For those who want to watch some TV or prefer the movement of the bar, there are barstools along the gorgeous bar as well as small tables spread along the perimeter. Or can we? If youre looking to upgrade to business or first class on a Star Alliance flight using a Star Alliance Upgrade Award, not all flights are eligible. The Polaris lounge was busy during our visit, in the peak evening departure bank for European departures. Sign up and well send you Nerdy articles about the money topics that matter most to you along with other ways to help you get more from your money. I paired that with a glass of Napa Valley red and walked around the lounge so that I wouldnt fall asleep in my booth! At the back of the lounge you'll find you guessed it even more seating, like this long bench with tables. Essentials such as combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shower caps and shaving kits, are available upon request. Learn more: The current United miles value. From there, the lounge opens into something of a massive horseshoe, with seating on either side and a long string of clever, cozy work pods positioned at the center. Passengers flying United Polaris business class on long-haul international flights, as well as certain Star Alliance business and first-class passengers, have access to these lounges. Highlights of the a-la-carte menu include prime beef carpaccio, rare seared tuna tataki, Chef Art Smiths signature fried chicken and shrimp and grits, and a pear and cranberry cobbler. Despite strict access rules and how difficult it is for most business class flyers who aren't flying United to get here, this lounge is getting packed by mid-day as international travel demand has picked up. Overview Access rules Airlines Food & Beverages Yelp Comments NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. With so many United international flights taking off from Chicago around 6 p.m., I imagine this lounge starts to empty out by 5 p.m. or so. I'm a big fan of the single work pods that run all the way through the center of the main lounge area. Click here to see a list of advertisers that we work with. Today, United introduced full service sit-down dining menus in the ORD Polaris Lounge. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. That means it's easy to get to if you're departing on a United Polaris business class flight, as that's where most of United's international departures depart from. The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered. Jeanette earned bachelor's degrees in journalism and Plan II Honors from the University of Texas at Austin and has a Master of Education from the University of Houston. If the lounge is crowded, I could see grabbing one of these tables along the wall. They may be a case of style over function, thoughwe would prefer a more traditional, fully-flat day bed. Passengers flying internationally in business or first class on a Star Alliance partner airline can get into United Polaris lounges, too, but only at the departure airport of their international flight. And if this was it at the United Polaris Lounge, it would still be better than even some of the top airport lounges in the country. Stay up-to-date on major lounge openings, exciting developments, and ground service innovations. All rights reserved. And if the United Polaris Lounge Chicago were bigger, it would certainly be better much better. It's reserved only for United and Star Alliance business . Had the pleasure to use the IAD one a while back. On the United website, navigate to Advanced Search and select the MileagePlus Upgrade Award upgrade type under Upgrades, certificates, and promotion codes. Youll then be able to see whether a MileagePlus Upgrade Award is available for the flights you want. Your email address will not be published. The Polaris Lounge was primarily designed with the solo business traveler in mind: a highlight of the lounge is the numerous semi-private seats that feature personal lighting, USB and power outlets, a coat hook, and a pull-out marble tray that can be used for laptops or eating. At 28,128 square feet, featuring 440 seats, and spanning across two stories, the lounge is almost three times larger than the former United Club it replaces, twice as large as the Polaris Lounge at Chicago O'Hare, and sports some of the airport's best views.. Your feedback is important in helping us keep our community safe. View all lounges in O'Hare International Airport. Does polaris have kosher food, I wish they at least opened up access to incoming Star Alliance first class passengers connecting to UA on a domestic/regional hop. There is also a United Club lounge next to gate C16, so just be sure to not confuse them or you will likely be quite disappointed after reading this review! Lots of loud talkers, bring headphones. Weve done the walk when we checked out the *Alliance lounge in TBIT. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. My first impression upon walking into the lounge was, Wow, I already wish I had more time to spend here!. I kept thinking to myself, This is a lounge operated by a U.S. Polaris is what United calls its premium travel product, which extends beyond class of travel to encompass the entire travel experience: a personal on-board suite, sleep-centric amenities,. Decked in fine stone with soft lighting and high-end finishes, the shower suites are a luxurious haven reminiscent of five star hotels. Appetizers. United Polaris Lounge Chicago, IL - O'Hare (ORD) Terminal 1, Concourse C, near gate C18 Do I have access to United Polaris Lounge at ORD? Additionally, there is plenty of seating and the times I've been there haven't been too crowded. United is trying to step up the premium cabin experience with their Polaris lounges, and it shows! Chris has years of