✈️ I’m 13, a United 1K, and Flying Business Class—So Why Don’t Airlines See Me?

Hey hey, fellow travelers!
It’s Harper here—13 years old, passport stamped, playlist queued, and yes, a real-deal United 1K member. I know, wild right? I’ve sipped mango sticky rice in the sky with Emirates, crunched sushi rolls on ANA, and even tried caviar on Cathay Pacific (fancy, I know). But guess what? I’m also just a teen who happens to fly a lot—and the truth is, airlines haven’t quite figured out how to vibe with kids like me.

Welcome drink on United Airlines Business class

Spoiler alert: Just because I’m younger doesn’t mean I don’t notice the details. And trust me, when you’ve logged as many business class miles as I have (thanks, Papa—he’s a United Lifetime 1K with nearly 4 million miles), you start to really get what works… and what needs a serious glow-up.

Let’s talk Polaris, lounges, food, amenity kits, and the invisible teen traveler problem. Buckle up, I’ve got thoughts.

💺 United Polaris: Chic in Theory, Mid in Execution

Okay, United’s Polaris business class is supposed to be the crown jewel, right? But as a Gen Z flyer with a taste for comfort and cool, here’s what hits—and what doesn’t.

What I’m Loving:

Lie-flat seats = actual heaven on overnight flights. Hello, sleep mode activated.
Saks Fifth Avenue bedding: So cozy, I’m low-key plotting to take that blanket home.
Legroom for days: Even with my long legs and backpack full of snacks, I’m living large.
That ice cream sundae cart is elite. Give me vanilla, caramel drizzle, and cookie crumbles, and I’m ✨thriving✨.
New planes like the 787 Dreamliner = sleek, modern, and mood lighting for the win.

What’s Not It:

No privacy doors = meh. Qatar’s QSuites are literal teenage dream cubicles. Polaris feels like open seating at a study hall.
Seat roulette: Some flights have gorgeous, fresh interiors. Others? Giving vintage DMV waiting room.
Awkward storage: My book, snacks, and charger are in a full-on turf war. And don’t get me started on trying to find my phone after it slides into the Bermuda Triangle between the seat cushions.
Lost tech stress: Once had to ask a flight attendant to rescue my AirPods. Embarrassing. Add side pockets or something, United—save the teens!
In-flight entertainment games = yawn. Lufthansa has Monopoly. Why are we stuck with 2007 Sudoku?
Overall luxury vibes: Emirates feels like couture. Polaris feels like department store chic. Not bad, but not iconic.

🧠 My 1K Status? Feels More Like 0K

Let’s get real for a sec.
I walk on board, boarding pass says “1K,” and… crickets. Flight attendants greet my mom or Papa with big smiles, but me? Nada.

No “Welcome back.” No “Thanks for flying with us.” Not even a nod.

I’ve flown more miles than some grown-ups. I’ve memorized seat maps, planned out lounge snacks, and know how to decode aircraft types by wing shape (seriously). I’m not asking for a standing ovation—just a little recognition would be cool.

Harper on United airlines business class

🍽️ Airline Food, But Make It Teen-Edible

Confession: I’m a foodie. Like, future Anthony Bourdain vibes with a sprinkle of TikTok sass.
So when Polaris serves dinner, I’m ready… until I open the tray.

Why does every entrée scream “gala dinner at Grandma’s house”?
Think heavy sauces, weird textures, and zero creativity. United, I know you can do better—I’ve seen the mezze sampler on domestic flights!

Can we get a real teen menu?

Here’s my dream lineup:

🌱 Global Explorer: Hummus, falafel, pita chips, maybe some roasted veggies—light, tasty, international.
🍜 Teen Taster: Mini katsu sliders or street tacos with bold flavor.
🍝 Chill Classics: Fresh pasta with clean sauce, or maybe a fun wrap.
🥗 Light & Vibey: Grain bowls with avocado, berries, or pomegranate—cute and Insta-worthy.
🍿 Snack Attack: Simply Cheetos, sea salt chips, maybe some fruit leather or cookies that aren’t sad.

🏠 Polaris Lounges: Almost Cool

Let’s talk lounges. Some Polaris lounges are so close to being teen paradise.
Like, I love scanning my own boarding pass (independent queen energy), ordering a smoothie, and journaling in the chill zones. But the food? Inconsistent.

SFO lounge: Yes, chef! A la carte options and edible buffets.
EWR lounge: Sad chicken and pasta that tastes like 2010.

Fix it, and I’m setting up camp.

Also, can we please add some teen zones? Imagine a lounge corner with Switch gaming, photo booth backdrops, or a “create your own boba” bar. You’d have every Gen Z traveler posting faster than you can say “Polaris.”

🎒 Amenity Kits: Crayons? Seriously?

Most airline amenity kits for kids are stuck in preschool mode.
United’s Polaris kit for younger travelers? Not it:

A flimsy plastic pouch (snooze).
Crayons (biggest eye roll ever).
A cartoon coloring book (I haven’t used crayons since, like, forever).

What I’d actually love:

A stylish, reusable pouch that’s teen-approved.
Travel-sized skincare—lip balm or face mist for that mid-flight glow.
A journal, crossword, or sketchpad for creative vibes.
A QR code for a teen-curated playlist or podcast.

Airlines like Air France and Austrian are getting it with kits that feel more grown-up.
United? Still serving toddler energy.

✈️ What Airlines Keep Missing About Teens

We’re not just passengers—we’re your future loyal flyers, first-class spenders, and travel influencers.
We’re watching how you treat us now. And trust me, we remember.

I’m not asking for unicorns and glitter (although, that’d be kind of awesome). I just want to feel like I belong in the premium space I already fly in.

🛠️ Harper’s Fix-It List for Airlines

If I ran United’s premium cabin strategy (which, let’s be honest, I totally could), here’s what I’d do:

Greet Teen Elites: Acknowledge our status. Say “Welcome back, Harper.” That’s literally all it takes.
Upgrade Amenity Kits: No more crayons. Yes to journals, skincare, cool pouches.
Let Us Choose Meals: Pre-selectable teen menus with variety and style.
Teen Lounge Corners: Add cozy zones with games, photo ops, and maybe a Spotify collab playlist.
Tech-Proof Seats: Stop eating my AirPods. Add pockets or barriers for devices.
New IFE Content: Monopoly, Among Us, trivia games—we want fun, not frustration.
Better Snacks: Simply Cheetos, sea salt chips, and smart treats for smart travelers.

👋 Final Boarding Call

I’m Harper. I’m 13. I’m a United 1K member. And I care about how I’m treated when I fly.

Airlines, listen up: We’re not invisible. We’re watching, learning, and deciding who deserves our loyalty—not just now, but when we’re booking our own first-class seats one day.

Want to win the next generation of travelers? Start by seeing us.

Until the next check-in… XOXO, Harper 💼💕