United Airlines will renovate and expand its Polaris Lounge at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), adding more space to the first premium lounge it opened in its now-extensive network.
It’s no secret that airport lounges are busy these days.
Although airlines have taken a few different approaches, one of the best ways that airlines and credit card issuers have been able to handle the crowds is by expanding their lounges — assuming they can find more space.
The plan to overhaul the Chicago Polaris Lounge was outlined in an internal memo, which TPG saw and confirmed with a carrier spokesperson.
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The Chicago Polaris Lounge in Concourse C of ORD first opened in 2016. It covers roughly 16,000 square feet and has been subject to overcrowding during peak periods in recent years.
The expansion and renovation will add more seats — including relaxing “premium” spaces — along with more restrooms and amenities such as private seating and workspaces, United said in the memo.
Once complete, the space will span nearly 25,000 square feet, which represents a more than 50% increase in space. United said the number of seats will also double. The airline promised to “offer new spaces and amenities that reflect customer feedback.”
The project is slated to begin Sept. 3.
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United did not distribute any renderings or drawings, so we’ll have to wait until the expansion opens to get a sense of the upgraded space.
While the finished product will undoubtedly be an improvement, the process to get there won’t be smooth sailing.
When the renovations begin next month, United will close part of the existing space. The full suite of Polaris amenities will be available during the construction, but United warns that travelers may encounter crowding due to reduced capacity. (United will temporarily relocate the dining room into the seating area during the project.)
United will close the lounge altogether in early 2025 in order to complete the project, the airline said.
The airline expects the refurbished and expanded lounge to open next spring, ahead of the busy summer travel season.
During both the partial and full lounge closures, Polaris flyers can visit any of the four United Club locations at ORD (two in Concourse B, one in Concourse C and one in Concourse F).
The airline said that all United Clubs at O’Hare will offer improved premium beverage offerings complimentary for Polaris guests. These will include key elements of the existing Polaris Lounge experience, such as Lanson Pere brut and the 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 grown the Polaris Lounge network to five outposts, including locations in Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco and Washington Dulles.
The airline will also debut a Polaris Lounge in Denver in the coming years.
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