Key Takeaways
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport offers various lounges, including the British Airways First Lounge, Delta Sky Club, and United Club, providing amenities like Wi-Fi, refreshments, and comfortable seating.
- Priority Pass members can access the Swissport Lounge in Terminal 5.
- Some of the lounges, such as American Airlines Admirals Club and SAS Lounge, allow you to purchase a day pass.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is the third-busiest airport in the U.S. for passenger numbers, but it takes pole position for the most flight operations of any U.S. airport.
There are 16 lounges to accommodate some of ORD’s waiting passengers, with lounges available in every terminal. United Airlines has 3 lounges in Terminal 1 and a fourth lounge located in Terminal 2. American Airlines also has 4 lounges, all in Terminal 3.
Priority Pass members will be pleased to know that there is a lounge that accepts membership — the Swissport Lounge.
Hot Tip: If you’re looking to access lounges around the world, see our article on the best credit cards for getting into airport lounges.
ORD Terminal Map
Chicago O’Hare International Airport Lounges by Terminal
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Terminal | Lounges |
Terminal 1 |
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Terminal 2 |
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Terminal 3 |
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Terminal 5 (International Terminal) |
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Hot Tip:If you’re flying from ORD, check out our ultimate terminal guide to Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
American Airlines Admirals Club
Chicago O’Hare International Airport has 3 American Airlines Admirals Clubs:
- Terminal 3, near gate G8: Daily: 6:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.
- Terminal 3, near gate L1: Daily: 6:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.
- Terminal 3, near gate H6/K6: Daily: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
American Airlines Admirals Club Lounge Facilities
- Additional food for purchase
- Full-service bar (Concourse H/K lounge)
- Showers (Concourse H/K lounge)
- Snacks (excluding Concourse G lounge)
- Soft and alcoholic drinks
- Wi-Fi
American Airlines Admirals Club Access
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Access Type | Details | Fees and Policies | |
Day pass | Day pass visitors may bring up to 3 children (under 18) into the lounge, provided they hold a valid same-day boarding card |
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Admirals Club members | Admirals Club members have unlimited access to any Admirals Club, along with immediate family (including spouse and children under 18) or up to 2 guests | AAdvantage Status | Fee |
AAdvantage Member | $850 (85,000 miles) | ||
AAdvantage Gold | $825 (82,500 miles) | ||
AAdvantage Platinum | $800 (80,000 miles) | ||
AAdvantage Platinum Pro | $775 (77,500 miles) | ||
AAdvantage Executive Platinum | $750 (75,000 miles) | ||
Flight must be marketed or operated by American Airlines or anyOneworldpartner airline, or marketed and operated by JetBlue (excluding flights operating to and from Europe) | |||
Eligible first and business passengers | First and business passengers can access the lounge when traveling on a same-day international flight | Flight must be marketed and operated by American Airlines or a Oneworld partner airline or marketed by JetBlue and operated by American | |
Eligible AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum member |
| Flight must be marketed and operated by American Airlines or a Oneworld partner airlineor marketed by JetBlue and operated by American | |
OneworldEmerald and Sapphire |
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Citi®/AAdvantage®Executive World Elite Mastercard®cardmembers and authorized users ($175 per year) |
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Military | Military personnel traveling in uniform on a same-day flight may access the lounge, along with immediate family (including spouse and children under 18) or up to 2 guests | Flight must be operated by American Airlines |
American Airlines Admirals Club House Rules
- A same-day boarding card is required for a flight marketed or operated by American, any Oneworld airline, or JetBlue (see rules for the applicable access type above). The only exception is for existing Admirals Club Lifetime Members who may continue to access the Admirals Club with same-day travel on any airline.
- Guests may have appropriate access to the required terminal or concourse as gate passes will not be issued for entry.
- A government-issued photo ID is required along with the relevant access card (e.g., AAdvantage membership card or number) and same-day boarding card. Entry may be denied if the appropriate identification and credentials are not presented, and cards may be confiscated if used by anyone but the member.
- Dress and conduct must be in line with a professional environment.
- Headphones must be worn when using a personal device.
Read the full list of house rules on American Airlines’ website.
American Airlines Flagship Lounge
Location: Terminal 3, between gates H6 and K6
Opening Hours: Daily: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
American Airlines Flagship Lounge Facilities
- Media room
- Newspapers and magazines
- Quiet room and day beds with charging ports
- Self-serve cocktail bar and premium wine and Champagne station
- Self-serve hot and cold food
- Showers with towels and amenities
- Wi-Fi
American Airlines Flagship Lounge Access
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Access Type | Details | Fees and Policies |
First or business passengers on qualifying internationalor domestic flights |
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AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum |
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ConciergeKey |
| Valid for flights marketed and operated by American or a Oneworld partner airline or marketed by JetBlue and operated by American |
Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire |
| Valid for flights marketed and operated by American or a Oneworld partner airline |
American Airlines Flagship Lounge House Rules
- A same-day ticket must be on the same day of travel or before 6 a.m. the following day.
