United Airlines
has temporarily closed the Polaris Lounge at its primary hub at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) for expansion works, according to the airline. The news comes almost five months after the Chicago-based carrier confirmed the expansion project to The Points Guy.

More premium space

The carrier’s flagship Polaris Lounge is currently undergoing renovations, which will include the addition of more premium space and amenities, such as workspaces, restrooms, and private seating.

Just outside the United Polaris Lounge at Newark Liberty Airport.

Photo: United Airlines

The renovation, which will increase the lounge’s square footage from 16,000 to 25,000, began in September 2024, when it was only partially closed. The Chicago-based carrier plans to reopen the lounge in the spring of 2026, ahead of the busy and highly lucrative summer travel period.

It is worth noting that the exact date has not yet been specified. Simple Flying has asked United Airlines for comment.

Related

United Airlines Eyes Chicago O’Hare Polaris Lounge Expansion

The renovation is reportedly set to begin on September 3, 2024.

The now-closed Polaris Lounge at Chicago O’Hare is located in Concourse C, near Gate C18. It is worth noting that the airport also houses five other United lounges, called United Clubs, which welcome eligible passengers. Three of these are located in Terminal 1, while the remaining two are in Terminal 2.

While the Polaris service doesn’t match the exclusivity of other offerings, passengers eligible for the Polaris Lounge will also be able to use the United Club lounge services. Eligible passengers include premium cabin ticket holders on select flights, one-time pass holders, United Club members, and eligible Star Gold members.

The network of Polaris lounges

United Airlines Polaris lounges are exclusive spaces for long-haul international travelers. Only a handful of flagship Polaris lounge locations are in operation. They are located at all the following hub airports from where all United’s international long-haul flights operate:

  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
  • Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
  • Los Angeles International Airport

    (LAX)

  • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
  • Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

This list includes a few exclusions regarding United’s extensive hub network. Most notably, Denver International Airport (DEN), one of the carrier’s largest international hubs, does not offer a Polaris experience. However, there have been discussions about opening a Polaris lounge at DEN.

These lounges are accessible to the most expensive ticket holders (United Polaris business class). It is worth noting that access to the Polaris Lounge is heavily restricted, and only those flying United Polaris on international long-haul flights can use it.

united_polaris_lounge_dining_room_at_ewr

Photo: United Airlines

Additionally, passengers with a first or business class ticket on a Star Alliance
member airline can also access the facilities. However, passengers flying in first class on a Star Alliance carrier must present a same-day boarding pass and be allowed to access the lounge at their departure airport with a single guest. Interestingly, United Polaris business class ticket holders can’t bring any guests.

Airline lounges are progressively becoming increasingly crowded, which has led some carriers to overhaul their elite status systems completely. However, the restricted access keeps these lounges quiet as they tend to be at a lower capacity than normal United Club lounges.

Polaris lounges have restaurants that seem less like the typical buffets offered in usual airline lounges and more like spaces for Michelin-star dining. Passengers can choose between speedy buffet choices and sit-down dining.

Furthermore, if one is passing through a United legacy hub on a long layover after a taxing overnight flight, these lounges have showers and other spa-like facilities to help you refresh. They also offer areas with daybeds that are ideal for relaxing during your extensive journey.

Related

5 Reasons Why United Airlines’ Polaris Business Class Is So Highly Regarded

Access to an exclusive lounge and premium inflight bedding are just to name a few.

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