Part of: Do You Have Airport Lounge Access? How to Find Out (and Actually Use It) →
The Best Airport Lounges at O’Hare, Terminal by Terminal
Navigating Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) can feel like a marathon, especially with long layovers or early morning flights. But what if I told you there’s a way to transform that travel stress into a moment of calm? Airport lounges at ORD offer a welcome escape from the terminal’s hustle and bustle. You can grab a bite, catch up on work, or simply relax in a more comfortable setting. We’re breaking down the top lounges at O’Hare, helping you find your perfect pre-flight oasis.
Not sure which lounges your cards may cover? See every Amex Centurion lounge location, every Capital One lounge location, or learn how to buy a lounge day pass with no elite status.
Key Takeaways
- Chicago O’Hare offers a range of premium airport lounges, from airline-specific options like the United Polaris and American Airlines Flagship lounges to Terminal 5 lounges such as Air France, Swissport and Wingtips that a Priority Pass benefit can open.
- The United Polaris Lounge and American Airlines Flagship Lounge provide enhanced dining, shower suites, and exclusive amenities primarily for long-haul international premium cabin passengers.
- Credit card holders who carry Priority Pass through a premium travel card can get into Terminal 5 lounges like Air France, Swissport and Wingtips without any airline status, subject to space.
- Many lounges at ORD, including the Delta Sky Club and Swissport Lounge, also offer amenities like complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating, with some offering unique features like in-lounge boarding.
1. United Polaris Lounge (Terminal 1, Concourse C)
Why it stands out: This lounge is United’s premier international offering, designed specifically for long-haul business and first-class travelers, and it truly redefines the airport experience. It’s often considered the best airline lounge at ORD.
Located in Terminal 1, Concourse C, the Polaris Lounge offers an exclusive atmosphere. You’ll find restaurant-quality dining, complete with a full-service dining room and a buffet with hot and cold dishes like miso-glazed salmon and chicken with artichokes and olives. How amazing is that for airport food? The lounge also features semi-private daybeds for napping, luxurious shower suites, and private restrooms. They even provide Saks Fifth Avenue linens for comfort in the bedrooms. Access is strictly limited to United Polaris business class passengers and those flying first or business class on Star Alliance partners for long-haul international flights. This exclusivity helps maintain a serene environment, making it a truly exceptional place to unwind before a long journey.
2. American Airlines Flagship Lounge (Terminal 3, Concourses H/K)
Why it stands out: The Flagship Lounge offers a significantly elevated experience compared to standard Admirals Clubs, targeting premium international and transcontinental travelers. It’s a clear step up from the Admirals Club, with a stronger buffet and self-serve bar.
You’ll find this lounge in Terminal 3, between Concourses H and K, near Gate K19. It boasts chef-inspired meals, a specialty cocktail bar, and a premium wine table. Plus, shower suites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, which can be a lifesaver before a long flight. The lounge offers expansive seating and dedicated service desks, often feeling less crowded than other lounges. Access is generally for passengers flying Flagship First or Business Class on international or transcontinental flights, as well as AAdvantage Executive Platinum, ConciergeKey, and oneworld Emerald or Sapphire elite members. You can also purchase a single visit pass for $150 or 15,000 AAdvantage miles, subject to capacity.
3. Air France Lounge (Terminal 5, near Gate M17)
Why it stands out: One of the few premium international lounges at O’Hare that opens its doors to Priority Pass members, not just SkyTeam elites, so a card benefit many travelers already hold can get you in.
You’ll find the Air France Lounge in Terminal 5 near Gate M17, O’Hare’s international terminal. It serves Air France, KLM and SkyTeam partner customers with a hot and cold buffet, a self-serve bar, showers, and quiet seating. What makes it unusually useful is the access. Beyond Air France, KLM and SkyTeam partner business and first class passengers and SkyTeam Elite Plus members, Priority Pass members can get in during off-peak windows, roughly 5:00 AM to noon and 5:00 to 8:00 PM, with a same-day boarding pass. Hours run daily 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM. If your only route into a premium lounge is the Priority Pass buried in a travel card, this is the one to aim for at ORD.
4. Wingtips Lounge (Terminal 5, between Gates M19 and M20)
Why it stands out: O’Hare’s newest common-access lounge, open to Priority Pass and LoungeKey members, which makes it one of the easiest premium spaces to get into if you don’t have airline status.
