CHIC TRANSIT

If a measure of travelling success is what airline lounge you’ve got access to, then getting into United’s freshly minted Polaris lounge must mean you’ve arrived. I’m heading back home on United’s newly returned LAX-Auckland service, and after making it through TSA security, I’d usually be faced with a long wait in LAX’s dismal terminal 7. Lucky me, however, I’m flying United’s business class service, so I get access to the refurbished Polaris lounge.

A ride in a lift and minutes later, I’m sitting high above the hoi polloi, dining on fine cuisine, and supping a complimentary alcohol-free beer in The Dining Room, the lounge’s restaurant.

Decadent in the best ways, this lounge is almost like being swept back in time to the genteel hey-day of air travel.

There’s nothing vintage about this lounge, however. It’s just had a renovation as part of the airline’s US$573 million (NZ$972m) investment in terminal 7. The result is a chic, SoCal-style hangout with 140 seats, including recliners, and private work stations.

The restaurant’s menu, designed by Los Angeles chef Tritia Gestuvohe, is American modern, with a range of options from steak to vegetarian.

I choose a warm, hearty bean soup, followed by a hunk of seared blue cod, with beets, goats’ cheese and salad – divine. The fish was perfectly grilled white flesh, with subtle smoky flavours. For dessert, I hit the buffet for a tiny cup of chocolate mousse that was just the right size.

For nibblers, there’s also the customary never-ending buffet, and a full bar, with an extensive wine list, and cocktails inspired by LA such as a tequila, mezcal and agave concoction called On Sunset.

Wellness is a key element of United’s business class vibe. There’s a wellness suite in the lounge where you can book a quiet room, and a daybed for a nap under the same Saks Fifth Avenue bedding as in their cabins. They will wake you up, so you don’t miss your flight.

There are also rainfall showers with Soho House and Co’s Cowshed Spa toiletries, and a spa area where you can get a massage.

United has Polaris lounges at LAX, SFO, Chicago O’Hare, New York JFK and Washington DC Dulles airports. They are exclusively for the use of United and Star Alliance business class flyers, no guests allowed.

After that, the flight home is almost a step-down in luxury. Almost.

The route

UA642, LA to Auckland is a straight shot over the Pacific in a Boeing 7879 Dreamliner. There are 259 seats: 48 business class, 21 premium plus and 188 economy.

The seat

In a repeat of the flight out, I am in seat 9L. The seat length is 2 metres with a full 180-degree recline, at the touch of a button.

Time in the air

The flight from LA to Auckland is about 12 hours.

Comfort factor

This is the most comfortable I have ever been on this route. The legroom is out of this world.

The entertainment

There is limited wi-fi for free in the business class cabin – you can check messages and emails.

The selection of films felt a little limited on this flight. I would have liked to have seen more Kiwi films on offer.

The amenities

A business class ticket entitles you to use the brand spanking new Polaris lounge at LAX – the best amenity imaginable.

On the flight, you get a mattress topper, duvet and two pillows, headphones and a travel kit, including the usual toiletries. Slippers are available on request.

The airport

UA642 leaves from terminal 7 at

LAX, which has limited shopping and entertainment options.

Flying business class gives you priority baggage at Auckland airport, so they will come through first, making your arrival a lot more bearable.

The service

The service on this flight was a little perfunctory. It was a full cabin. Also, it was a bumpy ride so I guess the flight attendant was strapped in for most of it.

The frequency

United flies to LAX three times a week, with a fourth departure coming in December.

By the end of 2023, they claim the airline will have more flights between the US and New Zealand, and Australia than any other carrier in the world, more than all other US carriers combined.

The essentials

Business class flights from Auckland to LA on UA642 start from around NZ$9000. See: united.com