United is known for its excellent Polaris Lounges, which are for long haul business class passengers. Back in August 2024, the airline revealed that some positive changes are coming to the first lounge in the carrier’s network, which opened back in 2016. There’s now an update, as this lounge has closed entirely, so that the updated space can reopen in the spring.
In this post:
United Polaris Lounge Chicago changes coming soon
Zach Griff reports on how there are major changes coming to the United Polaris Lounge Chicago:
- The lounge will be expanded from 16,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet, so the size of the lounge will increase by over 50%
- The lounge will feature twice as many seats as before, so clearly the additional space is primarily being used for more seating
- The lounge expansion is expected to include more restrooms, and amenities like private seating and workspaces
An expansion to the United Polaris Lounge Chicago is overdue. United has huge premium cabins on its long haul aircraft, and has continued to grow its wide body fleet in recent years. When you combine that with booming demand for international premium travel, this lounge has become uncomfortably crowded in the afternoons.
Also keep in mind that Star Alliance partners All Nippon Airways and Lufthansa depart from this terminal, and send their premium passengers here.
The additional space for this lounge is being made possible thanks to the former United Club that was adjacent to this lounge, which closed some time back. So we’re basically seeing a wall knocked down to make this lounge expansion possible.
The timeline for United Polaris Lounge Chicago updates
So, what’s the timeline for these updates being made to the United Polaris Lounge Chicago?
Back in September 2024, work on the expanded Polaris Lounge began. Initially the lounge remained open with reduced capacity, as individual sections were closed off. However, as of early 2025, the lounge has closed altogether, so that the existing space can be entirely overhauled.
The United Polaris Lounge Chicago will remain closed until further notice, with the expectation being that the lounge will reopen in the spring, ahead of the busy summer travel season.
While this work is being done, United Polaris passengers have the option of visiting any United Club at the airport, and can receive premium beverages by showing their boarding pass. This includes many of the same alcoholic drinks you’d find in the Polaris Lounge, but not ordinarily in United Clubs.
Bottom line
United has big plans for the Polaris Lounge Chicago, as the lounge will increase in size by 50%, while the seating capacity will double. This was United’s first Polaris Lounge, and it has also had some consistent capacity issues in the afternoons.
I’m excited to see these changes. For the past several months, the lounge has operated with reduced capacity, and now the lounge has closed altogether. Expect the expanded space to reopen in the spring, ahead of the peak summer travel period.
What’s your take on the United Polaris Lounge Chicago changes?
Sincerely hope they are finished until 4th of April, I'm flying LH Allegris in Business Suite to Munich and really wanted to check out the Polaris Lounge in ORD. Would be my first time in that lounge, don't travel much to the US. Well here's to hope, cheers from Singapore!
It's a long walk from the Polaris Lounge to the LH gate, so don't have too much carry-on luggage. And good luck.
stop whining. you sound like a spoiled brat.
Great but while this is in progress I'd actively avoid flying from Chicago. United Clubs are horrific.
Says you. Have you even been in a United Club at ORD? I've been in all of them, and they're pretty good.
Sorry, but have you been in the new C10 lounge? It is both huge and amazing and a worthy addition to the revamped United Clubs. Yes, the C16 that it replaced some time ago was lacking for some time (when most of it was taken over and used to create the Polaris Lounge), but the new lounge is nothing like the old. UA put real money and effort into this one.
Thank you, sir. I feel that the C10 lounge is even better than its model, the C123 lounge at EWR. Of course, I've been in there numerous times since it opened, being a United Club member and a 1K whose home airport is ORD. The OP has obviously never been in there, and probably flies Delta, which is the biggest insult I can get away with here.
So ORD Polaris club is getting its first renovation while the folks in Denver are still waiting for their first Polaris club. Its just sad how awfully DEN is treated by United.
Oh grow up.
