Discover the New United Club Experience at O’Hare

by Sky Skylar | May 20, 2025 | 0 Comments

For frequent flyers passing through Chicago O’Hare, the United Club network provides an inviting retreat from the bustle of one of the nation’s busiest airports. Over the past year, I’ve noticed significant improvements in how these clubs are laid out and the amenities they offer, which is quite a leap compared to older lounge models. Below are six key highlights that demonstrate how United aims to meet travelers’ evolving demands.

A Network of Sprawling Lounges

1. A Network of Sprawling Lounges

United currently operates four clubs at O’Hare, including two in Terminal 1 (near gates B6 and B18) and another in Concourse C (near gate C10). A fifth, relatively new club opened in Terminal 2 near gate E7. During my recent visit, I was struck by how each lounge still manages to maintain its own vibe—some sporting a mid-2010s retro feel, while others opt for a more modern flair. According to industry data from early 2025, Chicago O’Hare continues to see a rise in passenger traffic, so having multiple lounge options helps spread out the crowds and keep things relatively calm.

In my own travels, I’ve observed that the older United Clubs tend to score around 6/10 for overall vibe due to dated styling, while the newer lounges hover at a more comfortable 7/10 thanks to additional comforts like improved lighting and more ergonomic seating. These multiple lounge locations also accommodate different flight paths, making it convenient to pick whichever is nearest your departure gate without hiking across terminals.

Chicago-Inspired Modern Design

2. Chicago-Inspired Modern Design

The Concourse C lounge near gate C10 stands out for its sleek, urban ambiance inspired by the Windy City itself. Spanning roughly 17,000 square feet, it features floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for impressive views of the runway and inject plenty of natural light. I appreciate how these well-lit spaces encourage a sense of calm amid the usual hustle of travel day. When the lounge isn’t too crowded, this spacious design can offer a surprisingly serene workspace or relaxation nook.

The décor, curated with subtle nods to Chicago’s architecture and art scene, creates a distinct local feel. I’ve heard from fellow travelers that the mix of city motifs and comfortable lounge furniture helps them transition smoothly from the energy of the city outside to the more relaxed pace of pre-flight downtime. A recent study from the American Institute of Architects noted that color palette and lighting can significantly improve visitor well-being, and I believe the lounge’s design reflects that philosophy well.

Varied Access Options

3. Varied Access Options

There’s definitely no shortage of avenues to enter the United Club. Frequent flyers with elite status, certain credit card holders, and those with paid memberships are typically granted access. On particularly busy days, though, a day-pass—priced at around $59—may be placed on standby if capacity limits are hit. I’ve been in a few situations where day-pass users had to wait, and I usually recommend travelers consider an annual membership if they pass through O’Hare often.

Additionally, Star Alliance Gold flyers, active military members, and those traveling internationally in United business class often enjoy complimentary entry. Industry data from 2024 confirms that membership-based lounge use has increased across major airports, reflecting a clear preference for consistent pre-flight comforts. I’ve seen people take advantage of these varied access methods to study, catch up on emails, or simply unwind, contributing to an environment that feels both inclusive and professional.

Enhanced Amenities & Dining

4. Enhanced Amenities & Dining

Over the past six months, I’ve noticed significant enhancements to the lounges’ food and beverage options. Most clubs feature a decent buffet spread with items like salads, snacks, and occasionally rotating cold entrees. Some also include soups that change seasonally, adding a nice touch of variety. When I’m waiting between flights, having a range of food options can help keep my energy levels stable—essential for staying productive on the road.

On top of dining, many of these lounges now offer improved work amenities, such as private phone booths and supercharged Wi-Fi speeds. I’ve observed that United has also introduced helpful features like QR code ordering and even futuristic roaming robot trash collectors in select locations. These touches may sound whimsical, but they reflect a commitment to tech-driven hospitality that’s quickly becoming a staple in modern airport lounges.

A Look Ahead at the Polaris Expansion

In response to increasing demand, United expanded its Polaris Lounge at O’Hare to nearly 25,000 square feet on April 29, 2025. This new space accommodates over 350 seats and boasts features like a hidden speakeasy-style second bar, a full-service dining area, and additional showers. I’ve heard from crew members that these amenities have cut back on crowding, creating a more relaxed experience for those traveling on premium tickets or with the highest elite tiers.

Massage pods and curated décor by Chicago-based Crate & Barrel give the lounge a uniquely local feel. From my vantage point, it’s exciting to see how airlines are breaking away from cookie-cutter lounge templates and investing in region-specific design cues. A recent study suggests these localized touches can enhance travelers’ feelings of comfort and connection, which is exactly what you want when your flight might be delayed or you have a few hours to kill between connections.

A Temporary Fix in Terminal 2

6. A Temporary Fix in Terminal 2

The freshly opened United Club near gate E7 in Terminal 2 is smaller compared to its Terminal 1 and 2 counterparts, but it addresses immediate crowding concerns until Terminal 2 is eventually demolished and upgraded in the broader modernization process. I’ve dropped in during peak evening hours and found that while seating is limited, the space remains a pleasant alternative to waiting in the main terminal area.

