Lounge Review: United Club(s) – Chicago O’Hare (ORD) – Terminal 1 (C10) and (B6)

….a comparative review of the old and new

United has four traditional United Clubs at its O’Hare Hub. Two are in Terminal 1 – Concourse B; One in Terminal 1 – Concourse C, and One in Terminal 2. This joint review will highlight the large lounge in Concourse B near gate B6 and the newer lounge in Terminal 1 Concourse C near gate C10.

The Concourse C lounge reflects United’s new aesthetic, reflecting the urban vibe of Chicago and more varied food offerings. The Concourse B6 lounge (like the remaining two) sport United’s mid-2010’s aesthetic, sporting clean lines, faux marble and a minimalist vibe. Neither lounge is in the same league as a United Polaris lounge.

Terminal 1, Concourse B – Near Gate B6

When: April 19, 2024

Rating: 6/10 – Worth the Visit

Access: United Club Membership

This is the largest United Club at O’Hare. The entrance is near gate B6. After presenting your credentials at reception, you go up the escalators and enter the large lounge. The lounge is really two large rooms with a variety of seating throughout, including some high-top tables. There are two buffets, which do sport decent food options, coffee machines, and soda fountains.  United flyers will immediately notice the style of this lounge – it was replicated all over the US until United decided to make the lounges more reflective of the city and airport where the lounge is located.  There are plenty of clean lines, faux white marble, modern light fixtures and the vintage United pictures. This last feature, which celebrates the airline’s history is a very nice touch. The second room contains the very large bar and friendly bartenders. There is a charge for premium cocktails. There are no showers in the lounge nor are there any other premium amenities. Nevertheless, given the size of this lounge, you can always find a seat. It’s also a very good lounge to get work done. There are electrical outlets throughout.

I rate this lounge 6/0. Best features: The size and good for work. Flaws: This lounge is dated.

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Terminal 1, Concourse C – Near Gate C10

When: April 19, 2024

Rating: 7/10 – Very Fine

Access: United Club Membership

This is the newest United Club at O’Hare. The entrance is near gate B6. Like its newest lounges, you scan your boarding pass for entry, though there are agents too for assistance. After entry, you are immediately struck by the refreshed modern urban décor. It’s an extremely attractive space. You will also notice all the different seating styles: tables for working and eating, sofas, lounge like chairs, etc. The space is cleverly broken up to appear that it’s several different rooms. The buffet to the left has a large variety of hot and cold items, which is also a feature of the airline’s newer lounges in Denver and Newark. My favorite feature of this lounge is the bar. It is truly a beautiful space with great tarmac views and very modern. As per United Clubs (not Polaris), there is charge for premium drinks. But there is an extensive list of free options. The staff at this lounge seems to enjoy working in such nice surroundings and they are always seen cleaning or restocking the buffet. It’s a flaw that there are no showers. Newark’s United Club at C123 remains the only domestic United Club with showers. I am guessing that the O’Hare renovation project will provide for a lounge with this feature – which is handy given the amount of connecting passengers at this airport. The other flaw: This lounge gets very crowded. Passengers are aware that this lounge is significantly nicer than the other three clubs at the airport.

I rate this lounge 7/10. Best features: The décor, food and bar. Flaws: Crowds.