TheLoDown Travel Update June 2025 Summary

Wow, it's been forever since I last shared a travel update—I almost forgot my password! Here are my top highlights from the past month in the travel world.

1. New Polaris for United Business Class

   United Airlines is launching upgraded Polaris cabins on new Boeing 787 Dreamliners, debuting in early 2026 on routes like San Francisco to Singapore and London. A standout feature is the new Polaris Studio suites—United’s most premium business-class product yet.

   Key Features of Polaris Studio:

   • 27-inch 4K OLED touchscreens with Bluetooth

   • Sliding doors for privacy

   • Ottomans for companion dining

   • Wireless charging, USB-C, and universal outlets

   • High-end finishes (quartzite tables, wood-grain trim)

   • Extra amenities: pajamas, slippers, Meridian headphones, Perricone MD skincare, caviar amuse-bouche, and Laurent-Perrier rosé

   Other cabins are also getting upgrades:

   • Polaris Business Class: Now with sliding doors and 19-inch 4K screens

   • Premium Plus: Wireless charging, reading lights, 16-inch 4K screens

   • Economy: 13-inch 4K screens, Bluetooth, more legroom

   United plans to outfit about 30 aircraft with these features by 2027, aiming to elevate its premium passenger experience.

2. Hyatt and the standard hard launch

   Hyatt has begun integrating Standard International's properties into its World of Hyatt loyalty program, following its acquisition of the lifestyle hotel group in late 2024. This integration includes brands such as The Standard, The StandardX, and The Manner, with several properties already added and more scheduled throughout May 2025

   
   

   Integration Timeline

   • Already added: The Manner (added to The Unbound Collection by Hyatt)

   • May 7: The Standard, Ibiza

   • May 14: The Standard, London; The Standard, High Line; The Standard, East Village

   • May 21: The Standard, Bangkok; The Standard, Hua Hin; The Standard, Maldives; The Standard, Singapore; The StandardX, Bangkok Phra Arthit; The StandardX, Melbourne

   • Opening soon: The Standard, Brussels; The Standard, Pattaya, Bunkhouse Hotels, The Standard Spa Miami Beach, and Peri Hotels are not yet integrated, with updates expected in the future

   
   

   Award Categories

   Hyatt has assigned award categories to many Standard International properties:

   • Category 2: The StandardX, Bangkok Phra Arthit

   • Category 3: The Standard, Hua Hin; The Standard, Pattaya; The StandardX, Melbourne

   • Category 4: The Standard, Bangkok; The Standard, Brussels

   • Category 5: The Standard, Singapore

   • Category 6: The Standard, East Village; The Standard, High Line; The Standard, Ibiza; The Standard, London; The Standard, Maldives

   • Category 8: The Manner

   Award rates vary by category and season, with Category 2 properties ranging from 6,500 to 9,500 points per night, and Category 8 properties ranging from 35,000 to 45,000 points per night.

   This integration expands Hyatt's lifestyle offerings and provides World of Hyatt members with more options for earning and redeeming points across unique, design-focused hotels.

   
   

   3. Bilt added Qatar Airways as new transfer partners

   Bilt Rewards has added Qatar Airways Privilege Club as its newest transfer partner, allowing members to transfer Bilt Points directly to Qatar Avios at a 1:1 ratio. Transfers are expected to process almost instantly. 

   Previously, Bilt members could access Qatar Airways by transferring points to other Avios programs like British Airways or Iberia and then moving them to Qatar. This direct transfer option simplifies the process, making it easier to book award flights with Qatar Airways.

   One of the standout redemption options is Qatar's renowned Qsuite business class. 

   Read more on some examples

   This addition brings Bilt's list of transfer partners to 16 airlines and five hotel programs, enhancing the flexibility and value of Bilt Points for members seeking premium travel experiences.

   
   

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