United Business Class: Chicago To Amsterdam Review

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into my recent experience flying United Business Class from the Windy City (Chicago) all the way to the charming canals of Amsterdam. Buckle up, because I'm about to give you the lowdown on everything from the lounge experience to the lie-flat seats and the all-important food situation. Whether you're planning your own transatlantic adventure or just curious about what it's like to fly in style, this review is for you.

Booking and Pre-Flight Experience

Let's kick things off with the booking process. I snagged this flight using a combination of United MileagePlus miles and a bit of cash. Keep an eye out for those award sweet spots, folks! Booking in advance definitely helps, especially if you're aiming for a specific date or want to use miles. Once the flight was booked, I was able to select my seat. Pro-tip: window seats offer more privacy, while aisle seats give you easier access to, well, the aisle. Before the flight, as a business class passenger, I had access to the United Club lounge at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The lounge was a decent place to relax before the long flight, offering a variety of snacks, drinks (including alcoholic beverages), and comfortable seating. It wasn't anything super fancy, but definitely a step up from the gate area. Wi-Fi was complimentary, which is always a plus. One thing I noticed was that the lounge could get quite crowded during peak hours, so keep that in mind. Overall, the pre-flight experience was smooth and convenient. Having access to the lounge made the wait much more enjoyable, allowing me to unwind and get ready for the journey ahead. The check-in process was also expedited thanks to the dedicated business class line. This saved me a considerable amount of time and hassle, ensuring a stress-free start to my trip. The staff at the check-in counter were friendly and helpful, addressing any questions I had with patience and professionalism. Little things like this really make a difference in the overall travel experience, setting a positive tone for the flight ahead. From booking to boarding, United's business class service aims to provide a seamless and comfortable experience, and in my case, they largely succeeded.

The Seat and Cabin

Alright, let's talk about the seat itself. This is where business class really shines. On this particular flight, United used a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which features their Polaris business class seats. These are lie-flat seats, meaning you can fully recline and get some actual sleep on those long overnight flights. The seat itself was quite comfortable, with adjustable lumbar support and plenty of legroom. Each seat also comes with a personal entertainment screen, a universal power outlet, and USB charging ports – essential for keeping your devices juiced up. The cabin layout is in a 1-2-1 configuration, meaning every passenger has direct aisle access. No more climbing over your neighbor when you need to use the restroom! The design of the seat also provides a good amount of privacy, thanks to a high shell and adjustable divider. The bedding provided included a plush duvet and a comfortable pillow, making it easier to get some shut-eye. I managed to get a solid few hours of sleep, which is a major win on a transatlantic flight. The cabin itself felt modern and well-maintained. The mood lighting helped create a relaxing atmosphere, and the noise levels were relatively low. The flight attendants did a great job of keeping the cabin clean and tidy throughout the flight. One minor gripe was the storage space. While there was a small compartment for personal items, it could have been a bit larger. Overall, the seat and cabin environment were excellent. The lie-flat seat, combined with the thoughtful amenities and comfortable bedding, made for a truly enjoyable and restful flight. Whether you're catching up on work or simply trying to relax, the Polaris seat provides a comfortable and functional space to do so. This is where the investment in business class really pays off, especially on long-haul flights.