marketing and hospitalityexperience, so running the social media channels and writing about family travel is a natural fit for him here at Upgraded Points. Connecting and arriving passengers are not allowed access. Let's get straight to it: Like all of United's top-tier lounges, the United Polaris Lounge Chicago is an impressive space. Since I was short on time, the best option for me was actually in the dining room. While the Plaza Premium Lounge at GIG was the highlight of the lounges that I visited in Brazil, it didnt hold a flame to the gorgeous Polaris lounge that I had the pleasure of experiencing at Chicago OHare International Airport (ORD) on my way home. United Polaris Lounge Houston (IAH) We've flown international out of ORD on United dozens of times, we've always departed from one of the domestic terminals. If you're departing on a United long-haul flight (or departing on another United flight after landing from a Polaris long-haul journey) you're in luck: The United Polaris Lounge Chicago is located in United's Terminal 1. Thanks! Beyond the shower itself, there are plenty of fluffy, Saks Fifth Avenue-branded towels ready for you, along with an excellent pair of slippers. While award tickets arent normally eligible for MileagePlus Upgrade Awards, Premier elite status members who also have one of these United-Chase credit cards may score a complimentary upgrade if available: Once you upgrade, youll have access to Uniteds Polaris lounges. With a central location near most flights with the Spot on. Alisha is a freelance writer and photographer. The United Polaris lounge at ORD is located in Terminal 1 in Concourse C inside of security, right next to gate C18 which was perfect as that was my gate. Maybe LX departs from, I don't know. @Ben At LHR United Club Lounge T2 there is another lounge within called the Global Services Lounge, that space was previously the International United First lounge. Your best bet would be to visit the United Club and purchase guest passes for your family. The United Polaris Lounge at Chicago OHare is impressive. In my experience as a 1k that is the only one. Just like the bathrooms, each shower suite was stocked with wall-mounted Sunday Riley toiletries, with some additional goodies available upon request. Money + Miles tickets arent upgradable with MileagePlus Upgrade Awards, either. Make sure to check for any entry requirements before your trip. She is the creator of travel and adventure site Terradrift.com and has written about travel and rewards for many publications, including American Way and Johnny Jet. If you are flying United Polaris (not regular business class) on a long-haul international flight, you can use this lounge before departure, during connections, or upon arrival. WhileUnited Clubsare primarily United Airlines membership clubs and lounges for elite members, Polaris Lounges are Uniteds premium lounges for long haul business class passengers. For my entre, I decided to go with the mahi-mahi tostada with sweet potato mash, which reminded me of fish tacos which means they were delicious. Its garnished with cucumber zest and mint and served over ice. United Polaris Lounge Chicago Access Rules & Location Delta has its Delta Sky Clubs, which almost anyone can get into. Is it available to order? While any United passenger with a valid same-day boarding pass can buy a one-time pass for United Club lounges (or a United Club membership), not just anyone can get into the coveted Polaris lounge. Worth the hassle? The Chicago location was the first in a burgeoning network of Polaris Lounges, which will eventuallyinclude clubs at all United hubs and international focus cities. The bathrooms are equally impressive. And by 3 p.m. or so, as many international departures drew near, it was difficult to find an open seat, period. For lounges inside security or immigration, you must first check your baggage and obtain your boarding pass. No worries you can purchase instant lounge access in seconds. I've been traveling United business for around 10 years now. You could see some of the ceiling paint clearly peeling, but otherwise these shower suites were in perfect shape. While you may not be able to purchase a day pass or flash a credit card to get into a United Polaris lounge, there are several ways to gain entrance by flying in Polaris class even if you didnt originally book a Polaris fare. There are no magazines in sight, however: customers benefit from complimentary access to the Foli online service, where they can download a wide selection of reading materials to their personal device. Isn't that underlighting at each desk classy? The location you list for SFO is for a United Club, though. To see the full list of Star Alliance-affiliated lounges, go to the Star Alliance website. For solo travelers, there are these nice pods available with oversized chairs and a slide-out table to get some work done on. who also have one of these United-Chase credit cards may score a complimentary upgrade if available: ) has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card. Servers roam the room offering drinks, and staff members offer proactive assistance. Create a trip and let LoungeBuddy tell you which lounges you already have access to. Membership, Upgrade Points, Status, etc.? Passengers can have the option to sit in a private booth or a table with chairs. Safe travels! United Polaris lounge, Terminal 1, Concourse C. The United Polaris lounge is the best airline lounge at ORD airport and can be found in Terminal 1 in Concourse C, next to gate C18. If it is, book and your upgrade request will be confirmed instantly. Nice lounge with a la carte food and good drinks! At peak times, there may be several wide bodies parked immediately outside the lounge, a sight to behold for aviation lovers.