Is there a Priority Pass lounge at ORD?

There is 1 ORD lounge that accepts Priority Pass: the Swissport Lounge in Terminal 5.

Does Chicago O'Hare Airport have a smoking lounge?

There are no smoking lounges at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside the terminal buildings.

What lounges are at ORD?

The following lounges can be found at Chicago O’Hare International Airport: 3 American Airlines Admirals Clubs American Airlines Flagship Lounge British Airways First Lounge British Airways Terraces Lounge Delta Sky Club LOT Polish Business Class Lounge (opening late 2024) SAS Lounge Swissport Lounge 4 United Club Lounges United Polaris Lounge (Temporarily closed) 2 USO Lounges

Does O'Hare have a United Club?

Chicago O’Hare International Airport has 4 United Club Lounges. These are in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Full List of Airport Lounges at Chicago O’Hare International Airport [ORD]

Updated: October 30, 2025, 7:44pm CDT

Edited by:

Jump to Section

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways
ORD Terminal Map
Air France Lounge
American Airlines Admirals Club
American Airlines Flagship Lounge
Delta Sky Club
LOT Polish Business Class Lounge
SAS Lounge ORD
Swissport Lounge
United Club
United Polaris Lounge – Temporarily closed
USO Lounge
Connecting Between Terminals for Lounge Access
Best Credit Cards To Access Priority Pass Lounges
Final Thoughts

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Key Takeaways

Chicago O’Hare International Airport offers various lounges, including the American Airlines Flagship First lounge, Delta Sky Club, and United Club, providing amenities like Wi-Fi, refreshments, and comfortable seating.
Priority Pass members can access the Swissport Lounge in Terminal 5.
Some of the lounges, such as American Airlines Admirals Club and SAS Lounge, allow you to purchase a day pass.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is the third-busiest airport in the U.S. for passenger numbers, but it takes pole position for the most flight operations of any U.S. airport.

There are 16 lounges to accommodate ORD’s waiting passengers with appropriate memberships, with lounges available in every terminal. United Airlines has 3 lounges in Terminal 1 and a fourth lounge in Terminal 2. American Airlines has 4 lounges, all in Terminal 3.

Priority Pass members will be pleased to know that there is a lounge that accepts membership: the Swissport Lounge.

Hot Tip:

If you’re looking to access lounges around the world, see our article on the best credit cards for getting into airport lounges.

ORD Terminal Map

Chicago O'Hare International Airport map — Chicago O’Hare International Airport map. Image Credit: Chicago Department of Aviation

Chicago O’Hare International Airport Lounges by Terminal

SCROLL FOR MORE

Terminal	Lounges
Terminal 1	United Club (near gate B6) United Club (near gate B18) United Club (near gate C10) United Polaris Lounge (near gate C18) – Temporarily closed
Terminal 2	United Club USO Lounge
Terminal 3	American Airlines Admirals Club (near gate G8) American Airlines Admirals Club (near gate L2A) American Airlines Admirals Club (near gate H6/K6) American Airlines Flagship Lounge USO Lounge
Terminal 5 (International Terminal)	Air France Lounge Delta Sky Club LOT Polish Business Class Lounge SAS Lounge Swissport Lounge

Hot Tip: If you’re flying from ORD, check out our ultimate terminal guide to Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

Air France Lounge

Air France Chicago ORD business class buffet area — Image Credit: Air France

Location: Terminal 5, near gate M17
Opening Hours: Daily from 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Air France Lounge Facilities

Bar with soft and alcoholic beverages, including Champagne
Hot buffet
Exclusive Flying Blue Ultimate space
Functional work areas with phone booth
Private relaxation areas
TV
Wi-Fi