This repurposed lounge still provides a self-service bar and a selection of small bites, which is enough to tide you over before a flight. If you’re looking for a quieter spot to make a call or fire off an email, the lounge’s location means you’ll likely avoid the biggest rush of travelers. Industry chatter suggests these smaller interim lounges demonstrate airlines’ willingness to be flexible, ensuring that passengers never feel too far from a comfortable seat and a charging port.

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

Overall, these six highlights show that United is taking its lounge experiences seriously at Chicago O’Hare. Each updated facility offers a blend of comfort, modern aesthetics, and practical amenities that can really enhance a traveler’s day. There’s something optimistic about witnessing an airline continually invest in better spaces, especially as passenger volumes reach new heights in 2025.

Whether you’re a seasoned elite flyer or a first-time lounge visitor, you’ll likely find these updated clubs a welcome haven from O’Hare’s bustling terminals. Between improved dining, redesigned seating, and expanded footprint, these spaces reflect a forward-thinking approach to travel—one that ensures we can stay connected and at ease.

Sky Skylar’s Take

The latest lounge transformations at O’Hare demonstrate how airlines can blend big-city influences with tech-savvy amenities, uplifting the pre-flight experience. I appreciate the commitment to providing diverse seating areas for work, relaxation, and socializing, which goes a long way in bringing a bit of homey comfort to an otherwise busy airport environment.

When you look at these changes collectively, they’re more than just short-term upgrades—they’re shaping the future of air travel. Improving the lounge experience might seem like a small part of the journey, but it’s often what keeps us feeling our best, both mentally and physically, when we’re thousands of miles from home.

