The dining room uses a waiting list to put your name down for a table as soon as it opens up, but that wait can be long depending on when you arrive. A lifelong Texan, Jeanette grew up in a small town in the Hill Country and lives in the Houston area with her husband and daughters. I'd much rather eat this than the subpar food United serves on its long-haul international flights. In the U.S., there are United Polaris Lounges and then everything else. 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. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. There's no way to pay your way (or pay a bit more) to get in, either. I refuse to use regular United Club because as we all know, it blows. Offerings include a buffet with sandwiches, small entrees, cheeses, and a make-your-own salad bar, along with desserts. NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. There are lots of touches and references to things celestial and starry throughout the lounge. The United Polaris Lounge at Chicago OHare boasts a grand dimly lit entryway with a backlit marble reception desk, and a lighting sculpture by Wolfgang Buttress inspired by theChicago street network. Answer is no. Airports may require you to re-clear security and immigration control to reach the lounge. They feature everything from a la carte dining and buffets, to nap rooms and shower suites, to great decor, to cocktails and barista-made coffee. You'll find it after making your way across the long walkway and taking the escalators up a level. airline?!. The lounge offers showers, sleeping pods, food, drinks, and plenty of. The Polaris lounge was busy during our visit, in the peak evening departure bank for European departures. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) Download the United app to find the most up-to-date, interactive airport maps. I already have a flight scheduled for next year that will bring me and my family through the lounge and they are looking forward to it as much as I am because I havent stopped talking about how good the lounge is. Access for eligible customers traveling on any Star Alliance member airline. However, there are much better options available. 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,. And showers across the hall. Visited 4pm, very few people, full bar and buffet, plus sit down dine, great service. But where does the United Polaris Lounge Chicago-O'Hare (ORD) fit in compared to bigger hubs like the Newark Polaris Lounge, Houston's Polaris Lounge, or the one in San Francisco? The lounge is open daily from 7:15 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Upgraded Points, LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site and p. rior to applying for any credit card offers found on UpgradedPoints.com, all visitors should review other features of such credit cards including but not limited to interest rates, annual fees and transaction fees, and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering their own individual financial position. Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. The United Polaris Lounge Chicago is open daily from 6AM until 9PM, and its located in Terminal 1, Concourse C, near gate C18. 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 information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax or legal advice. This includes more than 45 United Club locations, five United Polaris lounges and partner lounges. Everything here is first come, first served there's no way to reserve a shower in advance. As expected, the amenities list at the United Polaris lounge at ORD is quite comprehensive. How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2023? Thanks! 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. Relax and unwind in the brand new Polaris Lounge. United Polaris class flyers, premium cabin flyers on Star Alliance partner airlines, miles redemption upgraders, certain credit card holders and elite status members who snag a free upgrade. The experience starts on the ground at the beautiful Polaris lounges. Please adjust your search criteria and try again. There's also dedicated drink and dessert menus available in the dining room, though I forgot to snap a picture of those. United has enlisted the services of an expert: the former Head Concierge at the Drake hotel in Chicago, who also helped launch the St. Regis luxury hotel in New York City. In lieu of PA announcements, a dedicated team walks around the lounge to fetch passengers when international flights are about to board. You can read my pre-pandemic review of the lounge here. Guests traveling long haul business class generally have higher expectations of the airport experience than whats otherwise offered from domestic airline lounges, so thats why United has created this network of lounges. We are flying United Polaris Business class again to Italy in the fall - hoping our experience will be better. These lounges offer dining through a hot and cold buffet, as well as drinks like wine, spirits, craft beer and cocktails. Servers roam the room offering drinks, and staff members offer proactive assistance. Still, the Polaris Lounge does get busyand noisyat peak times, especially in the afternoons when flights to Europe depart. A professional journalist, he joined the company in November 2018 after five years covering state and national politics for The Associated Press and working at several newspapers across the country. 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.. Advertiser Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission. And by 3 p.m. or so, as many international departures drew near, it was difficult to find an open seat, period. Does polaris have kosher food, I am surprised by the overall 3.5 star rating of this lounge. I usually fly American and I found them far superior. The lounge is 16,300 square feet, putting it in the middle of the pack as far as size goes. The bottom line is, if you are flying through Chicago OHare International (ORD) and have access to this lounge, you should make a point of visiting. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Make sure to check for any entry requirements before your trip. As I walked out of the lounge ahead of my 3:45 p.m. boarding time, the lounge was clearly near capacity. United's Polaris Lounge is fantastic, with all of the amenities that one could wish for, including showers. They've changed the hospitality company running them since they were first opened and were good. Best lounge ever is Air Canada Signature Lounge in Toronto. However, the credit card information that we publish has been written by experts who know these products inside out, and what we recommend is what we would (or already) use ourselves. 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 pods are spacious, comfortable and pleasantly private. The United Polaris lounge in Chicago is located in Terminal 1, Concourse C next to gate, This was a wonderful way to start our trip when having a, United's 1st Polaris Lounge is definitely an upgrade from the. That is including The Dining Room which is a restaurant-inspired, full-service dining option complete with menus and waiters. I have my family as well flying on Economy Plus. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institutions Terms and Conditions. If you look closely at the seating photos above, you will notice almost all of them have a nice spot to place a laptop and an outlet nearby. Premier status and credit card upgrades on award tickets. Just make sure that if youre traveling with more than one other person, your party is comprised of more Premier members than nonmembers. Just don't count on getting much of it to yourself anytime soon. With a sleek and modern design, this lounge features customMore, Terminal 1, Concourse C (Inside Security), Relax and unwind in the brand new Polaris Lounge. United Polaris Lounge Chicago OHare (ORD), The United Polaris Lounge at Chicago OHare, located near Gate C18, opened on December 1st, 2016. With Polaris, United finally offers a product that is competitive with foreign airlines, and which currently beats domestic competitors. Cleveland (between Gates C14 and C16). A staff member will be happy to fetch you ahead of your flight should you wish to indulge in a nap. As part of my whirlwind trip between Rio de Janeiro and Boston, I found myself flying 3 different airlines and visiting about a half-dozen airport lounges. 22 minutes at a pretty decent clip each way from T7 to TBIT. Get our daily email for the latest in travel, flight deals, and how to save on your next trip. Had the pleasure to use the IAD one a while back. SAS Lounge Chicago O'Hare. United Airlines opened its brand new Polaris lounge in October 2021, welcoming business travelers flying internationally. 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. If you fly United Airlines, youre probably at least somewhat familiar with its comfortable and spacious Polaris class: lie-flat seats, elevated dining options, bedding and plenty of comfortable amenities. The United Polaris Lounge at Chicago OHare features an upscale dining experience, with food created by celebrity Chef Art Smith, who served as Oprah Winfreys personal chef for 10 years. White noise is pumped in the area in order to facilitate relaxation, and patrons may choose between a variety of sleep and relaxation inducing sounds. We love the small details that make a difference: the digital clock, the USB outlet to charge your devices while you shower, and the convenient bench in the shower. For an American airline lounge buffet, the United Polaris lounge was pretty darn good. The menu was very complete with multiple options for drinks, small plates, entres, and desserts. This 12,000-square-foot outpost originally opened in 2019, but closed shortly thereafter at the outset of the pandemic, along with United's other Polaris Lounges. If Im flying SWISS first LAX-ZRH, is it worth the hike to the United terminal for the Polaris lounge at LAX? 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? In the years since, the airline has opened outposts in all the aforementioned U.S. airports, except for Washington Dulles. These are a great spot to get some work done, with a slide-out surface, lamp, and charging available at each and every spot. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. United Polaris Lounges really are spectacular, and in my opinion are the best business class lounges offered by any US airline. For starters, they're exclusively for international premium cabin passengers. Is it available to order? Ba galleries and virgin clubhouse do it in LHR. 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. 2023 Sound Imagineers, LLC. I would say yes. 1. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institutions Terms and Conditions. And they are truly excellent. Can't say my first United Polaris flight was enjoyable. When you walk in the lounge and turn right, you will be immediately presented with dozens of seating options. Beyond the shower itself, there are plenty of fluffy, Saks Fifth Avenue-branded towels ready for you, along with an excellent pair of slippers. Polaris Lounges are only accessible to business and first-class passengers flying United Polaris or business or first class on Star Alliance partners. Some travelers can even enjoy free upgrades, including to United Polaris class, which will grant you access to a Polaris lounge. Behind the bar are two walls with humidors, which United assigns to frequent high value passengersa unique service within the airline industry. The lounge is open from 7:15am until 9:00pm seven days a week. I opted to take a booth for myself since the lounge was so empty. The bathrooms themselves are nice, fairly large, and private. All rights reserved. But if you're there beforehand, prepare to bump some elbows. United Polaris Lounge Chicago Lunch and Dinner Menu. There is also a United Club lounge next to gate C16. The pan-seared rainbow trout with wild rice pilaf, however, was flawless. What are thoughts about going to the Polaris Lounge in ORD and then taking the train to T5 to re-clear security for a flight on LX in biz? One of the best Ive visited. So then, who can access United Polaris lounge? I was immediately greeted by a server who handed me a menu and offered to get me a drink while I looked it over. 