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 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: December 16, 2024, 5:23am CST

Edited by:

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Key Takeaways
ORD Terminal Map
American Airlines Admirals Club
American Airlines Flagship Lounge
British Airways First Lounge
British Airways Terraces Lounge
Delta Sky Club
LOT Polish Business Class Lounge
Swissport Lounge
United Club
United Polaris Lounge
USO Lounge
Connecting Between Terminals for Lounge Access
Best Credit Cards To Access Priority Pass Lounges
Final Thoughts

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Key Takeaways

Chicago O’Hare International Airport offers various lounges, including the British Airways 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

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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)
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)	British Airways First Lounge British Airways Terraces 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.

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 7:15 p.m.
Terminal 3, near gate L2A: Daily: 6:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Terminal 3, near gate H6/K6: Daily: 5 a.m. to 9 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

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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 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.
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

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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 Mielage Plan (MVP Gold 75K and MVP 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 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.

British Airways First Lounge

Location: Terminal 5, near gate M12
Opening Hours: Daily: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

British Airways First Lounge Facilities

Newspapers and magazines
Self-serve bar, including wine and Champagne
Self-serve snacks and sandwiches
Views of the runway
Wi-Fi
Workstations

British Airways First Lounge Access

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Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
First class passengers	Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card. Passengers may bring 1 guest (traveling in any cabin).	Passengers must be flying on a scheduled flight with British Airways or Cathay Pacific.
British Airways Executive Club Gold Member	Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card.	Passengers must be flying on a scheduled flight with British Airways or a Oneworld partner airline.
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles Diamond members	Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card. Passengers may bring 2 guests (traveling in any cabin).	Passengers must be flying on a scheduled flight with British Airways or a Oneworld partner airline.
Oneworld Emerald Member	Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card. Passengers may bring 1 guest (traveling in any cabin).	The passenger and guest must be flying on a scheduled flight with British Airways or a Oneworld partner airline.

British Airways First Lounge House Rules

Passengers must be over 18 to access the lounge or be accompanied by an adult over 18.
Infants under 2 are not counted as guests.
Lounge access is subject to capacity restrictions.

Read the full list of house rules.

British Airways Terraces Lounge

Location: Terminal 5, near gate M12
Opening Hours: Daily: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

British Airways Terraces Lounge Facilities

Newspapers and magazines
Self-serve bar with soft and alcoholic drinks
Self-serve snacks and sandwiches
Workstations
Wi-Fi

British Airways Terraces Lounge Access

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Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
First class or business class passengers (Club World or Club Europe)	Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card. Passengers may bring 1 guest (traveling in any cabin).	Passengers must be flying on a scheduled flight with British Airways or Cathay Pacific.
British Airways Executive Club Silver or Gold Members	Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card.	Passengers must be flying on a scheduled flight with British Airways or a Oneworld partner airline.
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles Gold members	Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card. Passengers may bring 1 guest (traveling in any cabin).	Passengers must be flying on a scheduled flight with British Airways or a Oneworld partner airline.
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles Silver members	Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card.	Passengers must be flying on a scheduled flight with British Airways or a Oneworld partner airline.
Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald Member	Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card. Passengers may bring 1 guest (traveling in any cabin).	The passenger and guest must be flying on a scheduled flight with British Airways or a Oneworld partner airline.

British Airways Terraces Lounge House Rules

Passengers must be over 18 to access the lounge or be accompanied by an adult over 18.
Infants under 2 are not counted as guests.
Lounge access is subject to capacity restrictions.

Read the full list of house rules.

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

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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*	Cardmembers have unlimited access to any Delta Sky Club with 4 guest passes annually. Members can bring up to 2 guests for $50 per person. Terms apply.	$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.
The Platinum 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.	$695 (annually) Member must hold a same-day ticket for a Delta-operated or Delta-marketed flight operated by WestJet. See rates & fees.
The Business Platinum 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.	Annual Fee: $695 (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.

*Effective February 1, 2025, Reserve cardmembers receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club. To earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on February 1, 2025, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter.

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, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. (opening December 19, 2024)

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

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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.

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

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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
Eurobonus Silver	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).	Access is permitted daily from July 6 to August 9, and on Saturdays from January 12 to July 4 when flying on a scheduled SAS 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

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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 for a maximum of 3 hours.	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 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

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Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
United Club membership	Members have unlimited access to United Club lounges with a same-day boarding card along with up to 2 guests.	General member, Premier Silver, and Premier Gold	$650 or 85,000 miles
		Premier Platinum	$600 or 80,000 miles
		Premier 1K and United Global Services	$550 or 75,000 miles
		United Club℠ Infinite Card	Included
		Members must be traveling on a United, Star Alliance or contracted partner flight.
United Club day pass	Passengers have single access to any United Club with a same-day boarding card.	$59 (purchased online or on the door) Passengers must be traveling on a United, Star Alliance, or contracted partner flight.
United Polaris business class	Passengers can access any 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 (international flights)		Also applies to passengers traveling to/from Canada in United First
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.
Business 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.
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.
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.
Virgin Australia Velocity (Velocity Gold, Platinum, and VIP)	Passengers must have a valid same-day boarding pass. Eligible members traveling on a United-operated flight may bring 1 guest.	Passengers must be traveling on an international United or Virgin Australia-operated flight departing from the same airport.

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 can be accompanied by 1 spouse and child under 21 or up to 2 guests.
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

Location: Terminal 1, Concourse C, near gate C18
Opening Hours: Daily: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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

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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, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner.

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

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express
Chase Sapphire Reserve^®
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardInformation collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.

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.

The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Citi^®/AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Centurion^® Card from American Express was independently collected by Upgraded Points and was not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Delta SkyMiles^® Diners Club Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Delta SkyMiles^® Trust Club Platinum Visa Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Delta SkyMiles^® Trust Club Gold Visa Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® card, click here.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

ORD Terminal Map

Chicago O’Hare International Airport Lounges by Terminal

American Airlines Admirals Club

American Airlines Admirals Club Lounge Facilities

American Airlines Admirals Club Access

American Airlines Admirals Club House Rules

American Airlines Flagship Lounge

American Airlines Flagship Lounge Facilities

American Airlines Flagship Lounge Access

American Airlines Flagship Lounge House Rules

British Airways First Lounge

British Airways First Lounge Facilities

British Airways First Lounge Access

British Airways First Lounge House Rules

British Airways Terraces Lounge

British Airways Terraces Lounge Facilities

British Airways Terraces Lounge Access

British Airways Terraces Lounge House Rules

Delta Sky Club

Delta Sky Club Facilities

Delta Sky Club Access

Delta Sky Club House Rules

LOT Polish Business Class Lounge

LOT Polish Business Class Lounge Facilities

LOT Polish Business Class Lounge Access

LOT Polish Business Class Lounge House Rules

SAS Lounge Facilities

SAS Lounge Access

SAS Lounge House Rules

Swissport Lounge

Swissport Lounge Facilities

Swissport Lounge Access

United Club

United Airlines United Club Facilities

United Airlines United Club Access

United Airlines United Club House Rules

United Polaris Lounge

United Polaris Lounge Facilities

United Polaris Lounge Access

United Polaris House Rules

USO Lounge

USO Lounge Facilities

USO Lounge Access

Connecting Between Terminals for Lounge Access

Best Credit Cards To Access Priority Pass Lounges

Final Thoughts