For more information on our advertisers, see here. Guests traveling long haul business class generally have higher expectations of the airport experience than whats otherwise offered from domestic airline lounges, so thats why United has created this network of lounges. Your feedback is important in helping us keep our community safe. It was light but delicious, topped with whipped cream and chocolate cookie crumble. 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. The food is freshly prepared on site in a full kitchen. It's great that these restrooms have lights to show whether they're open (green) or occupied (red). While award tickets arent normally eligible for MileagePlus Upgrade Awards. Got a question about United Polaris Lounge? The space is elegant and functional, with several luxurious touches such as shower suites, relaxation rooms, private pods, and a-la-carte dining. There is also a complimentary full-service restauranta unique amenity among domestic carriers, which places United above the competition when it comes to ground services. For me, the problem with nice lounges is that no matter where I decide to sit I will always think that there is probably a nicer seat available somewhere else and that was no different here because there were so many seating options. Your email address will not be published. Today, the Chicago Airport Polaris club is closed and United Club is crowded and not worth the effort. Particularly before a long flight like that, it's nice to do the airside walk from United T7 to TBIT. Austin (near Gate 22). 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! Review: United Polaris Lounge Chicago (ORD) - Live and Let's Fly The menu was very complete with multiple options for drinks, small plates, entres, and desserts. 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. I was immediately greeted by a server who handed me a menu and offered to get me a drink while I looked it over. 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. At 28,128 square feet, featuring 440 seats, and spanning across two stories, the lounge is almost three times larger than the former United Club it replaces, twice as large as the Polaris Lounge at Chicago O'Hare, and sports some of the airport's best views.. United Polaris Lounge Review - Chicago O'Hare Airport [ORD] NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539, NMLS Consumer Access|Licenses and Disclosures, California: California Finance Lender loans arranged pursuant to Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Finance Lenders License #60DBO-74812, Property and Casualty insurance services offered through NerdWallet Insurance Services, Inc. (CA resident license no. My husband and I experiended the new lounge at Newark Airport. The suites feature dimming lights, Saks Fifth Avenue-branded pillows, blankets, slippers and eye masks, as well as a bottle of water, ear plugs and Sleepy Cow Calming Pillow Mist from Cowshed Spa. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Sorry, no records were found. 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. 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. Forget about finding call brands or familiar premium liquors: Seger and his mixology friends are offering new twists on familiar cocktails using craft liquors that will be exclusive to the Polaris Lounge. 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 upon arrival. Many shower suites inside airport lounges can feel quite cramped, but that's not the case here. 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.). That's right: Your dinner (or lunch, breakfast, or all three) is complimentary. We may be compensated when you click on links from one or more of our advertising partners. So we cant use this lounge? 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. I've been traveling United business for around 10 years now. This is a full-on restaurant inside of the United Polaris Chicago Lounge and no that's not hyperbole. Loved the dinner service and the showers are nice. Guide To United Polaris Lounges (Access & Locations), United Polaris Lounge San Francisco (SFO), Accessing Polaris Lounges when flying United, Star Alliance first & business class Polaris Lounge access, United Airlines To Place Huge Boeing 787 Order, All United Boeing 787s Now Have New Polaris Seats, United Adds Routes To Croatia, Greece, And Iceland, Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners, You must have at least one flight marketed as United Polaris, which is the name of business class on most international long haul United routes; if your United flight is marketed as first class or business class, you dont get access to Polaris Lounges, You can expect that flights marketed as United Polaris will be those to Asia, Europe, the South Pacific, and deep South America, You can access a lounge either on departure, at a connecting airport, or on arrival, The same access restrictions apply regardless of whether you paid cash, redeemed miles, or upgraded, You can use a United Polaris Lounge prior to a long haul Star Alliance partner flight in first or business class; this is only possible at the long haul international gateway prior to your long haul flight, and not at other points during your connecting journey, Star Alliance first class passengers can bring one guest traveling on the same flight, while Star Alliance business class passengers cant bring any guests. (See full menu.). Leaving aside the lounge, there is really nothing interesting about that walk unless you are looking for steps on your Fitbit. 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. We have a 5 hour layover in OHare. The lounge is 12,000 square feet, making it the smallest Polaris Lounge. While the Plaza Premium Lounge at GIG was the highlight of the lounges that I visited in Brazil, it didnt hold a flame to the gorgeous Polaris lounge that I had the pleasure of experiencing at Chicago OHare International Airport (ORD) on my way home. Yes, the United Polaris lounge at Chicago OHare is located in Terminal 1 in Concourse C inside of security, right next to gate C18. 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. How to Access a United Polaris Lounge - SuperMoney The lounge is 27,000 square feet, making it the second largest Polaris Lounge. For starters, they're exclusively for international premium cabin passengers. 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. In short: Fly Polaris class. The fact that they don't is puzzling. A tad exhausting, but also great for people like me who love checking out new lounges! United's Polaris Lounge is fantastic, with all of the amenities that one could wish for, including showers. Then again, seeing how busy it got as my visit wrapped up, I'm not sure they could afford to sacrifice the square footage . 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). Isn't that underlighting at each desk classy? Here is a list of our partners. 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. 