Switzerland and Liechtenstein: July 2017
Uneventful return to the United States via another United 767-400ER. Upon landing in Newark, found an unexpected aircraft swap-- instead of an old 777-200 in the new domestic, crammed-like-sardines configuration, it was going to be a shiny new 777-300ER for the last leg of the trip!
Decided to spend the miles on an upgrade to the new Polaris business class, since who knows when I'd otherwise get to experience it! (read: probably never... *sigh*)
Having very little experience in business/first class to compare, it's hard to say how it compares to the competition. A plane so new the cabin practically still had plastic wrap on the walls definitely helps, the screen was nice and big, seat was quite comfortable, and the controls/lights/power outlets all seemed well laid out. The high quality in-flight map was a particularly nice surprise!
Service seemed a little slow, probably due to the fact that the crews are still getting used to the new planes, but overall, it was an excellent experience-- and far better than the old business class currently flying in the rest of United's fleet. Granted, even United's old, unloved lie-flat business class is leagues better than any economy seat...