Amateur level service at the dining room, burgers that make you wish you had McDonald's instead. While award tickets arent normally eligible for MileagePlus Upgrade Awards. Learn more: Things to know about United Airlines lounge access. The Polaris Lounge makes for a great way to start a flight. The Glowing Check-In Desk. We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. Advertiser Disclosure: Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive compensation. But you didnt come here to read about a buffet review, lets check out The Dining Room. The high walls make them fairly private, too. In response to passenger feedback and in order to minimize noise, there is only a single television in the lounge behind the bar. The lounge is 21,000 square feet, making it the third largest Polaris Lounge. 2. There's also dedicated drink and dessert menus available in the dining room, though I forgot to snap a picture of those. Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. The United Polaris Lounge Chicago is open daily from 6AM until 9PM, and it's located in Terminal 1, Concourse C, near gate C18. There really arent many carriers offering first class these days and it really sucks to come off a sublime ANA F experience only to have to slum it out in the dumpster fire ORD is. We have a 5 hour layover in OHare. Blue accent lights highlighted different areas and stars on the ceiling created a sense of relaxation before even getting settled in the 15,000+ square foot lounge. The United Polaris Lounge San Francisco is open daily from 7AM until 10:30PM, and its located in International Terminal G, between gates G6 and G9. She is the creator of travel and adventure site Terradrift.com and has written about travel and rewards for many publications, including American Way and Johnny Jet. The lounge features four relaxation suites that have custom-designed day beds. Soda, juices, and bottled water to go are available for self-service in coolers by the buffet area. United originally promised nine Polaris Lounge locations: Chicago O'Hare, Hong Kong, Houston, London Heathrow, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Tokyo Narita and Washington Dulles. How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2023? In the U.S., there are United Polaris Lounges and then everything else. The design, layout, food, and service were all top-notch and better than almost anything you can find at a U.S. airport run by a U.S. airline and I didnt even get to experience everything they had to offer! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Sorry, no records were found. The service is especially valuable for travelers bound to Europe, since most flights are too short for a full dinner service and a restful night. The Polaris lounges in Houston and Newark can be a long, long walk to/from your gate. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for: Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, No annual fee: Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card, Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve, Luxury perks: The Platinum Card from American Express, Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card, About the author: Alisha McDarris is a freelance travel writer and photographer. If you are hungry, you have the option to grab something quick at the buffet or sit down in The Dining Room. At that time, there were just a few tables taken so getting in was a cinch. Just typing out that name is enough to make my mouth water. Kyle Potter is the executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, covering everything from aviation news to travel deals to in-depth guides on using airline miles. The loungereview Android app is about to land. Back toward the entrance, you'll find the long like, really long corridor of single-stall restrooms, with about a dozen available. Do I have access to United Polaris Lounge at ORD? From the dedicated Dining Room to the excellent shower suites to the lush seating throughout, this is a lovely space. Breakfast Light Bites (served until 11 a.m.). But for the rest of the Star Alliance bunch, it's a different story. The color scheme is a soothing blue, gray and white, with high-end finishes which set the Polaris Lounge worlds apart from the United Club. However, this does not influence our evaluations. If you fly United Airlines, youre probably at least somewhat familiar with its comfortable and spacious Polaris class: lie-flat seats, elevated dining options, bedding and plenty of comfortable amenities. Stay connected with the latest travel, aviation, and credit card news. Polaris Lounges are only accessible to business and first-class passengers flying United Polaris or business or first class on Star Alliance partners. The Polaris lounge was busy during our visit, in the peak evening departure bank for European departures. For solo travelers, there are these nice pods available with oversized chairs and a slide-out table to get some work done on. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money. See also: Review: The United Polaris onboard experienceand The United Polaris lounge roadmap. As part of my whirlwind trip between Rio de Janeiro and Boston, I found myself flying 3 different airlines and visiting about a half-dozen airport lounges. The lounge is 16,300 square feet, putting it in the middle of the pack as far as size goes. I did check out a bathroom, and it was indeed quite nice and private. The lounge is spacious, light, and airy. The soft white marble tiling, elegant lighting, and crisp blues make it a snazzy lounge with plenty of seating throughout. In my experience as a 1k that is the only one. For an American airline lounge buffet, the United Polaris lounge was pretty darn good. The Polaris Lounge welcomes exclusively United Polaris business and first class customers, as well as Star Alliance premium passengers departing on international flights (Canada and Mexico excluded.). This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. One drink is the London Spritz, Segers take on a Pimms Cup, a British summer drink thats especially popular during the Wimbledon tennis tournament. The location you list for SFO is for a United Club, though. Not only does the lounge have a full bar with complimentary drinks, but it also has complimentary buffet-style food as well as a full sit-down restaurant, where you can order off of a menu. You want a travel