Inside United Airlines’ Landmark Partnership With Therabody & Saks Fifth Avenue

United Airlines is upgrading its international business class experience for the first in seven years. Customers flying its signature United Polaris product are treated to upgraded amenity packs and lounge spaces from Therabody and new bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue.

The carrier is rolling out the new product in response to increased demand for international travel. International bookings at United Airlines are up 20% overall compared to 2022, with an even greater demand for premium seats as bookings in United Polaris and United Premium Plus are up 30% more than last year.

What is in the new kits?

The reusable toiletries kit is made from recycled plastic and includes the standard overnight amenities, including a bamboo toothbrush, toothpaste, eye mask, ear plugs, socks, and a pen. The new Therabody offerings are where the kit really shines.

United became the first US airline to offer an eye serum in its amenity kit. In addition, there is a soothing and hydrating face spray includes calendula flower extract and aloe leaf juice. Finally, there is a cleansing towelette and hand cream to arrive moisturized and refreshed. Andrew Nocella, United Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, commented on how the new kits reflected customer demand for more sustainable materials:

“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.

“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.”

Photo: United Airlines

Passengers can also access free onboard wellness videos and guided meditations compliments of Therabody’s team of experts.

Betting on bedding

The other headline feature of the product is the refreshed Saks Fifth Avenue bedding. Passengers flying in United Polaris lie-flat seats can benefit from the modern design and sleep better, knowing that the duvet, large pillow, and limited-edition day blanket are all made with recycled plastic.

Passengers can benefit from both the large pillow and a second cool gel pillow on their flights. United is now the only US airline that provides two pillows per person in its business class cabin. The other bedding update is a new limited-edition day blanket, which will be available through early 2024.

The day blanket is designed to offer additional warmth and comfort and features a pattern by fashion designer Claude Kameni. Originally hailing from Cameroon, the self-taught designer won a competition to create the new United Airlines x Saks Fifth Avenue day blanket as part of Saks’ designer accelerator program, The New Wave. The final design was chosen as it reflects Claude’s sharp eye for patterns and colors, Saks’ fashion-forward point of view, and the modern United brand.

Photo: United Airlines

The business class experience is also getting a landside upgrade. Therabody’s Reset Suites are scheduled to open later this year in United Polaris lounges, with semi-private rooms featuring Therabody wellness technology like massaging Therabody Lounger and RecoveryAir JetBoots to support circulation.

The first two locations open this month in Newark and San Fransisco. The following locations rolling out the updates are Chicago O’Hare, Houston Intercontinental, Los Angeles, and Washington Dulles.