Review of United Airlines Business Class: Flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong

Overview of the Flight

Join me as I share my experience reviewing United Airlines' Polaris business class on the Boeing 777-300ER, traveling the same route from San Francisco to Hong Kong (SFO-HKG). This journey took place on January 30, 2026, eight years after my initial experience with their service.

After enjoying a few hours in the Polaris lounge at SFO, I made my way to gate G5, ready for the 15-hour flight ahead. We departed at 11:40 AM, with an expected arrival time of 7:20 PM the following day.

Seating

I was seated in 18A, a window seat located in the last row of business class. The professionalism of the service was immediately apparent as the head flight attendant welcomed me and acknowledged my status as a Premier 1K member.

The United Airlines 777-300ER is the airline's largest wide-body aircraft, featuring 60 business class seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, with seats A and L in odd-numbered rows offering the best privacy. As there were no A and L seats available when I booked, I opted for 18A.

The seat width is 20 inches and can convert into a flat bed measuring 78 inches (approximately 1.98 meters). If you're traveling with a companion, consider seats D and G for a more conversational arrangement.

In-Flight Amenities

Each seat is equipped with an A/C outlet and a USB port. The bedding, provided by Saks Fifth Avenue, is of high quality, including a blanket, a large pillow, and a cooling mattress pad. Throughout the flight, I took advantage of the cool air from the personal air vents to catch some sleep.

In-Flight Entertainment

Wi-Fi is available for $17.99, though the connection can be unreliable and often doesn’t work. The entertainment library boasts hundreds of movies and TV shows. The airline has also upgraded to new noise-canceling headphones from Meridian Audio, significantly improving sound quality compared to previous versions.

Food and Beverage

The in-flight dining experience pleasantly surprised me. Lunch began with a hot towel and drinks; I chose an Aperol Spritz paired with a mixed nuts snack. The salad, appetizer, and main course were all delightful.

The salad featured baby spinach with goat cheese, roasted beets, and pine nuts. My main dish was Chilean sea bass, perfectly cooked and delicious, served alongside saffron risotto. This is a testament to the significant improvements in United's culinary offerings.

Mid-Flight Snacks

United now offers tapas on long-haul flights, although each item resembles a main course more than traditional tapas. I sampled several dishes, including black empanadas and brown butter gnocchi. While some items didn’t quite suit my taste, the enhanced mid-flight meal options were a welcome upgrade.

Pre-Arrival Breakfast

A full breakfast was served before landing. I ordered a smoothie bowl, although many other passengers opted out of this service. The menu included custard egg brioche and steamed shrimp with congee. The French pastry was quite tasty, though nothing extraordinary. Nonetheless, I was satisfied with my choice.

Amenities and Service

Each seat comes with slippers, and passengers are provided with a sleep suit. The amenity kit from Brooks Brothers includes various items such as socks, an eye mask, and moisturizer. However, I still prefer the kit from Therabody.

The service from the cabin crew on this flight was exceptional. The head flight attendant introduced herself as soon as I boarded, and the rest of the crew was attentive throughout the journey.

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

To fly from Vietnam to Hong Kong with United Airlines, you can depart from Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) or Noi Bai Airport (HAN). The flight duration is around 2 hours, and Vietnamese citizens do not require a visa for stays under 14 days in Hong Kong.

One-way ticket prices typically range from 5 million to 8 million VND, depending on when you book and how far in advance. The airline frequently runs promotions, so keep an eye out for good deals.

The currency in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), with an exchange rate of approximately 1 HKD to 3,200 VND. Be sure to carry some cash upon arrival, as not all stores accept credit cards.

When booking, consider flight times, especially in the summer when it can get crowded and ticket prices may be higher. If possible, opt to travel in the fall or winter for better prices and a less crowded experience.

In conclusion, United Airlines has made significant improvements to its service and dining options. This truly is a great choice for those looking to experience business class at a reasonable price.

Reference and edited from: Live and Let's Fly