United has announced that the renovated Polaris Lounge at Chicago O’Hare has reopened today. With more seats and up-to-date amenities, passengers have a lot to look forward to.
Some quick numbers:
- 50% larger, nearly 25,000 square feet
- 350+ seats across the whole lounge
- 50 seats across a dining space, 25+ bar seats
The additional space is perhaps the most important part of this renovation. Many passengers, including premium customers on partner airlines such as Lufthansa and ANA, also have access to this place. This new Polaris Lounge will do a better job of accommodating everyone.
This lounge is located in Terminal 1 near gate C18, and is open from 7:00 to 21:00.
The expanded lounge features nearly triple the dining space. Passengers can enjoy à la carte meals including Prosciutto Parmigiano Crostini, Shrimp, Scallop, Spring Vegetable Risotto and Aperol Spritz cake. A hot buffet with breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus will also be available.
In addition to more bar seats, this newly renovated lounge will also feature two full-service bars, which United claims to be the first and only airline to offer multiple in a single lounge in the US.
Passengers will also have an option to take drinks to another seating area.
United notes that much of the design is inspired by the local Chicago region, “…celebrating the city’s architecture and unique geography.” The airline collaborated with Johalla Projects for artwork, and Crate & Barrel for dinnerware and decor.
Investing in Clubs and Lounges
There’s more to come this year for United in terms of clubs and lounges. Later this year, the Polaris Lounge in Newark will see a new dining room, and a United Club in Denver is scheduled to complete a renovation and an expansion. The United Club in Hong Kong will also reopen in the latter months of this year.
Looking ahead at next year, United also has Clubs in Houston and San Francisco coming its way.
I feel like we’re seeing more and more overcrowded lounges across all airlines in the US. Although airlines, including United, have been shuffling around their lounge access requirements, it’s equally imperative to invest in new lounges and expansions, which United is working on. For now, this Polaris Lounge renovation will be a great sight for passengers flying through Chicago.
Featured image by United Airlines.