Follow us back to BoardingArea for more.
Also on BoardingArea
Frequent Miler
Last Chance Deals: Cheap Choice points, Employee card bonus, IHG offers and more
Welcome to our weekly list of what’s ending this week as well as a collection of some other deals that are due to end soon. While there are only a handful of deals scheduled to expire this week, keep in mind that this weekly post covers deals expiring from Sunday through Saturday....
Live and Let’s Fly
The Trip Not Taken: Splitting Up The Family To London
On a recent trip to London, I made a mistake. The choice then became how we all get to London and the answer was: separately. My Mistake: Positioning Flight Award space is hard to come by and for this trip we needed five seats, not four in business class. I have remarked...
One Mile at a Time
Alaska & Hawaiian Atmos Rewards Summit Card Review: Premium Value
Link: Apply now for the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card The Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card is the newly launched premium credit card of Atmos Rewards, which is the new loyalty program of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. This card is issued by Bank of America, and has to be...
Monkey Miles
15 Things you should immediately do with your American Express Platinum
Got an American Express Platinum Card? Here are 14 things you should do immediately The post 15 Things you should immediately do with your American Express Platinum appeared first on Monkey Miles.
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
Receive a 50% bonus when you buy Miles & More miles (First time buyers only)
Miles & More is offering a excellent 50% bonus for buying miles with their packaged Bundle&Go offers for the rest of this month. This offer is for first time buyers of Bundle&Go packages. Bundle&Go packages are Miles & More’s innovative way at selling miles to members without directly selling miles...
View from the Wing
Bare Feet In First Class: Delta Passenger Changes The Channel With Toes
A Los Angeles-bound Delta Air Lines passenger was spotted using their toes to control their entertainment screen. She was seated in first class at bulkhead on flight 2830. from Seattle on Saturday. Continue reading Bare Feet In First Class: Delta Passenger Changes The Channel With Toes...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Giant Pigeons Invade New York! Sunday Morning Photograph!
I witnessed giant pigeons invading New York! I could not believe it! There I was, walking the streets of Manhattan — and there they were! Nobody panicked! Everyone went on with life as usual! They were not even worried about being “bombed” by these freaks of nature! Actually, the giant pigeon...
One Mile at a Time
My Least Favorite Long Haul Flight Schedules: Please Let Me Sleep!
There are few things in life that I enjoy more than flying. That being said, some long haul flight schedules at least temporarily make me dread getting on a flight. With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to share my least favorite kinds of long haul flight...
View from the Wing
Woman Shouts ‘I’m Not Going To Jail For This’ As She Stops Airport Brawl In Miami [Roundup]
A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips. Continue reading Woman Shouts ‘I’m Not Going To Jail For This’ As She Stops Airport Brawl In Miami [Roundup]...
a room with chairs and a table
BoardingArea
Review: The Club at Buffalo Niagara Int’l Airport (BUF), Terminal 2, E Gates
The Club, a Priority Pass Lounge and the only lounge at Buffalo’s airport has a decent breakfast buffet and nice views of the tarmac. However, several exposed ventilation pipes severely mar the space. The summary The lounge is easily found: it is right after travelers clear security and near gate 6 in...
Eye of the Flyer
Mega Brawl on Carnival Cruise Ship, Plane Lands on Cape Cod Beach, Another Broken Delta Wing Inflight, Delta Flight Diverts Over Woman in Labor, Less Drinkers on Vacations and more Cruise and Travel News!
Here are this week’s cruise headlines and news from around the web and interweb: Massive Fight Breaks Out on Carnival Cruise Ship ‘Over Chicken Tenders’ Fewer people are drinking — and that’s changing how they travel Small plane lands on Cape Cod beach, refuels (video) Part of Delta plane wing...
View from the Wing
Passengers Film Rats Scurrying Through Detroit Airport—Time To Bring Back Michigan’s Bounty On Rat Heads?
Rats have been found scurrying around inside the Detroit airport, and passengers caught it on video. Continue reading Passengers Film Rats Scurrying Through Detroit Airport—Time To Bring Back Michigan’s Bounty On Rat Heads?...
One Mile at a Time
Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards: Maximize Spending Abroad
When it comes to deciding which card to use for your spending, there are all kinds of things to consider. Maybe you want the best card for everyday spending, maybe you want the best card for a specific bonus category (dining, groceries, gas, etc.), maybe you want the best card...
Live and Let’s Fly
American Airlines “Instant Upgrades” Not So Instant
American Airlines killed miles + co-pay upgrade options and the award chart a couple of weeks ago, but its “instant upgrades” are not so instant.  What Were Mileage Co-Pay Upgrades? On some routes, American Airlines would allow passengers to use miles and cash to secure a seat in either Premium Economy, Business...
One Mile at a Time
Istanbul Airport’s Jaw-Dropping Food & Drink Prices: Why, Though?!
When you visit an airport, you expect to pay high prices at concessions, including for food and drinks. However, not all airports are created equal when it comes to pricing, and there’s a surprising airport where I most consistently see complaints on this topic. I thought it would be interesting...
Live from a Lounge
Jupiter EDGE+: The new LTF reincarnation of Jupiter EDGE Credit Card with up to 10% Cashback on select categories
Jupiter has recently launched a newer version of its EDGE Credit Card, the EDGE+, which offers unlimited cashback and 10% cashback in select categories. Here are the details. The post Jupiter EDGE+: The new LTF reincarnation of Jupiter EDGE Credit Card with up to 10% Cashback on select categories appeared...
ATX Jetsetter
Delta Cancels Midland Flights Amid Expansion in Austin
Delta Air Lines is cancelling all flights to Midland-Odessa amid a broader expansion of its Austin focus city. The post Delta Cancels Midland Flights Amid Expansion in Austin appeared first on ATX Jetsetter.
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
American Airlines Jet Makes Emergency Landing After Yet Another Mid-Air Fire
An American Airlines Airbus A321 flying from Philadelphia to Phoenix was forced to make an emergency diversion just 30 minutes into its cross-country flight after a fire erupted in one of the passenger rows – later confirmed to have been caused by a malfunctioning electronic device belonging to a customer...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
What Is Wrong With This Photograph? Part 315
The Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge in California offers a choice of two options for dining for the convenience of its guests — or even for visitors who are not staying at the hotel property. For this edition of this popular game, can you guess what... The post What Is...
Frequent Miler
South rim trails start to reopen, Norse cuts its own flights to lease planes instead, and a Croatian free-diver makes history (Saturday Selection)
Throughout the week, our team shares articles they’ve stumbled upon that may interest our readers, even if they might not otherwise merit a full post. Here are some of the posts we found interesting this week: South rim trails start to reopen, Norse cuts its own flights to lease planes...
Economy Class & Beyond
Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond (23rd August)
In England, it’s the last bank holiday weekend before the festive season. So, let’s kick back, read some headlines and chill in Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond.  Arrivals and Departures – Class 172 trains at Birmingham Moor Street station  It goes without saying that with my publication times,...
View from the Wing
Stop Adding Transfer Partners – Let Points Buy Elite Status, Lounge Access And Upgrades Immediately
Status partners would be a way to generate real excitement and among cardmembers. And members redeeming their points this way are getting more value from their card so would spend more, shifting wallet share to the product that offered it. Continue reading Stop Adding Transfer Partners – Let Points Buy...
One Mile at a Time
Weekly Review: August 23, 2025
I hope everyone is having a nice weekend so far! I’ve been with family this week, splitting time between visiting my mom in the Tampa area and being at home in Miami. I’m planning a review trip for early September, and I’m currently in the planning phases of that, so...
One Mile at a Time
Eurowings Adds “Real” A320neo Business Class, A Rarity In Europe
Business class on narrow body jets within Europe is known for being lackluster, generally just consisting of economy seats with blocked middles and improved service. A few months ago, a Lufthansa Group carrier announced it would install more comfortable seats in business class on narrow body aircraft. Ironically, it’s not...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories

Our Bloggers