Are you kidding? The new B East United Club is amazing. Like other revamped lounges (LAX, C10 at ORD, all three at EWR), United is putting real money into the renovations of its clubs. The old B East was pitiful compared to the new multi-level facility. Yes it crowded, but that it only because B West is closed as it undergoes a similar transformation. And then there is the new A Club, which looks nice...
Are you kidding? The new B East United Club is amazing. Like other revamped lounges (LAX, C10 at ORD, all three at EWR), United is putting real money into the renovations of its clubs. The old B East was pitiful compared to the new multi-level facility. Yes it crowded, but that it only because B West is closed as it undergoes a similar transformation. And then there is the new A Club, which looks nice (haven't been in it yet, though), not to mention the first of the Club Flys. DEN may not have a Polaris Lounge, but it isn't being shafted or ignored.
This is where United failed. Now Polaris customers have zero shower options albeit temporarily. United clubs should offer this service.
I am excited as well for the renovations. It’s obvious delta leapfrogged United here
Am I out to lunch or does the club in the C gates not have showers?
No, it doesn't.
The only passengers who need showers are the ones on intl to domestic connections, and connecting passengers have options to choose a different connecting hub.
I don’t think you get to make the call who need showers or not. It’s an amenity that should be offered in all UCs in my opinion.
I don't think you get to make the call whether UCs should offer showers or not.
See how unproductive that is?
It bothers me that the only benefit being provided is premium alcohol while we wait. Not everyone drinks alcohol so healthier people get soggy cheese cubes I guess.
"...the updated space can reopen in the spring."
This is probably the least worst time of the year to close the club. Sadly, we'll lose out as we're flying thru ORD to DXB March 5 and then back on the 15th. I'll be surprised - but thrilled - if it reopens by the Ides of March.
presumably this is temporary until the new common international terminal is built? Will UA still tow arriving international aircraft from the new international terminal over to its current terminals?
The new terminal should require limited to no AC moves as it is integrates in with terminals 1 and 3 and is all WB gates in satellite 1 and the main terminal. After the updated agreement that satellite 2 will be built as the last stage based on funds left. My question is are there going to be enough gates as terminal 2 with 39 gates will have to be demolished to make way for...
The new terminal should require limited to no AC moves as it is integrates in with terminals 1 and 3 and is all WB gates in satellite 1 and the main terminal. After the updated agreement that satellite 2 will be built as the last stage based on funds left. My question is are there going to be enough gates as terminal 2 with 39 gates will have to be demolished to make way for the rebuilt terminal and only satellite 1 will have been constructed which is smaller. I can say that some of the gates lost are only CRJ 200/700 capable so that could reduce the number of gates needed to replace the capacity.
No, Timbits. UA always had the plan of using the old United Club space in C Concourse to expand the Polaris Lounge. We have no idea when the Global Terminal will happen; this is normal for Chicago, a subject I have sixty years of experience with and you have essentially none. That's why they used the putrid carcass of the old Delta Sky Club to open a second United Club in Terminal 2. That one...
No, Timbits. UA always had the plan of using the old United Club space in C Concourse to expand the Polaris Lounge. We have no idea when the Global Terminal will happen; this is normal for Chicago, a subject I have sixty years of experience with and you have essentially none. That's why they used the putrid carcass of the old Delta Sky Club to open a second United Club in Terminal 2. That one is "temporary" as in it lasts until the wrecking ball hits.
The Global Terminal is designed to take all international flights from Star Alliance airlines (and, tragically, noneworld). Presumably there will be a Polaris Lounge in the new terminal that will also act as a Star Alliance lounge (so the LOT lounge in Terminal 5 goes as well). As for what will happen to the current Polaris Lounge, it is contiguous with the United Club in C Concourse. There is only one United Club in C Concourse and it's getting pretty full despite being built on the model of the one in EWR. So presumably the United Club will expand into the old Polaris space, and if there are still international flights going out of C Concourse at that time, there may be a Polaris Room inside of the United Club to service those passengers.
I have indeed lived in Chicago but had nothing to do with aviation while there. I did flee before it went as far downhill as it has fallen.
