Is there a Priority Pass lounge at ORD?

There are 2 ORD lounges that accept Priority Pass: the Air France Lounge and 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: Air France Lounge 3 American Airlines Admirals Clubs American Airlines Flagship Lounge Delta Sky Club LOT Polish Business Class Lounge Swissport Lounge 5 United Club Lounges United Polaris Lounge 2 USO Lounges

Does O'Hare have a United Club?

Chicago O’Hare International Airport has 5 United Club Lounges. These are in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

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

Updated: August 17, 2026, 9:10am CDT

Edited by:

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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
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 American Airlines Flagship First Lounge, Delta Sky Club, and United Club, which provide amenities such as Wi-Fi, refreshments, and comfortable seating.
Priority Pass members can access the Air France and Swissport lounges in Terminal 5.
Some lounges, such as the American Airlines Admirals Club, Swissport Lounge, and United Clubs, offer day passes.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is the fourth-busiest airport in the U.S. for passenger numbers, occasionally rivaling ATL for the most flight operations of any U.S. airport.

There are 16 lounges at ORD for passengers with appropriate memberships in every terminal. United Airlines has 3 lounges in Terminal 1 and 2 in Terminal 2. American Airlines has 4 lounges, all in Terminal 3.

Priority Pass members should know that there are 2 lounges that accept membership: the Swissport Lounge and the Air France 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) – Temporarily closed
Terminal 2	United Club (near gate E7) United Club (near gate F9) 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 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 — Air France Lounge Terminal 5. Image Credit: Air France

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

Air France Lounge Facilities

Bar with soft and alcoholic beverages, including Champagne
Buffet serving hot and cold food
Exclusive Flying Blue Ultimate space
Functional work areas and a phone booth
Relaxation area
Showers
TV
Wi-Fi

Air France Lounge Access

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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	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card.	Valid when traveling on an international Air France, KLM, or SkyTeam flight Guests may purchase a day pass.
La Première first class	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card. Passengers may bring 1 guest.	Valid when traveling on an international Air France, KLM, or SkyTeam flight The guest must be traveling on an international Air France, KLM, or SkyTeam-operated flight and must be departing from the same hall as the passenger.
Flying Blue Gold and Platinum elites	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card. Passengers may bring 1 child aged 2 to 17 years and 1 guest.
SkyTeam Elite Plus	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card. Passengers may bring 1 guest.
Priority Pass and Lounge Club	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card.	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

Air France Lounge Access House Rules

Unaccompanied minors cannot access lounges.
Lounge access is only permitted on departure, not on arrival.
Passengers can only access the lounge in their departure terminal.

Keep reading for more information on Air France Lounge’s full list of house rules.

American Airlines Admirals Club

Chicago OHare Admirals Club Concourse L view of highway — Admirals Club Chicago O’Hare, Concourse L. 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 9:45 p.m.
Terminal 3, before gate L1: Daily: 5 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Terminal 3, in the crosswalk between gates H6 and K6: Daily: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

American Airlines Admirals Club Lounge Facilities

Conference rooms (excluding Concourse G lounge)
Full-service bar
Premium food for purchase
Showers (concourse H/K lounge)
Snacks and light meals
Soft and alcoholic drinks
Wi-Fi

American Airlines Admirals Club Lounge Access

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Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
Day pass	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card. Passengers can bring up to 3 children (under 18).	$79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles Passengers must be flying with American Airlines or a Oneworld partner airline.
Admirals Club members	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card. Members can bring their immediate family (including spouse and children under 18) or up to 2 guests.	Flight must be marketed or operated by American Airlines or a Oneworld partner airline. Annual membership fee AAdvantage: $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)
First and business class passengers	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card for an 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.
AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum elites	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card for an international flight, traveling in any cabin. Eligible passengers are permitted to bring 1 guest (infants under 2 are admitted for free).	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 elites	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card for international flights, traveling in any cabin. Eligible passengers are permitted to bring 1 guest (infants under 2 are admitted for free).	Flight must be marketed and operated by American Airlines or a Oneworld partner airline. Passengers may not access the lounge if traveling solely on North American routes.
Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Executive World Legend 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.	Annual fee: $695 (annually) Must present the physical credit card and a boarding pass for same-day travel.
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 18 or older require 1 pass. Flight must be marketed or operated by American Airlines or any Oneworld partner airline
Military	Uniformed military personnel with a same-day boarding card can access the lounge. Passengers can bring immediate family members (including spouse and children under 18) or up to 2 guests.	Valid on an American Airlines-operated flight

American Airlines Admirals Club House Rules

A same-day boarding pass is required for a flight marketed or operated by American Airlines, Japan Airlines, or any Oneworld airline.
Guests must have appropriate access to the required terminal or concourse, as gate passes will not be issued for entry.
Existing Admirals Club Lifetime members may access the Admirals Club with same-day travel on any airline.
A government-issued photo ID is required along with the relevant access card (e.g., AAdvantage membership card or number) and a same-day boarding pass.

