United Polaris Lounge Reopens at O’Hare With Crate & Barrel Touch

United Airlines has reopened its flagship United Polaris lounge at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) after a major renovation and expansion, giving international business class travelers more room, more amenities, and a refined new look.

Now 50 percent larger than before, the upgraded space measures nearly 25,000 square feet and offers over 350 seats, private work and relaxation areas, six additional restrooms, a second full-service bar, and a significantly expanded dining space.

Photo: Courtesy of United

“Our vast international network is one of United’s unique strengths, and our United Polaris lounges help set the tone for business class travelers before or after their long-haul flights,” said Aaron McMillan, United’s Managing Director of Hospitality Programs. “Customers are going to love our new Chicago lounge because it gives them more of all of the things they want most—more space, more amenities, and more dining options.”

Dining and Drinks Get an Upgrade

United is the first and only U.S. airline to offer two full-service bars in a business class lounge. At the newly added bar—designed in a speakeasy-style—travelers can sip premium wine and champagne, including Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut, or opt for Chicago-inspired cocktails like the “Second City Sour,” made with Rittenhouse Rye, Malort, lemon, egg white, and Lingua Franca Pinot Noir.

Photo: Courtesy of United

Food offerings also take center stage. The new à la carte menu includes dishes such as Prosciutto Parmigiano Crostini, Shrimp and Scallop Spring Vegetable Risotto, and Aperol Spritz Cake.

The expanded dining space now seats more than 50 guests, nearly triple the previous capacity.

A hot buffet is also available, with rotating breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, plus a mezze station featuring lemon honey whipped ricotta, flatbreads, and other Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Guests can snack on premium olives, charcuterie, and nuts at both bars.

Design With a Local Touch

The newly renovated Polaris Lounge pays homage to Chicago through both art and design. United partnered with Johalla Projects, a local curatorial collective, to showcase artwork from nine Chicago-based artists, including photography, collage, and painting, all reflecting the city’s unique architecture and culture.

Photo: Courtesy of United

Adding another hometown connection, Chicago-based retailer Crate & Barrel provided all dinnerware and select décor for the lounge—the brand’s first-ever partnership with an airline. The collection includes Crate & Barrel’s classic Marin dinnerware, the Tuscan Marble collection, and Le Creuset pieces in colors exclusive to the brand.

United’s Lounge Expansion Plan

The reopening of the Chicago Polaris Lounge is the latest in a broader investment in United’s club and lounge network. Since 2022, the Chicago-based airline has renovated or opened nine United Club locations, including the recent United Club Fly at its Houston Intercontinental hub.

Photo: Polaris Lounge, Chicago. Courtesy of United Airlines

According to the airline, more upgrades are coming: in 2025, a new Polaris dining room will open in Newark (EWR), along with a renovated United Club in Denver’s B West Terminal. By 2026, United will debut its largest-ever United Club in Houston and a new location in San Francisco.

Betting Big on Premium

With the opening of its expanded lounge, United is prioritizing its premium product, both on the ground and in the air. Starting next month, the airline will begin accepting deliveries of new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which will feature an impressive 64 business class seats—each designed as revamped suites with closing doors and wireless charging capabilities.

Photo: Courtesy of Arkin Si / Unsplash

United’s new configuration for the upcoming Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will focus on Business and Premium Economy seating, resulting in a reduction in coach seat capacity. The updated layout will include 64 Polaris business class seats, a 33 percent increase from the previous 48 seats found in United’s older 787-9 models. This configuration significantly surpasses the business class capacity offered by American Airlines, which has only 30 seats on its Dreamliners.

In May, the airline is expected to announce further developments, likely including a new Polaris seat and an updated hard product for its upcoming Airbus narrowbody long-range jets.

Photo: Courtesy of Demeine Estates

Additionally, Polaris customers will have the chance to taste two of Napa’s most famous wines on their flights. Stony Hill and Heitz Cellar, established in 1951 and 1961, respectively, have spent years perfecting their craft to create iconic Napa wines. This wine introduction is part of United’s significant overhaul of its wine program and ongoing efforts to enhance its food and beverage offerings.

Access and Hours

The expanded ORD United Polaris lounge is located in Terminal 1 near gate C18 and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Central Time. It’s accessible to international travelers flying in United Polaris or premium cabins on Star Alliance partner airlines. Other United Polaris lounges are located in Houston, Newark, Washington Dulles, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.