ORD will build the Global terminal and it will be open within 10 years and likely less.
It's ok to admit that UA is expanding a club that will be in the wrong place in a few years. or that UA will have to build yet another...
I have indeed lived in Chicago but had nothing to do with aviation while there. I did flee before it went as far downhill as it has fallen.
ORD will build the Global terminal and it will be open within 10 years and likely less.
It's ok to admit that UA is expanding a club that will be in the wrong place in a few years. or that UA will have to build yet another facility in the global terminal that will undoubtedly be very nice.
and that ORD will be the most expensive airport in the US on a cost per enplaned passenger.
New year. Same Tim
I can guarantee you I didn’t care about your opinion in 2024 and I do not today
Go troll elsewhere
all you have to do is discuss the facts. Discussing acts is not trolling
Tell us what part of the Global terminal or ORD CPE projected costs is wrong.
UA is expanding lounges that will be used for less than 10 years and probably less.
Did they have to do it? undoubtedly yes.
Has AA saved themselves money by staying in much more dated facilities at ORD and they too will benefit from the same new terminal as UA? yes, that is also true
You are expecting some sort of permanence at an airport that is undergoing significant rehab over a number of years. Then you're criticizing an airline for taking action at one of its most important hubs in order to prevent overcrowding and lines, something experienced in spades at another airline at its core hubs (ahem, DL at ATL). Of course, you'd have UA do what your ex-employers did and restrict access to its elite customers. Well,...
You are expecting some sort of permanence at an airport that is undergoing significant rehab over a number of years. Then you're criticizing an airline for taking action at one of its most important hubs in order to prevent overcrowding and lines, something experienced in spades at another airline at its core hubs (ahem, DL at ATL). Of course, you'd have UA do what your ex-employers did and restrict access to its elite customers. Well, they're not, and they're in the right here. I've had the pleasure of going to all five United Clubs and Polaris at my home airport, and it's increased my loyalty to UA. Can you say that about your precious Delta? And, by the way, AA's come in for criticism regarding the lack of Flagship First at ORD, especially now that the noneworld airlines (except for poor Alaska) are flying out of Terminal 3.
By "lack of Flagship First", what I meant was that the space is too small for the new charge put upon it by being the lounge for oneworld as a whole now that their airlines are going out of Terminal 3, not that they don't have a Flagship First lounge.
you are reading way too much into what I wrote.
I simply noted that UA is expanding its Polaris lounge at an airport that will be totally rebuilt in a few years.
UA also has problems of overcrowding - you have even acknowledged it.
DL still offers more access to its Delta One Lounges - transcon D1 passengers - than UA.
all that is true is that AA and DL and perhaps some...
you are reading way too much into what I wrote.
I simply noted that UA is expanding its Polaris lounge at an airport that will be totally rebuilt in a few years.
UA also has problems of overcrowding - you have even acknowledged it.
DL still offers more access to its Delta One Lounges - transcon D1 passengers - than UA.
all that is true is that AA and DL and perhaps some foreign airlines will have showers at ORD while UA rebuilds its Polaris lounge which will be replaced by a much more expensive facility in likely less than 10 years.
and, since showers got inserted into the conversation, it is noteworthy that DL has them at Sky Clubs. List the number of "standard" AA and UA lounges that have showers.
AA has clearly decided it is not worth rebuilding its facilities - lounges or anything else on the concourse - given the Global Terminal that is coming.
I'm not criticizing anyone but am noting facts that you want to turn into more than what I said.
No, Timbits, you're just trolling to find something to criticize UA about. Guess what? They're profitable enough to spend the investment. They're just about as profitable as Delta and growing faster in those terms, something you're dead scared about because it will remove one of your key pillars in your "arguments" to prove that Delta is "the only perfect airline" (your quote, not mine). Maybe, just maybe, those Sky Clubs that are impossible to get...