Read the full list of American Airlines’ house rules.

American Airlines Flagship Lounge

Location: Terminal 3, in the crosswalk between gates H6 and K6
Opening Hours: Daily: 5 a.m. to 11 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
Eligible first or business passengers on qualifying international, transcontinental or domestic flights	Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card International first class passengers may bring 1 guest (guests are classed as over 2 years)	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) Qualifying transcontinental passengers are between Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (JFK) San Francisco (SFO) and New York (JFK) New York (JFK) and Orange County (SNA) Los Angeles (LAX) and Boston (BOS) Los Angeles (LAX) to Miami (MIA) Qualifying domestic flights are between Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Honolulu (HNL) Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Kona (KOA) Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Maui (OGG) Chicago (ORD) and Honolulu (HNL) Charlotte (CLT) and Honolulu (HNL)
Eligible AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum elites and Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards Gold, Platinum, and Titanium elites	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 (guests are classed as over 2 years)	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 elites	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 (guests are classed as over 2 years)	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

Passengers must hold a same-day ticket or travel before 6 a.m. the following day.
AAdvantage or Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards customers traveling solely on North American itineraries 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 gates M14 and M11
Opening Hours: Sunday to 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
Family room
Meals served from food stations, including soups, salad, and snacks
Newspapers and magazines
Privacy sound booths
Showers
TVs
Wi-Fi
Wine bar

Hot Tip:

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

Delta Sky Club Lounge Access

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Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
Executive membership	Members have unlimited access to any Delta Sky Club with a same-day boarding card. Members may bring 2 guests.	$1,495 (annually) \| 149,500 SkyMiles Valid with Delta or a Delta partner airline (excludes existing Delta Lifetime members, who can access the lounge when traveling on any airline) Members must be 18 or over.
Individual membership	Members have unlimited access to any Delta Sky Club with a same-day boarding card. Members can bring up to 2 guests for $50 per person.	$695 (annually) \| 69,500 SkyMiles Valid with Delta or a Delta partner airline (excludes existing Delta Lifetime members, who can access the lounge when traveling on any airline) Members must be 18 or over.
Delta Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion members	Medallion members can access a Delta Sky Club on the same day of travel and bring 1 guest.	Passengers can access the lounge when flying Delta Premium Select internationally or in Delta One (or an equivalent cabin on a Delta partner flight). Guest must also be traveling in Delta Premium Select or Delta One (or an equivalent cabin on a Delta partner flight). Medallion members traveling in First Class (or an equivalent cabin on a Delta partner flight) to Mexico, Canada, and Central America may access the lounge with 1 guest (also traveling in First Class or an equivalent cabin on a Delta partner flight).
SkyTeam Elite Plus	Elite passengers can access a Delta Sky Club with a same-day boarding card and bring 1 guest.	Passengers traveling in any cabin may access the lounge when traveling on a SkyTeam international flight or SkyTeam domestic flight connecting to or from a same-day international flight (including same-day travel on a Delta domestic flight connecting to an international Delta or any other SkyTeam partner flight).
Delta One or SkyTeam premium cabin	Passengers can access a Delta Sky Club with a same-day boarding card.	Delta One passengers can access the lounge with domestic flights or when connecting to or from an international flight. First or business passengers on SkyTeam flights can access the lounge for the international segment of the journey.
Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card	Get 15 visits a year to any Delta Sky Club if 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 at a per-visit rate of $50 per person.	Annual fee: $650 (rates & fees) Valid on 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.
Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve Business American Express Card	Complimentary 15 visits to the Delta Sky Club; earn unlimited visits after spending $75,000 or more each year, and each year thereafter 4 one-time Guest Passes annually Members can bring up to 2 guests or immediate family members at a per-visit rate of $50 per person.	$650 (rates & fees) Member must hold a same-day ticket for a Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. Passengers traveling on a Delta partner flight can access the lounge for $50. The credit card must be used for payment.
Platinum Card^® from American Express	With Delta Sky Club access, cardholders receive 10 visits to the Delta Sky Club to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year, and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club access by spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their card in a calendar year. Members can bring up to 2 guests or immediate family at a per-visit rate of $50 per person.	Annual fee: $895 (rates & fees) Cardmember must hold a same-day boarding card for a Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express		Annual fee: $895 (rates & fees) Cardmember must hold a same-day boarding card for a Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
Centurion^® Card from American Express	Passengers can access a Delta Sky Club with a same-day boarding pass. Members can bring up to 2 guests or immediate family members for $50 per person.	Annual fee: $5,000 per year plus a one-time joining fee of $10,000 (for U.S. users) Member must hold a same-day ticket for a Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
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 are 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.

