United Airlines will renovate and expand its Polaris Lounge at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), adding more space to the first premium lounge it has opened in its now extensive network.
It’s no secret that airport lounges are crowded these days.
While airlines have taken different approaches, one of the best ways for airlines and credit card issuers to manage crowds is to expand their lounges – assuming they can find more space.
The plan to redesign the Chicago Polaris Lounge was outlined in an internal memo seen by TPG and confirmed by an airline spokesperson.
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The Chicago Polaris Lounge in Hall C of the ORD opened in 2016. It covers an area of around 1,500 square meters and has been overcrowded during peak times in recent years.
The expansion and renovation will create more seating – including relaxing “premium” areas – as well as more restrooms and amenities such as private seating and work areas, United said in the memo.
Once completed, the space will be nearly 25,000 square feet, an increase in space of more than 50 percent. The number of seats will also double, United said. The airline promised to offer “new spaces and amenities that reflect customer feedback.”
The project is scheduled to start on September 3rd.
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United hasn’t shared any renderings or drawings, so we’ll have to wait until the expansion opens to get a glimpse of the modernized space.
While the finished product will undoubtedly be an improvement, getting there will not be a walk in the park.
When renovations begin next month, United will close some of the existing space. All of Polaris’ amenities will be available during construction, but United warns travelers should expect crowding due to reduced capacity. (United will temporarily move the dining room to the seating area during the work.)
To complete the project, United will close the lounge completely in early 2025, the airline said.
The airline expects the renovated and expanded lounge to open next spring, ahead of the busy summer travel season.
During the partial and full lounge closures, Polaris flyers can visit all 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 upgraded premium beverages, available complimentary to Polaris guests, including key elements of the existing Polaris lounge experience, such as Lanson Pere Brut and Prisoner Red Blend.
The Chicago Polaris Lounge opened in 2016 as the airline’s first all-business class lounge. Since then, the airline has expanded the Polaris Lounge network to five outposts, including locations in 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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