Work got busy the last few days before my trip, so I haven't had time to meticulously scour the web for in-depth reviews and pictures of every chair and every food item offered at each lounge. So I'm soliciting FTers for opinions:

I have a layover at ORD 6:30-13:00 on my MSP-MLH first class award booking. From what I can tell, I'll be arriving and departing T3. I'm new to lounges and haven't been through ORD in years.

1. Can I get into T5 without a departure boarding pass for that terminal?

2. If so, which lounge should I head for? I assume I'd be allowed into any BA or AA lounge with my 'Z' boarding pass?

3. If not, which lounge in T3 should I spend my time in? Looks like Admiral Club and Flagship are my two options.

My wife and I both have enough computer work to catch up on that we're not considering a trip to town.

You will not have access to T5, it is disconnected from the domestic terminals T1/2/3 and you cannot access it without a T5 boading pass. The BA lounges are in T5, so your only options are the AA lounges. You might be best to search in the AA forum for specifics on ORD lounges.

Are you flying through ORD or JFK? Or are these questions related to two separate itineraries?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/new-y...ld-i-head.html

At both JFK and ORD, AA and BA operate from separate terminals and access to their lounges is limited to flights from the same terminal. If flying F, you should probably utilize the Flagship Lounge, if you want a shower or more room then go to the H/K Admirals Club.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...er-thread.html

Same. My entire booking is MSP > ORD > JFK > LHR > BSL(MLH) which is what it took to get on a saver level business or first class award ticket on AA's 777-300ER during the dates and locations that would work for me. That's why I'm researching the lounges....they are my only hope on making the 24 hour itinerary tolerable!