Learn more: Is a United credit card worth it? Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. While the range of amenities is outstanding for business class, we were most impressed by the service. The pan-seared rainbow trout with wild rice pilaf, however, was flawless. That means you can easily walk over to Concourse C in Terminal 1 to visit the Polaris Lounge Chicago no matter which airline you're arriving on without worrying about clearing security. Sure, there's the standard buffet where you can graze through and fill a plate with whatever you'd like. We may be compensated when you click on links from one or more of our advertising partners. 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. I did check out a bathroom, and it was indeed quite nice and private. 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. The bar area boasts a more vibrant vibe with blue LED lighting, pristine white marble, and an under lit counter. The Polaris Lounge was primarily designed with the solo business traveler in mind: a highlight of the lounge is the numerous semi-private seats that feature personal lighting, USB and power outlets, a coat hook, and a pull-out marble tray that can be used for laptops or eating. The United Polaris lounge at ORD is located in Terminal 1 in Concourse C inside of security, right next to gate C18 which was perfect as that was my gate. Their lounges, for lack of a better more fancy word, just suck. Editorial Disclosure:The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. 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. Much like the American Airlines Flagship lounge, you can now enjoy a sit-down, serve to your table menu at the United Polaris Lounge Chicago. The pods are spacious, comfortable and pleasantly private. While the buffet will remain, you can now order off a menu [] 10000 West O'Hare Avenida Near Gate C18, Chicago's O'Hare Airport, Chicago, IL 60666-6000 + Add phone number Website. Ben, worth clarifying that for entry based on a United flight, the seat must *both* be marketed as Polaris *and* the flight must be international (i.e., SFO and LAX flights to/from EWR marketed as Polaris will not get you in -- they'll just get you regular United Club access). United Polaris Lounges really are spectacular, and in my opinion are the best business class lounges offered by any US airline. One thing that I did notice was the abundance of excellent workspace options. Since I was tight on time, I didnt get to test out the shower. Email needed if you'd like comment updates. Required fields are marked *. However, this does not influence our evaluations. The seat concept was inspired by the design of the Polaris business class seat. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Get our daily email for the latest in travel, flight deals, and how Jeanette Margle leads the home loans content team at NerdWallet, where she has worked since 2019. The United Polaris Lounge at Chicago O'Hare (ORD) United Airlines gave the media a preview today (Nov. 30) of the first of nine Polaris lounges being opened in the next year to serve the carrier's international business class travelers. While award tickets arent normally eligible for MileagePlus Upgrade Awards. Passengers flying internationally in business or first class on a Star Alliance partner airline can get into United Polaris lounges, too, but only at the departure airport of their international flight. United Polaris Lounge Chicago - Entry & Access The lounge is located in Terminal 1 of O'Hare Airport. The United Polaris Lounge Newark is open daily from 5AM until 10:30PM, and its located in Terminal C, between gates C102 and C120. Austin (near Gate 22). That left just enough time to take some pictures, have a few drinks, and enjoy a 3-course meal before boarding my flight to So Paulo. to save on your next trip. If you are hungry, you have the option to grab something quick at the buffet or sit down in The Dining Room. The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. Though small in size, the setting is still great. The lounge is 16,300 square feet, putting it in the middle of the pack as far as size goes. If youre flying United from Frankfurt to Chicago, then you could use the Polaris Lounge in Chicago, while if youre flying Lufthansa from Frankfurt to Chicago, you couldnt use the Polaris Lounge in Chicago. With the airline lounges at O'Hare International Airport, travelers belonging to different airline clubs can find a quiet environment to work or relax before their flight. I am finding that I probably made a mistake getting the United Club chase card this past year. Weve done the walk when we checked out the *Alliance lounge in TBIT. Polaris lounges are exclusive lounges reserved for International Long Haul passengers whereas United Clubs are accessible via membership, or when a non US based Star Alliance Gold member is traveling within the USA. After being closed for a good chunk of the pandemic, Polaris Lounges across the country have all reopened, and business class flyers with tickets on United or other Star Alliance carriers are flooding back into these exclusive lounges as international travel ramps back up. But when it's not so busy, this lounge is a real treat. 12/07/21 UPDATE: The United Airlines Polaris Lounge has reopened in Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). She is the creator of Terradrift.com. To me, the sign of a good lounge is if you wouldnt mind getting stuck there for hours if your flight was delayed. Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. The service is especially valuable for travelers bound to Europe, since most flights are too short for a full dinner service and a restful night. For starters, if you're looking to freshen up before or after a flight, you're in luck: This lounge has some of the nicest shower suites you'll find in an airport, bar none. airline?!. For solo travelers, there are these nice pods available with oversized chairs and a slide-out table to get some work done on. She is the creator of Terradrift.com. Just typing out that name is enough to make my mouth water. {"hide_search_input":"","hide_near_input":"","bg":"","mt":"","mr":"","mb":3,"ml":"","pt":"","pr":"","pb":"","pl":"","border":"","rounded":"","rounded_size":"","shadow":"","show":""}. So then, who can access United Polaris lounge? Typical business decisions to cut down on expenses. The space itself is beautiful, and it was well-stocked with tasty food: fresh fruit, baked goods, eggs, bacon, ham, and oatmeal for breakfast until 11 a.m. or so, at which point servers brought out a whole new spread of tasty sandwiches, salads, charcuterie, soups, and more substantial entrees. But United Polaris Lounges are just another caliber and that means they're even harder to get into. Some travelers can even enjoy free upgrades, including to United Polaris class, which will grant you access to a Polaris lounge. You may have access to United Polaris Lounge as a premium customer of one of the following airlines, or as an elite member of their frequent flyer program. And if this was it at the United Polaris Lounge, it would still be better than even some of the top airport lounges in the country. Your feedback is important in helping us keep our community safe. Barista coffee is also available. Let's look closer. Alisha is a freelance writer and photographer. What has your experience been with United Polaris Lounges? Money + Miles tickets arent upgradable with MileagePlus Upgrade Awards, either. These lounges offer dining through a hot and cold buffet, as well as drinks like wine, spirits, craft beer and cocktails. 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. Given the opportunity, I would happily spend an extended amount of time in this lounge. There's also dedicated drink and dessert menus available in the dining room, though I forgot to snap a picture of those. United Polaris Lounge Chicago Access Rules & Location Delta has its Delta Sky Clubs, which almost anyone can get into. 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? The space is elegant and functional, with several luxurious touches such as shower suites, relaxation rooms, private pods, and a-la-carte dining. Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. And while our site doesnt feature every company or financial product available on the market, were proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward and free. But depending on when you arrive and how hungry you are you'll want to beeline it straight to the back corner of the line and queue up forThe Dining Room. One of the highlights of my visit to the United Polaris lounge at ORD was the service I received from my waiter in The Dining Room. Pictures dont do it justice. But depending on where youre traveling, you may also have access to one of Uniteds Polaris lounges, a distinct upgrade on the typical United Club lounge. How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2023? I'm curious if anyone knows what the rules are for a multi-city itinerary? United Polaris Lounge Houston (IAH) It was wonderful. If it is, book and your upgrade request will be confirmed instantly. There are lots of touches and references to things celestial and starry throughout the lounge. They're stocked with Sunday Riley toiletries, which are pretty high quality for an airport lounge. I paired that with a glass of Napa Valley red and walked around the lounge so that I wouldnt fall asleep in my booth! We are going through ORD on a flight this summer and will have access to this lounge. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax or legal advice. The United Polaris lounge at ORD is located in Terminal 1 in Concourse C inside of security, right next to gate C18 which was perfect as that was my gate. 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. Located in a futuristic hallway with fiber optic lighting, twelve individual oversized gender-neutral stalls with a sink and a bench offer patrons plenty of space to change. And by 3 p.m. or so, as many international departures drew near, it was difficult to find an open seat, period. Its garnished with cucumber zest and mint and served over ice. Sign up and well send you Nerdy articles about the money topics that matter most to you along with other ways to help you get more from your money. Blue accent lights highlighted different areas and stars on the ceiling created a sense of relaxation before even getting settled in the 15,000+ square foot lounge. 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. Starting with the lit-from-within check-in desk! (See full menu.) Access for eligible customers traveling on any Star Alliance member airline. I was immediately greeted by a server who handed me a menu and offered to get me a drink while I looked it over. There are also individual day beds available upon request in this amenity wing of the United Polaris Lounge Chicago if you want to rest a bit, though I didn't have enough time on this visit. Thanks! The design draws its inspiration from the United Polaris Lounge at Chicago O'Hare with soothing blue, gray, and white tones, and . Relax and unwind in the brand new Polaris Lounge. Our opinions are our own. Buffet and restaurant with waiters. Make sure to check for any entry requirements before your trip. With so many United international flights taking off from Chicago around 6 p.m., I imagine this lounge starts to empty out by 