Air France Lounge Access

SCROLL FOR MORE

Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
Day pass	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card	$50 or 6,000 miles Passengers must be flying on an Air France, KLM, or Delta-operated flight
Business class	Must have a same-day boarding pass	Must be traveling on an international Air France, KLM, or SkyTeam flight
La Première	Complimentary access for you and a guest if you are traveling in La Première Can also bring children 12 years of age or under with no extra charge	Guests must be traveling on an international Air France, KLM, or SkyTeam flight departing from the same terminal
Flying Blue Gold and Platinum	Complimentary access for you and 1 guest Flying Blue Platinum members may also bring children 18 years of age or under with no extra charge	Guests must be traveling on an international Air France, KLM, or SkyTeam flight departing from the same terminal
SkyTeam Elite Plus	Passengers must have a same-day boarding pass Passengers are permitted to bring 1 guest Passengers can access the lounge up to 3 hours before departure and any time during a connection.	Guests must be traveling on an international Air France, KLM, or SkyTeam flight departing from the same terminal
Priority Pass and Lounge Club	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card Priority Pass access is not allowed between 12 and 5 p.m.	Passengers may access the lounge for a maximum of 3 hours Cardholders must be 21 years old Children under 2 are admitted free of charge Priority Pass membership: Standard $99, Standard Plus $329, Prestige $469

American Airlines Admirals Club

Chicago OHare Admirals Club Concourse L view of highway — Admirals Club Chicago O’Hare. Image Credit: Katie Seemann

Chicago O’Hare International Airport has 3 American Airlines Admirals Clubs:

Terminal 3, near gate G8: Daily: 6:15 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Terminal 3, near gate L2A: Daily: 6:15 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Terminal 3, near gate H6/K6: Daily: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

American Airlines Admirals Club Lounge Facilities

Additional food for purchase
Full-service bar (Concourse H/K lounge)
Showers (Concourse H/K lounge)
Snacks
Soft and alcoholic drinks
Wi-Fi

American Airlines Admirals Club Access

SCROLL FOR MORE

Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
Day pass	Day pass visitors may bring up to 3 children (under 18) into the lounge, provided they hold a valid same-day boarding card.	$79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles Passengers must hold a same-day boarding card for American Airlines or a partner airline.
Admirals Club members	Admirals Club members have unlimited access to any Admirals Club, along with immediate family (including spouse and children under 18) or up to 2 guests.	AAdvantage Status	Fee
		AAdvantage Member	$850 (85,000 miles)
		AAdvantage Gold	$825 (82,500 miles)
		AAdvantage Platinum	$800 (80,000 miles)
		AAdvantage Platinum Pro	$775 (77,500 miles)
		AAdvantage Executive Platinum	$750 (75,000 miles)
		Flight must be marketed or operated by American Airlines or any Oneworld partner airline, or marketed by Aer Lingus and operated by American.
Eligible first and business passengers	First and business passengers can access the lounge when traveling on a same-day international flight.	Flight must be marketed and operated by American Airlines or a Oneworld partner airline or marketed by Aer Lingus and operated by American.
Eligible AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum member	Passengers traveling in any cabin on a same-day international flight can access the lounge. Eligible passengers are permitted to bring 1 guest.	Flight must be marketed and operated by American Airlines or a Oneworld partner airline or marketed by Aer Lingus and operated by American.
Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire	Passengers traveling in any cabin on a same-day international flight can access the lounge. Eligible passengers are permitted to bring 1 guest.	Flight must be marketed and operated by American Airlines or a Oneworld partner airline. This excludes passengers traveling solely on North American routes.
Citi^®/AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^® cardmembers and authorized users ($175 per year)	Cardholders receive a free Admirals Club membership with this credit card. The cardmember receives unlimited access to any Admirals Club when traveling on a same-day flight, along with immediate family (including spouse and children under 18) or up to 2 guests.	$595 (annually) Flight must be marketed or operated by American Airlines, marketed and operated by any Oneworld partner airline.
Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Globe™ Mastercard^®	Cardholders receive 4 Admirals Club Globe passes every calendar year	Annual Fee: $350 Valid on any cabin class Pass is valid for 24 hours Up to 3 children under age 18 may enter the lounge when traveling with an adult redeeming a pass
Citi Strata Elite℠ Card	Cardholders receive 4 Admirals Club passes every calendar year	Annual Fee: $595 Passengers receive unlimited access to any Admirals Club when traveling on a same-day flight Passengers may be accompanied by up to 3 children under 18 years. Each companion aged 18 or older will require one pass Flight must be: Marketed or operated by American Airlines Marketed and operated by any Oneworld partner airline
Military	Military personnel traveling in uniform on a same-day flight may access the lounge, along with immediate family (including spouse and children under 18) or up to 2 guests.	Flight must be operated by American Airlines.