- Children over the age of 2 years old count as guests.
- AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum customers traveling solely on North American itineraries (unless on an eligible transcontinental route) do not qualify for Flagship Lounge access.
Read the full list of house rules on American Airlines’ website.
British Airways First Lounge
Location: Terminal 5, near gate M12
Opening Hours: Daily: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
British Airways First Lounge Facilities
- Newspapers and magazines
- Self-serve bar, including wine and Champagne
- Self-serve snacks and sandwiches
- Views of the runway
- Wi-Fi
- Workstations
British Airways First Lounge Access
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Access Type | Details | Fees and Policies |
First class passengers |
| Passengers must be flying on a scheduled flight with British Airways or Cathay Pacific |
British Airways Executive Club Gold Member | Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card | Passengers must be flying on a scheduled flight with British Airways or a Oneworldpartner airline |
Cathay Pacific Asia MilesDiamond members |
| Passengers must be flying on a scheduled flight with British Airways or a Oneworldpartner airline |
Oneworld Emerald Member |
| The passenger and guest must be flying on a scheduled flight with British Airways or a Oneworldpartner airline |
British Airways First Lounge House Rules
- Passengers must be over 18 to access the lounge or be accompanied by an adult over 18.
- Infants under 2 will be not be counted as a guest.
- Lounge access is subject to capacity restrictions.
Read the full list of house rules.
British Airways Terraces Lounge
Location: Terminal 5, near gate M12
OpeningHours: Daily: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
British Airways Terraces Lounge Facilities
- Newspapers and magazines
- Self-serve bar with soft and alcoholic drinks
- Self-serve snacks and sandwiches
- Workstations
- Wi-Fi
British Airways Terraces Lounge Access
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Access Type | Details | Fees and Policies |
First class or business class passengers (Club World or Club Europe) |
| Passengers must be flying on a scheduled flight with British Airways or Cathay Pacific |
British Airways Executive Club Silver or Gold Members | Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card | Passengers must be flying on a scheduled flight with British Airways or a Oneworldpartner airline |
Cathay Pacific Asia MilesGold members |
| Passengers must be flying on a scheduled flight with British Airways or a Oneworldpartner airline |
Cathay Pacific Asia MilesSilver members | Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card | Passengers must be flying on a scheduled flight with British Airways or a Oneworldpartner airline |
OneworldSapphire or Emerald Member |
| The passenger and guest must be flying on a scheduled flight with British Airways or a Oneworldpartner airline |
British Airways Terraces Lounge House Rules
- Passengers must be over 18 to access the lounge or be accompanied by an adult over 18.
- Infants under 2 will be not be counted as a guest.
- Lounge access is subject to capacity restrictions.
Read the full list of house rules.
Delta Sky Club
Location: Terminal 5, Concourse M, between M14 and M11
Opening Hours: Sunday – Friday: 4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday: 4:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Delta Sky Club Facilities
- Bar serving craft beer, wine, and spirits (premium drinks available to purchase)
- Business center with printers
- Delta Sky Club ambassador to answer passenger inquiries
- Meals served from food stations, including soups, salad, and snacks
- Newspapers and magazines
- TVs
- Wi-Fi
Hot Tip:Check out the full list of U.S. Delta Sky Clubs, including locations, opening hours, and amenities.
Delta Sky Club Access
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Access Type | Details | Fees and Policies |
Executive membership | Executive members have unlimited access to any Delta Sky Club along with 2 guests |
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Individual membership |
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SkyTeam Elite Plus members | Elite status passengers can access a Delta Sky Club on the same day of travel | Passengers traveling in any cabin may access the lounge when traveling on a SkyTeam international flight or connecting to/from a same-day international flight |
Delta Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion members | Elite status passengers can access a Delta Sky Club on the same day of travel | These elites can access the lounge when flying internationally in Delta Premium Select |
Delta Oneor SkyTeam Premium cabin | Passengers can access a Delta Sky Club on the same day of travel |
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Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express card* |
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The Platinum Card® from American Express |
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The Business Platinum Card® from American Express |
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Centurion® Card from American Express |
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Virgin Australia/Velocity VIP Platinum or Gold card members Virgin Australia business class passengers | Cardmembers or business class passengers may access a Delta Sky Club | Membership card must be displayed at lounge along with same-day international boarding pass for a Delta- or Virgin Australia-operated flight |
*Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
Cardholders of the several SkyMiles credit cards in Japan — Delta SkyMiles® Diners Club Card, Delta SkyMiles® Trust Club Platinum Visa Card, and Delta SkyMiles® Trust Club Gold Visa Card — also have degrees of access to Delta Sky Clubs. Visit Delta’s international credit card websitefor specific details, fees, and policies.
