FLIGHT: UNITED polaris Business class

THE FLIGHT flight ua26 from Heathrow to Denver departed about 40 minutes after its scheduled departure of 11.25 but arrived on time at 14.15. The aircraft was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

PRE- BOARDING There was virtually no queue in Terminal 2 and I had my bag weighed and ticket presented with advice on how to take the fast track through security in about five minutes. I didn’t use the lounge this time but it’s located very close to the gate and I know from experience it offers a good variety of food and seating – private and social; lounge-style and business-like.

THE SERVICE The staff were very attentive, full of character and entertaining as well as helpful. I was presented with a tin-style amenity kit which had socks, earplugs, a brilliant light-blocking neoprene eye mask (and I’m a connoisseur of eye masks), cowshed beauty products like lip balm and hand cream, and a mini toothpaste with brush. The bedding included a large fluffy pillow and the signature Saks fifth

avenue-branded textiles – a soft blanket and a thick quilt. Hot towels were handed out before a drinks service and then the three-course meal including chicken, rice and asparagus. The best course was the dessert, which offered a choice of the signature sundae – bespoke-made in front of you – or a choice from the stylish cake stand which added a little ceremony to the meal.

THE SEAT Seats were arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration and I had a side aisle seat, so my neighbouring passenger had to climb over me to get out. The seat controls are simple to use and converted the seat into a very comfortable flatbed or a reclining chair with soft footrest. Storage is a little lacking, with no obvious place to put a laptop and the cup holder somewhat awkwardly placed behind and above. The touchscreen TV came with padded noise-cancelling headphones and a great choice of movies and TV programmes.

THE VERDICT The image above is of the new polaris cabin currently being rolled out and should address some of the niggles I experienced, as well as adding aesthetically pleasing points like softer lighting. The service was excellent but the food a little disappointing – but much better on the return flight.

THE DETAILS united airlines flies its daily seasonal service from Heathrow to Denver until october. fares in July start from £2,924.41 in united polaris. for full fare details see: united.com. Laura Gelder