Today, the new United Polaris Lounge O’Hare officially opens marking the next exciting chapter for the airline. For those longtime United fans like me, the newly expanded lounge is a welcome addition to the international long-haul business class experience.
After all, the new lounge is nearly double the previous size and plenty of new amenities and offerings. From a speakeasy bar to Therabody Reset Lounges, phone rooms to a brand new dining room, United Polaris once again elevates its overall guest experience. They’ve literally thought of everything.
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing countless lounges around the world, from Turkish Airline’s business class lounge in Istanbul to the impeccable Emirates business class lounge in Dubai. For United, I’ve been head over heels grateful to experience both Polaris Lounges at Newark and Washington Dulles. Perhaps that’s why I walked in with such high expectations. The final result? Impeccable.
After all, each Polaris Lounge has a distinct personality, and I’m always struck by United’s commitment to “localizing the experience.” Every single one is different and designed to embrace all things local, including working with local artists for art and photography of the space, to integrating local food and beverage partners.
It’s the ideal space for international business class travelers to relax, rest, and recharge.
The New United Polaris Lounge O’Hare
So what should you expect? Space. MUCH more space. Think nearly 25,000 square feet of space (a 48.5% increase). Guests enter the same Polaris entrance as before, but the lounge feels (and is) more spacious than ever.
Moreover, you’ll never need to fight for a seat. Ever. Now, United has added 359 seats to the lounge, including 9 new semi-private spaces with luxurious Crate & Barrel seating. You’ll also find 5 new private phone rooms, perfect for working on your laptop or taking a call.
With all the new seating options – whether you’re a solo traveler, family, or big group – guests will always find a place to sit and relax.
Food and Beverage Offerings
Over the past few years, United has been focused on elevating their food and beverage offerings both in the lounges and onboard. Transparently, the F&B program is the one area that still needs some love (sorry!). Ask any frequent United traveler and nearly everyone will agree. They’ve been trying though, with amazing new additions like Magnolia Bakery’s banana bread pudding to bringing back their iconic ice cream cart.
However, the Polaris Lounge sets a new level of deliciousness with a premium menu of food offerings, handcrafted cocktails, and elevated beverages. While I was touring on-site, they had the most amazing select of charcuterie, mezze platters, miso glazed salmon (divine), pasta dishes, and chicken.
All of the decor and dinnerware are also curated by Crate & Barrel, who you know we love (they did our family room at our primary home). Plus, Crate is a local company and located in Northbrook, Illinois. So once again – United is adding those small local touches.
Local Art
In typical United form, art also plays a huge role in the overall design direction of the space. There are creative works by nine different artists who all celebrate the Wind City’s architecture and Lake Michigan. Be sure to check out the walls and decor as you walk through the lounge – truly inspiring!
Therabody
In my opinion, two of the coolest new elements in the new space are the Reset Lounges featuring Therabody products and a new quiet area they’re calling the “Semi-Private Hallway” with small, separated seating areas featuring cozy Crate & Barrel chairs and soft lighting.
Now there’s no technical “sleeping suites,” but these two areas are super close to it. Specifically, the Therabody rooms are my favorite. You’ll legit find me there during the next trip. Since attending the United x Therabody event in NYC, I’ve fallen even more in love with their products.
Each Reset Lounge suite has a private attendants who can help set-up your Therabody Lounger, which combines zero gravity reclining and multi-sensory sound vibration therapy. You can even request Therabody’s RecoveryAir JetBoots, Theragun minis, and even SmartGoggles. Brilliant!
Next to the Reset Lounge are the Shower Suites, where guests are able to fresh up before or after their flights.
Where is the United Polaris Lounge ORD Located?
Looking for the new lounge? It’s located at O’Hare terminal one in the C Concourse next to gate 18. You’ll find it right as you come up the escalator. Very easy to spot!
What are the United Polaris Lounge Hours?
For the spring and summer season, the United Polaris Lounge will be open from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. (although it’s subject to change).
Who Can Access It?
Travelers in United Polaris business class traveling on a long-haul international trip may access the lounge on the same day of travel. Customers in first or business class on a Star Alliance member airline may also access it at the departure airport for their flight. LOVE that.
One added benefit is United Polaris guests may also access the lounge upon arrival, not just departure. Frankly, this perk is incredible when you want to take a quick shower after the flight or grab a quick bite.
United Polaris Lounge – In Closing
United continues to focus on elevating the guest experience. The Polaris Lounge now rivals other domestic airlines and even the credit card lounges, like AmEx Centurion and Chase Sapphire Reserve.
As always, I love continuing to support the airline in their continued expansion. I can’t wait to see what they do next!