5 p.m. or so. Decked in fine stone with soft lighting and high-end finishes, the shower suites are a luxurious haven reminiscent of five star hotels. Passengers flying United Polaris business class on long-haul international flights, as well as certain Star Alliance business and first-class passengers, have access to these lounges. You have to be a PAID business class passenger, no miles. However, there are much better options available. The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered. There are a few ways of getting Polaris lounge access even if you didn't originally book a Polaris fare. And the starry sky lighting overhead is a nice touch. In my experience as a 1k that is the only one. Kiosk check-in/customer service center Ticketing/check-in Baggage claim Immigration Animal relief area United Polaris lounge United Club SM location United Premier check-in Nursing room With a central location near most flights with the Spot on. Flying United business class out of Chicago is a treat for one reason and one reason alone: The United Polaris Lounge Chicago. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institutions Terms and Conditions. The flight must be on a participating airline, and even then, some routes on participating airlines are excluded. Chicago O'Hare (near Gate B6, near Gate B18, near Gate C16 and across from Gate F9). We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. Pretty sure the answer is yes but ORD to boston in premium economy (5 hour layover) then Boston-LHR in Polaris on same itinerary, we can use Polaris lounger's at ORD? United Airlines currently has six Polaris Lounges, located in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, and Washington. The Dining Room serves breakfast until 11 a.m., at which point the menu switches over to lunch and dinner. ORD hours are incorrect; pretty sure Polaris at ORD opens at 6 AM. When I walked into the lounge around 9 a.m. on a weekday, there was hardly a soul in sight. If Im flying SWISS first LAX-ZRH, is it worth the hike to the United terminal for the Polaris lounge at LAX? ANA and Lufthansa also depart from Terminal 1, so getting into this lounge is a cinch if you're flying Lufthansa business class or up front with ANA. Our partners compensate us. Isn't that underlighting at each desk classy? So while you could get into the Polaris Lounge if you've got a Turkish Airlines business class ticket or flying TAP Air Portugal business class, it's a major headache. 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. Learn more: The current United miles value. So how do we make money? Offerings include a buffet with sandwiches, small entrees, cheeses, and a make-your-own salad bar, along with desserts. That means it's easy to get to if you're departing on a United Polaris business class flight, as that's where most of United's international departures depart from. Hot Tip: Here is our review of the United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and our review of the United Polaris Lounge at George Washington Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston. It's reserved only for United and Star Alliance business . We are flying United Polaris Business class again to Italy in the fall - hoping our experience will be better. We wish that United had included phone rooms in the design of the Polaris Lounge, in order to accommodate passengers who need to make phone calls. The experience starts on the ground at the beautiful Polaris lounges. Don't get confused because there is a United Club lounge next to gate C16. 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? Lots of loud talkers, bring headphones. 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! This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). The fact that they don't is puzzling. 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.). Maybe LX departs from, I don't know. Unfortunately, my visit was brief, so I didnt get to test them all as I was clearly focused on the food and beverage. Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. 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? American wagu beef carpaccio. Can visit even flying out of T5, leave time for landside transfer to T5. Let's get straight to it: Like all of United's top-tier lounges, the United Polaris Lounge Chicago is an impressive space. While under normal circumstances I would have easily ordered the United Polaris burger and washed it down with a Samuel Adams draft beer, I was showing self-restraint that evening for some reason. Elite status wont get you into these lounges, regardless of where youre traveling to. To see the full list of Star Alliance-affiliated lounges, go to the Star Alliance website. The Polaris Lounge at SFO is adjacent to the International G Gates security screening area, just before the escalators down to the hallway over to Terminal 3. The Glowing Check-In Desk. For starters, these suites are massive, with more than enough space for a bench to lay out your luggage and get changed heck, you can even walk around. 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? You want a travel credit card that prioritizes whats important to you. United originally promised nine Polaris Lounge locations: Chicago O'Hare, Hong Kong, Houston, London Heathrow, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Tokyo Narita and Washington Dulles. The 17 Best Websites, Apps, and Courses to Learn French Online, The 12 Best Cheap Hotels in Orlando, Florida [2023]. I'd much rather eat this than the subpar food United serves on its long-haul international flights. 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. They need to post meal options 24-48 hour prior to flight so you can ensure the meal you want. 