No, Timbits, you're just trolling to find something to criticize UA about. Guess what? They're profitable enough to spend the investment. They're just about as profitable as Delta and growing faster in those terms, something you're dead scared about because it will remove one of your key pillars in your "arguments" to prove that Delta is "the only perfect airline" (your quote, not mine). Maybe, just maybe, those Sky Clubs that are impossible to get into need those showers because the people who fly Delta stink and need to use them. "Premium" body odor, of course.
I'll defend my airline as much as you defend yours if necessary. The difference is that I criticize them when they're wrong about something. And I see nothing wrong with what they're doing. But you go ahead and advance your facetiousness to the next level. As a loyal 1K, I couldn't care less about you.
"my airline'?
yes, I was right that you are a UA employee - perhaps retired/former.
customers don't have second homes at airports.
No, I have NEVER said that DL is the perfect airline.
didn't you tell us that you have "issues?"
and, no, I didn't say that UA had issues. I said they are spending money on facilities that might not be used in 5 years.. probably 10 max.
I'm not sure why how can turn that statement into 90% of what you wrote.
and, no, I am not afraid of UA making more money.
I have said for years that UA and DL generate comparable passenger revenues around the world.
UA has trailed DL's profitability because UA has been focused on market share over profitability. that is precisely why I have pushed back so strongly against UA touting its size - because the reasons it has obtained that size is often at the expense of profits.
UA was...
and, no, I am not afraid of UA making more money.
I have said for years that UA and DL generate comparable passenger revenues around the world.
UA has trailed DL's profitability because UA has been focused on market share over profitability. that is precisely why I have pushed back so strongly against UA touting its size - because the reasons it has obtained that size is often at the expense of profits.
UA was breakeven at best flying the Pacific in the late 2010s while DL made good coin because UA - and AA - chased size in China.
DL made money flying the Pacific was winter while UA lost money because UA dumped a bunch of capacity into Asia/Pacific routes including the S. Pacific - and they have pulled back large chunks of what they added.
I respect what UA has done in turning itself around. They and AA both should be making comparable profits to DL.
UA is addressing the reasons why they have underperformed and they are making much closer profits to DL as a result.
But UA also is making about 80% of DL's profits and that is not expected to change until UA gets a lucrative credit card deal.
AA just signed a big new credit card deal that might match what DL has with Amex while UA is years away from being in that position.
AA and DL as well as Citibank and Amex both know that domestic size is what drives big credit card deals. UA's focus on building its domestic presence is so it can get what DL and now AA has.
no, I am not afraid or jealous of what UA is doing.
and, as I have said, if UA can make money flying international routes, DL will add capacity - and will do it more profitability because DL has invested far more in its international fleet were efficiency matters the most.
none of which changes that UA will not have shower facilities for some period of time at its hometown lounges.
I've worked in food safety for over 35 years, the last ten consecutively as a traveling food safety auditor. I inspect the places that make the food that you buy. I have never worked for United or any other airline, since they don't manufacture food. My auditing company, it is rumored, is close to getting the contract with Gate Gourmet, so there is a distinct possibility that I'll be inspecting the place that makes the...
I've worked in food safety for over 35 years, the last ten consecutively as a traveling food safety auditor. I inspect the places that make the food that you buy. I have never worked for United or any other airline, since they don't manufacture food. My auditing company, it is rumored, is close to getting the contract with Gate Gourmet, so there is a distinct possibility that I'll be inspecting the place that makes the food that you eat in flight.
Guess what? It's irrelevant that UA is putting money into not only the Polaris Lounge, but also into the second United Club in Terminal 2, which we know will be torn down. I've been in the new Terminal 2 Club, and it's nice, considering that Delta tore out everything when they closed down the hardly-used Sky Club and moved the equipment to Terminal 5. You know why it's irrelevant? It's United's money to spend, not mine.
Did your precious Delta need to build a Delta One club at LAX? They barely have a trans-pac operation, so I regard that as a waste of money. So there.
By the way, I use the term "my airline" because I pretty much exclusively fly them, and as a Chicagoan born and bred, it's my hometown airline as well. It's a sign of my loyalty to them, not a statement of former employment. But you've got a mammoth case of Stockholm Syndrome for the Widget considering that they fired your sad keister.
