The Escalating Battle for Airport Lounges: United Polaris Lounge Takes Flight at Chicago O'Hare
Business-Class travelers at United Polaris Lounges now benefit from enhancement updates aimed at intensifying the flying experience.
The race for outstanding airport lounges keeps soaring high, with the latest expansion of United Polaris Lounges at airports across the nation making waves. With numerous lounges opening or expanding at airports both big and small in the past year, each new arrival brings its unique twist. The recent expansion of the United Polaris Lounge at O'Hare Airport is no exception.
United Polaris Lounge's Grand Debut at Chicago O'Hare
This new, premium lounge space is exclusively reserved for international business class travelers and boasts over 350 seats, a spacious 50-seat private dining area, two bars, and tasteful decor handpicked by Crate & Barrel. The revamped lounge spreads over a sprawling 25,000 square feet, making it a significant addition to the fifth-busiest airport in the United States.
In a noteworthy move, the lounge has taken over the space formerly occupied by a United Club, which closed when the new United Club near gate C10 opened in 2023. United's decision demonstrates rising demand for international business-class travel in Chicago, justifying the investment and effort into the expansion.
Customers can jet-off from O'Hare to 15 European destinations, and nonstop to Asia and South America, courtesy of United. Commenting on the new lounge, Aaron McMillan, United's Managing Director of Hospitality Programs, stated, "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."
Luxury Travel Market on the Rise: Airlines Go the Extra Mile
The luxury travel market is projected to surge by $578.7 billion between 2024 and 2028. This growth naturally stimulates airlines and airports to invest in upgrading their facilities, creating a premium experience that cuts across the entire airline industry.
Following United's lead, American Airlines has been updating its premium offerings to cater to international travelers, while Delta has been aggressively expanding its lounges with an emphasis on rotating local chefs in its Sky Club locations. Scott Kirby, United's CEO, expressed his admiration for Delta's success and remarked that United has embodied the same focus on product quality and service.
Premium Offerings at the United Polaris Lounge, Chicago O'Hare
For international travelers, the United Polaris Lounge offers a taste of the Windy City. The new, speakeasy-style second bar showcases a range of premium wine and champagne options, along with Chicago-inspired cocktails. The renovated lounge also features a larger dining area with more than 50 seats, where travelers can savor a la carte meals crafted with premium ingredients and local flavors.
The lounge displays the rich architectural history of Chicago through artwork from nine local artists, curated by Johalla Projects, an art curatorial collective in the city. Crate & Barrel, Chicago’s famous decor company, collaborated with United on this project, gracing the lounge with their Marin dinnerware and the debut of their Tuscan Marble collection.
This lavish Polaris Lounge serves as a well-deserved treat for long-haul flyers who paid a premium for their enhanced seats on board, making their journey more enjoyable, whether at the trip’s start or end. A little luxury can indeed make a world of difference during a lengthy trip.
- United Airlines has expanded its United Polaris Lounge at Chicago O'Hare, offering a premium lounge space reserved for international business class travelers.
- The United Polaris Lounge boasts luxurious features such as over 350 seats, a private dining area, two bars, and tasteful decor, covering a span of 25,000 square feet.
- Aaron McMillan, United's Managing Director of Hospitality Programs, noted that the expanded lounge caters to the rising demand for international business-class travel in Chicago.
- As the luxury travel market continues to grow, airlines like American Airlines and Delta are also upgrading their premium offerings to cater to international travelers.
- In the newly renovated United Polaris Lounge at Chicago O'Hare, travelers can indulge in Chicago-inspired cocktails, premium wine, champagne, and a la carte meals, all crafted with high-quality ingredients and local flavors.