United's Newest Business Class Lounge Opens in Houston

WHY IT RATES: Travel agents with clients who fly frequently with United will be happy to hear of another Polaris lounge opening, this time in Texas.—Donald Wood, Breaking News Senior Writer.

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Beginning this Friday, customers traveling in United Polaris business class, the airline's international premium cabin travel experience, will be able to relax before their travels and enjoy locally-inspired food and beverage offerings with the opening of the new United Polaris lounge at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.

"As we continue to increase momentum of the roll-out of United Polaris, we're thrilled to bring this industry-leading lounge concept to Houston, where the lounge décor, food and drink are all a reflection of the city," said Mark Krolick, United's Vice President of Marketing. "We specifically designed this United Polaris lounge location to feel like a boutique hotel, with dedicated spaces for relaxation, refreshing and dining and we're confident that our Houston customers and those connecting through this award-winning airport will enjoy a best-in-class lounge experience."

United's latest Polaris lounge exhibits distinct flair from Houston, the culinary and cultural capital of the South. Unique artwork is featured throughout the lounge by two Houstonian artists, Shane Tolbert and Terrell James. Food highlights include a Texas breakfast skillet, Cajun andouille sausage and chicken etouffee, Argentinean roasted chimichurri chicken, tres leches bites and the United Polaris Burger, which will be on the menu at all United Polaris lounges. The cocktail menu includes the Caliente on the Rocks, which combines Casamigos Tequila, orange juice and a homemade sour mix, garnished with a jalapeno for an extra kick and caipirinhas, the traditional Brazilian cocktail made from muddled lime, sugar and cachaca. The lounge also serves house-made star anise-infused vodka and oolong tea-steeped bourbon.

United Polaris Lounge at George Bush Intercontinental Airport Facts & Highlights:

—191 seats

—324 power outlets and 264 USB ports

—Two private daybeds outfitted with Saks Fifth Avenue bedding

—Six luxurious shower suites, featuring rainfall showers and Soho House & Co's Cowshed Spa products

—Personal valet services, including steaming garments

—A private dining area with table service for up to 28 guests

—11 pieces of contemporary art

The opening of the United Polaris lounge in Houston closely follows the debut of United Polaris lounges at San Francisco International Airport in April and at Newark Liberty International Airport earlier this month. The United Polaris lounge at Los Angeles International Airport is expected to open later this year.

On average, United plans to add one aircraft with the new United Polaris business class seat every 10 days from now through 2020. Beginning July 1, every seat in the United Polaris cabin will be provisioned with a cooling gel pillow. The gel pillow, previously available by request, has proven to be one of the most popular items of United Polaris bedding.

United's Polaris Lounge in Houston is conveniently located in Terminal E, next to Gate E12. This is the most recent of several investments United has made in Houston, including the carrier's announcement of a $1M grant to the Houston Food Bank as well as its long-term lease commitment at 609 Main in downtown Houston.

For more information, reach out to your local travel agent.

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SOURCE: United Airlines press release.