United Polaris Lounge
- Complimentary hot buffet
- Complimentary full service restaurant
- Complimentary soft drinks
- Complimentary full bar
- Accessible
- Air conditioning
- Barista coffee
- Clothes pressing
- Flight information monitors
- Newspapers and magazines
- Private rooms
- TV
The United Polaris Lounge at Chicago O’Hare, located near Gate C18, opened on December 1st, 2016. The Polaris Lounge welcomes exclusively United Polaris business and first class customers, as well as Star Alliance premium passengers departing on international flights (Canada and Mexico excluded.)
United Club members and Star Alliance Gold members do not have access unless they are ticketed in business class, but may use one of the three United Clubs.
The Chicago location was the first in a burgeoning network of Polaris Lounges, which will eventually include clubs at all United hubs and international focus cities.
United Polaris Lounge ORD design
The United Polaris Lounge at Chicago O’Hare boasts a grand dimly lit entryway with a backlit marble reception desk, and a lighting sculpture by Wolfgang Buttress inspired by the Chicago street network.
With floor-to-ceiling windows, the Polaris Lounge offers terrific views on the tarmac and parked aircraft. At peak times, there may be several wide bodies parked immediately outside the lounge, a sight to behold for aviation lovers.
The color scheme is a soothing blue, gray and white, with high-end finishes which set the Polaris Lounge worlds apart from the United Club. The bar area boasts a more vibrant vibe with blue LED lighting, pristine white marble, and an under lit counter.
Travelers have their choice of custom seating, including: dining areas, club seats with tables and lighting, and a few spots for families and groups.
The Polaris Lounge was primarily designed with the solo business traveler in mind: a highlight of the lounge is the numerous semi-private seats that feature personal lighting, USB and power outlets, a coat hook, and a pull-out marble tray that can be used for laptops or eating. The seat concept was inspired by the design of the Polaris business class seat. The pods are spacious, comfortable and pleasantly private.
In response to passenger feedback and in order to minimize noise, there is only a single television in the lounge behind the bar. Still, the Polaris Lounge does get busy—and noisy—at peak times, especially in the afternoons when flights to Europe depart. We wish that United had included phone rooms in the design of the Polaris Lounge, in order to accommodate passengers who need to make phone calls. A family room would also have been welcome as well. Fortunately, there are quiet and private sleeping suites for customers who wish to rest.
United Polaris Lounge ORD amenities
The United Polaris Lounge at Chicago O’Hare features an upscale dining experience, with food created by celebrity Chef Art Smith, who served as Oprah Winfrey’s personal chef for 10 years. Offerings include a buffet with sandwiches, small entrees, cheeses, and a make-your-own salad bar, along with desserts. The food is freshly prepared on site in a full kitchen.
There is also a complimentary full-service restaurant—a unique amenity among domestic carriers, which places United above the competition when it comes to ground services. The service is especially valuable for travelers bound to Europe, since most flights are too short for a full dinner service and a restful night.
Highlights of the a-la-carte menu include prime beef carpaccio, rare seared tuna tataki, Chef Art Smith’s signature fried chicken and shrimp and grits, and a pear and cranberry cobbler.
A-la-carte service is only offered in the dedicated restaurant zone, but patrons sitting in other areas may help themselves from the buffet and order drinks from servers.
The Polaris Lounge bar is taking full advantage of the craft cocktail craze, led by mixologist Adam Seger. Forget about finding call brands or familiar premium liquors: Seger and his mixology friends are offering new twists on familiar cocktails using craft liquors that will be exclusive to the Polaris Lounge. One drink is the London Spritz, Seger’s take on a Pimm’s Cup, a British summer drink that’s especially popular during the Wimbledon tennis tournament. Instead of lemonade, Seger uses blood orange juice and Balsam Amaro Americano, a bittersweet liqueur made with rare teas, exotic citrus and “grandmother” spices like vanilla and cinnamon. It’s garnished with cucumber zest and mint and served over ice. Our personal favorite is the series of “Airplane cocktails” which come complete with a clipped-on paper airplane and a Polaris branded coaster.
Behind the bar are two walls with humidors, which United assigns to frequent high value passengers—a unique service within the airline industry. The airline’s best customers have the option to pre-order and store their favorite wine or liquor, and United picks up the tab.
Soda, juices, and bottled water to go are available for self-service in coolers by the buffet area. Barista coffee is also available.
After a meal and a cocktail, you may want to rest before your flight. The lounge features four relaxation suites that have custom-designed day beds. They may be a case of style over function, though—we would prefer a more traditional, fully-flat day bed.