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. Much like the United Polaris Lounge Newark (EWR) and locations at other major United hubs, this lounge puts your standard airport lounge to shame. SFO is not ready yet. This is my first experience. The wireless internet in the Polaris lounge was fast and easy to access. Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners. Your email address will not be published. Here is a list of our partners. They're stocked with Sunday Riley toiletries, which are pretty high quality for an airport lounge. United's Chicago hub might not be as big as the likes of Newark (EWR), but it's still got 20-plus departures a day heading somewhere abroad. (See full menu.). We never share or resell your information. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. 5 ways to gain United Polaris lounge access, Things to know about United Airlines lounge access. We have a 5 hour layover in OHare. Airlines like Swiss, SAS, LOT Polish, EVA Air, and others all depart from Terminal 5 which requires a tram ride and re-clearing security at Terminal 1 and then again at Terminal 5. Pictures dont do it justice. It was perfectly cooked, topped with a simple but elegant garnish, and drizzled with a tangy lemon caper butter sauce that really tied the whole dish together. The bathrooms are equally impressive. As you make your way around that horseshoe, you'll notice the floor-to-ceiling windows, flooding row after row of armchairs and cafe seating with natural light and some great plane watching. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). It is open daily from 7:00AM to 9:00PM. 2023 Thrifty Traveler. For lounges inside security or immigration, you must first check your baggage and obtain your boarding pass. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. United Polaris Lounge Chicago Access Rules & Location Delta has its Delta Sky Clubs, which almost anyone can get into. Complimentary Premier upgrades only include one companion; if there are more non-Premier travelers on your reservation than Premier members, book additional non-Premier members on another reservation or you'll lose your eligibility for the award. Austin (near Gate 22). Ask the Yelp community! I am happy to report that the salad was fresh and flavorful. Carol were you able to access the Polaris Lounge? If you're just looking for a drink, there's a beautiful bar at the center of the lounge, which offers alcoholic drinks as well as barista-made coffee beverages. The higher your elite status level, the earlier you become eligible for complimentary upgrades. Passengers traveling in United Polaris business class on long-haul international flights are allowed complimentary lounge access before departure, during connections and upon arrival. Just typing out that name is enough to make my mouth water. There is also a United Club lounge next to gate . But while there are more than 45 United Clubs (plus participating Star Alliance lounges), there are far fewer Polaris lounges. A tad exhausting, but also great for people like me who love checking out new lounges! United Club members and Star Alliance Gold membersdo not have access unless they are ticketed in business class, but may use one of the three United Clubs. Inquire with the valet behind the double glass door; should there be a wait, a staff member will come find you in person in the lounge when your shower is ready. With a sleek and modern design, this lounge features custom chairs, private daybeds, spa-like showers, bespoke art installations by artist Wolfgang Buttress, and chef. Learn more: The best airline credit cards. The airline is touting its first lounge, at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, as the only one of . Since I was tight on time, I didnt get to test out the shower. Delta has its Delta Sky Clubs, which almost anyone can get into. Though small in size, the setting is still great. She is the creator of Terradrift.com. So how do we make money? While United Clubs are at dozens of airports, only six airports have United Polaris lounges. A-la-carte service is only offered in the dedicated restaurant zone, but patrons sitting in other areas may help themselves from the buffet and order drinks from servers. And there's also a toilet inside each suite. Nice lounge with a la carte food and good drinks! Alisha McDarris is a freelance travel writer and photographer. As of publication, it's open from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. daily. Lounge Access. The Polaris Lounge welcomes exclusively United Polaris business and first class customers, as well as Star Alliance premium passengers departing on international flights (Canada and Mexico excluded.). Elite status wont get you into these lounges, regardless of where youre traveling to. Amateur level service at the dining room, burgers that make you wish you had McDonald's instead. 