Joe McConnell
United Airlines will renovate and expand its Polaris Lounge at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), adding more space to the first premium lounge to open in its vast network.
It’s no secret that airport lounges these days are very crowded.
While airlines have taken different approaches, one of the best ways airlines and credit card issuers have managed crowds has been to expand their lounges, assuming they can find more space.
The Chicago Polaris Lounge renovation plan was outlined in an internal memo, seen by TPG and confirmed by an airline spokesperson.
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The Chicago Polaris Lounge, located in Concourse C at ORD, opened in 2016. It covers approximately 16,000 square feet and has been subject to overcrowding during peak periods in recent years.
The expansion and renovation will add more seating, including “premium” spaces for relaxation, along with more bathrooms and amenities such as private seating and workspaces, United said in the statement.
Once completed, the space will be nearly 25,000 square feet, representing a more than 50 percent increase in space. The number of seats will also double, United said. The airline promised to “deliver new spaces and amenities that reflect customer feedback.”
The project is scheduled to start on September 3.
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United hasn’t released any renderings or drawings, so we’ll have to wait until the expansion opens to get a feel for the renovated space.
While the finished product will undoubtedly be an improvement, the process of getting there will not be easy.
When renovations begin next month, United will close some of the existing space. The full suite of Polaris amenities will be available during construction, but United warns that travelers may experience crowding due to the reduced seating capacity. (United will temporarily relocate its dining room to the lounge area during the project.)
United said it will completely close the lounge in early 2025 to complete the project.
The airline expects the renovated and expanded lounge to open next spring, ahead of the busy summer season.
During the partial or full lounge closures, Polaris passengers will be able to go to any of the four United Club locations at ORD (two in Concourse B, one in Concourse C and one in Concourse F).
The airline says all United Clubs at O’Hare will offer enhanced premium beverage offerings that will be complimentary to Polaris guests. These will include key elements of the existing Polaris Lounge experience, such as Lanson Pere Brut and Prisoner Red Blend.
The Chicago Polaris Lounge was the airline’s first business-class-only lounge to open in 2016. Since then, the airline has expanded its Polaris Lounge network to five branch locations, including Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco and Washington Dulles.
The airline will also open a Polaris Lounge in Denver in the coming years.
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