United Polaris Lounge

At a glance

The Polaris Lounge at O'Hare opened in 2016 as United's first, and the first US lounge built only for international business class. It closed in January 2025 for a renovation and reopened on April 29, 2025, about 50% bigger: nearly 25,000 sq ft with more than 350 seats. It's in Terminal 1 near gate C18, so if you're coming from Concourse B, take the underground walkway. The renovation nearly tripled the dining room to more than 50 seats, where you can order à la carte dishes. There's also a hot buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus a mezze station. United added a second, speakeasy-style bar, which made it the first US business-class lounge with two full-service bars. It serves Laurent-Perrier and Chicago-themed cocktails such as the Malort-spiked Second City Sour. The design nods to Chicago, with work by nine local artists curated by Johalla Projects, and tableware and decor from Crate & Barrel, the retailer's first airline collaboration. The lounge also has private rest and work spaces, six extra restrooms added in the expansion, and shower suites. Access is for same-day United Polaris and eligible Star Alliance long-haul premium passengers. Hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., so very early arrivals from overseas may find it still closed.