United Chicago Polaris Lounge - Review & Updates 2024

Key Takeaways

The United Polaris Lounge Chicago at ORD offers a luxurious experience for international business class travelers, featuring gourmet dining, premium drinks, nap rooms, and spa-like shower suites.
Travelers praise the lounge’s exceptional service, quiet ambiance, and high-quality amenities, making it a standout among U.S. airport lounges.
The lounge is expanding in 2024 to provide more seating and enhanced facilities, catering to increasing passenger demand and maintaining its top-tier lounge status.

Flying can be exhausting. Long lines, crowded terminals, and the constant hustle of airports can turn any trip into a stressful experience.

But what if I told you there’s a way to make that experience a lot more pleasant?

Enter the United Polaris Chicago Lounge, a luxurious oasis for travelers looking to unwind before their long-haul flights.

If you’re flying out of Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), you might want to add this lounge to your travel itinerary.

This article will dive into a detailed review and provide updates on the United Polaris Lounge Chicago for 2024.

What is the United Polaris Lounge?

The United Polaris Lounge is not your typical airport lounge. It is United Airlines’ premium offering, specifically designed for international business class travelers flying United Polaris and Star Alliance partners.

Named after the North Star, which has historically served as a navigational guide, the Polaris Lounges are intended to guide travelers to a new standard of luxury and relaxation.

This isn’t your average lounge with stale snacks and cramped seating—this is luxury at 35,000 feet, grounded.

United Polaris Lounge Chicago: Overview

Located in Terminal 1, near Gate C18, the United Polaris Lounge Chicago at ORD has become one of the most celebrated lounges in the United network. Why?

Because it’s designed to offer a haven for premium cabin passengers, with exceptional dining, private spaces, spa-like shower suites, and, of course, those comfy seating areas that seem to hug you right back.

Accessing the United Polaris Lounge Chicago

Wondering how you can access this plush paradise? Access is exclusively for:

United Polaris Business Class passengers flying internationally on the same day.
Star Alliance First and Business Class travelers on long-haul international flights.
Connecting Passengers from international United Polaris flights to any United-operated domestic flight.

For those of you holding a United Club membership or thinking of using a day pass, here’s a spoiler: those won’t get you into this lounge. The United Polaris Lounge access is much more exclusive, so prepare to book that international business class ticket!

Best Credit Cards For United Polaris Lounge

The United Polaris Lounge is exclusive to international business and first-class travelers on United and Star Alliance flights, and no credit card offers direct access to these lounges.

However, several credit cards provide substantial travel perks that can complement your United Polaris experience by offering access to other premium lounges worldwide, earning miles, and other valuable benefits.

Here are the five best credit cards that align well with travelers using United Polaris Lounges:

United Club℠ Infinite Card
Annual Fee: annual_fees

Key Benefits: Complimentary United Club membership, priority boarding, two free checked bags, 4x miles on United purchases, 2x miles on dining and travel, and 1x miles on all other purchases.

Welcome Offer: bonus_miles_full

APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Why It’s Great: While it doesn’t provide direct access to Polaris Lounges, this card offers unlimited United Club access, which includes lounges with top-notch amenities, perfect for enhancing your travel before and after Polaris flights.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Annual Fee: annual_fees

Key Benefits: 3x points on travel and dining, $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass Select membership (access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide), 50% more points value when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Welcome Offer: bonus_miles_full

APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Why It’s Great: Offers access to a wide range of lounges through Priority Pass, valuable travel credits, and points that can be transferred to airline partners, making it ideal for travelers who fly Polaris routes and beyond.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Annual Fee: annual_fees

Key Benefits: Access to Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select membership, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel, up to $200 airline fee credit, and hotel elite statuses.

Welcome Offer: bonus_miles_full

APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Why It’s Great: This card provides access to a wide range of premium lounges worldwide, plus extensive travel credits and perks, making it a superb option for frequent flyers who enjoy Polaris and other international flights.
United℠ Explorer Card
Annual Fee: annual_fees

Key Benefits: Two United Club one-time passes annually, priority boarding, free first checked bag, 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays.

Welcome Offer: bonus_miles_full

APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Why It’s Great: This card is perfect for occasional United flyers who want limited United Club access, along with other valuable travel perks, without a high annual fee.
United℠ Business Card
Annual Fee: annual_fees

Key Benefits: Two United Club one-time passes annually, 2x miles on United purchases, dining, gas stations, and office supply stores, free first checked bag, and priority boarding.

Welcome Offer: bonus_miles_full

APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Why It’s Great: Ideal for business travelers who frequently fly United, this card offers two United Club passes each year and rewards on business-related expenses, complementing the premium Polaris experience.

These credit cards enhance the experience of travelers flying with United Polaris by providing lounge access, rewards, and travel benefits, making long-haul journeys more comfortable and rewarding.

First Impressions and Lounge Layout

As you enter the lounge, the first thing you notice is how spacious and beautifully designed it is.

The United Polaris Lounge Chicago photos can only do so much justice.

The space is divided into several distinct areas catering to various needs—whether you’re looking to catch up on work, relax with a cocktail, or savor a fine dining experience.

