Excellent Design and Plentiful Seating: United’s Newest Club at Chicago O’Hare
by Krish Patel
United Airlines is making an investment into its airport lounges, with new clubs sporting modern design motifs. About two and a half years ago, the carrier opened a new United Club at Chicago O’Hare (ORD). The outpost in O’Hare’s Terminal 1 is a perfect example of one of United’s new Clubs with more seating and space for travelers.
United Club Chicago Location and Access
The new United Club at O’Hare is located in Concourse C of the airport’s Terminal 1 and adjacent to gate C10. After clearing security, you’ll find yourself in the B gates and will need to take the underground rainbow tunnel to reach Concourse C. Simply follow the signage for the lounge after reaching the C gates.
United Club Lounges are accessible in a variety of ways, including through memberships, elite status, Business Class tickets, and day passes.
Cardholders of United Club Infinite Card ($525 annual fee) receive complimentary club access and can bring two additional guests. Meanwhile, the lower-tier United Explorer Card comes with two single-use club passes per year.
In addition, travelers with Star Alliance Gold status can enter United Clubs when traveling internationally on a Star Alliance carrier, regardless of the class of service. If you don’t have status or a credit card that gains access, then you can purchase a one-time lounge pass for $59.
United Club Chicago Seating and Design
Measuring at 17,000 square feet, this is the largest United Club at ORD. Once you enter the reception area, you’ll find a help desk staffed by agents, as well as automatic gates that allow you into the lounge. The automatic gates for entry are a signature part of United’s new lounge concept and replace the older check-in desks.
During my visit in the late morning, the lounge was quite crowded. However, there’s no shortage of comfortable furniture. Seating options include lounge chairs, couches, dining chairs, and bar-like stools. The furniture adopts a mix of various tones of blue, gray, and brown.
Travelers looking to get work done will appreciate the plentiful table space the work cubicles and long conference tables offer. There are also universal and USB outlets built into the individual work spaces.
United has installed local artwork from the Chicago area in its club. The eye-catching, bright, and abstract paintings compliment each of the seating areas and provide for a wonderful modern touch. I also love the wooden finishes and steel accents seen throughout.
United Club Chicago Food and Drink
Lunch was being offered at the buffet while I was in the club, with choices of pasta, roasted zucchini, sandwiches, hot soups, and various salads. There were also some light bites, including cheese and crackers, grapes, cookies, and assorted snacks. None of the food options looked very inspiring in terms of their presentation.
The United Club has an extensive drink selection, with refreshing flavored waters, juices, illy drip coffee, various sodas (served from a Coca-Cola machine), and teas. You’ll even find a custom coffee machine that can make warm lattes and cappuccinos.
A gorgeous bar can be found towards the left side of the lounge, with displayed drinks, hanging light fixtures, and a dark ceiling. Certain wines and beer are complimentary, however, all of the premium cocktails and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase in either cash or MileagePlus miles.
United Club Chicago Amenities
The O’Hare United Club doesn’t have too many amenities, but covers all of the basics, including fast, reliable Wi-Fi. Found near the entrance is a customer service desk, where you can seek help for flight rebookings and any travel assistance.
There’s also a set of modern restrooms, which feel spacious and feature blue mosaic-tiled walls. Found right adjacent to the set of bathrooms is a wellness room designed for families with babies or young children. It’s equipped with a sink, lounge chair, and diaper-changing table.
Overall Thoughts
The United Club near gate C10 is a great space to relax before a flight, with a variety of comfortable chairs and local artwork that enhances the atmosphere of the lounge. It offers plenty of space for travelers and always has an open seat, even when the club is crowded. United is truly investing in its lounge experience and that’s fully on display at the carrier’s largest hub in Chicago O’Hare.