United Business Class: Chicago To Amsterdam Review

Hey guys! Today, I'm diving deep into my experience flying United Business Class from the Windy City (Chicago) all the way to the charming canals of Amsterdam. Buckle up, because I'm going to give you the lowdown on everything from the lounge experience to the lie-flat seats, the food, the service, and everything in between. If you're considering this route and class, you'll want to hear this!

Booking and Pre-Flight Experience

Let's kick things off with the booking process. I snagged my ticket a few months in advance, which I always recommend for better prices and seat availability, especially if you're eyeing those coveted lie-flat seats. Booking directly through United's website was a breeze; the interface is pretty user-friendly, and I could easily select my seat. Now, let's talk about the pre-flight experience at O'Hare. As a business class passenger, I had access to the United Polaris Lounge, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer. Stepping into the lounge felt like entering a different world – a serene oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the airport. The lounge offers a range of amenities to help you relax and prepare for your flight. There are comfortable seating areas where you can stretch out and unwind, as well as private workstations if you need to catch up on work. The lounge also offers complimentary Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected and browse the internet. One of the highlights of the Polaris Lounge is the dining options. You can choose from a buffet-style selection of snacks and light meals, or you can opt for a sit-down dining experience at the lounge's restaurant. The restaurant offers a menu of delicious dishes, prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. I decided to go with the sit-down dining option and ordered a mouthwatering steak. It was cooked to perfection and tasted absolutely divine. In addition to the dining options, the Polaris Lounge also offers a range of beverages, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. You can enjoy a glass of wine, a cocktail, or a refreshing soft drink. The lounge also has a barista who can prepare your favorite coffee drinks. The service at the Polaris Lounge was impeccable. The staff members were friendly, attentive, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that I had a pleasant experience. They promptly greeted me upon arrival, offered assistance with my luggage, and provided helpful information about my flight. Overall, the pre-flight experience at the United Polaris Lounge was exceptional. It provided a comfortable and relaxing environment where I could unwind and prepare for my flight to Amsterdam. I highly recommend taking advantage of the lounge's amenities if you have access to it.

The Seat and Cabin

Alright, let's get to the heart of the matter – the seat and cabin. On this Chicago to Amsterdam route, United typically uses the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which features their Polaris Business Class seats. These seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, meaning everyone gets direct aisle access – no more climbing over your neighbor when you need to stretch your legs! The Polaris seat itself is a marvel of engineering. It reclines to a fully lie-flat position, which is a godsend on a transatlantic flight. I'm about 6 feet tall, and I found the seat to be plenty spacious, both in length and width. There's ample storage space, including a side console for your personal items and a small compartment for shoes. The seat also features a personal reading light, adjustable air vents, and universal power outlets, so you can keep your devices charged throughout the flight. United provides a Saks Fifth Avenue blanket and pillow, which are incredibly soft and comfortable. The bedding really enhances the sleep experience, making it easier to drift off into dreamland. The cabin itself felt modern and well-maintained. The lighting was carefully designed to create a relaxing atmosphere, and the temperature was just right. I also appreciated the noise-canceling headphones provided by United, which helped to block out the ambient noise of the aircraft. One minor gripe is that the overhead bins can sometimes get crowded, especially on a full flight. However, the cabin crew was always quick to assist passengers with finding space for their luggage. Overall, the seat and cabin in United Business Class on the Chicago to Amsterdam route exceeded my expectations. The lie-flat seat, comfortable bedding, and thoughtful amenities made for a truly enjoyable and restful flight.