Opened in January 2026 in the former SAS Lounge space, the Wingtips Lounge sits in the Terminal 5 rotunda between Gates M19 and M20. It’s a straightforward, comfortable lounge with seating, Wi-Fi, and a self-serve refreshment bar, aimed at international travelers passing through O’Hare’s global terminal. Access is for Priority Pass and LoungeKey members with a same-day boarding pass, though pre-booking may be required at busy times, so check the Priority Pass app before you go. Hours run daily 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Along with the Air France and Swissport lounges, it is one of the Terminal 5 options you can enter on a card benefit alone.
5. United Club (Terminal 1, Concourse C, near Gate C10)
Why it stands out: This particular United Club is notable for its modern design, ample seating, and family-friendly amenities, making it one of the better standard United Club offerings at ORD.
Located in Terminal 1, Concourse C, adjacent to Gate C10, this United Club measures 17,000 square feet, making it the largest United Club at O’Hare. It features a wellness room designed for families with babies or young children, equipped with a sink, lounge chair, and changing table. The club offers a variety of seating options, including lounge chairs, couches, dining chairs, and bar stools. You’ll find complimentary snacks, bar service, non-alcoholic drinks, and Wi-Fi. Access is available through United Club membership, United Club day passes (which cost $59), United Business Class (international flights), or Star Alliance Gold status when traveling internationally on a Star Alliance carrier.
6. American Airlines Admirals Club (Terminal 3, Concourse G)
Why it stands out: While there are three Admirals Clubs in Terminal 3, the one in Concourse G is often praised for its excellent runway views and comfortable, uncrowded atmosphere.
You can find this Admirals Club after security across from Gate G8 in Terminal 3. It offers complimentary food and drinks, a full-service bar, and Wi-Fi. While it might be smaller than the H/K concourse location, it provides a quiet place to relax with plenty of food and seating. The lounge provides various types of amenities like conference rooms and complimentary Wi-Fi. Access is granted based on membership, class of service, or AAdvantage status. One-Day Passes are also available for purchase, though access may be limited based on capacity.
7. Delta Sky Club (Terminal 5, Concourse M)
Why it stands out: Delta’s Sky Club at O’Hare is recognized for its spacious design, diverse food options, and unique in-lounge boarding for select flights.
This Delta Sky Club is located in Terminal 5, between Gates M11 and M14. It’s a sizable lounge with two main areas, two bars, and a variety of food options, including both cold selections like salads and hot options suchs as carnitas and pasta. The lounge also features shower suites, which are perfect for refreshing after a long journey. A particularly unique feature is the ability to board select flights directly from inside the lounge, a rarity at U.S. airports. Access is available for Delta Sky Club members, certain Delta credit card holders, and international First or Business Class passengers on SkyTeam-operated flights. Basic Economy tickets, however, generally do not grant access.
8. Swissport Lounge (Terminal 5, Concourse M)
Why it stands out: This lounge offers a solid option for Priority Pass members and those flying with a variety of international airlines from Terminal 5, providing essential amenities in a comfortable setting.
You’ll find the Swissport Lounge in Terminal 5, near Gate M13. It offers amenities such as a luggage rack, digital newspapers and magazines, and a self-serve refreshment bar. Snacks are available during the daytime, with hot and cold buffet food offered in the evening. The lounge also provides Wi-Fi and a TV room. Access is permitted for Business or First Class passengers from various airlines like Alitalia, Copa, Hainan Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic. It’s also one of two Priority Pass lounges in Terminal 5, and day passes are sometimes available for purchase. Keep in mind that access can be restricted due to space constraints, especially during peak hours.
How to Choose
Choosing the best lounge at O’Hare really depends on your travel style and what you need most. Are you looking for a gourmet meal before an international flight? The United Polaris Lounge or American Airlines Flagship Lounge might be your best bet. Do you value privacy and a chance to freshen up? The Polaris with its nap rooms could be perfect. If you’re a credit card holder, checking your card’s lounge access benefits is always the first step. Many premium travel cards, like the Amex Platinum or Capital One Venture X, can cover a wide range of lounges. Remember to verify the lounge’s location, hours, and specific access requirements before you head to the airport. A little planning can make a huge difference in your travel experience!
Sources
- The Points Guy, The best lounges at O’Hare International Airport, and how to get inside
- AIrConxt verified airport lounge database (2,300+ lounges across 1,100+ airports), 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Centurion Lounge at O'Hare?
Is there a Capital One Lounge at O'Hare?
Which terminal has the most lounges at O'Hare?
Can I get into an O'Hare lounge with Priority Pass?
How much is a lounge day pass at O'Hare?
Which is the best lounge at O'Hare?
ORD · 15 lounges
Which of these might your cards cover?
Tap what is in your wallet. No account needed.