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. Alisha is a freelance writer and photographer. Any and all options, reviews, comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer. No worries you can purchase instant lounge access in seconds. I'd much rather use the *A 1st class lounge in the TBIT; it's almost always empty, has better food and connects to the *A business lounge if you prefer to mingle or enjoy a more open environment. For me, the problem with nice lounges is that no matter where I decide to sit I will always think that there is probably a nicer seat available somewhere else and that was no different here because there were so many seating options. Safe travels! Email needed if you'd like comment updates. Visited the IAD Polaris lounge last week, Very nice all around, did not got to the restaurant, the buffet was above decent, the bar, seating and restroom areas were well above par with other US domestic lounges and the staff were friendly and engaging with the caveat that it was maybe 25% full, that was the Polaris lounge and the UA terminal in generalnot a lot of international flights on the board I will chalk that up to a mid winter mid week itinerary not knowing a lot about IAD, I imagine it gets much busier in the summer? Fortunately, there are a few other ways to enjoy all the Polaris amenities, even if you didnt book a Polaris fare from the get-go. 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! A brutal reality check I suppose. Our partners compensate us. Polaris lounges offer guests Wi-Fi, quiet rooms, meals, showers, and more. For me, the food and beverage was the star of the show at the United Polaris lounge at ORD. Terms apply to offers below. No, all Polaris lounges across the country are reserved specifically for flyers in long-haul international business or first class on United or their Star Alliance partners like Lufthansa, SWISS, Turkish, TAP, and more. The lounge is 27,000 square feet, making it the second largest Polaris Lounge. Rather the only people who can access United Polaris Lounges are those traveling on a flight marketed as United Polaris, or those traveling in select markets in business or first class on a Star Alliance partner. Here are our picks for the. The 17 Best Websites, Apps, and Courses to Learn French Online, The 12 Best Cheap Hotels in Orlando, Florida [2023]. Business class all the way. It was light but delicious, topped with whipped cream and chocolate cookie crumble. This is a full-on restaurant inside of the United Polaris Chicago Lounge and no that's not hyperbole. But I just wish the bar had a dedicated cocktail and wine menu. 2. Let's get straight to it: Like all of United's top-tier lounges, the United Polaris Lounge Chicago is an impressive space. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for: Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, No annual fee: Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card, Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve, Luxury perks: The Platinum Card from American Express, Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card, About the author: Alisha McDarris is a freelance travel writer and photographer. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Get our daily email for the latest in travel, flight deals, and how Thanks for the info on all of the Polaris lounges! The United Polaris Lounge San Francisco is open daily from 7AM until 10:30PM, and its located in International Terminal G, between gates G6 and G9. Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. The Dining Room is a restaurant-inspired, full-service dining option complete with menus and waiters. I recently used Chicago's United Polaris Lounge on a trip to Asia during a 4 hour layover. A far cry from my recent options in Rio. United Airlines is taking the "Polaris" name seriously. So we cant use this lounge? Pressing service is available upon request: hang your clothes through the double door, and they will be returned to you wrinkle free while you freshen up. The color scheme is a soothing blue, gray and white, with high-end finishes which set the Polaris Lounge worlds apart from the United Club. Pair that with some strong Wi-Fi, and you could spend hours working in this lounge with no issues. There are just 10 tables total inside this undersized dining room, with room for about 20 people total maybe 25, if you really pack in a few families. While the buffet will remain, you can now order off a menu [] Speaking of ORD, they're resuming a shuttle bus from T5 to domestic so arriving international pax will no longer have to reclear TSA: https://simpleflying.com/ohare-international-airport-restore-terminal-bus-transfer/. Read more. Weve done the walk when we checked out the *Alliance lounge in TBIT. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Travelers have access to a Concierge who can help with any request, from dinner reservations to tickets to entertainment events. Editorial Disclosure:The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. Required fields are marked *. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. 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. If I am flying Turkish Airlines business class on a (15) Hour flight departing from Chicago, do I need anything additional to access the lounge? Entrance Advertiser Disclosure: Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive compensation. Got a question about United Polaris Lounge? See more about our ethics policies here. I have only done buffets at lounges so this will be the first for sit-down meals, I want to make sure I follow etiquette, is tipping allowed/expected for the services in the dining room? Opinions and recommendations are ours alone. The easiest way is to request an upgrade during booking. I am finding that I probably made a mistake getting the United Club chase card this past year.
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