Food and Beverage

Okay, let's talk about the culinary experience on board. Dining in United Business Class is definitely a step up from economy. Before takeoff, the flight attendants offered a selection of pre-departure beverages, including champagne, juice, and water. Once we were airborne, the meal service began. The menu featured a variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts, with options to suit different dietary preferences. For my appetizer, I chose the seared scallops, which were cooked to perfection and served with a flavorful sauce. For the main course, I opted for the grilled steak, which was tender and juicy. The steak was accompanied by roasted vegetables and potatoes, which were also delicious. To finish off the meal, I indulged in a decadent chocolate lava cake, which was warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible. Throughout the meal service, the flight attendants were attentive and accommodating. They promptly refilled drinks, cleared plates, and answered any questions I had. In addition to the main meal service, United also offers a selection of snacks and beverages throughout the flight. You can choose from a variety of chips, nuts, sandwiches, and fruit. There's also a self-service bar area where you can grab a drink or a snack whenever you feel like it. The beverage selection in United Business Class is quite impressive. They offer a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, including wine, beer, spirits, coffee, tea, and soft drinks. I particularly enjoyed the selection of wines, which were carefully chosen to complement the meal service. Overall, the food and beverage experience in United Business Class on the Chicago to Amsterdam route was excellent. The meals were delicious, the service was attentive, and the beverage selection was impressive. I would definitely recommend trying the steak and the chocolate lava cake – they were both standout dishes.

In-Flight Entertainment

Now, let's talk about keeping yourself entertained during the flight. United's in-flight entertainment system offers a wide variety of movies, TV shows, music, and games to keep you occupied. The screen is a decent size and the resolution is sharp, making for a pleasant viewing experience. I spent a good portion of the flight catching up on some of my favorite TV shows. The selection was diverse, with options for all tastes. I also enjoyed listening to music on the in-flight entertainment system. They had a wide range of genres to choose from, so I was able to find something that suited my mood. If you prefer to bring your own entertainment, you can connect your devices to the in-flight Wi-Fi. United offers Wi-Fi access for a fee, and the connection was generally reliable throughout the flight. I was able to browse the internet, check my email, and even stream some videos without any major issues. In addition to the in-flight entertainment system and Wi-Fi, United also provides a selection of magazines and newspapers. I enjoyed flipping through a few magazines and catching up on current events. Overall, the in-flight entertainment options in United Business Class on the Chicago to Amsterdam route were excellent. Whether you're a movie buff, a music lover, or a news junkie, you'll find plenty to keep you entertained during the flight.

Service and Amenities

Let's dive into the service and amenities, which can really make or break a flight experience. From the moment I stepped on board, the flight attendants were incredibly welcoming and attentive. They greeted me with a smile, offered assistance with my luggage, and made sure I was comfortable in my seat. Throughout the flight, the service was consistently excellent. The flight attendants were always available to answer questions, fulfill requests, and provide recommendations. They were also proactive in anticipating my needs, such as refilling my drinks or offering a blanket when I looked cold. One of the standout amenities in United Business Class is the amenity kit. The kit includes a range of 고급 skincare products, as well as essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and eye mask. I found the skincare products to be particularly luxurious and hydrating, which was much appreciated on a long flight. In addition to the amenity kit, United also provides a pair of comfortable slippers, which are perfect for lounging around the cabin. I also appreciated the availability of noise-canceling headphones, which helped to block out the ambient noise of the aircraft. Overall, the service and amenities in United Business Class on the Chicago to Amsterdam route were exceptional. The flight attendants were attentive, the amenities were luxurious, and the overall experience was top-notch.

Overall Impression

So, what's the final verdict? My experience in United Business Class from Chicago to Amsterdam was overwhelmingly positive. From the comfortable lie-flat seat to the delicious food and attentive service, United really delivered on all fronts. The Polaris Lounge in Chicago was a fantastic way to start the journey, and the amenities on board made the long flight much more enjoyable. Sure, there were a few minor hiccups, like the crowded overhead bins, but those were easily overshadowed by the overall quality of the experience. Would I fly United Business Class again on this route? Absolutely! It's a worthwhile splurge if you're looking for a comfortable and stress-free way to travel across the Atlantic. If you have any questions about my experience, feel free to ask in the comments below. Happy travels, guys!