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 15 lounges to accommodate some of ORD’s waiting passengers, with lounges available in every terminal. United Airlines has 3 lounges in Terminal 1 and a fourth lounge located in Terminal 2. American Airlines also 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.
(If you’re looking to access lounges around the world, see our article on the best credit cards for getting into airport lounges.)
Note:Some of the lounges featured in this article may be closed or will be operating under reduced opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
ORD Terminal Map
Chicago O’Hare International Airport map. Image Credit: Chicago Department of AviationChicago O’Hare International Airport Lounges by Terminal
| Terminal | Lounges |
| Terminal 1 | - United Club (near gate B6)
- United Club (near gate B18)
- United Club (near gate C16)
- United Polaris Lounge (near gate C18)
|
| Terminal 2 | - Delta Sky Club
- United Club
- USO Lounge
|
| Terminal 3 | - American Airlines Admirals Club (near gate G8)
- American Airlines Admirals Club (near gate L1)
- American Airlines Admirals Club (near gate H6/K6)
- American Airlines Flagship Lounge
- USO Lounge
|
| Terminal 5 (International Terminal) | - Air France/KLM Lounge
- British Airways First Lounge
- British Airways Terraces Lounge
- SAS Lounge
- SWISS International 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/KLM Lounge
Air France/KLM Lounge Chicago O’Hare. Image Credit: Lounge BuddyLocation: Terminal 5, near gate M7
Opening Hours: Daily: 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 a.m.
Air France/KLM Lounge Facilities
- Buffet food, including snacks, sandwiches, and salads
- Soft and alcoholic drinks, including Champagne
- Newspapers
- Wi-Fi
Air France/KLM Lounge Access
| Access Type | Details | Fees and Policies |
| Day pass | - Day pass access is subject to lounge capacity
- Valid for Air France/KLM or SkyTeam economy/premium economy passengers
| $40 or 6,000 Air France/KLM Flying Blue Miles |
| Business class passengers | Passengers can access the lounge when traveling on a same-day flight | Valid for Air France, KLM or SkyTeam flights |
| La Première passengers | - Passengers can access the lounge when traveling on a same-day flight
- Passengers may bring 1 guest that must be traveling on a same-day Air France, KLM or SkyTeam flight
| Valid for Air France, KLM or SkyTeam flights |
| SkyTeam Elite Plus members | - Passengers can access the lounge when traveling on a same-day flight
- Passengers may bring 1 guest that must be traveling on a same-day Air France, KLM or SkyTeam flight
| Valid for Air France, KLM or SkyTeam flights |
| Flying Blue Gold members | - Members traveling in any cabin may access the lounge
- Members may bring 1 guest that must be traveling on a same-day Air France, KLM or SkyTeam flight
| Flying Blue Gold members traveling in La Première may bring 1 child free (aged 2 to 17 years) |
| Flying Blue Platinum members | - Members traveling in any cabin may access the lounge
- Members may bring 1 guest that must be traveling on a same-day Air France, KLM or SkyTeam flight
| Flying Blue Platinum members traveling in any cabin may bring 1 child free (aged 2 to 17 years) |
Air France/KLM House Rules
- Unaccompanied minors will not be able to access lounges.
- Eligible passengers may access Air France/KLM lounges when traveling on a same-day international flight operated by Air France/KLM, Aeromexico, China Eastern, Delta Air Lines, or Korean Air.
- Lounge access is only permitted on departure, not on arrival.
Read the full list of house rules on Air France’s website.
American Airlines Admirals Club
Admirals Club Chicago O’Hare. Image Credit: Lounge BuddyChicago O’Hare International Airport has 3 American Airlines Admirals Clubs:
- Terminal 3, near gate G8: Sunday to Friday: 5:15 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday: 5:15 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Terminal 3, near gate L1: Sunday to Friday: 5:15 a.m. to 9:30 p.m and Saturday: 5:15 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Terminal 3, near gate H6/K6: daily: 3:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
American Airlines Admirals Club Lounge Facilities
- Snacks (excluding Concourse G lounge)
- Additional food for purchase
- Soft and alcoholic drinks
- Full-service bar (Concourse H/K lounge)
- Showers (Concourse H/K lounge)
- Wi-Fi
American Airlines Admirals Club Access
| 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 | - $59
- 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 | $650 (65,000 miles) |
| AAdvantage Gold | $625 (62,500 miles) |
| AAdvantage Platinum | $600 (60,000 miles) |
| AAdvantage Platinum Pro | $575 (57,500 miles) |
| AAdvantage Executive Platinum | $550 (55,000 miles) |
| Flight must be marketed or operated by American Airlines, marketed and operated by any Oneworld partner airline, or marketed and operated by Alaska Airlines |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 | - 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
| - $450 (annually)
- Flight must be marketed or operated by American Airlines, marketed and operated by any Oneworld partner airline, or marketed and operated by Alaska Airlines
|
| 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 Alaska Airlines (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
American Airlines Flagship Lounge Chicago O’Hare. Image Credit: Lounge BuddyLocation: Terminal 3, between gates H6 and K6
Opening Hours: Daily: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
American Airlines Flagship Lounge Facilities
- Self-serve cocktail bar and premium wine and Champagne station
- Self-serve hot and cold food
- Newspapers and magazines
- Quiet room and day beds with charging ports
- Media room
- Showers with towels and amenities
- Wi-Fi
American Airlines Flagship Lounge Access
| Access Type | Details | Fees and Policies
|
| First or business passengers on qualifying international 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
- Qualifying flights are between the U.S. and Asia, Australia, Central America, Europe, Mexico City, New Zealand, or South America
|
| AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum | - 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
- Qualifying flights are between the U.S. and Asia, Australia, Central America, Europe, Mexico City, New Zealand, or South America
|
| 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 |
| 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
|
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 the age of 2 years old count as guests.
