What is United Polaris?

United Polaris is United's long-haul business class product — flat-bed seats, direct aisle access on most aircraft, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, and solid dining. It's not the best business class in the world but it's consistently excellent, particularly on the 787 and 777 aircraft flying transatlantic and transpacific routes.

A Polaris seat from New York to London in cash costs $3,500–$7,000 round-trip. In points, it's 60,000–110,000 miles each way depending on how you book.

The cheapest way: Turkish Miles&Smiles

Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles is the most underrated redemption in the points world. They're a Star Alliance member, United is Star Alliance, and Turkish charges just 45,000 miles one-way for United Polaris to Europe — compared to 70,000 on United's own program.

How to get Turkish miles: Citi Strata Premier, Chase Sapphire cards, and Capital One Venture X all transfer to Turkish at 1:1. The catch: you must call Turkish to book (website is unreliable for partner awards) and there's a ~$25 phone booking fee.

Using United MileagePlus directly

United's own program costs 70,000 miles one-way to Europe in Polaris. More expensive than Turkish but easier to book online and more reliable availability. Best credit cards for earning United miles: United Club Infinite (4x on United), United Explorer (9x on United flights for cardholders), or Chase Sapphire (transfer 1:1).

Using Aeroplan (Air Canada)

Air Canada Aeroplan prices United Polaris at 55,000–65,000 points one-way to Europe with no fuel surcharges. Good middle ground — cheaper than direct United but without the phone booking requirement of Turkish. Chase, Amex, and Capital One all transfer to Aeroplan.

Availability tips