United Polaris SFO to MNL (and back)

United started offering direct flights to Manila in late 2023 and we thought we'd give them a try.
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[@Riezanesz]

Thanks for posting this. Going back to Philippines for staycation but double checking if we’ll book UA or PAL. I guess I can’t judge the foods bec you guys pre-ordered vegetarian..

[@mailaandjames]

We flew PAL business a couple of years ago and also pre-ordered vegetarian. Even that was better food. Seats are nicer in UA though.

[@dis1pnoy]

Tip: they’ll give pj’s over flights 14+ hours if you ask the FA. United usually never hands them out, but they are having a futbol special this month so I think they are promoting them heavily. don’t be afraid to ask!
If PAL had better seats they would be awesome but definitely Polaris is a better hard product with that SFO lounge.

[@mailaandjames]

@@dis1pnoy thanks. I read about the 14+ hrs but SFO to MNL was about 13 that’s why we were surprised on the return flight. And yep, that Polaris lounge is miles ahead of PAL lounge, even PAL’s better NAIA lounge still falls behind Polaris.

[@undefined5584]

How much is your fare
compare to PAL.?

[@mailaandjames]

They’re about the same, around $4500-$$4800 round trip… but we used United points for return flight upgrade though.

[@efriendsf]

I haven’t flown UA Business Class yet but your review jibes with what others said. UA food is mediocre. PAL Business Class food is topnotch!

[@mailaandjames]

Even the food presentation is better in PAL. Not to mention the service! It’s real Filipino hospitality. Seats are better in UA though.