American Airlines Admirals Club House Rules

A same-day boarding card is required for a flight marketed or operated by American, any Oneworld airline, or marketed by Aer Lingus and operated by American (see rules for the applicable access type above). The only exception is for existing Admirals Club Lifetime Members, who may continue to access the Admirals Club with same-day travel on any airline.
Guests may have appropriate access to the required terminal or concourse, as gate passes will not be issued for entry.
A government-issued photo ID is required along with the relevant access card (e.g., AAdvantage membership card or number) and same-day boarding card. Entry may be denied if the appropriate identification and credentials are not presented, and cards may be confiscated if used by anyone but the member.
Dress and conduct must be in line with a professional environment.
Headphones must be worn when using a personal device.

Read the full list of house rules on American Airlines’ website.

American Airlines Flagship Lounge

ORD AA Flagship LoungeBuddy — ORD AA Flagship Lounge. Image Credit: LoungeBuddy

Location: Terminal 3, between gates H6 and K6
Opening Hours: Daily: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

American Airlines Flagship Lounge Facilities

Media room
Newspapers and magazines
Quiet room and day beds with charging ports
Self-serve cocktail bar and premium wine and Champagne station
Self-serve hot and cold food
Showers with towels and amenities
Wi-Fi

American Airlines Flagship Lounge Access

SCROLL FOR MORE

Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
First or business passengers on qualifying international or domestic flights	Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card. International first class passengers may bring 1 guest.	Valid for flights marketed and operated by American or a Oneworld partner airline or marketed by Aer Lingus and operated by American Qualifying flights between the U.S. and Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, New Zealand, or South America (excluding Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela) Qualifying domestic flights between Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Honolulu (HNL) DFW and Kona (KOA) DFW and Maui (OGG) Chicago (ORD) and HNL Charlotte (CLT) and HNL
AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum and Atmos Rewards elites (Platinum and Gold)	Passengers traveling in any cabin may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card when departing or connecting on eligible international flights. Passengers may bring 1 guest.	Valid for flights marketed and operated by American or a Oneworld partner airline or marketed by Aer Lingus and operated by American Qualifying flights are between the U.S. and Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, New Zealand, or South America (excluding Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela)
ConciergeKey	Passengers traveling in any cabin may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card. Passengers may bring up to 2 guests or their immediate family (including children under 18).	Valid for flights marketed and operated by American or a Oneworld partner airline or marketed by Aer Lingus and operated by American
Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire	Passengers traveling in any cabin may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card when departing or connecting to a flight. Passengers may bring 1 guest.	Valid for flights marketed and operated by American or a Oneworld partner airline
Single Visit Pass	No guest	$150 or 15,000 AAdvantage miles Passengers must hold a same-day boarding pass for American Airlines or marketed and operated by any Oneworld partner airline. The departure or arrival flight must be on the same day (or before 6 a.m. the following day).

American Airlines Flagship Lounge House Rules

A same-day ticket must be on the same day of travel or before 6 a.m. the following day.
Children over 2 count as guests.
AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum customers traveling solely on North American itineraries (unless on an eligible transcontinental route) do not qualify for Flagship Lounge access.

Read the full list of house rules on American Airlines’ website.

