United Polaris lounge
★4.4(372 reviews)ORD · Terminal 1, Concourse C
O'Hare's flagship lounge — full-service dining and showers for intercontinental business flyers.
The United Polaris Lounge sits in Terminal 1, Concourse C near Gate C18, and opened on December 1, 2016 as United's flagship lounge at O'Hare. Unlike the United Club, it isn't a general membership lounge: it welcomes exclusively United Polaris business-class customers and Star Alliance premium passengers departing on intercontinental flights. United Club members and Star Alliance Gold members don't have access unless they're ticketed in business class. What sets it apart is the level of service — a complimentary full-service restaurant with hot dishes, a full bar, showers, private rooms and a quieter, more spacious feel than the standard club. If you're flying United business class long-haul out of Chicago, it's the best lounge at the airport. The nearest United Club, for travellers who don't qualify, is a few steps away near Gate C10.
Crowding · moderate
A comfortable place to work before a long-haul flight, with Wi-Fi and private rooms for focus, though it's geared more toward dining and rest than dedicated desk work.
The Polaris Lounge's signature is a complimentary sit-down restaurant rather than a self-service buffet — you can order hot dishes brought to the table, alongside a hot buffet for those in a hurry. A full bar pours wine, beer, spirits and cocktails, with soft drinks and hot beverages throughout.
Dietary: Vegetarian options
In Terminal 1 Concourse C, the Polaris Lounge is located near Gate C18, airside after security.
- 01Check in for your United flight in Terminal 1
- 02Clear security
- 03Walk to Concourse C
- 04The Polaris Lounge is near Gate C18
Landmarks: Gate C18 · United Club near Gate C10
ℹ Concourse level,Near Gate C18
Star Alliance GoldIncluded: Complimentary hot buffet · Complimentary full service restaurant · Complimentary soft drinks · Complimentary house wine and beer · Complimentary liquor · Complimentary full bar
Star Alliance Gold Status or Business Class Ticket
Other lounges at ORD:
See all lounges at ORDMake the most of it.
You need a United Polaris business-class ticket or a Star Alliance intercontinental premium cabin to get in — United Club membership alone won't.
Use the sit-down restaurant rather than the buffet if you have time; it's the lounge's highlight.
Shower before an overnight long-haul to arrive feeling fresher.
If you don't qualify, the nearest United Club is just steps away near Gate C10.
Arrive with time to spare — table service takes longer than a buffet.
Quick answers.
United Polaris business-class customers and Star Alliance premium passengers departing on intercontinental flights. United Club members and Star Alliance Gold members can't enter unless they're ticketed in business class.
Yes — it offers a complimentary full-service sit-down restaurant with hot dishes brought to the table, plus a hot buffet and a full bar.
In Terminal 1, Concourse C, near Gate C18, airside after security.
