IN For my overnight flight from Newark Terminal C on flight UA14, I went to the Premier Access check-in area on Level 3. After using the check-in machines, I went to Level 2 to go through security. The Premier Access queues were longer than for economy, so I switched into the economy lanes and went through immediately.
BOARDING The flight was boarding from Gate C128. Polaris customers are in Group 1 and within a few minutes I was walking down the air bridge to be greeted by the crew. I was then offered a pre-flight drink, and the crew took meal orders. The captain came into the cabin to introduce himself to us, and gave an overview of the flight.
POINT A SHOREDITCH
PART OF THE QUEENSWAY GROUP, which specialises in developing and operating hotels and other hospitality ventures, Point A was launched in 2017 as a joint venture after the group ended its franchise agreement with Tune hotels. Five Tune properties were rebranded as Point A, with entirely new hotels constructed, one in Glasgow and this one in London’s Shoreditch, which opened in March 2017. By Becky Ambury
WHERE IS IT? On Paul Street, which is remarkably quiet given its location right in the heart of Shoreditch – London’s foremost tech hub, nightlife zone and home to cutting-edge shops and high- concept dining options. The hotel is about ten minutes’ walk from Old Street underground station and 12 minutes’ walk from Shoreditch High Street overground station. The City is some five to ten minutes’ walk away. WHAT’S IT LIKE? The remit of the Point A brand is “central, comfortable, affordable” and it does exactly what it says on the tin. The hotel has a smart, unfussy appearance from the outside in keeping with the area’s vernacular style. Stepping into this cool, white oasis, following a journey through exuberant Shoreditch, was a delightful experience. There is little surplus to requirements
in the reception area: a couple of chairs and a small reception desk.
136 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 At the rear of the
open-plan ground floor beyond the foyer was the shared space – being utilised by a mix of business travellers and youngsters. Check-in was
prompt and friendly, with hotel manager Keisha Duncan manning the desk with just the right combination of courteous informality. ROOMS The hotel has 131 rooms (doubles and twins, all en suite) ranging from 8-12 sqm in size and set over seven floors. All rooms have free, fast wifi, Hypnos beds, blackout curtains, power shower, safe, a 40-inch flatscreen Smart TV and air con. My double room on the seventh floor
had two tall windows (which pleasingly opened, despite the air con) with an amazing view of the City and the Shard.
It was an appealing, easy space to be
in, almost instantly relaxing, featuring mood lighting and, in keeping with the current trend, no wardrobe; just a few hooks with coat hangers and space under the bed for storing larger items. There were AC plug and USB sockets. BUSINESS The lounge provides an array of seating from comfortable armchairs to work spaces with power points. VERDICT There are no restaurant, bar or leisure facilities, but there was everything a business traveller would need. An excellent option that’s affordable without feeling cheap.
buyingbusinesstravel.com
THE SEAT The Polaris cabin has a 1-1-1 configuration (A, D or F and L) with all seats having direct aisle access. I was in window seat 2A, which was very comfortable, with dark-blue cloth upholstery, a grey-leather adjustable headrest and a shoulder strap that had to be worn for take off and landing. Each seat has its own adjustable reading light, shaded light, multi-power sockets and USB. There is a cupboard for storing the noise-cancelling headphones. A large sturdy table is pulled out
from below the IFE screen. A sliding control turns the seat from fully upright into a bed. To the side of the seat, by the adjustable armrest, is the magazine holder and a small storage area.
THE FLIGHT As soon as the seatbelt light went off I reclined my seat. I was provided with a large pillow and quilt from Saks Fifth Avenue, and a blanket. Fully flat, the seat has a width of 20.6 inches and a length of around 75 inches. It was comfortable and I slept well. Had I stayed awake, I would have been served a drink and nuts, followed by dinner. VERDICT The Polaris is a comfortable seat and a great improvement on the previous version. In the new lounge you can have a meal and take a shower before your flight, which will enhance the experience and give you more time to sleep on the plane. FLIGHT TIME 7 hours 20 minutes.
The shared space at Point A Shoreditch can be used for work or as a social meeting point
HOTEL
FLIGHT
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