Nope. I suspect this Polaris lounge will remain even after the rebuild. Part of the rebuild is building new satellite concourses parallel to concourse C. And those satellites will have FIS capability ie ability to have arriving and departing international flights. Depending on how gates in S1 (and eventually S2) are allocated, having and international business lounge in concourse C will be very convenient.
United may also build another lounge in the new OGT if...
Nope. I suspect this Polaris lounge will remain even after the rebuild. Part of the rebuild is building new satellite concourses parallel to concourse C. And those satellites will have FIS capability ie ability to have arriving and departing international flights. Depending on how gates in S1 (and eventually S2) are allocated, having and international business lounge in concourse C will be very convenient.
United may also build another lounge in the new OGT if they have a lot of gates allocated there as well. But bottomline is that a lounge in the new OGT won't necessarily make more sense convenience- and location-wise than the current Polaris lounge, even after the rebuild is done.
It's more likely to be a Star Alliance Gold lounge in the Global Terminal, which would be nice.
lune and ord's final two explanations make the most sense and answer the question I originally posed.
Ord, when you call a company "my" and not only fawn endlessly over it while also trashing other companies, you could easily be accused of being far too close. It's a company, not family. unless you are part of it and then it could be your family if you choose to let it be.
Point being, that this...
lune and ord's final two explanations make the most sense and answer the question I originally posed.
Ord, when you call a company "my" and not only fawn endlessly over it while also trashing other companies, you could easily be accused of being far too close. It's a company, not family. unless you are part of it and then it could be your family if you choose to let it be.
Point being, that this discussion has provided an opportunity to discuss what is known about the Global terminal, how UA MIGHT use its facilities at ORD, and also where the competitive environment goes.
A new facility won't make routes work that don't work now.
Some of the Asia-Pacific routes don't work because of Russian airspace restrictions which I personally believe will be resolved in 2025. but that is another story.
The simple fact is that DL serves more cities in Asia Pacific from DTW and MSP than UA does from ORD.
DL's DTW and MSP operations combined are larger than UA at ORD and DL also is the largest airline in the Midwest as a whole.
And, most significantly, DL has had showers in its standard SkyClubs for years and built an all-new SkyClub in terminal 5 at ORD even though DL does not operate a single longhaul international flight from ORD. Those of you who have been around ORD any length of time remember that DL built a SkyClub in Concourse L when Terminal 1 was being built and that SkyClub became the de facto international lounge for many carriers for years back in the 80s and early 90s. DL ground handled many foreign carriers that departed from Concourse L. DL clearly sees its current SkyClub as having the amenities to serve other SkyTeam airlines, not unlike what it did in the 80s and 90s. DL SkyClubs have many amenities that AA and UA do not have in their standard lounges which is part of why DL did not need to build Delta One lounges for so long.
And, once again, I am happy to see United making money. As much as some people believe that someone has to lose for someone else to win, I believe that DL and UA are both winning because they are doing many of the same things and doing them well. DL had a huge headstart and UA has not closed the gap in anything other than sheer international size - which is something that DL can match if it wants to.
but DL has shown that it doesn't fly things that UA flies or tries to fly because DL simply has higher standards for profitability.
and ORD is already one of the most expensive large airports in the US from which to operate and those costs will grow exponentially with the new terminal. Every other hub that competes with UA for connecting traffic will have advantages over AA and UA at ORD so it will be very interesting to see how UA esp. uses its massive new facilities at ORD as the Global terminal comes online.
Every dollar that UA spends on its current facility matters to the overall cost UA ends up spending at ORD esp. compared to the costs of terminals at every other terminal in the Midwest.
You of all people criticizing me for my affection for my Hometown Airline, where I hold the highest level of public status and hold their highest-end credit card, is the pot reaching down into the very depths of the Pantone chart to find the proper deepest shade of black to call the kettle. Otherwise, tl;dr.