credit card that prioritizes whats important to you. However, there are much better options available. You want a travel credit card that prioritizes whats important to you. Can I take them along with me to Polaris lounge at ORD? The United Polaris Lounge Houston is open daily from 5:30AM until 9PM, and its located in Terminal E, near gate E12. It's reserved only for United and Star Alliance business . At peak times, there may be several wide bodies parked immediately outside the lounge, a sight to behold for aviation lovers. The staff has visibly gone through rigorous training, and appears to be genuinely proud of the product. The lounge is 12,500 square feet, making it the second smallest Polaris Lounge. Offerings include a buffet with sandwiches, small entrees, cheeses, and a make-your-own salad bar, along with desserts. Chicago O'Hare (near Gate B6, near Gate B18, near Gate C16 and across from Gate F9). Thanks. The access requirements for United Polaris Lounges are very strict. While we do try to list all the best miles and points deals, the site does not include all card companies or credit card offers available in the marketplace. When you walk in the lounge and turn right, you will be immediately presented with dozens of seating options. Sign up and well send you Nerdy articles about the money topics that matter most to you along with other ways to help you get more from your money. Terms apply to offers below. The flight must be on a participating airline, and even then, some routes on participating airlines are excluded. If you'd like to add a comment to this article and share your valuable feedback and opinions, please click here to leave your comment. But where does the United Polaris Lounge Chicago-O'Hare (ORD) fit in compared to bigger hubs like the Newark Polaris Lounge, Houston's Polaris Lounge, or the one in San Francisco? 12/07/21 UPDATE: The United Airlines Polaris Lounge has reopened in Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). 2. Relax and unwind in the brand new Polaris Lounge. One thing that I did notice was the abundance of excellent workspace options. Update: The Polaris Lounge has been expanded, and now features a dedicated dining area. In short: Fly Polaris class. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. It was fresh out of the oven, smelled incredible, and was served with vanilla bean ice cream, orange blossom white chocolate sauce, and some chocolate and a strawberry on the side so delicious. At 28,128 square feet, featuring 440 seats, and spanning across two stories, the lounge is almost three times larger than the former United Club it replaces, twice as large as the Polaris Lounge at Chicago O'Hare, and sports some of the airport's best views.. United Airlines is taking the "Polaris" name seriously. See our Advertiser Disclosurefor more details. You have to be a PAID business class passenger, no miles. The oversized rooms come with an elegant sink, a Toto toilet, a hansgrohe rain shower, and an additional hand-held shower head. Pretty sure the answer is yes but ORD to boston in premium economy (5 hour layover) then Boston-LHR in Polaris on same itinerary, we can use Polaris lounger's at ORD? Learn more: Your guide to the Star Alliance. That means you can easily walk over to Concourse C in Terminal 1 to visit the Polaris Lounge Chicago no matter which airline you're arriving on without worrying about clearing security. Learn more: The best airline credit cards. The United Polaris Lounge at Chicago OHare features an upscale dining experience, with food created by celebrity Chef Art Smith, who served as Oprah Winfreys personal chef for 10 years. We take your comments very seriously as they really help us to improve the site. They really are great lounges. If I am flying Turkish Airlines business class on a (15) Hour flight departing from Chicago, do I need anything additional to access the lounge? It's yet another example of how United Polaris lounges blend both fashion and function together. The catch is that Polaris Lounges also have really strict entry requirements. If its calm and rest youre after, there are also showers and quiet suites with daybeds. United Polaris Lounge accepts credit cards. Jeanette Margle leads the home loans content team at NerdWallet, where she has worked since 2019. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. The carrier re-opened its Polaris Lounge at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Wednesday, a United spokesperson told TPG. Bigger is almost always better when it comes to airport lounges. Fly long-haul international premium class on a Star Alliance member airline, Passengers flying internationally in business or first class on a. can get into United Polaris lounges, too, but only at the departure airport of their international flight. Travelers have access to a Concierge who can help with any request, from dinner reservations to tickets to entertainment events. United Polaris Lounges really are spectacular, and in my opinion are the best business class lounges offered by any US airline. Visited the IAD Polaris lounge last week, Very nice all around, did not got to the restaurant, the buffet was above decent, the bar, seating and restroom areas were well above par with other US domestic lounges and the staff were friendly and engaging with the caveat that it was maybe 25% full, that was the Polaris lounge and the UA terminal in generalnot a lot of international flights on the board I will chalk that up to a mid winter mid week itinerary not knowing a lot about IAD, I imagine it gets much busier in the summer? Safe travels! The United Polaris Lounge Newark is open daily from 5AM until 10:30PM, and its located in Terminal C, between gates C102 and C120. If you're traveling for business to international destinations, depending on your class of service and/or mileage plus status, you may qualify to go this Polaris lounge is a new thing. That's right: Your dinner (or lunch, breakfast, or all three) is complimentary. A brutal reality check I suppose. WhileUnited Clubsare primarily United Airlines membership clubs and lounges for elite members, Polaris Lounges are Uniteds premium lounges for long haul business class passengers. At the end of the day, whatreally sets United Polaris Lounges apart from other airlines is dining. Our personal favorite is the series of Airplane cocktails which come complete with a clipped-on paper airplane