Terms apply to offers below. The color scheme is a soothing blue, gray and white, with high-end finishes which set the Polaris Lounge worlds apart from the United Club. Priority Pass, over 1,000 lounges at your fingertips. See all (121) With a central location near most flights with the Spot on. 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. Pressing service is available upon request: hang your clothes through the double door, and they will be returned to you wrinkle free while you freshen up. The United Polaris lounge in Chicago is located in Terminal 1, Concourse C next to gate C18. If Im flying SWISS first LAX-ZRH, is it worth the hike to the United terminal for the Polaris lounge at LAX? It's reserved only for United and Star Alliance business . Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. If you're a Premier member, you may be automatically upgraded for free if you booked an eligible flight. If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion directly. Clearing security might require a boarding pass departing from the terminal. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. Since I was tight on time, I didnt get to test out the shower. Just to be crystal clear about the policy, say youre flying from Frankfurt to Chicago to Los Angeles, with the second segment on United. Does polaris have kosher food, There are lots of touches and references to things celestial and starry throughout the lounge. Blankets are available upon request and even heated. Service was speedy and friendly to start everything you'd expect at a restaurant, really. After a brief wait and then a quick scan of my boarding pass, I was quickly escorted back to one of seven shower suites. I paired that with a glass of Napa Valley red and walked around the lounge so that I wouldnt fall asleep in my booth! 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. One thing that I did notice was the abundance of excellent workspace options. ORD hours are incorrect; pretty sure Polaris at ORD opens at 6 AM. Boston (near Gate B24). The seat concept was inspired by the design of the Polaris business class seat. There is also a United Club lounge next to gate C16, so just be sure to not confuse them or you will likely be quite disappointed after reading this review! Amateur level service at the dining room, burgers that make you wish you had McDonald's instead. Here are our picks for the. Required fields are marked *. Particularly before a long flight like that, it's nice to do the airside walk from United T7 to TBIT. While any United passenger with a valid same-day boarding pass can buy a one-time pass for United Club lounges (or a United Club membership), not just anyone can get into the coveted Polaris lounge. I'm curious if anyone knows what the rules are for a multi-city itinerary? Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) Download the United app to find the most up-to-date, interactive airport maps. Update: The Polaris Lounge has been expanded, and now features a dedicated dining area. Their lounges, for lack of a better more fancy word, just suck. A staff member will be happy to fetch you ahead of your flight should you wish to indulge in a nap. At peak times, there may be several wide bodies parked immediately outside the lounge, a sight to behold for aviation lovers. In short: Fly Polaris class. Barista coffee is also available. Soda, juices, and bottled water to go are available for self-service in coolers by the buffet area. If you look closely at the seating photos above, you will notice almost all of them have a nice spot to place a laptop and an outlet nearby. American Way, Hemispheres, CultureMap, JohnnyJet, and more. who also have one of these United-Chase credit cards may score a complimentary upgrade if available: ) has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card. Many shower suites inside airport lounges can feel quite cramped, but that's not the case here. While the buffet will remain, you can now order off a menu [] Answer is no. They really are great lounges. You want a travel credit card that prioritizes whats important to you. Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. 2023 Thrifty Traveler. However, the credit card information that we publish has been written by experts who know these products inside out, and what we recommend is what we would (or already) use ourselves. There is also a United Club lounge next to gate . Since I had been so restrained for the first 2 courses, there was no holding me back when my waiter described the double chocolate skillet cookie. It is not the bank advertisers responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered. 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. Decked in fine stone with soft lighting and high-end finishes, the shower suites are a luxurious haven reminiscent of five star hotels. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Email needed if you'd like comment updates. I opted to take a booth for myself since the lounge was so empty. With a sleek and modern design, this lounge features custom chairs, private daybeds, spa-like showers, bespoke art installations by artist Wolfgang Buttress, and chef. So when the lounge starts buzzing, getting a table can be a serious challenge. I recently used Chicago's United Polaris Lounge on a trip to Asia during a 4 hour layover. There were also vegetarian and gluten-free options as well. The bathrooms are equally impressive. "Sky's the Limit" at O'Hare by w4nd3rl0st from Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) The Polaris Lounge is in the middle of Concourse C, near gate C20, in the location of the former United Global First Class Lounge . Open Now 6:00am - 9:00pm Top Complimentary Amenities Premium Food Snacks Spirits & Liquor Beer & Wine Wi-Fi Showers We have an extensive network of lounges around the world for you to visit. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone. Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. while the second drink station near the back of the lounge has Illy espresso machines, if you want a cappucino or Americano with just a few taps, as well as some other beverages. Upgraded Points, LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site and prior to applying for any credit card offers found on UpgradedPoints.com, all visitors should review other features of such credit cards including but not limited to interest rates, annual fees and transaction fees, and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering their own individual financial position. The carrier re-opened its Polaris Lounge at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Wednesday, a United spokesperson told TPG. 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. All rights reserved. See our Advertiser Disclosurefor more details. 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. Get more smart money moves straight to your inbox. I was immediately greeted by a server who handed me a menu and offered to get me a drink while I looked it over. OK92033) Property & Casualty Licenses, NerdWallet | 55 Hawthorne St. - 11th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105, How to Get Into a United Polaris Lounge Before Your Flight. From the space itself to the amenities to dining facilities and high-end finishes, it blows every other airport lounge at Chicago-O'Hare (ORD) out of the water and it's not even close. Like all Polaris Lounges around the country, the Polaris Lounge in Chicago has a few standout amenities you can count on. The flight must be on a participating airline, and even then, some routes on participating airlines are excluded. For those who want to watch some TV or prefer the movement of the bar, there are barstools along the gorgeous bar as well as small tables spread along the perimeter. Ask the Yelp community! With a sleek and modern design, this lounge features custom. 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. The Polaris Lounge makes for a great way to start a flight. Learn more: The best first class airline in the U.S. United Polaris Lounges really are spectacular, and in my opinion are the best business class lounges offered by any US airline. 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. 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. I am a United Club member. I love the look of these bars with the underlighting and black leather stools. Polaris Lounges are only accessible to business and first-class passengers flying United Polaris or business or first class on Star Alliance partners. Other amenities at the Polaris include a wellness room with a sink for new mothers, as well as a selection of newspapers. United has temporarily closed all its Polaris lounges, but has reopened the following United Club locations: Atlanta (North Terminal, Concourse T, between Gates 11 and 12). To see the full list of Star Alliance-affiliated lounges, go to the Star Alliance website. If not, any other options for them to accompany me like buying one time United Club pass? Inquire with the valet behind the double glass door; should there be a wait, a staff member will come find you in person in the lounge when your shower is ready. I was only using my phone for social media purposes, so nothing too heavy, but I was able to upload photos and videos with ease. The experience starts on the ground at the beautiful Polaris lounges. Get our daily email for the latest in travel, flight deals, and how to save on your next trip. Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Your email address will not be published. In fact, there are only six located across the U.S.: What makes Polaris lounges different from Uniteds normal lounges? If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion directly. I recently published aguide about how to access United Clubs. But I just wish the bar had a dedicated cocktail and wine menu. Your email address will not be published. The airline is touting its first lounge, at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, as the only one of . If you are flying United Polaris (not regular business class) on a long-haul international flight, you can use this lounge before departure, during connections, or even upon arrival. If you'd like to add a comment to this article and share your valuable feedback and opinions, please click here to leave your comment. If you're traveling for business to international destinations, depending on your class of service and/or mileage plus status, you may qualify to go this Polaris lounge is a new thing. Kyle Potter is the executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, covering everything from aviation news to travel deals to in-depth guides on using airline miles. Learn more: Your guide to the Star Alliance. 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. Got a question about United Polaris Lounge? 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. As part of my whirlwind trip between Rio de Janeiro and Boston, I found myself flying 3 different airlines and visiting about a half-dozen airport lounges. United Polaris Lounge Houston (IAH) The pan-seared rainbow trout with wild rice pilaf, however, was flawless. 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. Use our lounge access wizard and find out, or log in or create an account and we'll keep track of your lounge memberships and premium credit cards. But how can you get in before your flight? The United Polaris Lounge Los Angeles is open daily from 6:30AM until 10:30PM, and its located in Terminal 7, between gates 73 and 75A. The food is freshly prepared on site in a full kitchen. This bonus value is an estimated valuation. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. Top notch lounge. I'm a big fan of the single work pods that run all the way through the center of the main lounge area. The Polaris lounge has a full service bar and hot food. After a meal and a cocktail, you may want to rest before your flight. The United Polaris Lounge Houston is open daily from 5:30AM until 9PM, and its located in Terminal E, near gate E12. The Space. Cleveland (between Gates C14 and C16). (See full menu.) 2. It must be on an eligible "same day" routing. It is open daily from 7:00AM to 9:00PM. The location you list for SFO is for a United Club, though. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money. So how do we make money? Just typing out that name is enough to make my mouth water. The lounge is open from 7:15am until 9:00pm seven days a week. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. The United Polaris lounges are available exclusively to our international premium cabin travelers, offering a thoughtful selection of amenities such as signature seating, a relaxation area and showers to help you prepare for your flight. And if the United Polaris Lounge Chicago were bigger, it would certainly be better much better. In the years since, the airline has opened outposts in all the aforementioned U.S. airports, except for Washington Dulles. All Polaris members can access United Clubs, but United Club members cannot access Polaris lounges. Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. 5 ways to gain United Polaris lounge access, Things to know about United Airlines lounge access. Flying United business class out of Chicago is a treat for one reason and one reason alone: The United Polaris Lounge Chicago. Unfortunately, for me, I only had a little over an hour to enjoy the Polaris lounge. American wagu beef carpaccio. 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. 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). Do I have access to United Polaris Lounge at ORD? We've flown international out of ORD on United dozens of times, we've always departed from one of the domestic terminals. For lounges inside security or immigration, you must first check your baggage and obtain your boarding pass. Around the back of the lounge, you will find more of these sofa-style lounge chairs, which may be a quieter option if the lounge is busy. While the space was initially slated to be renovated and re-opened as a United Club, a portion was soon earmarked . While the slumber rooms lack a door, theyre very private nevertheless thanks to their isolated location away from the crowds, in a separate enclosed area. Jeanette Margle leads the home loans content team at NerdWallet, where she has worked since 2019. The higher your elite status level, the earlier you become eligible for complimentary upgrades. But for the rest of the Star Alliance bunch, it's a different story. And a private dining room that seats 10. 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. Stay connected with the latest travel, aviation, and credit card news. The Lunch and Dinner menu is served from 11:00 am - 8:30 pm, and it is very, very good. How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2023? For the last month, food has been served buffet style in the lounge. I agree the lounges are terrific, but you need a good bit of time to really get the benefits. Unfortunately, my visit was brief, so I didnt get to test them all as I was clearly focused on the food and beverage. You have to be a PAID business class passenger, no miles. Fontina-filled . Check to make sure before you book if youre hoping to upgrade. There are a few ways of getting Polaris lounge access even if you didn't originally book a Polaris fare. 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. United has enlisted the services of an expert: the former Head Concierge at the Drake hotel in Chicago, who also helped launch the St. Regis luxury hotel in New York City. United Polaris Lounge Chicago Access Rules & Location, Dining & Drinks at the United Polaris Lounge Chicago. The bar area boasts a more vibrant vibe with blue LED lighting, pristine white marble, and an under lit counter. Chicago O'Hare International Airport - ORD. 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. In my experience as a 1k that is the only one. The wireless internet in the Polaris lounge was fast and easy to access. My husband and I experiended the new lounge at Newark Airport. If youre looking to upgrade to business or first class on a Star Alliance flight using a Star Alliance Upgrade Award, not all flights are eligible. Membership, Upgrade Points, Status, etc.? 112 reviews #447 of 4,621 Restaurants in Chicago $$$$ Bar Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options. Its garnished with cucumber zest and mint and served over ice. Review: The Woodward Hotel Geneva, Oetker Collection. Business class all the way. The lounge is 12,000 square feet, making it the smallest Polaris Lounge. Unfortunately, you cannot bring guests with you into the Polaris Lounge and passes are not available for purchase. Finally, in the back corner (and past the lounge's Dining Room) you'll find a large, quiet area with a few dozen armchairs. I was, after all, still planning on eating on my flight, too! United Polaris Lounge Chicago Quiet Suites (Sleeping Rooms) Four daybeds are available. Airline Lounges | Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) O'Hare Assistant O'HARE International Airport O'HARE(current) MIDWAY ABOUT CDA COMMUNITY Search: O'Hare Airport For me, the food and beverage was the star of the show at the United Polaris lounge at ORD. At the end of the day, whatreally sets United Polaris Lounges apart from other airlines is dining. 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