The suites feature dimming lights, Saks Fifth Avenue-branded pillows, blankets, slippers and eye masks, as well as a bottle of water, ear plugs and Sleepy Cow Calming Pillow Mist from Cowshed Spa. While the slumber rooms lack a door, they’re very private nevertheless thanks to their isolated location away from the crowds, in a separate enclosed area. White noise is pumped in the area in order to facilitate relaxation, and patrons may choose between a variety of sleep and relaxation inducing sounds. A staff member will be happy to fetch you ahead of your flight should you wish to indulge in a nap.
In case you want to take a shower before or after your trip, the Polaris Lounge boasts six gorgeous shower suites. Inquire with the valet behind the double glass door; should there be a wait, a staff member will come find you in person in the lounge when your shower is ready. Decked in fine stone with soft lighting and high-end finishes, the shower suites are a luxurious haven reminiscent of five star hotels.
The oversized rooms come with an elegant sink, a Toto toilet, a hansgrohe rain shower, and an additional hand-held shower head. Amenities include a heavenly memory foam bath mat, plush Saks Fifth Avenue-branded towels, slippers, and Cowshed Spa bath products in wall-mounted dispensers. Essentials such as combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shower caps and shaving kits, are available upon request. We love the small details that make a difference: the digital clock, the USB outlet to charge your devices while you shower, and the convenient bench in the shower.
Pressing service is available upon request: hang your clothes through the double door, and they will be returned to you wrinkle free while you freshen up.
The bathrooms are equally impressive. Located in a futuristic hallway with fiber optic lighting, twelve individual oversized gender-neutral stalls with a sink and a bench offer patrons plenty of space to change.
Other amenities at the Polaris include a “wellness room” with a sink for new mothers, as well as a selection of newspapers. There are no magazines in sight, however: customers benefit from complimentary access to the Foli online service, where they can download a wide selection of reading materials to their personal device.
United Polaris Lounge ORD bottom line
The United Polaris Lounge at Chicago O’Hare is impressive. The space is elegant and functional, with several luxurious touches such as shower suites, relaxation rooms, private pods, and a-la-carte dining.
While the range of amenities is outstanding for business class, we were most impressed by the service. The ratio of staff to passengers demonstrates United’s commitment to offering personal service. The staff has visibly gone through rigorous training, and appears to be genuinely proud of the product.
There’s only one catch: the Polaris Lounge typically operates at capacity at peak departure times, and guests should expect to be placed on the waitlist for the dining room or showers. Late 2017, an expansion brought additional seating and a more spacious dining room. Another expansion is in the works, and should open in 2024.
United Polaris Lounge at Chicago, IL - O'Hare (ORD) welcomes:
- United Polaris business class passengers, within 24 hours of their international flight, at the departing, connecting and destination airports (no guests)
- First Class passengers departing on a long-haul international flight operated by a Star Alliance member airline (+1 guest)
- Business Class passengers departing on a long-haul international flight operated by a Star Alliance member airline (no guests)
Notes:
- A same-day boarding pass for a long-haul international flight in a premium cabin is required. United Club members, United Club one-time pass holders, and MileagePlus elite members traveling in economy may not use Polaris lounges unless they meet one of the access conditions.
- Long-haul typically means trans-oceanic or trans-pacific flights. Flights from the US to Canada and Mexico, and most flights to Central and South America are excluded. The only eligible destinations in South America served by United are: Buenos Aires (EZE), Lima (LIM), Rio de Janeiro (GIG), São Paulo (GRU), and Santiago (SCL).
- Unlike United Polaris customers, Business and First Class passengers traveling with Star Alliance partners do not have access to Polaris Lounges at intermediate connection points or on arrival. For example, a customer flying SFO/EWR (United Economy or First Class) then EWR/DUB (United Polaris business class) has access to the Polaris Lounges at both San Francisco (SFO) and Newark (EWR) airports. Meanwhile, a customer flying SFO/EWR (United Economy or First Class) then EWR/FRA (Lufthansa Business class) does not have access to the Polaris Lounge at San Francisco airport, but can visit the Polaris Lounge at Newark airport (EWR).
- Re-entry to the airport after clearing customs is not permitted without further eligible onward travel. Access upon arrival is available to customers who have already made a domestic connection.
- United Polaris customers with an onwards connection are welcome to visit a Polaris Lounge even it their onwards flight is not operated by a Star Alliance member, assuming that they can reach the terminal where the Polaris Lounge is located (present the inbound boarding pass for access.)
You may have access to United Polaris Lounge as a premium customer of one of the following airlines, or as an elite member of their frequent flyer program. Check the Access rules tab for more details, or use our lounge access wizard to find out if you have access.
Star Alliance
Access for eligible customers traveling on any Star Alliance member airline.