- ConciergeKey, 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
British Airways First Lounge Chicago O’Hare. Image Credit: Lounge BuddyLocation: Terminal 5, near gate M12
Opening Hours: Daily: 10:45 a.m. to last departure
British Airways First Lounge Facilities
- Self-serve bar, including wine and Champagne
- Self-serve snacks and sandwiches
- Newspapers and magazines
- Workstations
- Views of the runway
- Wi-Fi
British Airways First Lounge Access
| 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 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 will be not be counted as a guest.
- Lounge access is subject to capacity restrictions.
Read the full list of house rules here.
British Airways Terraces Lounge
British Airways Terraces Lounge Chicago O’Hare. Image Credit: Lounge BuddyLocation: Terminal 5, near gate M12
Opening Hours: Daily: 2 p.m. to last departure
British Airways Terraces Lounge Facilities
- Self-serve bar with soft and alcoholic drinks
- Self-serve snacks and sandwiches
- Newspapers and magazines
- Workstations
- Wi-Fi
British Airways Terraces Lounge Access
| 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 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 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 will be not be counted as a guest.
- Lounge access is subject to capacity restrictions.
Read the full list of house rules here.
Delta Sky Club
Delta Sky Club Chicago O’Hare. Image Credit: Lounge BuddyLocation: Terminal 2, near gate E6
Opening Hours: Daily from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Delta Sky Club Facilities
- Delta Sky Club ambassador to answer passenger inquiries
- Wi-Fi
- Bar serving craft beer, wine, and spirits (premium drinks available to purchase)
- Meals served from food stations, including soups, salad, and snacks
- TVs
- Newspapers and magazines
- Business center with printers
Hot Tip: Check out the full list of U.S. Delta Sky Clubs, including locations, opening hours, and amenities.
Delta Sky Club Access
| Access Type | Details | Fees and Policies |
| Executive membership | Executive members have unlimited access to any Delta Sky Club along with 2 guests | - $845 (annually) | 84,500 miles | $75 (12 month installments)
- 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 years old to qualify for membership
|
| Individual membership | - Individual members have unlimited access to any Delta Sky Club
- Members can bring up to 2 guests for $39 per person
| - $545 (annually) | 54,500 miles | $50 (12 month instalments)
- 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 years old to qualify for membership
|
| SkyTeam Elite Plus and Delta Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion 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/from a same-day international flight |
| 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/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 2 guest passes annually
- Members can bring up to 2 guests for $39 per person
- Terms apply
| - $550 (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 $39
- The credit card must be used for payment
- See rates and fees
|
| Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card | - Cardmembers and up to 2 guests can access the lounge for a fee of $39 per person
- Terms apply
| - $250 (annually)
- Member must hold a same-day ticket for a Delta or Delta partner flight. The credit card must be used for payment
- See rates and 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-marketed or Delta-operated flight
- See rates and 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 and fees)
- Member must hold a same-day ticket for a Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight
|
| 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-marketed or Delta-operated flight
|
Virgin Australia/Velocity VIP Platinum or Gold card members
Virgin Australia Business Class passengers | Cardmembers or business class passengers may access a Delta Sky Club | Membership card must be displayed at lounge along with same-day international boarding pass for a Delta- or Virgin Australia-operated flight |
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 may continue to access the Delta Sky Club with same-day travel on any airline.
- Although the minimum age for membership is 18 years old, 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.
- Guests may 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.
SAS Lounge
SAS Lounge Chicago O’Hare. Image Credit: Lounge BuddyLocation: Terminal 5, near gate M15
Opening Hours: Daily: 4:30 p.m. to last departure
SAS Lounge Facilities
- Runway views
- Self-serve refreshments, including alcoholic beverages
- Self-serve food buffet, including soups, salads, and snacks
- TV room
- Phone room
- Computers
- Magazines
- Wi-Fi
SAS Lounge Access
| 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: $32
- Purchased at the reception: $46
- 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 Star Alliance-operated 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 |
| Star Alliance Silver | Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card on departure | Valid when flying on a SAS- or Star Alliance-operated flight |
| Star Alliance Gold | - 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 Star Alliance-operated flight |
SAS Lounge House Rules
- Infants under 2 will be not be counted as a guest.