Delta Sky Club House Rules
- A same-day boarding card is required for a flight marketed or operated by Delta Air Lines or a Delta partner airline (see rules for the applicable access type above). The only exception is for existing Delta Lifetime Members may continue to access the Delta Sky Club with same-day travel on any airline.
- Although the minimum age for membership is 18 years old, guests must be 21 to access a club with a self-serve bar in the U.S. The only exception is if they are traveling with another member that is over 21.
- Guests may have access to the required terminal or concourse as gate passes will not be issued for entry.
Read the full list of house rules on the Delta Air Lines website.
LOT Polish Business Class Lounge
Location: Terminal 5 (TBD)
Opening Hours: TBD (expected to open in 2024)
SAS Lounge
Location: Terminal 5, near gate M19-20
Opening Hours: Daily: Opens 1 hour before first scheduled SAS flight and closes 30 minutes before last scheduled SAS flight
SAS Lounge Facilities
- Computers
- Magazines
- Phone room
- Runway views
- Self-serve food buffet, including soups, salads, and snacks
- Self-serve refreshments, including alcoholic beverages
- TV room
- Wi-Fi
SAS Lounge Access
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Access Type | Details | Fees and Policies |
Day pass | Passengers traveling on a SAS Go fare may purchase entry into the lounge on departure with a same-day boarding card |
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SAS Business or SAS Plus passenger | Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card on departure | Valid when flying on a SAS-operated flight |
Eurobonus Diamond or Gold members |
| Valid when flying on a SAS- or a Star Alliance-operated flight |
Eurobonus Silver |
| Access is permitted daily from July 6 to August 9, and on Saturdays from January 12 to July 4 when flying on a scheduled SAS flight |
Star Alliance Gold |
| The passenger and guest must be flying on a SAS- or Star Alliance-operated flight |
SAS Lounge House Rules
- Infants under 2 will be not be counted as a guest.
- Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Passengers traveling on a SAS charter flight are not eligible for lounge access.
- For rebooked tickets, lounge access is non-transferable, and lounge fees are non-refundable.
Read the full list of house rules on the SAS website.
Swissport Lounge
Location: Terminal 5, near gate M7
Opening Hours: Daily: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Swissport Lounge Facilities
- Luggage rack
- Newspapers and magazines
- Self-serve refreshment bar, including alcoholic beverages
- Snacks during the daytime; hot and cold buffet food in the evening
- TV room
- Wi-Fi
Swissport Lounge Access
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Access Type | Details | Fees and Policies |
Day pass |
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Business or first class passengers | Premium passengers flying with Hainan Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, or Finnair may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card on departure | Valid when flying in a premium cabin with one of these partner airlines |
Priority Pass members | Passengers may access the lounge for a maximum of 3 hours |
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United Club
Chicago O’Hare International Airport has 4 United Club lounges:
- Terminal 1, Concourse B, near gate B6: Daily: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Terminal 1, Concourse B, near gate B18: Daily: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Terminal 1, Concourse C, near gate C16: Daily: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Terminal 2, Concourse F, near gate F9: Daily: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
United Airlines United ClubFacilities
- Conference rooms
- Drinks including beer, wine, and spirits
- Newspapers and magazines
- Personal travel assistant
- Self-serve snack bar
- TVs
- Wi-Fi
United Airlines United ClubAccess
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Access Type | Details | Fees and Policies | |
United Club membership | Members have unlimited access to United Club lounges with a same-day boarding card along with up to 2 guests | General member, PremierSilver, and Premier Gold | $650 (85,000 miles) annual fee |
Premier Platinum | $600 (80,000 miles) annual fee | ||
Premier 1Kand United Global Services | $550 (75,000 miles) annual fee | ||
United Club℠ Infinite Card | Included | ||
Members must be traveling on a United, Star Alliance or contracted partner flight | |||
United Club day pass | Passengers have single access to any United Club with a same-day boarding card |
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United Polaris business class | Passengers can access any United Club with a same-day boarding card at their departure, connecting, and arrival airports (domestic arrivals only) | Valid for travel on a United Airlines flight | |
United Business (international flights) | Passengers can access any United Club with a same-day boarding card at their departure, connecting, and arrival airports (domestic arrivals only) | Also applies to passengers traveling to/from Canada in United First | |
First class on a Star Alliance airline |
| Passengers must be traveling on a Star Alliance airline | |
Business class on a Star Alliance airline | Passengers can access any United Club with a same-day boarding card at the departure airport of their international flight | ||
United Premier Gold or Star Alliance Gold status |
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Air Canada Maple Leaf Club membership |
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Active U.S. military |
| Passengers must be traveling on a United or United Express flight | |
Virgin Australia Velocity (Velocity Gold, Platinum, and VIP) |
| Passengers must be traveling on an international United or Virgin Australia-operated flight departing from the same airport |
Hot Tip: If you’re active military, see our post on the best credit cards for military members as many issuers waive annual fees and you can use lounge access benefits offered by those cards.