Delta Sky Club

Location: Terminal 5, Concourse M, between M14 and M11
Opening Hours: Sunday-Friday: 4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday: 4:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Delta Sky Club Facilities

Bar serving craft beer, wine, and spirits (premium drinks available to purchase)
Business center with printers
Delta Sky Club ambassador to answer passenger inquiries
Meals served from food stations, including soups, salad, and snacks
Newspapers and magazines
TVs
Wi-Fi

Hot Tip: Check out the full list of U.S. Delta Sky Clubs, including locations, opening hours, and amenities.

Delta Sky Club Access

SCROLL FOR MORE

Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
Executive membership	Executive members have unlimited access to any Delta Sky Club along with 2 guests.	$1,495 (annually) \| 149,500 miles Passengers must be traveling on a same-day ticket with Delta or a Delta partner airline (excludes existing Delta Lifetime members that can access the lounge when traveling on any airline). Individuals must be 18 or older to qualify for membership.
Individual membership	Individual members have unlimited access to any Delta Sky Club. Members can bring up to 2 guests for $50 (effective February 2, 2023) per person.	$695 (annually) \| 69,500 miles Passengers must be traveling on a same-day ticket with Delta or a Delta partner airline (excludes existing Delta Lifetime members that can access the lounge when traveling on any airline). Individuals must be 18 to qualify for membership
SkyTeam Elite Plus members	Elite status passengers can access a Delta Sky Club on the same day of travel.	Passengers traveling in any cabin may access the lounge when traveling on a SkyTeam international flight or connecting to or from a same-day international flight.
Delta Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion members	Elite status passengers can access a Delta Sky Club on the same day of travel.	These elites can access the lounge when flying internationally in Delta Premium Select or in Delta One.
Delta One or SkyTeam Premium cabin	Passengers can access a Delta Sky Club on the same day of travel.	Flying Delta, Delta One passengers can access the lounge when flying domestically or when connecting to or from an international flight. Flying on a SkyTeam flight, premium passengers can access the lounge if confirmed in the first or business cabin for the international segment of the journey.
Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express card	15 visits per year to any Delta Sky Club when you have a same-day boarding card; earn unlimited visits after spending $75,000 in purchases in a calendar year, and each year thereafter Cardmembers receive 4 one-time guest passes per year Members can bring up to 2 guests or immediate family members at a per-visit rate of $50 per person	$650 (annually) Member must hold a same-day ticket for a Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. Passengers traveling on Delta partner flight can access the lounge for $50. The credit card must be used for payment. See rates & fees.
Platinum Card^® from American Express	10 visits to Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta) with the ability to unlock unlimited visits through spend	$895 (annually; rates & fees) Member must hold a same-day ticket for a Delta-operated or Delta-marketed flight operated by WestJet
The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express	10 visits to Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta) with the ability to unlock unlimited visits through spend	Annual Fee: $895 (rates & fees) Member must hold a same-day ticket for a Delta-operated or Delta-marketed flight operated by WestJet.
Centurion^® Card from American Express	Cardmembers have unlimited access to any Delta Sky Club and may bring up to 2 guests for an additional fee. Terms apply.	Initiation fee: $10,000 Annual membership fee: $5,000 Member must hold a same-day ticket for a Delta-operated or Delta-marketed flight operated by WestJet.
LATAM Business Class Passengers	Passengers may access any Delta Sky Club. No guests permitted.	LATAM business class passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding pass for international travel or in conjunction with an international flight connection operated by Delta or LATAM. No guests are permitted.
LATAM Black Signature, Black, or Platinum LATAM Pass Member	Members may access any Delta Sky Club and may bring 1 guest.	These members may access any Delta Sky Club with a same-day boarding pass in any class of service or in conjunction with a same-day connecting international flight operated by Delta or LATAM.
WestJet Business Class Passengers	Passengers may access any Delta Sky Club. No guests permitted.	WestJet business class passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding pass for international travel or in conjunction with an international flight connection operated by Delta or WestJet. No guests are permitted.
WestJet Rewards Gold and Platinum members	Members may access any Delta Sky Club and may bring 1 guest.	WestJet Gold and Platinum members can access any Delta Sky Club with a same-day boarding pass for a transborder flight between the U.S. and Canada operated by WestJet or Delta. One guest is permitted and must stay with the member for the entire stay.

