O’Hare Airport Lounge Guide
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the busiest airports in the U.S. It also serves as a global gateway to the Midwest. With its sprawling terminals, long layovers and delays from the weather, a quality airport lounge can turn a stressful travel day into a smooth one.
Luckily, O’Hare has a diverse lineup of lounges, with everything from skyline views and chef-driven meals to Priority Pass access and quiet corners. If you’re catching a red-eye to Europe, connecting from the coasts, or just trying to escape the crowds, this guide covers every lounge at ORD. We’ll cover every terminal, lounge and traveler type to help you find the perfect Windy City layover retreat.
Best ORD Lounge for Each Traveler Type
| Traveler Type | Best Lounge | Location | Why It’s Best |
| International Business | United Polaris Lounge | Terminal 1 / Gate C18 | Private rest pods, showers, and upscale dining for long-haul flyers. |
| Luxury Traveler | AA Flagship Lounge | Terminal 3 / H6-K6 | Chef-cooked meals, premium drinks, spa-style amenities. |
| Budget with Lounge Pass | Swissport Lounge | Terminal 5 / Gate M15 | Accepts Priority Pass, offers comfort and snacks affordably. |
| Family Traveler | Admirals Club (H6/K6) | Terminal 3 / H6-K6 | Kids’ room, spacious seating, and showers to freshen up. |
| Military Personnel | USO Lounge | Terminals 2 & 3 | Free, welcoming space with refreshments and family areas. |
ORD Lounges by Terminal:
- T1: United Club, United Polaris
- T2: United Club, USO
- T3: Admirals Club, Flagship Lounge, USO
- T5: Delta Sky Club, Swissport, SAS, LOT
List of Chicago O’Hare (ORD) Lounges
United Club
The United Club lounges at Chicago O’Hare (ORD) are located in Terminal 1 near gates B6, B18 and C10, and near E7 and F9 in Terminal 2. These lounges will give you access to a full-service bar, snacks, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Opening hours typically run from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m or 10:00 p.m.
It’s the perfect escape for business travelers needing a quiet space, or frequent flyers catching a breather between connections. United Club is famous for providing a consistent experience of comfort, and this one allows you to sip coffee while watching airplane taxis outside the window.
Opening times:
- 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m or 10:00 p.m.
Location:
- Terminal 1 near gates B6, B18 and C10
- Terminal 2 near gates E7 and F9
Access:
You can enter United Club lounges at O’Hare if you meet one of the following:
- United Club Membership (individual or lifetime)
- One-time Pass (available for purchase, subject to availability)
- United Polaris or Business Class ticket on a same-day international flight
- Star Alliance Business or First Class ticket on a same-day international flight
- Star Alliance Gold status (with same-day international travel)
- Eligible United Club credit card holders (e.g., United Club℠ Infinite Card)
- Active U.S. military personnel (with valid ID and same-day United boarding pass)
United Polaris Lounge
ORD’s United Polaris Lounge is located near Gate C18 in Terminal 1. The lounge is made for premium international travelers, with shower suites, a private rest area and upscale buffet and restaurant. Polaris Lounge access includes priority check-in, two complimentary checked bags and Premier Access® for a smoother airport journey.
Here, travel turns into a high-class break. With meals cooked by chefs and hot showers, the Polaris Lounge redefines what it means to fly in style.
The lounge is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and all travelers must present a same-day international boarding pass on a qualifying flight.
Opening times:
- 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location:
- Terminal 1 near Gate C18
Access:
Access is for:
- United Polaris business class passengers on long-haul international flights
- Star Alliance international first or business class passengers on same-day departures from ORD
American Airlines Admirals Club
American Airlines has several Admirals Club locations in Terminal 3 at ORD, near gates G8, H6/K6 and L2A. At each lounge, you’ll find food and drinks included, a full-service bar and fast Wi-Fi. The H6/K6 lounge is the best equipped, with a kids’ room, showers, and two conference rooms. The G8 and L2A lounges offer quieter spaces with core amenities and business support. Lounge hours range from 5:00 a.m. or 6:15 a.m. until 9:45 p.m. or 11:15 p.m. depending on the location.
ORD’s Admirals Club lounges are ideal for families and professionals, granting a sense of calm just steps from the gate.
Opening times:
- 5:00 a.m. or 6:15 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. or 11:15 p.m.