The lounge is laid out with:

The Bar
A centerpiece with an extensive selection of premium wines, craft beers, and spirits. You can enjoy handcrafted cocktails that are almost as good as the ones you find in top-tier bars downtown.
The Dining Room
A dedicated sit-down area where passengers can enjoy à la carte meals prepared by a team of skilled chefs. This isn’t your standard lounge buffet. Expect gourmet dishes like braised short ribs, seared scallops, and an array of vegetarian options.
The Buffet Area
If you prefer something quicker, the buffet area offers a range of hot and cold dishes, snacks, salads, and desserts. Think more along the lines of freshly prepared, delicious options rather than the pre-packaged stuff you find in other lounges.
Private Seating and Nooks
The lounge features plenty of private seating options, including quiet pods with personal TVs, power outlets, and comfortable recliners, perfect for catching a quick nap or getting some work done.
Shower Suites
Need to freshen up after a long flight? The United Polaris Lounge Chicago offers spa-like shower suites equipped with premium Cowshed toiletries, fluffy towels, and vanity kits. You might forget you’re in an airport for a second!
Nap Rooms
Yes, you read that right! There are individual sleeping rooms equipped with Saks Fifth Avenue bedding to ensure you get some much-needed shut-eye.

United Polaris Lounge Chicago Photos: A Visual Delight

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the United Polaris Lounge Chicago photos are worth a million.

The lounge is designed to be visually stunning, with a contemporary yet welcoming atmosphere.

From the chic chandeliers to the beautifully arranged seating areas and elegant color palettes, every corner of the lounge is Instagram-worthy.

Even if you’re not a social media aficionado, you’ll find it hard to resist snapping a few photos here.

Dining Experience at the United Polaris Lounge Chicago

Dining is a highlight of the Chicago United Polaris Lounge. Unlike typical lounges that serve up pre-packaged salads and sandwiches, Polaris offers a restaurant-style dining experience. The à la carte menu is a crowd favorite, featuring dishes like:

Polaris Burger
A lounge favorite that’s just as good as any burger you’ll find in a gourmet burger joint.
Braised Short Rib
Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is perfect for those looking to indulge.
Signature Cocktails and Craft Beer
The bar menu is designed to impress, with cocktails crafted to reflect Chicago’s vibrant spirit.

And for those who are in a rush, the buffet isn’t your typical lackluster spread. With fresh salads, hot entrees, and delectable desserts, you’ll be well-fed before your journey.

United Polaris Lounge Chicago Reviews: What Are Travelers Saying?

Most travelers agree that the United Polaris Lounge Chicago sets a high standard for airport lounges in the U.S. From the glowing reviews on forums and blogs to the detailed breakdowns on sites like Upgraded Points and Thrifty Traveler, the consensus is that this lounge is worth the hype.

Service
Exceptional. Staff are attentive, friendly, and always ready to help. The table service in the dining area is particularly praised.
Ambiance
Quiet, sophisticated, and relaxed. The lounge avoids feeling like an overcrowded waiting room—a common pitfall in many airport lounges.
Food and Drink
Excellent quality with a good variety of options to cater to different tastes and dietary requirements.
Facilities
Top-notch, with showers, nap rooms, and private workspaces that add significant value for long-haul travelers.

United Red Carpet Club Chicago vs. United Polaris Lounge Chicago

You might remember the United Red Carpet Club Chicago if you’ve been flying United for a while.

The Red Carpet Clubs were the old-school lounges before United stepped up its game with the United Club and Polaris Lounge.

While the Red Carpet Clubs were decent, they don’t hold a candle to the luxurious experience provided by the United Polaris Lounge Chicago.

Think of it as comparing a roadside diner to a Michelin-starred restaurant—both serve food, but one clearly does it better.

Recent Updates and Expansion Plans for 2024

Good news for frequent flyers! The United Polaris Lounge Chicago is expanding in 2024.

According to a report by The Points Guy, this expansion will include additional seating, more dining options, and possibly a revamp of the nap rooms and shower facilities to accommodate the growing number of passengers using the lounge.

With international travel on the rebound, this move comes at the perfect time to ensure that the Chicago United Polaris Lounge continues to offer a world-class experience.

Why Choose the United Polaris Lounge Chicago Over Other Lounges?

There are a few other lounges at O’Hare, including the United Club and lounges operated by other carriers. Still, none compare to the Polaris Lounge in terms of luxury, exclusivity, and overall experience. Here’s why:

Higher Quality Food and Drinks
Gourmet à la carte dining and premium beverages.
Better Seating and More Privacy
From napping rooms to quiet pods, privacy is a priority.
Spa-Like Shower Suites
After a long flight, there’s nothing like a shower to feel human again.
Exclusivity
Unlike the more crowded United Clubs, the United Polaris Lounge Chicago is less congested, offering a more serene environment.

Is the United Polaris Lounge Chicago Worth It?

In one word: absolutely. If you are flying internationally with United Polaris or a Star Alliance partner, the United Polaris Lounge Chicago should be a part of your travel plans.

It sets the benchmark for what a premium lounge experience should be, combining exceptional service, world-class amenities, and an ambiance that truly elevates the pre-flight experience.

Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, there’s nothing quite like starting your journey in the comfort and luxury of the United Polaris Chicago Lounge.

Just remember: you need that international business class ticket to get in.

So, book wisely, pack smart, and prepare for a lounge experience that might just make your time on the ground more enjoyable than your time in the air!