United Airlines will roll out Therabody wellness devices like the brand’s flagship Theragun percussive therapy massager and $1,300 RecoveryAir JetBoots across its Polaris international business class lounges as part of a new focus on wellness and sleep.
The carrier has already begun handing out Therabody branded amenity kits on Polaris flights, but on Tuesday, United finally formally announced the tie-up along with details of a much-anticipated refresh of its onboard bedding.
The partnership with Therabody includes amenity kits and onboard wellness videos loaded onto the inflight entertainment system, as well as lounge-based ‘Reset Suites’ where passengers will be able to use Therabody’s range of devices.
In addition, United is also refreshing its brand partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue, swapping out some existing bedding with items that are now made out of recycled plastic, as well as introducing a new limited-edition day blanket from fashion designer Claude Kameni.
Explaining the Polaris soft product changes, the biggest overhaul Polaris has seen since it was launched back in 2016, United said it was designed to give passengers ‘the best sleep in the sky’.
Unsurprisingly, United conducted a study and found that 83% of international travelers believe that catching up on sleep during a flight is important. In fact, 66% even said sleep was more important than having access to WiFi, and 71% said they’d rather sleep than catch up on shows.
“We know amenities can really elevate the overall flying experience and are confident United Polaris flyers will love the new wellness-focused offerings created with our best-in-class partners Therabody and Saks Fifth Avenue and increased focus on sourcing recycled materials,” commented Andrew Nocella, United’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer.
“International travel is booming and our customers have direct access to more places around the globe than any other airline – with these new amenities, now they’ll also have the best experience flying there,” Nocella boasted.
The Saks Fifth Avenue refresh includes a duvet and large pillow which will be made out of recycled plastic, along with the limited edition day blanket. United is also retaining its popular cool gel pillow – a source of pride as it makes United the only U.S. carrier to offer passengers two pillows in international Business Class.
As for its lacklustre onboard catering, United said it is still “in the midst of an ongoing journey to elevate the Polaris food and beverage,” and while popular favorites like the ice cream sundae cart have returned, United provided few additional details on how it actually planned to improved its onboard catering,