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. Fortunately, there are quiet and private sleeping suites for customers who wish to rest. 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. The bar area boasts a more vibrant vibe with blue LED lighting, pristine white marble, and an under lit counter. Learn more: The best first class airline in the U.S. List of Airport Lounges at Chicago O'Hare Int'l Airport [ORD] With complimentary meals, a unique cocktail selection, private pods, luxurious shower suites, pressing service and concierge service, the United Polaris Lounge is the best airline club at Chicago OHare. I am finding that I probably made a mistake getting the United Club chase card this past year. Amateur level service at the dining room, burgers that make you wish you had McDonald's instead. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. Other amenities at the Polaris include a wellness room with a sink for new mothers, as well as a selection of newspapers. Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners. How to Get Into a United Polaris Lounge - NerdWallet First look inside the new United Polaris Lounge in Washington Dulles At the back of the lounge you'll find you guessed it even more seating, like this long bench with tables. 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. They're very similar to the day beds at the United Polaris Lounge Newark: Not quite a bed, but a nice, quiet spot to relax for a bit. The Dining Room serves breakfast until 11 a.m., at which point the menu switches over to lunch and dinner. The dining room uses a waiting list to put your name down for a table as soon as it opens up, but that wait can be long depending on when you arrive. The pan-seared rainbow trout with wild rice pilaf, however, was flawless. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - United Airlines However, here are my impressions of what I did experience. If the food was good but the service was bad, I certainly would not have enjoyed my visit as much as I did. If it is, book and your upgrade request will be confirmed instantly. Does polaris have kosher food, Fontina-filled . American wagu beef carpaccio. All Rights Reserved. What has your experience been with United Polaris Lounges? Entrance 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. Here are our picks for the. We are flying United Polaris Business class again to Italy in the fall - hoping our experience will be better. Lounge Review: United Polaris Lounge - ORD - LoungeReview.com Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ). We take your comments very seriously as they really help us to improve the site. Polaris is what United calls its premium travel product, which extends beyond class of travel to encompass the entire travel experience: a personal on-board suite, sleep-centric amenities,. The design draws its inspiration from the United Polaris Lounge at Chicago O'Hare with soothing blue, gray, and white tones, and . Make sure to check for any entry requirements before your trip. Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. ORD hours are incorrect; pretty sure Polaris at ORD opens at 6 AM. United Club members and Star Alliance Gold membersdo not have access unless they are ticketed in business class, but may use one of the three United Clubs. Another nice amenity offered at Polaris lounges is the option to use a daybed. 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. The lounge is 21,000 square feet, making it the third largest Polaris Lounge. on long-haul international flights are allowed complimentary lounge access before departure, during connections and upon arrival. There is also a United Club lounge next to gate C16. 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. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the Polaris Lounge offers terrific views on the tarmac and parked aircraft. 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. Chicago O'Hare (near Gate B6, near Gate B18, near Gate C16 and across from Gate F9). Or can we? SAS Lounge Chicago O'Hare. There were also vegetarian and gluten-free options as well. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. Any passenger with access to the Polaris lounge can enjoy a meal here for no extra cost. 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. But how can you get in before your flight? The Dining Room is a restaurant-inspired, full-service dining option complete with menus and waiters. The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. United Airlines currently has six Polaris Lounges, located in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, and Washington. It was fresh out of the oven, smelled incredible, and was served with vanilla bean ice cream, orange blossom white chocolate sauce, and some chocolate and a strawberry on the side so delicious. The Polaris Lounge makes for a great way to start a flight. There's a small concierge desk after walking into the lounge, which is staffed from mid-day onward for travelers who need some help. For more information on our advertisers, see here. I am a United Club member. Theres no way to enter them based on elite status, but rather these lounges are exclusively available to long haul first and business class passengers on Star Alliance airlines. Even if you didnt request an upgrade during initial booking, there are still ways. Review: United Polaris Lounge (Chicago O'Hare) - The Points Guy They may be a case of style over function, thoughwe would prefer a more traditional, fully-flat day bed. Buffet and restaurant with waiters. The pods are spacious, comfortable and pleasantly private. 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. For lounges inside security or immigration, you must first check your baggage and obtain your boarding pass. This United Polaris lounge is open from 7.15 am - 9:00 pm and we reviewed the Chicago Polaris lounge previously. The high walls make them fairly private, too. Unfortunately, for me, I only had a little over an hour to enjoy the Polaris lounge. Specifically, it's in Concourse C of Terminal 1 at O'Hare, located near gate C18. Relax and unwind in the brand new Polaris Lounge. We never share or resell your information. I paired that with a glass of Napa Valley red and walked around the lounge so that I wouldnt fall asleep in my booth! Advertiser Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission. 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. While you may not be able to purchase a day pass or flash a credit card to get into a United Polaris lounge, there are several ways to gain entrance by flying in Polaris class even if you didnt originally book a Polaris fare. 12/07/21 UPDATE: The United Airlines Polaris Lounge has reopened in Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Connecting and arriving passengers are not allowed access. Instead of lemonade, Seger uses blood orange juice and Balsam Amaro Americano, a bittersweet liqueur made with rare teas, exotic citrus and grandmother spices like vanilla and cinnamon. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Best lounge ever is Air Canada Signature Lounge in Toronto. It's reserved only for United and Star Alliance business . Extremely clean, expansive square footage, and superb amenities. SFO is not ready yet. We have an extensive network of lounges around the world for you to visit. 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. Ba galleries and virgin clubhouse do it in LHR. Do I have access to United Polaris Lounge at ORD? This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. 1. Simply sign into your MileagePlus account and pull up an existing reservation to request an upgrade. Travel times are estimates and are not guaranteed. You have to be a PAID business class passenger, no miles. FIRST LOOK: United Polaris Lounge at Chicago O'Hare Then Austrian Air to Vienna. See Inside United's New $41 Million Polaris Lounge in Washington, DC United Polaris Lounge accepts credit cards. After skipping the buffet earlier to save room, I headed to the Dining Room around mid-day for a quick lunch. Best Airline Lounges At Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) See more about our ethics policies here. Any and all options, reviews, comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer. They really are great lounges. 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. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. We are flying United from DTW to ORD. 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? This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Thanks! Behind the bar are two walls with humidors, which United assigns to frequent high value passengersa unique service within the airline industry. I love the look of these bars with the underlighting and black leather stools. How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2023? I am not sure if this is unique to LHR or if there are others in the network. She is the creator of Terradrift.com. 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. United Polaris Lounge Chicago Access Rules & Location, Dining & Drinks at the United Polaris Lounge Chicago. 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. Overview Access rules Airlines Food & Beverages Yelp Comments No matter what amenity you're looking for, head through the buffet and dining room and straight into the amenity check-in area. I'm curious if anyone knows what the rules are for a multi-city itinerary? One thing that I did notice was the abundance of excellent workspace options. I did check out a bathroom, and it was indeed quite nice and private. Please adjust your search criteria and try again. The lounge features a library where guests can enjoy Washington DC-inspired decor, a bar area with a coffered ceiling, and an a la carte dining room behind lattice pocket doors The lounge is located across from the United Club at gate C17, and is open daily from 5:30AM until 10PM United Polaris Lounge Washington Dulles Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. Let me explain why. To me, the sign of a good lounge is if you wouldnt mind getting stuck there for hours if your flight was delayed. Previously, she led NerdWallet's travel rewards content team and spent three years editing for Upgraded Points while self-employed as an editor and writing coach. Servers roam the room offering drinks, and staff members offer proactive assistance. The information related to the United Club Business Card (annual fee: $450) has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax or legal advice. For solo travelers, there are these nice pods available with oversized chairs and a slide-out table to get some work done on. Most importantly, the water pressure was excellent. Membership, Upgrade Points, Status, etc.? Priority Pass, over 1,000 lounges at your fingertips. The lounge is 16,300 square feet, putting it in the middle of the pack as far as size goes. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). In addition, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. 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. As is the case at nearly every spot scattered across the lounge, there's charging and lights available at every seat. For me, the food and beverage was the star of the show at the United Polaris lounge at ORD. 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. Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. At the end of the day, whatreally sets United Polaris Lounges apart from other airlines is dining. I am happy to report that the salad was fresh and flavorful. Just make sure that if youre traveling with more than one other person, your party is comprised of more Premier members than nonmembers. Thanks! United Club and lounge locations - United Airlines Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. In fact, there are only six located across the U.S.: What makes Polaris lounges different from Uniteds normal lounges? It is not the bank advertisers responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered. 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! Required fields are marked *. United Polaris Lounges are among the best lounges youll find in the United States, with a la carte dining, nice decor, great showers and rest areas, and generally friendly service. Since I was tight on time, I didnt get to test out the shower. And there's also a toilet inside each suite. In response to passenger feedback and in order to minimize noise, there is only a single television in the lounge behind the bar. Tasty: Here's the United Polaris Lounge Menu While United Clubs are at dozens of airports, only six airports have United Polaris lounges. If you fly United Airlines, youre probably at least somewhat familiar with its comfortable and spacious Polaris class: lie-flat seats, elevated dining options, bedding and plenty of comfortable amenities. United Polaris Lounge Houston (IAH) This United Polaris lounge is open from 7:15 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. daily. Top notch lounge. Relax and unwind in the brand new Polaris Lounge. 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. This bonus value is an estimated valuation. Is it available to order? All 6 United Polaris Lounges have officially reopened So as I found out firsthand ahead of my first-ever United Polaris business class flight over to London-Heathrow (LHR), when this lounge gets busy it getsreallybusy. Terms apply to offers below. United Polaris lounge Arrivals lounge The arrivals lounge at London Heathrow, located immediately after immigration and customs, is a shared space with shower suites, breakfast items and more. There are lots of touches and references to things celestial and starry throughout the lounge. ANA First Class Review: Chicago O'Hare to Tokyo Haneda UNITED POLARIS LOUNGE - 379 Photos & 123 Reviews - Yelp

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