Travelers passing through O’Hare Terminal 1 now have a dramatically enhanced space to relax and recharge as United Airlines reopens its expanded lounge—the flagship United Polaris Lounge—after a major redesign that adds both style and square footage. With nearly 25,000 square feet of redesigned space, the upgraded lounge is now 50% larger and promises a more spacious, elevated pre-flight experience for international business class passengers.
Crate & Barrel Decor Meets Business Class Comfort
The most eye-catching addition to the newly reopened lounge is its design collaboration with Chicago-based home retailer Crate & Barrel. In a first-of-its-kind partnership for the airline industry, United teamed up with the brand’s design and business teams to furnish the lounge with elegant touches that reflect both luxury and local character. Think classic Marin dinnerware, sleek Tuscan Marble finishes, and exclusive Le Creuset colorways—all chosen to merge comfort with sophistication.
From lounge seating to dining ware, the decor emphasizes both form and function, creating a homelike yet modern environment. Complementing the interiors is a curated collection of artwork from nine Chicago artists, brought together by local collective Johalla Projects. The pieces range from photography to abstract collage, echoing the city’s bold architectural legacy and unique geography.
New Bars, More Dining, and a Taste of Chicago
Food and beverage options have also been significantly upgraded. A standout new feature is a second full-service bar—making United the first U.S. airline to offer two bars in a business class lounge. The new speakeasy-style space serves a range of premium wines and craft cocktails, including the Chicago-inspired Second City Sour, which blends rye whiskey, Malört, and Lingua Franca Pinot Noir into a daring sip that speaks to local flavor.
Dining capacity has tripled, now offering more than 50 à la carte seats where guests can order dishes like Prosciutto Parmigiano Crostini, Shrimp and Scallop Risotto with spring vegetables, and Aperol Spritz cake. A generous buffet complements the experience, rotating through hot breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. Guests can also sample a mezze station, snack on Mediterranean olives, or pick from premium charcuterie boards and nuts.
Space to Work, Rest, or Recharge
With over 350 total seats, the reimagined United Polaris Lounge at O’Hare now includes six additional restrooms and multiple private alcoves for working or relaxing. The atmosphere is tailored to the needs of international travelers—offering both calm corners to unwind and productivity zones for catching up before long-haul flights.
The expanded lounge is part of United’s broader strategy to enhance its premium services across major U.S. and international hubs. Since 2022, United has renovated nine club locations, including a compact but stylish United Club Fly in Houston. In the year ahead, travelers can expect further upgrades in Newark and Denver, as well as an international reopening in Hong Kong and future expansion in San Francisco and Houston.
A Flagship Space in a Global Hub
As United’s hometown hub, Chicago plays a pivotal role in its global flight network. With nonstop routes to 15 European cities and direct connections to Asia and South America, the O’Hare Polaris Lounge is a vital amenity for international travelers. Eligible guests flying United Polaris business class or other Star Alliance premium cabins can access the lounge daily between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. near gate C18.
For anyone flying out of O’Hare Terminal 1, this expanded lounge offers a thoughtful, well-designed escape from the airport bustle. Whether sipping a local cocktail, dining on seasonal cuisine, or enjoying artwork rooted in Chicago’s creative scene, the experience is tailored to make long-haul travel feel less like a grind—and more like an indulgence.
