The Weirdest United 787-9 Flight
In all my years of traveling, I have never come across anything in aviation like this, a United Polaris-equipped 787-9 flying between Los Angeles and Denver, on a 2-hour flight, this must be a dream, a widebody with lie-flat seats in the US. You know I had to do it!
Flight Information:
Date: November 19th 2023
Flight Number: UA1048 LAX-DEN
Aircraft: 787-9
Seat/Class: 11A in Business Class
Registration: N25982
Flight Time: 1hr 59min
So I know you already think I am insane, I chose to fly to Denver in the freezing Colorado winters, but hear me out. When have you ever gotten the chance to fly on a 787-9 on a 2-hour flight? This is something I couldn’t miss, especially the chance to try United’s Polaris for only $600 round trip! This was an opportunity that only god would give to Aviation Nerds like me. So back in November, I got in an Uber, and my family and I went to LAX terminal 7 where the greatest airplane seats ever, awaited our arrival. Now I have no idea why United thought it was a good idea to put a 787 on a little flight from LA to Denver. But that is beside the point this is a crazy occurrence that I have never gotten the chance to see! So let’s get into it everyone, Welcome back to LAX Terminal 7!
A look at my fovorite terminal at LAX lucky number 7!
My journey at LAX Terminal 7 began on a bright November day early in the morning. My United experience started at the business class check in desk where a nice agent checked in my bags, from there it was a short walk to security where we got searched by a not-so-friendly TSA agent. After that, we headed up the stairs to the main concourse where I got some breakfast at the nice Rolling Stone restaurant. Once I was finished with my food I decided to sit down and plane spot for the rest of my time!
The main concourse at LAX Terminal 7
After relaxing at the gate for a little while it was time to go, so we got in line to board. Now sadly this was the 1 downside of taking this flight, the long boarding process. Since this is a 787, you can expect to wait double the time to board, but once you step foot on board it all becomes worth it. Boarding by the way was done through only 1 door meaning it took even longer. Either way, after we waited in line I made my way down the jetway where I made a right turn once I stepped on board, this is where I found seat 11!
A look at the boarding process for United flight 1048
After a quick walk on board, I took my seat for today 11A, in the back half of the United Polaris cabin. Sadly though, because this is not a transcon or international flight there would be no bedding, either way, this seat is insane, there is so much room and I can’t believe that the seat can turn into a bed. Also, I love how adjustable the seat is, along with how much storage there is!
The incredible United 787-9
After taking my seat it was only a few minutes before we pushed back, sadly there were no pre-departure beverages because of a catering issue, this basically meant they had to limit the amount of drinks they passed out, either way I didn’t really care.
Our pushback from gate 72A to Denver
After we pushed back and watched the incredible United safety video it was a very short taxi out to Runway 25R, this is where we took a quick and beautiful takeoff into the California sun! Also, this might be the most clear takeoff I have ever seen from LAX.
The takeoff from Runway 25R
After our amazing takeoff from Los Angeles, decided to take a closer look at the seat and its amenities. I began by looking at the bed which was very comfortable and cozy. I also looked at the entertainment screen, which will be especially useful on the long and painful flights these planes sometimes take, like for instance this plane came from Sydney before taking us to Denver!
A look at the amazing United entertainment system and the Polaris bed!
Once I had gotten fully comfortable the Flight Attendants began the inflight service, This began with Hot Towels, Warm Nuts, any drink of our choice, and of course, our meal. For my drink, I chose the Orange Juice, and for my Meal, I picked the Chicken and Meatball dish. It had nothing to do with chicken but the meatballs tasted great and once again United nailed it with the rest of the tray, there was cake, fruit, and a salad. Overall it was an amazing service since our flight was so short. Great job United!
The service offered in Business Class on United from LA to Denver
After I had wrapped up with my meal, the rest of the flight flew by. All I really did was admire how amazing the seat was and I did take a walk to the back just to check out the seats there, I also looked out the window since you know I’m an Aviation nerd. Also there was one more thing to highlight about the service on today’s flight, it was amazing, hands down one of the best crews ever!
The rest of the flight to Denver
Once I was finished fliming everything I needed it was time for us to land. So we flew over Denver and made a quick and beautiful landing. From there it was a quick taxi to our gate in the B concourse where this flight came to an end.
A look at clear landing into the massive Denver International Airport DIA or KDEN
So welcome to Denver! That is going to be it for this mini-review, I have a more in-depth review of the product, but this was just a bit of a mini one explaining how incredible this is. In my other one, I am more critical, but hey that’s what airline reviews do! Also, one quick thing to note, the crew was so kind that they invited me into the cockpit, I got some pictures and I played with stuff! ;)
The Arrival into DIA
Ok! Well, I guess that is it for this blog post, I hope you enjoyed it, I know it was different but it was still fun. I really had a fun time flying on the 787 on a short flight. I still can not believe that United thought this was a good idea, but I understand if it is for aircraft positioning, I AM NOT COMPLAINING THOUGH!!! I had such an amazing flight and I can’t wait to fly Polaris the real way, I have a more in-depth review of the product coming so stay tuned, I hope you enjoyed and I will see you next time. Also by the way United is going to get a 10/10 for today’s review, yes it is a lot but they also did a lot. So congrats United for the first 10/10 review by me!!