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. Your email address will not be published. 2023 Sound Imagineers, LLC. Boston (near Gate B24). It will NOT be published. The ratio of staff to passengers is impressive, and demonstrates Uniteds commitment to offering personal service. But like the United Polaris Lounge here as a whole, there's a problem: It's just not big enough. Even if you didnt request an upgrade during initial booking, there are still ways. Everything here is first come, first served there's no way to reserve a shower in advance. And there's also a toilet inside each suite. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. The wireless internet in the Polaris lounge was fast and easy to access. But if you're there beforehand, prepare to bump some elbows. The design, layout, food, and service were all top-notch and better than almost anything you can find at a U.S. airport run by a U.S. airline and I didnt even get to experience everything they had to offer! All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. American has its excellent Flagship Lounges like the Dallas Flagship Lounge, another step up from your standard airline club. Stay connected with the latest travel, aviation, and credit card news. Polaris Lounges are open in: Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) Newark Liberty International (EWR) George Bush Intercontinental-Houston (IAH) Los Angeles International (LAX) San Francisco International (SFO) Washington Dulles (IAD) Can I take them along with me to Polaris lounge at ORD? Visited 4pm, very few people, full bar and buffet, plus sit down dine, great service. Much like the United Polaris Lounge Newark (EWR) and locations at other major United hubs, this lounge puts your standard airport lounge to shame. Forget top travel credit cards or even status they'll do you no good here. On the United website, navigate to Advanced Search and select the MileagePlus Upgrade Award upgrade type under Upgrades, certificates, and promotion codes. Youll then be able to see whether a MileagePlus Upgrade Award is available for the flights you want. 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. United Airlines' opened its first Polaris Lounge in Chicago O'Hare last month to complement its new Polaris onboard premium product. We take your comments very seriously as they really help us to improve the site. Just don't count on getting much of it to yourself anytime soon. United Polaris Lounge is open Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. United Polaris Lounge Chicago Lunch and Dinner Menu. Leaving aside the lounge, there is really nothing interesting about that walk unless you are looking for steps on your Fitbit. Back toward the entrance, you'll find the long like, really long corridor of single-stall restrooms, with about a dozen available. The airlines best customers have the option to pre-order and store their favorite wine or liquor, and United picks up the tab. Yes, the United Polaris lounge at Chicago OHare is located in Terminal 1 in Concourse C inside of security, right next to gate C18. There were also vegetarian and gluten-free options as well. 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. Does polaris have kosher food, Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ). When evaluating offers, please review the financial institutions Terms and Conditions. The lounge is spacious, light, and airy. A staff member will be happy to fetch you ahead of your flight should you wish to indulge in a nap. Let me explain why. Review: The Woodward Hotel Geneva, Oetker Collection. In case you want to take a shower before or after your trip, the Polaris Lounge boasts six gorgeous shower suites. Although the butternut squash soup sounded delicious, I decided to order the harvest pear salad to try and keep things light. 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. I wish they at least opened up access to incoming Star Alliance first class passengers connecting to UA on a domestic/regional hop. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. The airline is touting its first lounge, at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, as the only one of . The carrier re-opened its Polaris Lounge at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Wednesday, a United spokesperson told TPG. Get more smart money moves straight to your inbox. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. We have an extensive network of lounges around the world for you to visit. You can access United Polaris Lounges if youre traveling the same day on a United Polaris ticket: United Polaris Lounges are also open to premium cabin passengers traveling long haul on Star Alliance partners: The policy on connecting itineraries is an area where the Star Alliance lounge access policy is stingy compared to the oneworld lounge access policy. Priority Pass, over 1,000 lounges at your fingertips. You could see some of the ceiling paint clearly peeling, but otherwise these shower suites were in perfect shape. Any passenger with access to the Polaris lounge can enjoy a meal here for no extra cost. One drink is the London Spritz, Segers take on a Pimms Cup, a British summer drink thats especially popular during the Wimbledon tennis tournament. has been expanded, and now features a dedicated dining area, Review: The United Polaris onboard experience, Lounge Spotlight: primeclass Lounge Muscat, an oasis of luxury and service, Airport lounge operators tackle crowding: whats changing in 2023, The first Chase Sapphire Lounge opens in Hong Kong, The Last American Airlines Admirals Club Has Re-opened.
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