Cardholders of the several SkyMiles credit cards in Japan — Delta SkyMiles^® Diners Club Card, Delta SkyMiles^® Trust Club Platinum Visa Card, and Delta SkyMiles^® Trust Club Gold Visa Card — also have degrees of access to Delta Sky Clubs. Visit Delta’s international credit card website for specific details, fees, and policies.

Delta Sky Club House Rules

A same-day boarding card is required for a flight marketed or operated by Delta Air Lines or a Delta partner airline (see rules for the applicable access type above). The only exception is for existing Delta Lifetime Members, who may continue to access the Delta Sky Club with same-day travel on any airline.
Although the minimum age for membership is 18, guests must be 21 to access a club with a self-serve bar in the U.S. The only exception is if they are traveling with another member who is over 21.
Guests must have access to the required terminal or concourse, as gate passes will not be issued for entry.

Read the full list of house rules on the Delta Air Lines website.

LOT Polish Business Class Lounge

LOT New Lounge ORD — LOT Polish Business Class Lounge ORD. Image Credit: LOT Polish

Location: Terminal 5, next to the dining area and close to the security
Opening Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to midnight.

LOT Polish Business Class Lounge Facilities

Prayer room
Self-serve food buffet featuring hot and cold meals
Self-serve refreshments, including alcoholic beverages
Showers
Wi-Fi

LOT Polish Business Class Lounge Access

SCROLL FOR MORE

Access Types	Details	Fees and Policies
Long-Haul Business or First Class on a Star Alliance Carrier	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card	Valid when traveling on a Star Alliance flight
Star Alliance Gold	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card	Valid when traveling on a Star Alliance flight

LOT Polish Business Class Lounge House Rules

Children under 12 are free.
Minors (under 21 years old) must have adult supervision.
Passengers may enter up to 4 hours before departure (this does not apply to connecting flights).

Read the full list of house rules on the LOT website.

SAS Lounge ORD

ORD SAS Lounge LoungeBuddy — ORD SAS Lounge. Image Credit: LoungeBuddy

Location: Terminal 5, near gate M19-20
Opening Hours: Daily: Opens 1 hour before first scheduled SAS flight and closes 30 minutes before last scheduled SAS flight

SAS Lounge Facilities

Computers
Magazines
Phone room
Runway views
Self-serve food buffet, including soups, salads, and snacks
Self-serve refreshments, including alcoholic beverages
TV room
Wi-Fi

SAS Lounge Access

SCROLL FOR MORE

Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
Day pass	Passengers traveling on a SAS Go fare may purchase entry into the lounge on departure with a same-day boarding card.	Purchased online: 3 hours before departure: $55 Less than 3 hours before departure: $59 Purchased at the reception: $59 Passengers must be flying on a SAS-operated flight.
SAS Business or SAS Plus passenger	Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card on departure.	Valid when flying on a SAS-operated flight
EuroBonus Diamond or Gold members	Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card on departure. Passengers may bring 1 guest or up to 4 family members (spouse, partner, parents, children).	Valid when flying on a SAS- or a SkyTeam flight
SkyTeam Elite Plus	Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card on departure. Passengers may bring 1 guest traveling on the same flight.	The passenger and guest must be flying on a SAS- or a SkyTeam flight.

SAS Lounge House Rules

Infants under 2 are not counted as guests.
Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Passengers traveling on a SAS charter flight are not eligible for lounge access.
For rebooked tickets, lounge access is nontransferable, and lounge fees are nonrefundable.

Read the full list of house rules on the SAS website.

