United Airlines has reopened its premier airport lounge in Chicago, showcasing a significant expansion of 50% in size and featuring Crate & Barrel furnishings. This development comes at a time when airlines are fiercely competing to attract high-spending customers.
Located in Terminal 1 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, the newly renovated Polaris lounge spans 25,000 square feet. It accommodates 350 guests, includes six additional restrooms, features a second “speakeasy-style” bar, and offers 50 dedicated seats for dining.
The original Polaris lounge debuted in 2016, coinciding with the launch of United’s long-haul, business-class offerings. This facility is exclusively for passengers traveling internationally in the Polaris class and established a dual lounge system, complementing the airline’s existing United Clubs. A similar tiered lounge approach has also been adopted by American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
To keep up with increased demand, airlines have been enhancing their lounges, particularly to cater to customers who gain access through premium credit cards, elite frequent flyer memberships, or pricey tickets. Notably, demand for premium cabin travel has remained robust even as bookings for economy class have shown weakness this year.
United is also in the process of expanding its Polaris lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport, which is set to open its doors in June. Additionally, the airline is exploring early design plans for a potential Polaris lounge at Denver International Airport, as confirmed by Aaron McMillan, United’s managing director of hospitality programs.
Last summer, McMillan noted that the Chicago lounge experienced “some tight spots during the day where the lounge was near capacity,” although efforts to expand the lounge facilities have been in progress for several years.
Alongside the expansion of its primary United Club lounges, the airline has introduced grab-and-go lounges in Denver and Houston, aiming to alleviate congestion in larger facilities and offer a convenient option for travelers on tight schedules.