Food and Beverage

Now for the part everyone's been waiting for: the food! In United Business Class, you can expect a multi-course meal service. Shortly after takeoff, the flight attendants came around with menus and took our orders. The menu offered a few different choices for appetizers, entrees, and desserts. I started with the smoked salmon appetizer, which was quite tasty. For my main course, I opted for the grilled steak. While it wasn't the best steak I've ever had, it was definitely a decent airplane meal. The presentation was also quite nice, with attention to detail in the plating. Dessert was a choice between ice cream, fruit, or a cheese plate. I went for the ice cream, because, well, why not? Throughout the flight, a variety of beverages were available, including wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks. The wine list featured a few different options, and the flight attendants were happy to offer recommendations. I particularly enjoyed the selection of red wines. In between meal services, snacks were also available, such as chips, cookies, and fruit. One thing I appreciated was the attention to dietary restrictions. Passengers with special meal requests were accommodated, and the flight attendants were careful to ensure that everyone received the correct meal. While the food wasn't Michelin-star quality, it was definitely a step up from economy class. The presentation was elegant, the portions were satisfying, and the variety of options ensured that there was something for everyone. The attentive service and the constant availability of snacks and drinks made the overall dining experience a pleasant one. I also indulged in a glass of champagne before takeoff, which is always a nice way to start a flight. The flight attendants were proactive in offering refills and ensuring that everyone was well taken care of. The quality of the ingredients used in the meals seemed to be higher than in economy class, and the flavors were generally well-balanced. Overall, the food and beverage experience in United Business Class was a definite highlight of the flight.

In-Flight Entertainment and Amenities

Let's talk about keeping yourself entertained on that long flight. Each Polaris seat comes with a personal entertainment screen loaded with a variety of movies, TV shows, music, and games. The selection was quite extensive, with something for everyone. I spent a good portion of the flight catching up on some movies I had been wanting to see. The screen was a good size, and the resolution was sharp. Noise-canceling headphones were also provided, which made the viewing experience even more enjoyable. In addition to the entertainment screen, Wi-Fi was available for purchase. However, the speeds were a bit slow at times, so it wasn't ideal for streaming videos or doing any heavy work. However, it was sufficient for checking emails and browsing the web. Amenity kits were also provided, containing items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, eye mask, socks, and earplugs. These kits are a nice touch and can definitely come in handy on a long flight. The flight attendants were also attentive in providing additional blankets and pillows upon request. One thing I appreciated was the availability of a printed copy of the in-flight entertainment guide. This made it easy to browse the selection of movies and TV shows without having to navigate the menu on the screen. Overall, the in-flight entertainment and amenities were excellent. The wide selection of movies and TV shows, combined with the comfortable headphones and amenity kit, made the flight much more enjoyable. While the Wi-Fi could have been faster, it was still a useful option for staying connected. United has clearly put a lot of thought into providing passengers with everything they need to stay entertained and comfortable on long-haul flights. The availability of power outlets and USB ports also ensured that I could keep my devices charged throughout the flight, which is essential for staying productive. The intuitive interface of the entertainment system made it easy to navigate and find exactly what I was looking for. The responsiveness of the touchscreen was also impressive, making the overall experience seamless and enjoyable.

Service and Overall Impression

Finally, let's talk about the service. The flight attendants on this flight were fantastic. They were attentive, friendly, and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure passengers were comfortable. They greeted everyone with a smile and were quick to respond to any requests. Throughout the flight, they regularly checked in on passengers to see if they needed anything. They were also very knowledgeable about the menu and the wine list, and were happy to offer recommendations. The service felt personalized and genuine, which made a big difference in the overall experience. From pre-flight boarding to deplaning, the entire crew contributed to a smooth and enjoyable journey. The attention to detail, such as remembering passengers' names and preferences, really stood out. The flight attendants were also proactive in addressing any issues that arose, such as turbulence or minor inconveniences. Their calm and professional demeanor helped to ease any anxieties and ensure that everyone felt safe and secure. Overall, the service in United Business Class was exceptional. The flight attendants were truly dedicated to providing a high level of customer service, and their efforts did not go unnoticed. The friendly and attentive service, combined with the comfortable seat, excellent food, and comprehensive entertainment options, made this flight a truly memorable experience. I would highly recommend United Business Class to anyone looking for a comfortable and stress-free way to travel between Chicago and Amsterdam. The investment in a premium cabin is well worth it, especially on long-haul flights. The enhanced comfort, personalized service, and attention to detail make for a travel experience that is both enjoyable and productive. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, United Business Class offers a level of comfort and convenience that is hard to beat. The memories of this flight will definitely stay with me for a long time, and I look forward to flying with United again in the future. The experience has set a new standard for my expectations when it comes to air travel, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have flown in such style and comfort.