United Airlines United Club House Rules
- A same-day boarding card is required for a flight operated by United, Star Alliance, or a contracted partner airline.
- United Club members can be accompanied by 1 spouse and child under 21 or up to 2 guests.
- Although the minimum age for membership is 18 years old, guests must be 21 to access a club with a self-serve bar in the U.S. The only exception is if they are traveling with another member that is over 21.
- Day pass guests may bring 1 infant under 2, free of charge.
- Day pass guests may be refused entry if the lounge is at or nearing capacity.
Read the full list of house rules on the United’s website.
United Polaris Lounge
Location: Terminal 1, Concourse C, near gate C18
Opening Hours: Daily: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
United Polaris Lounge Facilities
- À la carte dining
- Business services with printers and copiers
- Daybeds
- Full-service bar including beer, wine, spirits, and barista coffee
- Newspapers and magazines
- Phone rooms
- Quiet suites
- Self-serve buffet with hot and cold options
- Shower suites with amenities
United Polaris Lounge Access
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Access Type | Details | Fees and Policies |
United Polaris business class | Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card, departing for a flight or connecting | Valid for international flights on a United-operated flight |
Star Alliance international first class |
| Valid for international flights on a Star Alliance-operated flight |
Star Alliance international business class | Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card at the departure airport for an international flight |
United Polaris House Rules
- United Polaris is available on transpacific or transatlantic flights and on flights from the U.S. to Buenos Aires, Lima, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Santiago.
- Passengers flying on discounted industry fares or staff travel tickets are not permitted in the lounge.
- For Star Alliance admittance, long-haul international routes are classed as the U.S. to Asia, Australia, Europe, and select South American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru).
Read the full list of house rules on United’s website.
Hot Tip: Check out our review of the United Polaris lounge at ORD — an excellent option for business class flyers to enjoy top-notch food, drinks, and views.
USO Lounge
Chicago O’Hare International Airport has 2 USO lounges:
- Terminal 2, mezzanine (pre-security): Daily:9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Terminal 3, Concourse G mezzanine level: Daily:9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
USO Lounge Facilities
- Books and magazines
- Children’s room
- Gaming
- Quiet room
- Refreshments
- Snacks
- TV lounge
- Wi-Fi
- Work areas, phones, and printers
USO Lounge Access
These USO Lounges are available to active duty, guard, reserve military, and their dependents and retired military.
Connecting Between Terminals for Lounge Access
Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected inside the secure area. If you want to visit a lounge in a different terminal, you can easily walk between these 3 terminals without needing to reclear security again.
Terminal 5 is located quite a distance from Terminals 1 through 3, and passengers are required to ride a shuttle bus when connecting. These buses operate outside of the secure area, so you are required to reclear security on arrival. If you’re connecting between flights and are planning to use a lounge at a different terminal, be sure to leave lots of time to ride the shuttle bus and clear security.
Best Credit Cards To Access Priority Pass Lounges
There are several great credit cards with Priority Pass as a benefit. So how should you choose which is best for you? Well, that depends on what other credit card perks you value.
Our vote for the very best airport lounge credit card is the Amex Platinum card. Not only will the Amex Platinum card get you into all Priority Pass lounges (upon enrollment), but also Amex Centurion lounges,Plaza Premium Lounges,Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner.
Here are some other great card options that offer a complimentary Priority Pass lounge membership (may require enrollment):
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Final Thoughts
A handful of the 16 lounges available at ORD allow passengers to purchase a day pass, with only the Swissport Lounge permitting passengers flying with any airline. Some other lounges permit day pass entry, but you must be flying with the airline, or at least with a contracted partner.
If you’re connecting between Terminals 1 through 3 and are looking to use a lounge in between flights, you’ll be happy to know that you can easily walk between terminals without the need to reclear security, allowing you more time to relax and enjoy a drink before your flight.
The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Centurion® Card from American Express was independently collected by Upgraded Points and was not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Delta SkyMiles® Diners Club Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Delta SkyMiles® Trust Club Platinum Visa Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Delta SkyMiles® Trust Club Gold Visa Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card, click here.