I spent over $2,000 to fly United Polaris, a ‘reimagined’ business class. It’s only worth it for trips over 10 hours.

After boarding the plane, I learned my flight was delayed. I didn’t mind since I had a glass of wine and could get cozy.

My pod contained Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, including a lightweight blanket, comforter, full-sized pillow, and small memory-foam cushion.

Polaris seats lie flat and have aisle access. A set of controls reclines the seat, raises the leg rest, and adjusts the lumbar support.

There was never a line to get into one of two reserved Polaris bathrooms. Each had a sizable vanity with a full wash basin instead of the thin slice of sink found in most airplane toilets.

In Polaris, food was delivered on real plates — not disposable ones — alongside flatware and glassware. Fortunately, my pod’s foldout table had plenty of room for my meals and free-flowing drinks.

I had an overnight flight, so a multicourse dinner was served about an hour after takeoff. I could choose one of four entrées: braised beef short rib with mushrooms, chicken and potatoes, turbot fish with kale, and spaghetti squash with zucchini.

I chose the short rib, and unfortunately, I felt it was overheated and got a little tough as it got cool enough to eat. It tasted like typical, salty airplane fare to me. I’d hoped my business-class dinner would be more impressive.

For dessert, I got a vanilla ice-cream sundae with chocolate fudge and brownie crumble that was pretty good.

My final meal on board was breakfast, about two hours before landing. I had a choice of an open-faced bagel with salmon, cream cheese, and chives or Belgian waffles with nuts and fruit.

I chose the bagel, and I appreciated getting a hearty meal before deboarding and starting the next step of my journey to downtown Rome.

My flight was great, but only trips over 10 hours justify the cost of Polaris

I enjoyed my flight on Polaris, but even with a delay, it didn’t last long enough. With a strong tailwind, I was in Rome before I knew it, still feeling the wine I had upon boarding.

Between dinner and breakfast service, I had about three hours to wind down and relax. I enjoyed the comfortable seats, luxurious bedding, specialty toiletries, and superior service from the staff.

But although the upscale perks were nice, I wouldn’t upgrade to United Polaris on a relatively short, eight-hour flight like this again.

It’s a luxury I’d reserve for flights over 10 hours — and probably only if I could get another discounted rate.