Swissport Lounge

Location: Terminal 5, near gate M13
Opening Hours: Daily: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Swissport Lounge Facilities

Luggage rack
Newspapers and magazines
Self-serve refreshment bar, including alcoholic beverages
Snacks during the daytime; hot and cold buffet food in the evening
TV room
Wi-Fi

Swissport Lounge Access

SCROLL FOR MORE

Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
Day pass	Day pass access is subject to lounge capacity. Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card.	$40 Passengers may use the lounge for up to 3 hours.
Business or first class passengers	Premium passengers flying with Hainan Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, or Finnair may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card on departure.	Valid when flying in a premium cabin with one of these partner airlines
Priority Pass members	Passengers may access the lounge up to 3 hours prior to departure.	Passengers can be traveling on any flight. Access is subject to availability.

United Club

Chicago O’Hare International Airport has 4 United Club lounges:

Terminal 1, Concourse B, near gate B6: Daily: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Terminal 1, Concourse B, near gate B18: Daily: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Terminal 1, Concourse C, near gate C10: Daily: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Terminal 2, Concourse E, near gate E7: Daily: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Terminal 2, Concourse F, near gate F9: Daily: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

United Airlines United Club Facilities

Conference rooms
Drinks including beer, wine, and spirits
Newspapers and magazines
Personal travel assistant
Self-serve snack bar
TVs
Wi-Fi

United Airlines United Club Access

SCROLL FOR MORE


United Club membership	Members have access with a same-day boarding card on United, Star Alliance, or contracted partner airlines. An Individual membership does not include guests unless you have an eligible United credit card. All Access membership includes up to 2 adult guests or 1 adult and children under 18.	Individual membership — Premier 1K, Premier Platinum, Regular member, Premier Silver, and Premier Gold: $750 (94,000 miles) annual fee All Access membership, Premier 1K: $1,200 (150,000 miles) annual fee All Access membership, Premier Platinum: $1,300 (163,000 miles) annual fee All Access membership, Regular member, Premier Gold, Premier Silver: $1,400 (175,000 miles) annual fee The New United Club℠ Card: Included (earn All Access membership via status or yearly spend) Members must be traveling on a United, Star Alliance, or contracted partner flight for access
United Club day pass	Passengers have one-time access to any United Club with a same-day boarding card on United, Star Alliance, or contracted partner airlines	$59 (purchased online or at the door) Passengers must be traveling on a United, Star Alliance, or contracted partner flight Passengers can use their passes only within 3 hours of their departure flight, except during connections, and do not have access to United Club Fly locations
United Polaris business class	Passengers can access the United Club with a same-day boarding card at their departure, connecting, and arrival airports (domestic arrivals only)	Valid for travel on a United Airlines flight
United business class (international flights)	Passengers can access the United Club with a same-day boarding card at their departure, connecting, and arrival airports (domestic arrivals only)	Also applies to passengers traveling to/from Canada in United first class
First class on a Star Alliance airline	Passengers can access any United Club with a same-day boarding card at the departure airport of their international flight Passengers are permitted to bring 1 guest	Passengers must be traveling on a Star Alliance airline
United Premier Gold or Star Alliance Gold status	Passengers can access any United Club with a same-day boarding card for an international flight Access is possible at the departure airport, during connection, or on arrival Passengers are permitted to bring 1 guest traveling on the same flight	Passengers must be traveling on a Star Alliance airline
Air Canada Maple Leaf Club membership	Passengers can access any United Club with a same-day boarding card Maple Leaf Club North America members can access lounges in U.S. locations only Maple Leaf Club Worldwide members can access lounges in worldwide locations and may bring 1 guest	Passengers must be traveling on a Star Alliance airline North America pass: Individual: CA$495; Partner: CA$730 Worldwide pass: Individual: CA$665; Partner: CA$970
Active U.S. military	Passengers must have a valid boarding card for a flight departing within 24 hours Passengers must also be dressed in uniform, be on leave orders, or have rest and recuperation papers Can invite family members with gate passes or traveling on the same flight	Passengers must be traveling on a United or United Express flight

Hot Tip: If you’re active military, see our post on the best credit cards for military members, as many issuers waive annual fees and you can use lounge access benefits offered by those cards.