Great new development for United but it is still kind of amazing the Chicago Polaris Lounge is only now matching the size of the AA Flagship Lounge two terminals over despite UA dwarfing AA's eligible international business class passengers at ORD.
https://onemileatatime.com/guides/american-flagship-lounges/#american_flagship_lounge_chicago_ord
But it still beats the "premium" airline that is about a decade late to the business lounge party.
Totally agree on the AA comparison.
Ironically DL currently has one of the nicest lounges at ORD (terminal 5 Sky Club) but ... it's not quite nice enough to make me fly non-direct to/from ORD.
What is going on with AA at ORD?
Feels like they've been losing major ground to UA YoY. It's a similar story at JFK for them. And even LAX has been weaker for them in recent times.
Feels like anytime competition rises, AA just retreats even more to its fortresses. AA is blessed to have hub presences at mostly large metros like UA, but unlike UA, AA seems to squander these opportunities.
AA is growing at ORD this year. How is this even remotely related to this topic?
the competitive situation is always relevant. you DID bring it up.
the fact that someone else connects the size of the AA hub with the facilities that are offered including how busy those facilities are with its strategies in multiple hubs is as relevant as noting what the competition is doing.
IN this case, it sounds like at a minimum, AA and DL will have showers at ORD for a period when UA will...
the competitive situation is always relevant. you DID bring it up.
the fact that someone else connects the size of the AA hub with the facilities that are offered including how busy those facilities are with its strategies in multiple hubs is as relevant as noting what the competition is doing.
IN this case, it sounds like at a minimum, AA and DL will have showers at ORD for a period when UA will not. the former actually has longhaul international flights on its own metal while the latter does not.
Go troll elsewhere
@tim that "period" is currently scheduled to be 4 months. Ie a trivial amount of time, especially since it's the low season anyway. If you think that's such a significant period of time as to be worth crowing about, I'll be sure to bring up the "periods" of random weeks and months when ORD exceeds ATL's movements to take the busiest airport crown. Or maybe the months when United's revenue happens to exceed Delta's.
I...
@tim that "period" is currently scheduled to be 4 months. Ie a trivial amount of time, especially since it's the low season anyway. If you think that's such a significant period of time as to be worth crowing about, I'll be sure to bring up the "periods" of random weeks and months when ORD exceeds ATL's movements to take the busiest airport crown. Or maybe the months when United's revenue happens to exceed Delta's.
I mean, I'll just be stating facts about ATL and Delta being second place for a period, right?
Well, they had a good plan executed well. The space they're expanding into was the former C Concourse United Club. They built the new club just down the hallway on the model of the club at EWR, and it's terrific. It was always planned to expand Polaris into that space. Now they're in the final phases of the expansion. It had better re-open by the end of May when I'm flying in Polaris to FCO.
...Well, they had a good plan executed well. The space they're expanding into was the former C Concourse United Club. They built the new club just down the hallway on the model of the club at EWR, and it's terrific. It was always planned to expand Polaris into that space. Now they're in the final phases of the expansion. It had better re-open by the end of May when I'm flying in Polaris to FCO.
And one thing: Yes, Lufthansa and ANA fly out of Terminal 1. However, they board at Gate B16. Polaris is in C Concourse. That means that passengers would have to walk half the length of Concourse B, take the escalator and walk down the famous neon-lit corridor that plays Rhapsody In Blue, then up the escalator, and the Polaris Lounge is right there. Then do it again when they're ready to board. It's a bit of a haul with luggage, roughly a 15 to 20 minute walk. There is a regular United Club right at B16-18, though, which had slightly better standards than the rest of the clubs in the system to cater for those flying Lufty or ANA.
To say this is overdue would be quite the understatement -- very positive development!
Now if only ORD would get an Amex lounge... or Chase lounge... or anything. But that would require closing existing lounges/restaurants since space is the key issue.
I realize that it would, but I feel like there are a decent number of junk restaurants and stores that don't really add anything (at least to a frequent/knowledgeable traveler)