ANA (NH) | Aegean (A3) | Air Canada (AC) | |||
Air China (CA) | Air India (AI) | Air New Zealand (NZ) | |||
Asiana (OZ) | Austrian (OS) | Avianca (AV) | |||
Brussels Airlines (SN) | Copa Airlines (CM) | Croatia Airlines (OU) | |||
EGYPTAIR (MS) | EVA Air (BR) | Ethiopian Airlines (ET) | |||
LOT Polish Airlines (LO) | Lufthansa (LH) | SWISS (LX) | |||
Shenzhen Airlines (ZH) | Singapore Airlines (SQ) | South African Airways (SA) | |||
TAP Air Portugal (TP) | Thai Airways (TG) | Turkish Airlines (TK) | |||
United (UA) |
Buffet: Afternoon and evening menu
- Chilled roasted ratatouille salad
- Seasonal fall panzanella salad with cornbread croutons, tomatoes, English cucumbers, roasted red and yellow peppers with white balsamic vinaigrette
- Charred Caesar salad with brioche croutons
- Shaved prosciutto and melon with balsamic glaze
- Organic baby lettuces, goat cheese crostini and cured tomatoes with cherry vinaigrette
- Pulled chicken salad, roasted baby corn, pickled Asian vegetables and glass noodles
A la carte dining: Afternoon and evening menu
First flight
- Fontina baked hand formed meatballs, roasted tomato sauce, olive oil dressed micro basil salad
- Prime beef carpaccio, Chicago style pickled seasonal vegetables, toasted gazpacho vinaigrette
- Charred carrot and apple soup, candied fennel slaw
Second flight
- Roasted baby red and golden beet, whipped charred feta cheese, macadamia nut crumble petite tangerine lace, blood orange vinaigrette
- Ponzu dressed rare seared tuna tataki, micro mizuna greens, pickled daikon and carrots
- Art Smith Fried Chicken, Art’s famous fried chicken, pickled onions, thick cut tomatoes, pimento cheese
- Blue Door Kitchen Burget, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickled vegetables, garlic aioli, bacon, hand cut fries and fried egg
Third flight
- Orange ginger garlic seared prime beef, forbidden stir fried Thai rice, and seasonal wok fried vegetables
- Chicken, Art Smith’s Famous fried chicken, braised greens, hot sauce, honey
- Shrimp and grits, white corn grits, Tasso ham, tomato stew, crispy okra
- Potato gnocchi, sage brown butter
Fourth flight
- Decadence by Chocolate, milk chocolate panna cotta, white chocolate bark with dried cherries and pistachios, dark chocolate brownie truffles, Chantilly cream
- Pear and cranberry cobbler, buttery macadamia nut crust, red wine caramel sauce
- Chocolate and vanilla ice cream
Cocktails
- London Spritz, imagined by Adam Seger, world-renowned mixologist: Pimm’s No.1, Balsam Amaro and blood orange sour, traditionally garnished with cucumber, citrus and mint
- Prospector’s Smash, imagined by Charles Joly, Diageo World Class winner: Bulleit 10, ginger liqueur, fresh lemon, honey and mind served in a traditional Smash Cup
- Tangerine & Tonic, imagined by Tobin Ellis, award-winning mixologist and bar designer: Hangar 1 Vodka, tangerine puree, sugar, house-made tonic, orange peel and seasonal herbs
- Bubbles & Yellow Jackets, imagined by Ryan Magarian, mixologist and designer of Aviation American Gin: Aviation American Gin, Prosecco, honey and fresh lime
- Legends Martini, imagined by Dale DeGroff, master mixologist and author: Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka, Cointreau, St. Germain Elderflower, fresh lemon, white cranberry and fresh ginger
- Rieger’s Pal, imagined by Ryan Maybee, co-founder of J. Rieger & Co: Rieger’s Kansas City Whiskey, Cocchi di Torino, Cappelletti, Regans’ Orange Bitters No. 6, Kubler Absinthe Blanche and orange peel
- Cana Brava Daiquiri, imagined by Jason Kosmas, sports pioneer and co-founder of the famed Employees Only Cocktail Bar: Cana Brava 3yr Rum, fresh lime, sugar and a lime wheel
- The Smoky Negroni, imagined by Ron Cooper, artist and James Beard Award winner: Del Maguey VIDA Single Village Mezcal, Campari, Dalin Blanc, Regans’ No. 6 Orange Bitters and dehydrated citrus
- Manhattan: Rieger’s Kansas City Whiskey, Cocchi di Torino, Dale DeGroff Pimento Bitters and Luxardo cherries
- Negroni: Aviation American Gin, Dolin Dry Vermouth, Cocchi di Torino, Campari and orange twist