* The information regarding the Centurion^® Card from American Express was independently collected by Upgraded Points and was neither provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Delta Sky Club House Rules

A same-day boarding pass 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 U.S. club with a self-serve bar. 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 are not issued for entry.

Read the full list of Delta Sky Club house rules.

LOT Polish Business Class Lounge

Polish LOT Lounge ORD — A panoramic view of the new lounge. Image Credit: LOT Polish

Location: Terminal 5, next to the dining area and close to the security
Opening Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.

LOT Polish Business Class Lounge Facilities

Prayer room
Relaxation zone
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 be supervised by an adult.
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.

Swissport Lounge

ORD Swissport Lounge. Image Credit: American Express

Location: Terminal 5, near gate M13
Opening Hours: Daily: 7 a.m. to 12 a.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.	$45 per person 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 5 United Club lounges:

Terminal 1, Concourse B, near gate B6: Daily: 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Terminal 1, Concourse B, near gate B18: Daily: 5 a.m. to 9 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 9 p.m.
Terminal 2, Concourse F, near gate F9: Daily: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

United Airlines United Club Facilities

Digital newspapers and magazines
Drinks including beer, wine, and spirits
Personal travel assistant
Self-serve snack bar
TVs
Wi-Fi

United Club Lounge Access

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Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
Day pass	Passengers must present a same-day boarding pass from United or a partner airline to enter a United Club location with a one-time pass.	$59 (purchased online or at the door) United℠ Explorer Card and United℠ Business Card come with 2 United Club one-time passes per year 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 Club membership	Members have access (when arriving or departing) to United Club lounges 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: GS member, Premier 1K, Premier Platinum, Regular member, Premier Silver, and Premier Gold: $750 (94,000 miles) annual fee All Access membership, GS member: $1,100 (125,000 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 United Club℠ Card and United Club℠ Business 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 Polaris business class	Passengers can access the United Club with a same-day boarding pass at their departure, connecting, and arrival airports.	Valid on United-operated flights
United business class (international flights)	Passengers can access the United Club with a same-day boarding pass at their departure, connecting, and arrival airports. Also applies to passengers traveling to/from Canada in United First	Valid on United-operated flights
United business class (transcontinental flights)	Passengers can access the United Club with a same-day boarding pass at their departure and arrival airports for their premium transcontinental flight. Only premium transcontinental flights between New York/Newark and Los Angeles and New York/Newark and San Francisco are eligible.	Valid on United-operated flights
First class on a Star Alliance airline	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding pass at the departure airport of an 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 the lounge with a same-day boarding card at the departure airport of an international flight.	Passengers must be traveling on a Star Alliance airline
United MileagePlus Gold status and above	Passengers can access any United Club with a same-day boarding pass for an international flight. Access is possible at the departure and connection airports of their international flight. Passengers are permitted to bring 1 guest traveling on the same flight.	Passengers must be traveling on a Star Alliance airline.
Star Alliance Gold status and above	Passengers can access any United Club with a same-day boarding pass for a domestic or international flight. Access is only at the departure airport. Passengers are permitted to bring 1 guest traveling on the same flight.	Passengers must be traveling on a Star Alliance airline.
Active U.S. military personnel	Requires a valid Common Access Card (CAC ID)	Passengers must be traveling on a United or United Express flight. Travel booked on an official government-sponsored travel using a government fare type
Air Canada Maple Leaf Club members	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.
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.

United Club House Rules

A same-day boarding pass is required for a flight operated by United, a Star Alliance member, or a contracted partner airline.
United Club members with an individual membership cannot bring a guest unless they have an eligible United credit card.
All Access members can be accompanied by 1 adult and children under 18 or up to 2 adult guests.
Guests must be 21 to access a U.S. club with a self-serve bar. The only exception is if they are traveling with another member who 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 United Club house rules.

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 benefits offered by those cards.

United Polaris Lounge

Location: Terminal 1, Concourse C, near gate C18
Opening Hours: Daily from 7 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
Wi-Fi

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 or at the arrival airport.	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 admission, long-haul international routes are classified as 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, which we liked for top-notch food, drinks, and views.

USO Lounge

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 take a shuttle bus to connect. These buses operate outside of the secure area, so you must reclear security on arrival. If you’re connecting flights and plan to use a lounge at a different terminal, be sure to leave plenty of time to take 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 does the Amex Platinum card get you into all Priority Pass lounges (upon enrollment), but it also gives you access to Amex Centurion lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, 10 visits to Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta) with the ability to unlock unlimited visits through spending, and Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner.

Here are a few 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 day passes for 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 you can easily walk between terminals without needing to reclear security, giving you more time to relax and enjoy a drink before your flight.