Looking at booking business class from SFO to Paris (any airport) - United Polaris and Air France have almost identical schedules, and cost is exactly the same. We are in both loyalty programs but will not be using miles for this trip. Which would you choose?

I've done both fairly recently and would give United the edge. The Polaris lounge at SFO is really nice, and maybe it's just me, but as a side sleeper I find the United lie-flats more comfortable.

ETA: Food a bit better--or at least more to my taste--on AF, but I try to sleep as much as possible on that flight, so not a deal-breaker. I prefer generally AF service and of course on the return the AF lounges at CDG are great.

Its been ages since I flew UA so this isn't really a comparison - and Leely2's post has good info. But just in general the Polaris seats are considered better than AF Business seats whereas AF has better food/on board service. UA is not know for great catering. So it partly would depend on your flying 'style'. Are you mostly interested in a good night's sleep (leaning UA), or are you more interested in the champagne/food/service (leans AF)

Now IF you were flying La Première . . . we'd be having a whole different conversation

Booked the flight today. It's a one-way, so the AF lounge at CDG didn't factor. Decided on UA Polaris- I do like their lie-flats, and the Polaris lounge at SFO is nice. Food - not so great, but who flies any airline for the food alone? Thanks to those who replied for the info!

You'll be happy with your choice. I flew AF to Rome in August, and that AF lounge at SFO is pretty sad.

I flew UA Polaris a month ago. The service was great and the seat was comfortable. The Polaris Lounge was the best lounge experience of my life.

Now here's the bad news. Except for the ice cream, the food was terrible. I remember having better food in coach on AF. In hindsight, I wish I had a full meal at the lounge so I could sleep more on the plane.

I will add the UA IFE is very good.

Bon Voyage

Larry