O'Hare Airport Lounges Guide
Find all airport lounges at O'Hare with locations, access requirements, amenities, and how to get Priority Pass or credit card access.
Author: Sarah Mitchell
O'Hare Lounge Quick Facts
- Most Lounges: Terminal 1 (United's hub)
- Best Lounge: United Polaris (international business class only)
- Priority Pass: Accepted at USO and Swissport lounges
- Day Pass Cost: $59-79 (United Club, Admirals Club)
- Free Access: Premium credit cards, elite status, business class tickets
Complete Lounge Directory
O'Hare offers a variety of airport lounges catering to different passengers, from exclusive premium lounges for international business class travelers to accessible options via Priority Pass and credit cards. United Airlines dominates with multiple locations since O'Hare is a major hub. Understanding access requirements and locations helps you plan comfortable layovers and departures.
Terminal 1 Lounges
United Polaris Lounge
Location: Concourse C, near Gate C18
Hours: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily
Access: United Polaris business class, Global Services, Star Alliance First Class (international flights only)
Amenities: Restaurant-quality dining, premium bar, shower suites, sleep pods, quiet rooms
Considered one of the best airport lounges in the United States. No day passes available.
United Club - Concourse B
Location: Concourse B, near Gate B6
Hours: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
Access: United Club membership, Star Alliance Gold, business class tickets, day pass ($59)
Amenities: Complimentary snacks and drinks, WiFi, workspaces, showers
United Club - Concourse C
Location: Concourse C, near Gate C16
Hours: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
Access: United Club membership, Star Alliance Gold, business class, day pass ($59)
Amenities: Food and beverages, WiFi, charging stations, business center
Terminal 2 Lounges
United Club - Terminal 2
Location: Concourse F, near Gate F3
Hours: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
Access: United Club membership, Star Alliance Gold, business class, day pass ($59)
Amenities: Snacks, beverages, WiFi, workstations
USO Lounge
Location: Concourse E, near Gate E4
Hours: Open 24/7
Access: Active military, veterans with valid ID, Priority Pass (limited)
Amenities: Snacks, beverages, WiFi, quiet space, family-friendly
Primarily for military personnel and families. Priority Pass holders may be admitted if space permits.
Terminal 3 Lounges
American Airlines Admirals Club - Concourse H
Location: Concourse H, near Gate H6
Hours: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
Access: Admirals Club membership, Oneworld status, business class, day pass ($59-79)
Amenities: Complimentary food and drinks, showers, WiFi, workspaces
American Airlines Admirals Club - Concourse K
Location: Concourse K, near Gate K6
Hours: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
Access: Admirals Club membership, Oneworld status, business class, day pass ($59-79)
Amenities: Food, beverages, WiFi, business center
Terminal 5 Lounges (International)
Air France/KLM Lounge
Location: Concourse M, near Gate M8
Hours: Varies by flight schedule
Access: Air France/KLM business class, SkyTeam Elite Plus, Flying Blue Platinum
Amenities: French-inspired cuisine, premium wines, showers, quiet zones
Swissport Lounge
Location: Concourse M, Upper Level
Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Diners Club, day pass ($40)
Amenities: Light snacks, beverages, WiFi, charging stations
One of the few lounges at O'Hare accepting Priority Pass.
How to Get Lounge Access
Access Methods
1. Premium Credit Cards
Many credit cards include complimentary lounge access:
- American Express Platinum: Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta)
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Priority Pass membership
- Capital One Venture X: Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass
- Citi Prestige: Priority Pass membership
2. Airline Status and Membership
- United Club Membership: $650/year (personal), $850/year (global)
- American Admirals Club: $650/year
- Elite Status: United Premier Gold+, American Executive Platinum, Star Alliance Gold
3. Flight Class
- Business class tickets include lounge access
- First class on international flights
- United Polaris business class (Polaris Lounge access)
4. Day Passes
- United Club: $59 (subject to availability)
- American Admirals Club: $59-79
- Swissport Lounge: $40
Priority Pass at O'Hare
Priority Pass is accepted at limited lounges at O'Hare. Participating locations include:
- USO Lounge (Terminal 2) - space available basis
- Swissport Lounge (Terminal 5) - international travelers
- Check Priority Pass app for current participating lounges and restrictions
Get Priority Pass
Priority Pass memberships start at $99/year and provide access to 1,400+ lounges worldwide. Many premium credit cards include complimentary Priority Pass membership.
Lounge Amenities Comparison
What to Expect
Premium Lounges (United Polaris, Centurion)
- Restaurant-quality hot meals prepared to order
- Premium liquor and wine selection
- Private shower suites with premium toiletries
- Sleep pods and quiet rooms
- Dedicated concierge service
Standard Airline Lounges (United Club, Admirals Club)
- Self-service buffet with snacks and light meals
- Beer, wine, and basic cocktails
- Showers (select locations)
- WiFi and charging stations
- Business center with printing
Contract Lounges (Swissport, USO)
- Light snacks and beverages
- Basic seating and WiFi
- Charging stations
- Quieter environment than terminal
Best Credit Cards for Lounge Access
Recommended Cards for O'Hare Travelers
American Express Platinum Card
- Annual Fee: $695
- Access: Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta)
- Best for: Frequent travelers flying multiple airlines
Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Annual Fee: $550
- Access: Priority Pass membership with unlimited guests
- Best for: Priority Pass lounges at O'Hare and worldwide
Capital One Venture X
- Annual Fee: $395
- Access: Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass
- Best for: Value seekers with travel credits
Bottom Line
O'Hare offers extensive lounge options, especially in Terminal 1 where United operates its hub. United Polaris provides the premium experience for international business class travelers, while United Clubs and Admirals Clubs offer solid amenities for members and day pass holders. Priority Pass has limited options at O'Hare but provides value for international terminal travelers. Premium credit cards are often the most cost-effective way to access lounges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airport lounges are at O'Hare?
O'Hare has multiple lounges across terminals: United Polaris Lounge (Terminal 1, international business class), United Club locations (Terminals 1 and 2), American Admirals Club (Terminal 3), Air France/KLM Lounge (Terminal 5), and several contract lounges accepting Priority Pass. United is the dominant carrier, so Terminal 1 has the most extensive lounge offerings.
Can I access O'Hare lounges with Priority Pass?
Yes, Priority Pass is accepted at select lounges at O'Hare including the USO Lounge (Terminal 2), Swissport Lounge (Terminal 5), and some airline lounges. However, the premium United Polaris and Centurion lounges do not accept Priority Pass. Check the Priority Pass app for current participating lounges, hours, and any guest restrictions before visiting.
How do I get into the United Polaris Lounge at O'Hare?
United Polaris Lounge access is limited to: United Polaris business class passengers on international flights, United Global Services members, and Star Alliance First Class passengers on international itineraries. You cannot purchase day passes or access with Priority Pass. The lounge is located in Terminal 1, Concourse C, near Gate C18.
Are there any lounges I can pay to access at O'Hare?
Yes, some lounges offer day passes for purchase. United Club sells day passes for $59 (subject to availability). American Admirals Club offers day passes for $59-79. You can also purchase annual memberships like Priority Pass ($99-469/year) or specific airline club memberships. Premium credit cards like Amex Platinum include lounge access benefits.