and a Polaris branded coaster. Polaris lounges offer guests Wi-Fi, quiet rooms, meals, showers, and more. United Polaris class flyers, premium cabin flyers on Star Alliance partner airlines, miles redemption upgraders, certain credit card holders and elite status members who snag a free upgrade. The United Polaris Lounge Washington is open daily from 5:30AM until 10PM, and its located in Concourse C, near gate C17. I am surprised by the overall 3.5 star rating of this lounge. Worth the hassle? The ratio of staff to passengers is impressive, and demonstrates Uniteds commitment to offering personal service. I honestly felt like I was eating at a fine-dining restaurant. See all (121) I usually fly American and I found them far superior. United Polaris Lounge Chicago Quiet Suites (Sleeping Rooms) Four daybeds are available. Overview Access rules Airlines Food & Beverages Yelp Comments But as the day wore on and more travelers sat down for a meal, the staff struggled to keep up with taking orders and seating new visitors. The Polaris Lounge was primarily designed with the solo business traveler in mind: a highlight of the lounge is the numerous semi-private seats that feature personal lighting, USB and power outlets, a coat hook, and a pull-out marble tray that can be used for laptops or eating. The lounge is 12,000 square feet, making it the smallest Polaris Lounge. They're stocked with Sunday Riley toiletries, which are pretty high quality for an airport lounge. I started with a glass of Piper-Heidsieck 1785 Cuve Brut Champagne, which retails for about $50 per bottle. After skipping the buffet earlier to save room, I headed to the Dining Room around mid-day for a quick lunch. The United Polaris Lounge at Chicago OHare boasts a grand dimly lit entryway with a backlit marble reception desk, and a lighting sculpture by Wolfgang Buttress inspired by theChicago street network. If the food was good but the service was bad, I certainly would not have enjoyed my visit as much as I did. while the second drink station near the back of the lounge has Illy espresso machines, if you want a cappucino or Americano with just a few taps, as well as some other beverages. Fortunately, there are a few other ways to enjoy all the Polaris amenities, even if you didnt book a Polaris fare from the get-go. So then, who can access United Polaris lounge? However, the credit card information that we publish has been written by experts who know these products inside out, and what we recommend is what we would (or already) use ourselves. They're very similar to the day beds at the United Polaris Lounge Newark: Not quite a bed, but a nice, quiet spot to relax for a bit. A tad exhausting, but also great for people like me who love checking out new lounges! This United Polaris lounge is open from 7.15 am - 9:00 pm and we reviewed the Chicago Polaris lounge previously. Yes, all food and drinks are complimentary inside the United Polaris lounge. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Pictures dont do it justice. If you want something softer, you can find two dedicated beverage stations on either end of the lounge. Finally, in the back corner (and past the lounge's Dining Room) you'll find a large, quiet area with a few dozen armchairs. There's no way to pay your way (or pay a bit more) to get in, either. Had the pleasure to use the IAD one a while back. The United Polaris Lounge at Chicago O'Hare (ORD) United Airlines gave the media a preview today (Nov. 30) of the first of nine Polaris lounges being opened in the next year to serve the carrier's international business class travelers. A-la-carte service is only offered in the dedicated restaurant zone, but patrons sitting in other areas may help themselves from the buffet and order drinks from servers. If you're a Premier member, you may be automatically upgraded for free if you booked an eligible flight. There are no magazines in sight, however: customers benefit from complimentary access to the Foli online service, where they can download a wide selection of reading materials to their personal device. Even if you didnt request an upgrade during initial booking, there are still ways. United Polaris lounge Arrivals lounge The arrivals lounge at London Heathrow, located immediately after immigration and customs, is a shared space with shower suites, breakfast items and more. This United Polaris lounge is open from 7:15 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. daily. Got a question about United Polaris Lounge? Fortunately, there are quiet and private sleeping suites for customers who wish to rest. to save on your next trip. They've changed the hospitality company running them since they were first opened and were good. While the range of amenities is outstanding for business class, we were most impressed by the service. Access for eligible customers traveling on any Star Alliance member airline. From the space itself to the amenities to dining facilities and high-end finishes, it blows every other airport lounge at Chicago-O'Hare (ORD) out of the water and it's not even close. If it is, book and your upgrade request will be confirmed instantly. Required fields are marked *. If youre flying United from Frankfurt to Chicago, then you could use the Polaris Lounge in Chicago, while if youre flying Lufthansa from Frankfurt to Chicago, you couldnt use the Polaris Lounge in Chicago. Polaris is what United calls its premium travel product, which extends beyond class of travel to encompass the entire travel experience: a personal on-board suite, sleep-centric amenities, upscale dining options and of course Uniteds Polaris lounge access. While the Plaza Premium Lounge at GIG was the highlight of the lounges that I visited in Brazil, it didnt hold a flame to the gorgeous Polaris lounge that I had the pleasure of experiencing at Chicago OHare International Airport (ORD) on my way home. Make sure to check for any entry requirements before your trip. Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. If you didnt book a United Polaris or Star Alliance business or first class ticket, you may still be able to upgrade to Polaris class using, 4. And showers across the hall. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. Fontina-filled . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Get our daily email for the latest in travel, flight deals, and how
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