- 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 non-transferable, and lounge fees are non-refundable.
Read the full list of house rules on the SAS website.
SWISS International Lounge
Swiss International Lounge Chicago O’Hare. Image Credit: Lounge BuddyLocation: Terminal 5, near gate M8
Opening Hours: Daily: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
SWISS International Lounge Facilities
- Self-serve buffet with hot and cold appetizers and entrees
- Self-serve drinks station, including alcoholic beverages
- Newspapers and magazines
- Computers and printers
- Wi-Fi
SWISS International Lounge Access
| Access Type | Details | Fees and Policies |
| SWISS Business passengers | Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card on departure | Valid when flying on a SWISS-operated flight |
| SWISS First passengers | - Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card on departure
- Passengers may bring 1 guest, spouse, and children up to 18 years old
| Valid when flying on a SWISS-operated flight. The guest must be traveling on a Star Alliance-operated flight. |
| Lufthansa HON Circle | - Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card on departure
- Passengers may bring 1 guest, spouse, and children up to 18 years old
| Valid when flying on a Star Alliance-operated flight. The guest must be traveling on a Star Alliance-operated flight. |
| Lufthansa Senator | - Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card on departure
- Passengers may bring 1 guest and children up to 18 years old
| Valid when flying on a Star Alliance-operated flight. The guest must be traveling on a Star Alliance-operated flight. |
| Lufthansa Frequent Traveller | Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card on departure | Valid when flying on a Star Alliance-operated flight |
| Star Alliance Gold | - Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card on departure
- Passengers may bring 1 guest traveling on the same flight
| Valid when flying on a Star Alliance-operated flight. The guest must be traveling on a Star Alliance-operated flight. |
| Star Alliance Silver | Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card on departure | Valid when flying on a Star Alliance-operated flight |
Swissport Lounge
Swissport Lounge Chicago O’Hare. Image Credit: Lounge BuddyLocation: Terminal 5, near gate M7
Opening Hours: Daily: 12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Swissport Lounge Facilities
- TV room
- Snacks during the daytime; hot and cold buffet food in the evening
- Self-serve refreshment bar, including alcoholic beverages
- Wi-Fi
- Luggage rack
- Newspapers and magazines
Swissport Lounge Access
| 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
United Club Lounge Chicago O’Hare. Image Credit: Lounge BuddyChicago O’Hare International Airport has 4 United Club lounges:
- Terminal 1, near gate B6: daily: 4:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Terminal 1, near gate B18: daily: 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Terminal 1, near gate C16: daily: 4:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Terminal 2, near gate F9: daily: 4:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
United Airlines United Club Facilities
- Personal travel assistant
- Drinks including beer, wine, and spirits
- Self-serve snack bar
- Newspapers and magazines
- TVs
- Wi-Fi
- Conference rooms
United Airlines United Club Access
| 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 (85,000 miles) annual fee |
| Premier Platinum | $600 (80,000 miles) annual fee |
| Premier 1K and United Global Services | $550 (75,000 miles) annual fee |
| 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) | Passengers can access any 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 |
| 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: $495
- Worldwide pass: $665
|
| 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
| 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 can be accompanied by 1 spouse and child under 21 or up to 2 guests.
- Although the minimum age for membership is 18 years old, 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
United Polaris Lounge Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Image Credit: Chris HassanLocation: Terminal 1, near gate C18
Opening Hours: Daily: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
United Polaris Lounge Facilities
- Full-service bar including beer, wine, spirits, and barista coffee
- Self-serve buffet with hot and cold options
- À la carte dining
- Phone rooms
- Quiet suites
- Shower suites with amenities
- Daybeds
- Business services with printers and copiers
- Newspapers and magazines
United Polaris Lounge Access
| 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 Lounge Terminal 3 Chicago O’Hare International Airport Image Credit: USO of IllinoisChicago O’Hare International Airport has 2 USO lounges:
- Terminal 2, mezzanine (pre-security): Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Terminal 3, Concourse G mezzanine level: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
USO Lounge Facilities
- Snacks
- Refreshments
- Wi-Fi
- Quiet room
- Children’s room
- TV lounge
- Gaming
- Books and magazines
- 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 located 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 card options that include a Priority Pass membership. 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, but also Amex Centurion lounges, Plaza Premium lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and Escape Lounges.
Here are some other great card options that offer a complimentary Priority Pass lounge membership:
Final Thoughts
A handful of the 15 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 in 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.
Information regarding the Centurion® Card from American Express was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum 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.
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