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VIP Lounges at Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD)
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Escaping the hustle and bustle of O'Hare's terminals can turn a long wait into a relaxing experience. Airport VIP lounges offer comfy seating, drinks, and Wi‑Fi—but the quality, amenities, and atmosphere vary widely. This guide, based on hundreds of traveler reviews, helps you know what to expect from each lounge, which ones are worth visiting, and which are best avoided.
Quick Questions About VIP Lounges at O’Hare
- Which lounge gets the best reviews? The Delta Sky Club in Terminal 5 is consistently praised for its modern design, spacious layout, and quality food, including its famous Chicago-style hot dog station.
- Which lounge gets the most complaints? The Swissport Lounge in Terminal 5. Travelers describe it as “terrible” and “disappointing,” citing lack of food, outdated furniture, and unfriendly staff. Priority Pass members, are often denied entry.
- How can I get access? It depends: lounge memberships like Priority Pass, elite status with alliances (Star Alliance, Oneworld), first/business class tickets, or certain credit cards.
- Can I buy a day pass? Yes—lounges like United Club and Admirals Club sell day passes at the door (usually $59–$79), but only if they aren’t full—which is often the case.
- What’s the most common issue across lounges? Overcrowding. Even premium lounges can fill up during peak hours, sometimes requiring a waitlist where you may never get in.
Real Traveler Experiences in O’Hare Lounges
User experience: O'Hare's lounges are a mix of contrasts. Some offer luxury experiences that justify the cost, while others are total disappointments. A clear trend emerges: food quality is a deciding factor. Lounges like Delta Sky Club and American Flagship Lounge stand out for their culinary offerings, while United Club and SAS Lounge often fall short with limited, low-quality options. Staff make a big difference—standout employees like Kristiana at the Admirals Club can brighten a visit, whereas indifferent service at Swissport Lounge can ruin it. Crowding and a shortage of working outlets are common complaints in almost every lounge.
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Domestic Terminals Lounges (T1, T2, T3)
United Club
User experience: A functional refuge, but no frills. Travelers describe it as a place to escape terminal noise—but it’s often packed and hard to find a seat. Food is consistently criticized as “mediocre” or “limited,” and a frequent disappointment is the lack of working power outlets. Front‑desk staff can be strict with access rules, frustrating some guests.
Location:
- Terminal 1, Gate B6 (5:00 am – 9:00 pm)
- Terminal 1, Gate B18 (5:00 am – 10:00 pm)
- Terminal 1, Gate C10 (5:00 am – 9:00 pm)
- Terminal 2, Gate F9 (5:00 am – 9:00 pm)
Access: United Club membership, United/Star Alliance premium passengers, Star Alliance Gold status, and day passes ($59) if space is available.
United Polaris Lounge (International Long‑Haul Only)
User experience: Considered one of the best lounges in North America. Offers luxury with à la carte dining, premium cocktail bar, and exceptional service—it’s a world away from the standard United Club.
Location: Terminal 1, Gate C18 (6:00 am – 9:00 pm)
Access: Reserved for United Polaris passengers or first/business cabin travelers on international long‑haul flights with Star Alliance.
Admirals Club
User experience: It largely depends on the staff. Employees like Kristiana at the Concourse L location are noted for making travelers feel incredibly welcome. However, the food offering is considered weaker compared to competitors. It’s a comfortable space, but it fills quickly.
Location:
- Terminal 3, Gate G8 (6:15 am – 9:45 pm)
- Terminal 3, Gate L1 (5:00 am – 9:45 pm)
- Terminal 3, Gates H6/K6 (5:00 am – 11:15 pm)
Access: Admirals Club membership, American/oneworld premium passengers, oneworld Sapphire/Emerald status, and day passes ($79) if space is available.
American Flagship Lounge
User experience: Significantly better than the Admirals Club, with excellent hot food options, a well-stocked self-service bar, and a more exclusive, quieter atmosphere. It’s one of the top domestic lounge choices.
Location: Terminal 3, Gates H6/K6 (5:00 am – 10:30 pm)
Access: First/business passengers on qualifying international or transcontinental American and oneworld flights, and oneworld Emerald members.
International Terminal Lounges (Terminal 5)
Delta Sky Club
User experience: The crown jewel of Terminal 5 and one of O'Hare’s most praised lounges. Boasts modern, spacious design with runway views and high‑quality food, including a popular Chicago-style hot dog station. While some reviews note inconsistent customer service, overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive.
Location: Between Gates M11 and M14
Access: Delta Sky Club members, Delta One or premium SkyTeam cabin passengers, and certain American Express cards.
SAS Lounge
User experience: A functional but basic lounge. Offers a quiet place to wait, but it’s small and fills up quickly. The most common complaint is its minimal and inadequate food selection (usually only cold snacks and soup). Additionally, it lacks restrooms inside, forcing travelers to exit. It’s acceptable if you have access—but not worth paying for a day pass.
Location: Near Gate M19
Access: SAS/Star Alliance premium passengers, Star Alliance Gold status, or day passes (from $39).
LOT Business Lounge
This lounge offers work and relaxation space for LOT and other Star Alliance passengers, featuring amenities like showers and a prayer room.
Location: Terminal 5, near the food court
Access: LOT Polish Airlines first/business passengers, Star Alliance premium flyers, Star Alliance Gold members, and United Club or Air Canada Maple Leaf Club members.
Swissport Lounge
User experience: It is, by far, O'Hare’s worst-rated lounge. Reviews consistently mention rude and unwelcoming staff, old and dirty furniture, and virtually no food (often just packaged snacks and instant noodles). The worst issue is the frequent denial of Priority Pass members, even when the lounge appears empty. Avoid it if you can.
Location: Near Gate M13
Access: Passengers on various international airlines (e.g., Turkish, EVA Air, Finnair) and theoretically Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and Diners Club members.