6 Things to Know Before Using an Airport Lounge at ORD
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is a primary aviation hub, serving as a major operation for both United Airlines and American Airlines. O’Hare offers lounges across its terminals, including carrier flagships and alliance spaces. Understanding O’Hare’s terminal layout and post-security transit options helps ensure a seamless layover.
Quick Answer
- Terminal Transfer Options: Domestic Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected post-security via walkways. For transfers between Terminals 1/3 and Terminal 5, O’Hare operates a post-security Terminal Transfer Bus (TTB) daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. for connecting passengers with same-day boarding passes.
- Outside TTB Operating Hours: If traveling outside TTB hours (or originating without a connecting pass), passengers must exit security, ride the 24/7 Airport Transit System (ATS) train landside, and re-clear TSA security.
- United Polaris Lounge (Gate C18): Located in Terminal 1 near Gate C18, United’s 25,000 sq. ft. flagship Polaris Lounge offers a la carte dining and private shower suites for long-haul international premium class travelers.
- Delta Sky Club in Terminal 5: Delta operates a 22,000 sq. ft. Sky Club in Terminal 5 (Concourse M near Gate M14).
- Priority Pass in Terminal 5: Priority Pass lounges at ORD (Air France Lounge and Swissport Lounge) are located in Terminal 5.
1. Terminal Layout & Post-Security Bus Transfers
O’Hare consists of four active passenger terminals:
- Terminal 1 (Concourses B & C): United Airlines.
- Terminal 2 (Concourses E & F): United Express, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines.
- Terminal 3 (Concourses G, H, K, L): American Airlines, Spirit.
- Terminal 5 (Concourse M): International carriers, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines.
Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected airside post-security. You can walk freely between T1, T2, and T3 behind security.
Terminal 5 Post-Security Shuttle (Terminal Transfer Bus)
To transfer between the domestic terminals (T1/T3) and International Terminal 5 without re-clearing security, qualifying connecting passengers can use the Terminal Transfer Bus (TTB):
- Operating Hours: Daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Frequency: Approximately every 15 minutes.
- Boarding Locations: Terminal 1 (Gate C18B), Terminal 3 (Gates G17 & K20), Terminal 5 (Gate M13).
- Requirement: You must present a same-day boarding pass for a flight departing from the destination terminal.
Outside TTB operating hours (before 11:30 a.m. or after 9:30 p.m.), airside bus transfers are unavailable. Passengers must exit security, take the ATS landside train to T5, and re-clear TSA security screening.
2. Complete ORD Lounge Directory & Access Rules
O’Hare’s lounge options vary depending on your terminal location.
| Terminal / Concourse | Lounge Name | Primary Access Credentials | Guest Policies & Important Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 (Gate C18) | United Polaris Lounge | United Polaris business class, Star Alliance long-haul international first/business | 25,000 sq. ft. facility near Gate C18. Sit-down restaurant dining. No guests for business class ticket holders. |
| Terminal 3 (H6/K6) | AA Flagship Lounge | Qualifying international / transcontinental Flagship First/Business, Oneworld status | 1 guest for qualifying international first class or Oneworld status holders. Located near Gates H6/K6. |
| Terminal 5 (Gate M14) | Delta Sky Club | Delta One ticket, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve, Amex Platinum (flying Delta) | Reserve: 15 Visit days/yr; Platinum: 10 Visit days/yr. Basic Economy fares excluded. |
| Terminal 5 (Gate M17) | Air France Lounge | Priority Pass, Flying Blue Platinum/Gold, Business Class | Priority Pass entry subject to capacity limits during peak international flight departure windows. |
| Terminal 5 (Gate M18) | Swissport Lounge | Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Day Pass | Basic seating and refreshments. Subject to capacity caps during peak hours. |
| Terminal 1 & Terminal 2 | United Clubs | United Club Membership, United Business/Polaris, Star Alliance Gold | Locations at T1 (B6, B18, C10) and T2 (E7, F9). |
| Terminal 3 | AA Admirals Clubs | Admirals Club Membership, Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive Card | Locations at Gates G8, L2A, and H6/K6. |
3. The United Polaris Lounge in Terminal 1 (Concourse C)
Located in Terminal 1 near Gate C18, United’s flagship Polaris Lounge at O’Hare spans 25,000 square feet.
Key Amenities & Eligibility
- Amenities: A la carte restaurant dining, 12 private rain-shower suites, daybed relaxation cubicles, and craft cocktail bar service.
- Access Rules: Requires a same-day long-haul international ticket in United Polaris or Star Alliance first/business class. Domestic first class flights do not qualify.
4. Delta Sky Club in Terminal 5
Delta Air Lines operates all O’Hare flights out of Terminal 5, anchored by a 22,000-square-foot Sky Club near Gate M14.
Features include:
- Hot buffet dining and seasonal soup stations.
- Direct gate boarding capabilities for select Delta flights departing directly from the lounge area.
- Enclosed phone booths and executive workspaces.
5. Priority Pass Options at ORD Terminal 5
Priority Pass members at O’Hare have options in Terminal 5:
- Air France Lounge (Gate M17): Offers seating, snacks, and wine service. Priority Pass access is subject to space availability during peak departure windows.
- Swissport Lounge (Gate M18): Provides standard seating and light refreshments.
6. Before You Use an Airport Lounge at ORD Checklist
- Identify your departure terminal: Confirm whether your flight departs from T1, T2, T3, or T5.
- Check Terminal Transfer Bus hours: Use the TTB between 11:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. for post-security T1/T3 to T5 transfers.
- Budget ATS time outside bus hours: Allow 30–45 minutes if required to exit security and re-screen.
- Confirm United Polaris credentials: Long-haul international business/first class ticket required.
- Have physical cards ready: Bring physical card or active digital credentials at check-in.
FAQ
Can I walk post-security from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3?
Yes. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected airside post-security. You can walk between T1 and T3 in about 12 to 15 minutes.
How do I get post-security from Terminal 1 to Terminal 5?
Between 11:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m., connecting passengers with a valid boarding pass can take the post-security Terminal Transfer Bus from Gate C18B to Terminal 5 Gate M13.
Is there an Amex Centurion Lounge at O’Hare?
No. American Express does not operate a Centurion Lounge at Chicago O’Hare. Eligible cardholders use carrier or partner lounges based on ticket class and airline.
The Bottom Line
O’Hare offers flagship carrier spaces like United Polaris in Terminal 1 and Delta Sky Club in Terminal 5. For transfers to Terminal 5, utilize the post-security Terminal Transfer Bus during operating hours (11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.) to avoid exiting security.
Sources
- Official Airport Directory: Chicago O’Hare International Airport
- United Airlines Lounge Locations: United Polaris Lounge ORD
- Delta Air Lines Lounge Locations: Delta Sky Club Access Terms
- Priority Pass Network Directory: Priority Pass ORD Lounges