First Look at United's Polaris Business-Class Lounge (Chicago O'Hare)
It's no secret that United's new Polaris business class launches tomorrow morning, with improved catering, new bedding and airport amenities, such as the airline's new Polaris Lounges. The first such lounge opens at 7:15am at Chicago O'Hare, located next to gate C18 in Terminal 1. We were invited to take a sneak peek earlier today.
The Polaris Lounge is a big step up from the United Club, and that's by design. Polaris Lounges are only accessible to business and first-class passengers booked on United or Star Alliance long-haul flights — even Global Services members flying another UA route won't be able to get in. The lounges are meant to be very exclusive, and I certainly got that impression during my tour today.
Let's take a look...
Lounge Entrance
Polaris is the North Star, and there's a stellar theme throughout the lounge, starting with the fiber-optic light fixture in the lobby.
Artist Wolfgang Buttress, the installation's designer, was on hand to explain his work. Each Polaris Lounge will have a unique (yet similar) fixture at the entrance — the one at O'Hare is designed to replicate the night sky as seen from downtown Chicago (the area Buttress is pointing to in the image below).
Below the light fixture is a long check-in desk, staffed by agents specifically assigned to the Polaris Lounge.
There's also a seated customer service area, where guests can get assistance with both same-day and future flights — if you're in the lounge and there isn't a queue (which is handled using a pager system, by the way, so you're not stuck standing in line), the agents should be able to assist with any United-related request.
Lounge and Seating
The lounge occupies the same space as a former United Club — if you've been to O'Hare, you might recognize these phenomenal tarmac views.
There's a variety of seating — both paired chairs and private "pods."
If traveling alone, my preference would definitely be the pods.
There's a fair amount of space, and the layout is quite thoughtful — I especially like the slide-out marble work table.
There's also some hybrid booth seating along the sides.
And more casual seats next to the buffet area.
Food and Beverage
There are several food and beverage stations as well, including this self-service beverage bar near the entrance.
And a small buffet area around the corner. There will be a selection of hot items available in the center island as of tomorrow (there were just empty dishes there today).
All of the glass, plates and silverware are brand new — nothing is borrowed from the United Club.
There's a bread station at the buffet.
Fruits, ham and salads during breakfast.
And a selection of mini-sandwiches.
Items at the buffet are designed for nibbling — so you can easily try a little bit of everything without feeling too overwhelmed (or stuffed).
Granola and yogurt was available as well.
Then, around the corner, there's a large bar area, with even more seating available.
There's fancy Champagne glasses.
And there's Veuve Clicquot Champagne (there was today, at least).
The bar will also offer specialty cocktails, such as this twist on the Pimm's Cup on display today. Apparently the bartender will adjust the ingredients slightly based on where you're headed — if you're on your way to Paris, your cocktail might have Cognac, for example, while a drink for someone headed to London might have gin. Or you can order whatever you want.
There's also a selection of red and white wine.
And, perhaps as the most unique feature in the entire lounge, frequent visitors may be offered a spot in a wine locker, and lounge staff can help them source their favorite wines. It's not clear if the wines will be provided or if the guest will have to pay, but this is a very cool amenity nonetheless.
Finally, there are chocolates you can grab on your way out the door.
Other Amenities
Just past the kitchen is a relaxation area, including a staffed desk.
Once inside, you'll find four relaxation rooms.
While compact, each room offers a chaise lounge and a Saks Fifth Avenue pillow and blanket.
There are also sleep-friendly amenities, including a special mask with eye cups (much more comfortable than the standard variety).
There are six private shower rooms around the corner.
These showers include Saks-branded towels and other high-end amenities.
There's plenty of room to get freshened up before or after a flight (Polaris Lounges are available to passengers connecting to a domestic flight as well).
There's even a special two-sided closet where you can hang items you'd like to have pressed. An attendant will take care of the pressing as you shower, and your clothes will be crisp and fresh by the time you're out.
Perhaps best of all, there's a washer and dryer that lounge guests can use. Don't bring a bag of dirty laundry and expect to have everything washed while you shower and eat, but if you spill something on your shirt or have another clothing-related emergency, the lounge is equipped to assist.
There's also Wi-Fi. Amazing Wi-Fi. In fact, the Polaris Lounge's Wi-Fi is the fastest connection I've ever experienced on my laptop anywhere. It'll be more than enough to support even the most data-hungry guests.
Bottom Line
Is this the best lounge in the world? No, of course not. But I think it's easily the best lounge from a US-based airline, and given that United hasn't exactly had a reputation for offering the most luxurious airport lounges, that's very significant. If you're flying Polaris or business or first class on another Star Alliance carrier, I'd definitely get to the airport a bit earlier so you can enjoy the new lounge. It's a very spiffy addition to the United network.
This is the first of nine planned Polaris Lounges. Houston, Newark and San Francisco will be getting their lounges next, and those three should be open by the middle of 2017. Dulles and Los Angeles will follow later in 2017, and Hong Kong, London and Tokyo should open by the end of 2017, but may not be available until early 2018. Only customers traveling in Polaris or business/first class on Star Alliance partners on international routes will have access to a United Polaris Lounge, and the airline will be strictly enforcing this admission policy.
What do you think of United's new Polaris Lounge?
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.