United Polaris Lounge

O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Terminal 1, near Gate Gate C18

Hours of Operation

Days	Open	Close
Daily	5:30 AM	11:00 PM

Walking Directions

From the Terminal 1 security checkpoint, follow signs toward the Polaris Lounge. It is located between Concourses B and C on the mezzanine level. Take the elevator or escalator up near the tunnel entrance. The entrance features the Polaris star logo.

Access Methods

Method	Type	Details
United Polaris Business Class Ticket	Membership	Complimentary for passengers departing on a United Polaris (business class) international flight
Star Alliance Business/First Class	Membership	Access when flying international business or first class on Star Alliance carriers

Amenities

Wi-FiAvailable

ShowersAvailable

FoodAvailable

DrinksAvailable

Power OutletsAvailable

Sleeping AreasAvailable

PrintersAvailable

TVUnavailable

Food and Drinks

Food

Full-service restaurant with a la carte dining, chef-prepared dishes, and a premium buffet

Drinks

Craft cocktail bar with a dedicated mixologist, extensive wine list, and top-shelf spirits

Signature Items

Chicago-style deep-dish pizza to order
Wagyu beef burger
Seasonal tasting menu items
House-made Chicago hot dog with sport peppers

Guest Policy

Guests allowed: 1

Cost per guest: Free for one guest traveling on the same Polaris itinerary

Only passengers with same-day Polaris or Star Alliance business/first class tickets may enter.

Crowding Information

Peak Hours

5:00 PM to 9:00 PM when evening international departures cluster

Best Times to Visit

Mid-morning between 9:00 AM and noon when most long-haul flights have departed

Workspace

Power Outlets

Available at every seat, pod, and daybed throughout the lounge

Desk Areas

Yes

Quiet Zones

Yes

Multiple quiet rooms and individual daybeds designed for rest or focused work before long-haul flights

Showers

Showers are available. Booking is required in advance.

Six private shower suites with rain showerheads, premium Cowshed toiletries, and plush towels. Sign up at reception.

The Good

Widely regarded as the best lounge at ORD with restaurant-quality dining included
Daybeds and quiet rooms are perfect for resting before a long overnight flight
Six shower suites rarely have a wait outside of evening peak departures
The deep-dish pizza made to order is a legitimate Chicago farewell before heading overseas

The Bad

Restricted to Polaris and Star Alliance business/first class passengers only
Evening hours before international departures can feel crowded at the bar
Located on a mezzanine that requires knowing where the elevator is to find it

Pro Tips

Order the deep-dish pizza even if you are not hungry. It is made fresh to order and takes about 15 minutes. Grab a slice before your flight as a proper Chicago send-off.
The daybeds in the quiet room have privacy curtains and white noise. If you have a late evening departure, arrive early and nap. There is no time limit.
Ask the bartender for the seasonal cocktail. The mixologist rotates monthly and often incorporates local ingredients like KOVAL distillery spirits from Chicago.
The Chicago-style hot dog with sport peppers and neon relish is not on the printed menu but is available at the restaurant counter. Just ask for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I access the Polaris Lounge with a United Club membership?

No. The Polaris Lounge is exclusively for passengers flying United Polaris (international business class) or Star Alliance business/first class on same-day departures. United Club membership, credit cards, and status alone do not grant access.

Is there a restaurant inside the lounge?

Yes. The Polaris Lounge features a full-service a la carte restaurant where you can sit down and order from a menu. This is in addition to the buffet area. The dining experience rivals many standalone airport restaurants.

Can I sleep in the Polaris Lounge?

MembershipMembershipMembership

View details