The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Advertiser disclosure
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
News
Natural light and space for all: A look at O'Hare's newest United Club
A classically trained journalist, Caroline Tanner covers news and travel for TPG. She is a dual-journalism graduate of Mizzou and Northwestern.
May 27, 2024 • 9 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Related stories
Quick summary
The newest airline lounge at Chicago O'Hare's Terminal 1, Concourse C, offers expanded space, modern design and amenities reflecting local Chicago influences.
Access to the lounge is available through select status levels, paid memberships, daypasses or certain credit cards, with varying guest privileges depending on eligibility.
Amenities include a wellness room for families, multiple restroom options, a customer service desk, and QR codes for digital assistance with travel needs.
Food and beverage offerings feature hot and cold buffets, a wide range of snacks, specialty coffee drinks and complimentary bar service, with premium drinks available for purchase.
What to consider
Lounge access rules vary based on status, ticket type and membership, with specific guest policies for each category.
Daypasses can be purchased on-site or via the airline's app, and prices may differ based on elite status.
Some offers referenced in the article may no longer be available.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed walkthrough of the lounge's layout, design features and a full review of the food, beverage and unique amenities available.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
To help with this important research, United let TPG take a look at the newest United Club at ORD, which opened in early 2023. Here's what I found.
United Club lounge O'Hare location
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
O'Hare's newest United Club is in Terminal 1, Concourse C; it's next to Gate C10 and across from Gate C15. If you fly United at ORD frequently, you're familiar with the airline's colorful pedestrian walkway, connecting travelers to concourses B and C.
1 of 3
CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
2 of 3
CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
3 of 3
CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
After you reach Concourse C, follow the signs for Gates C 1-16 and veer right as indicated; the arrow on the United Club sign points in that direction.
This United Club is not restricted to flyers out of C gates, but it is most convenient for them; there are also two United Clubs in Concourse B.
The lounge is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
United Club lounge O'Hare access
1 of 3
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
2 of 3
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
3 of 3
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
United Clubs are accessible via credit card, status and paid options.
Cardholders of the United Club℠ Infinite Card ($525 annual fee) receive unlimited complimentary access for themselves and up to two guests or immediate family members (partner and children) per visit. The entry-level United℠ Explorer Card includes two single-use United Club passes yearly.
You can also pay for a United Club membership with either cash or miles; the price is based on your United Premier elite status.
Select Premier members can access the United Club; specifically, United Premier Gold (and higher) members can access the carrier's lounges when traveling internationally on any Star Alliance carrier, regardless of their class of service. They can also bring one guest departing on a Star Alliance carrier from the same airport. Star Alliance Gold members who hold status with another partner airline can use the United Club with any same-day Star Alliance boarding pass, including during domestic United travel.
Premium-cabin Star Alliance travelers can also use United Clubs, though the exact terms and guest privileges vary by ticket type.
You can purchase daypasses for $59 at United Club locations or through the United mobile app.
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
At 17,000 square feet, this United Club is nearly twice the size of the previous United Club it replaced near gate 16. There's no shortage of space for loungegoers to work via individual tables, one-person desks, couches, lounge chairs and coworking-style desks with 400 seats overall.
1 of 3
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
2 of 3
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
3 of 3
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
As the newest United Club at ORD, you'll find a modern design paying homage to its Chicago roots. It features brightly colored abstract murals from local Chicago artists, including Kate Lewis.
1 of 5
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
2 of 5
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
3 of 5
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
4 of 5
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
5 of 5
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
"It is one of the first United Club locations to open with the new club design and amenities," a United spokesperson said. "It’s part of our ongoing commitment to renovate and introduce new United Club locations that reflect local communities and provide a more modern United brand experience."
I appreciated the bright colors reflected in the centerpiece mural, tiled wall and jet bridge visible outside the lounge. However, the design choices did not immediately reflect Chicago to the naked, uninformed eye. There were industrial design touches in the large symmetrical windows, the large open floor plan and the high ceilings; there were metal, brick and concrete accents throughout.
United Club lounge O'Hare amenities
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
A wellness room is designed for parents to privately feed or change their children. It's complete with a chair, table, sink, diaper disposal and changing table.
Additionally, there were men's, women's and gender-neutral family restrooms — all of which were clean and bright.
1 of 3
United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
2 of 3
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
3 of 3
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
As is the case with all United Clubs, there was a customer service desk with two live agents to help customers with flight changes or other relevant issues. If you prefer to "get travel help without getting up," there are various QR codes throughout the lounge you can scan for assistance with rebooking, upgrades and seat assignments.
1 of 2
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
2 of 2
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
United Club lounge O'Hare food and drinks
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
This United Club has a hot and cold buffet and light snacks. I was there during breakfast, which runs until 11 a.m. Then, it switches over to lunch.
Breakfast options included classics like scrambled eggs, turkey sausages and potatoes as well as a variety of pastries. Breakfast sandwiches, bagels, English muffins and toast were also available alongside a smorgasbord of toppings, such as apple butter, whipped honey ricotta and whipped avocado. A yogurt bar featured tiramisu overnight oats, fruit and granola; hot oatmeal and cereal rounded out the options.
The current menu highlights spring elements, including a spring salad with quinoa, spinach, feta, toasted sunflower seeds, craisins, garbanzo beans, red onion, dill and red wine vinaigrette. Entrees include a chicken cacciatore, tomato basil rigatoni and wild rice pilaf with roasted zucchini, Italian herbs and garlic.
Regardless of the time of your visit, you can find snacks on hand in the lounge, including gummy bears, peanuts, plantain chips, Chex Mix and fruit such as bananas, apples and oranges.
1 of 5
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
2 of 5
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
3 of 5
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
4 of 5
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
5 of 5
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
Nonalcoholic beverage options were expansive, and I was most impressed with their coffee selection. There was a customizable coffee machine to make espresso, cappuccinos and lattes; brewed Illy decaf and bold roast coffee; and various milk options, including almond.
Those who don't drink coffee can choose from various Bigelow teas, fruit juices, filtered sparkling and tap water, citrus water, Nestle hot chocolate, a freestyle Coca-Cola machine and various Coke soft drinks.
1 of 3
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
2 of 3
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
3 of 3
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
The bar offered complimentary beverages, including beer, wine, liquor and nonalcoholic offerings. Premium alcoholic beverages were also available for purchase.
1 of 3
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
2 of 3
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
3 of 3
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
Of note are the automated robot trash collectors. This small but convenient detail allows customers to leave their dishes at their tables for pickup after they eat.
Bottom line
The space itself is what impressed me most. Even with a good crowd around my 10 a.m. arrival time, I could walk through the lounge and visit easily without ever feeling crowded.
1 of 3
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
2 of 3
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
3 of 3
Newest United Club at ORD. CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
Since United has a stronghold in Chicago, it makes sense for Chicago-based flyers to consider the airline their go-to. Plus, the lounge can help travelers (myself included) avoid feeling overwhelmed when attempting — and sometimes failing — to find a place to sit, charge a phone or work before a flight.
The United Club experience is another reason I am considering making United Airlines my airline of choice.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