Location:
- Terminal 3 near Gate G8
- Terminal 3 near Gate H6/K6
- Terminal 3 near Gate L2A
Access:
- Admirals Club Membership or Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive Mastercard®
- Day Pass (subject to availability)
- First or Business Class on qualifying international or transcontinental flights
- Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald (non-AA frequent flyers on international itineraries)
- AAdvantage Elite Status (Platinum and above on eligible routes)
- U.S. military personnel (in uniform, flying AA, with valid ID)
American Airlines Flagship Lounge
The American Airlines Flagship Lounge is found near Gates H6/K6 in Terminal 3. This ORD lounge comes with chef-inspired meals with the James Beard Foundation, a premium wine table and lots of seating. Guests also enjoy access to specialty cocktails and shower suites.
The lounge is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. It’s like a fine dining restaurant, wine bar and spa wrapped all into one airport retreat.
Opening times:
- 5:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Location:
- Terminal 3 near Gates H6/K6
Access:
- Flying Flagship First or Flagship Business Plus on a same-day:
- Transcontinental flight (e.g., ORD–LAX, ORD–JFK)
- International flight (e.g., to Europe, Asia, South America*)
- Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire status (non-AA members only) on a same-day international itinerary
- ConciergeKey® members on any same-day American or Oneworld flight
- Alaska MVP Gold 75K or MVP Gold on qualifying international flights
- Single Visit Pass ($150, subject to availability) when flying on American or a Oneworld partner
Delta Sky Club
Found at Gate M13 of Terminal 5, ORD’s Delta Sky Club is a modern and spacious lounge. The space includes a full-service bar, dining selections and ample seating. Ideal for relaxing or work, recent improvements to the lounge offer self-tagging kiosks and partner connections for smoother travel.
If you’re preparing for a long-haul flight or wrapping up a business trip, the Delta Sky Club at ORD is a serene escape. Kick back with a cocktail, charge your devices, and watch the world fly by.
Opening times:
- 4:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. or 8:00 p.m.
Location:
- Terminal 5 near Gate M13
Access:
- Delta Sky Club Membership (individual or executive)
- Delta One or SkyTeam Premium Cabin Ticket on a same-day international or transcontinental flight
- SkyTeam Elite Plus Status (when flying internationally on a SkyTeam airline)
- American Express Platinum or Centurion Card (with a same-day Delta boarding pass)
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (with a same-day Delta flight)
- Single Visit Pass
Swissport Lounge
The Swissport Lounge can be found near Gate M15 in ORD Terminal 5. Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., it welcomes travelers flying with Priority Passes and airlines like Etihad, Emirates, Finnair and other partners. The lounge offers a comfortable pre-flight experience with complimentary snacks and drinks. Wi-Fi and seating areas are available for both work and leisure. A smart-casual dress code applies.
Opening times:
- 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location:
- Terminal 5 near Gate M15
Access:
Priority Pass Membership Accepted, but access may be restricted during peak hours (typically 3:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.) due to limited capacity.
Eligible Airline Passengers Business or First Class travelers flying on partner airlines such as:
- Etihad Airways
- Emirates
- Finnair
- Turkish Airlines
- Air India
- Other contracted international carriers
Day Pass Purchase Available at the lounge for around $45 per person, subject to space availability.
Guests are allowed in up to three hours before departure, with children under 4 allowed for free.
SAS Lounge
The SAS Lounge is located in Terminal 5 near Gates M19-20. Amenities include a buffet, drinks, digital publications, high-speed Wi-Fi, and SAS Travel Service support. The lounge opens one hour before the first SAS flight and closes 30 minutes before the last departure. Expect clean design and crisp Scandinavian service, making this lounge a haven for business travellers at O’Hare.
Opening times:
- Opens 1 hour before first scheduled SAS flight, closes 30 minutes before last scheduled SAS flight
Location:
- Terminal 5 near Gates M19-20
Access:
- SAS Business or SAS Plus passengers on same-day outbound flights
- EuroBonus Gold or Diamond members flying SAS or eligible partner airlines
- SkyTeam Elite Plus members flying internationally on a SkyTeam airline (as of SAS joining SkyTeam in 2024)
- Eligible Star Alliance passengers on select routes
- Lounge pass holders from select partner programs (subject to airline agreements and availability)
LOT Business Lounge
Situated near Gate M18 in Terminal 5, the LOT Business Lounge provides panoramic airport views, high-speed Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. You’ll also find designated zones for relaxation and work, showers, a private prayer area and complimentary food and drink. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., it serves LOT Polish Airlines and Star Alliance business class passengers, with access extended to select elite members.