United Airlines United Club House Rules

A same-day boarding card is required for a flight operated by United, Star Alliance, or a contracted partner airline.
United Club members with All Access membership can be accompanied by up to two adults or one adult and dependents under 18.
Although the minimum age for membership is 18, guests must be 21 to access a club with a self-serve bar in the U.S. The only exception is if they are traveling with another member that is over 21.
Day pass guests may bring 1 infant under 2 free of charge.
Day pass guests may be refused entry if the lounge is at or nearing capacity.

Read the full list of house rules on the United’s website.

United Polaris Lounge – Temporarily closed

United Polaris Lounge ORD View — United Polaris Lounge Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

Location: Terminal 1, Concourse C, near gate C18
Opening Hours: Daily: TBD

United Polaris Lounge Facilities

À la carte dining
Business services with printers and copiers
Daybeds
Full-service bar including beer, wine, spirits, and barista coffee
Newspapers and magazines
Phone rooms
Quiet suites
Self-serve buffet with hot and cold options
Shower suites with amenities

United Polaris Lounge Access

SCROLL FOR MORE

Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
United Polaris business class	Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card, departing for a flight or connecting.	Valid for international flights on a United-operated flight
Star Alliance international first class	Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card at the departure airport for an international flight. Passengers may be accompanied by 1 guest.	Valid for international flights on a Star Alliance-operated flight
Star Alliance international business class	Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card at the departure airport for an international flight.

United Polaris House Rules

United Polaris is available on transpacific or transatlantic flights and on flights from the U.S. to Buenos Aires, Lima, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Santiago.
Passengers flying on discounted industry fares or staff travel tickets are not permitted in the lounge.
For Star Alliance admittance, long-haul international routes are classed as the U.S. to Asia, Australia, Europe, and select South American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru).

Read the full list of house rules on United’s website.

Hot Tip: Check out our review of the United Polaris lounge at ORD — an excellent option for business class flyers to enjoy top-notch food, drinks, and views.

USO Lounge

USO Terminal 3 ORD — USO Lounge Terminal 3 Chicago O’Hare International Airport Image Credit: USO of Illinois

Chicago O’Hare International Airport has 2 USO lounges:

Terminal 2, mezzanine (presecurity): Daily: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Terminal 3, Concourse G mezzanine: Daily: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

USO Lounge Facilities

Books and magazines
Children’s room
Gaming
Quiet room
Refreshments
Snacks
TV lounge
Wi-Fi
Work areas, phones, and printers

USO Lounge Access

These USO Lounges are available to active duty, guard, reserve military, and their dependents and retired military.

Connecting Between Terminals for Lounge Access

Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected inside the secure area. If you want to visit a lounge in a different terminal, you can easily walk between these 3 terminals without needing to reclear security again.

Terminal 5 is quite a distance from terminals 1 through 3, and passengers are required to ride a shuttle bus when connecting. These buses operate outside of the secure area, so you are required to reclear security on arrival. If you’re connecting between flights and are planning to use a lounge at a different terminal, be sure to leave lots of time to ride the shuttle bus and clear security.

Best Credit Cards To Access Priority Pass Lounges

There are several great credit cards with Priority Pass as a benefit. So how should you choose which is best for you? Well, that depends on what other credit card perks you value.

Our vote for the very best airport lounge credit card is the Amex Platinum card. Not only will the Amex Platinum card get you into all Priority Pass lounges (upon enrollment), but it also gives you access to the Amex Centurion lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, 10 visits to Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta) with the ability to unlock unlimited visits through spend, and Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner.

Here are some other great cards that offer a complimentary Priority Pass lounge membership (may require enrollment):

Final Thoughts

A handful of the 16 lounges available at ORD allow passengers to purchase a day pass, with only the Swissport Lounge permitting passengers flying with any airline. Some other lounges permit day pass entry, but you must be flying with the airline, or at least with a contracted partner.

If you’re connecting between terminals 1 through 3 and are looking to use a lounge between flights, you’ll be happy to know that you can easily walk between terminals without the need to reclear security, allowing you more time to relax and enjoy a drink before your flight.