- Old Fashioned: Simpleton Rye, maple syrup, Amere Winter Black Truffle Bitters and orange peel
- The Tom Collins: Sipsmith Gin, grapefruit sour, soda and lemon wheel
- Whiskey Sour: Maker’s 46, fresh lemon and honey caviar
- Aperol Orange Spritz: Aperol, blood orange sour, Prosecco, soda and orange wheel
- French 75: Aviation American Gin, Veuve Clicquot champagne, citrus sour and candied lemongrass
- Vesper: Bombay Sapphire, Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka, Lillet Blanc and a dash of Kubler Absinthe Blanche
- Mule 51: ABSOLUT ELYX, house-made ginger beer and fresh lime
- Bacon-Wrapped Bloody Mary: Hangar 1 and zesty tomato juice with a bacon blue cheese rim and pickled green bean
- The Paper Plane: a bourbon cocktail made with Maker’s 46, Aperol, Amaro Nonino and fresh lemon
- Latin America-inspired: Del Maguey VIDA Single Village Mezcal, Olmeca Altos Reposado Tequila, Aperol, Arnaro Stumato and fresh lime
- Europe-inspired: Courvoisier VS Cognac, Aperol, Amaro Nanino and fresh lemon
- Asia-inspired: TY KU Soju, Aperol, Amaro Nonono, yuzu and fresh lime
- South America-inspired: Cana Brava 3yr Rum, Aperol, Amara Sfumato and fresh lime
Wines
- Swanson Vineyards Pinot Grggio Sonoma Mountain, California, 2014
- Bancott Estate Wines Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough, New Zealand, 2014
- Protea Wines Chenin Blanc, South Africa 2015
- Hahn SLH Chardonnay, St. Lucia Highlands, California, 2014
- Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, California, 2014
- Schloss Johannisnberg Riesling, Rheingau, Germany
- Riondo Prosecco Nero, Veneto, Italy
- Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Champagne, Champagne, France
- Moet & Chandon Rose Champagne, Champagne, France
- Joseph Jewell Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, California, 2014
- Migration by Duckhorn Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, California, 2014
- The Prisoner Wine Company Red Blend, Napa Valley, California, 2014
- Abadia Retuerta Red Blend, Sardon de Duero, Spain, 2012
- Bodega Norton Privada Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2013
- Noble Vines 181 Merlot, Lodi, California, 2013
- Tensley Wines Syrah, Santa Barbara, California, 2013
- Substance Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washington, 2014
- DAOU Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, California, 2015
- Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, California, 2013
- Cune Reserva Tempranillo, Rioja, Spain, 2011
- Quinta do Noval 10 Year Tawny Port, Portugal
Spirits
- ABSOLUT ELYX
- Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka
- Hangar 1
- TY KU Soju
- Aviation American Gin
- Bombay Sapphire
- Sipsmith London Dry
- Banks 5 Island
- Cana Brava 3yr
- Crusoe Organic Spiced Rum
- Casa Noble Anejo
- Del Maguet VIDA Single Village Mezcal
- El Silencio Joven Mezcal
- Olmeca Altos Reposado
- Patron Silver
- Angel’s Envy Rye
- Ragtime Rye
- Rieger’s Kansas City Whiskey
- Templeton Rye
- WhistlePig Straight Rye
- Booker’s
- Bulleit 10
- Four Roses Yellow Label
- Maker’s 46m W.L. Weller 12 Year
- Auchentoshan 12 Year
- Balvenie DoubleWood
- Johnnie Walker Black Label
- Bushmills 16 Year
- Jameson
- Crown Royal XR
- Hibiki 12
Amari, Liqueurs & Cognac
- Aperol
- Bailey’s Original Irish Cream
- Campari
- Chartreuse
- Courvoisier VS Cognac
- Fernet-Branca
- Grand Marnier
- Pimm’s No. 1
Beer
- Guinness
- Heineken
- Hoegaarden
- Revolution Brewing Anti-Hero IPA
- Allagash White
- Anchor Steam
- Lagunitas IPA
- Miller Lite
- Modelo Negra
- Sapporo
Non-alcoholic
- Coca-Cola
- Coke Zero
- Daily selection of Rishi hot and iced tea
- Daily selection of smoothies
- Diet Coke
- Fresh juices
- illy coffee
- Seagram’s Club Soda
- Sprite
- Sprite Zero
3.5 / 5, based on 107 reviews
Overall ratings
With complimentary meals, a unique cocktail selection, private pods, luxurious shower suites, pressing service and concierge service, the United Polaris Lounge is the best airline club at Chicago O’Hare.
Really a top lounge into US! With a special feature, which is an à la character restaurant. Good cocktail bar, too.