The lounge features modern design with a warm European touch. It’s ideal for travelers who want both function and peace. With its clean layout and quiet corners, it feels more like a boutique hotel than an airport lounge.
Opening times:
- 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Location:
- Terminal 5 near Gate M18
Access:
You can access the LOT Business Lounge if you meet one of the following criteria:
- LOT Business Class passengers on a same-day international flight
- Star Alliance Business Class passengers departing from ORD on a Star Alliance carrier
- Star Alliance Gold members flying any class on a same-day Star Alliance flight (includes 1 guest)
- Miles & More HON Circle or Senator members on a same-day Star Alliance flight
- First Class passengers on a Star Alliance airline (includes 1 guest)
- Lounge Pass Holders
- Available for purchase by LOT passengers or travelers on other airlines, subject to availability
- Entry allowed up to 4 hours before departure
All guests must be departing from Terminal 5 on the same day. Lounge access is subject to capacity limits and may be denied during peak hours.
USO Lounge
USO Lounges provide comfortable spaces for military personnel on their travels. ORD’s USO Lounges are found on the Mezzanine Level in Terminal 2 (9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.) and Terminal 3’s G Concourse Rotunda (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). They have free snacks and drinks, internet access, and children’s play areas for families. There are plenty of TVs around the lounge, so you’re updated on flights, and support with lodging is also available. Whether it’s your first deployment or return home, the USO lounge provides a sense of community and care.
Opening times:
- 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Terminal 2)
- 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Terminal 3)
Location:
- Terminal 2 – Mezzanine Level
- Terminal 3 – G Concourse Rotunda
Access:
Access is exclusively available to:
- Active-duty U.S. military personnel
- National Guard and Reserve members
- Dependents of active-duty service members (service member must be present)
To enter, guests must present:
- A valid military ID
- A same-day boarding pass
ORD Lounges FAQs
What lounges are available at Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD)?
O’Hare Airport (ORD) features a wide range of lounges. For example, United Club and Polaris Lounge, American Airlines Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge, Delta Sky Club, Swissport Lounge, SAS Lounge, LOT Business Lounge and USO lounges.
How do I get lounge access at O’Hare Airport without flying business class?
You can access many O’Hare airport lounges without a business class ticket by using lounge memberships. Elite status with select airlines or credit cards can also have lounge privileges.
Which O’Hare lounges accept Priority Pass in 2025?
As of 2025, the Swissport Lounge in Terminal 5 near Gate M15 accepts Priority Pass members, subject to space availability. Access may be limited during peak hours (3:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.). Always check the Priority Pass app or website for real-time availability.
Can I buy a one-time lounge pass at O’Hare International Airport?
Yes, you can buy one-time lounge passes for the United Club (subject to availability) and American Airlines Admirals Club lounges. Access requires a same-day boarding pass, and availability varies.
What are the best airport lounges at O’Hare for international flights?
Top international lounges at ORD include the United Polaris Lounge (Terminal 1, Gate C18), American Airlines Flagship Lounge (Terminal 3, H6/K6), LOT Business Lounge (Terminal 5, M18) and the SAS Lounge (Terminal 5, M19). These lounges have amenities such as chef-inspired meals, rest areas and scenic views.
Is there an American Airlines Flagship Lounge at ORD Terminal 3?
Yes, the American Airlines Flagship Lounge is located in Terminal 3 at the H/K gate area (near H6/K6). It brings premium dining, top-shelf drinks, showers, and ample seating for eligible international first and business class passengers.
Where is the United Polaris Lounge at Chicago O’Hare?
The United Polaris Lounge at ORD is located in Terminal 1, near Gate C18. It serves long-haul international travelers flying in United Polaris business class or Star Alliance international first or business class, offering luxuries like dining, showers and rest suites.
Are food and drinks free in Chicago O’Hare airport lounges?
Yes, most O’Hare lounges provide free food and drinks, including alcohol. Offerings vary by lounge, so premium lounges like Polaris and Flagship include full meals and upscale drinks. Others provide snacks, light fare and standard bar service.
Can I access O’Hare lounges if I’m flying economy or on a budget airline?
Yes, travelers flying in economy can still enter some lounges at O’Hare through Priority Pass, airline memberships, elite frequent flyer status, or by buying a day pass. Lounges like Swissport (Terminal 5) and United Club (with a pass) offer access regardless of travel class.
