Dec 3, 2016, 9:22 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Access to Polaris lounges (source):
Hour 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily
A la carte dining, last seating 8 p. m.
United flights with the premium cabin class listed as 'Polaris Business' qualify for deaparture, connecting and arrival of a United Polaris flight.
UA premium cabin flights not marketed as Polaris, such as Domestic First or International Business (Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, northern South America, ... ) are not eligible for Polaris lounge access.
For partner, Business or International First, access only at departure airport and same destination restrictions as UA (roughly at least 8+ hours long haul international - TATL, TPAC, yes any UA Polaris destination but no trans-border).
No Guests (except 1 guest for International First partner flights)
{Similar Threads:
Polaris Lounge Roadmap 2017-2018 (wiki) (thread)
EWR Polaris lounge -- Reviews, Experiences, Q&A, ...
IAD Polaris lounge -- Reviews, Experiences, Q&A, ...
IAH Polaris lounge (E11/12 - top fl) -- Reviews, Experiences, Q&A, ...
SFO Polaris Lounge -- Reviews, Experiences, Q&A, ...
LAX Polaris Lounge -- Reviews, Experiences, Q&A, ...
United Polaris-New Business Class seats & inflight service and new Polaris Lounges (wiki) (thread)}
Consolidated "Polaris Lounge Access Questions" Thread
International T5 ORD partner *G lounges
Hour 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily
A la carte dining, last seating 8 p. m.
United flights with the premium cabin class listed as 'Polaris Business' qualify for deaparture, connecting and arrival of a United Polaris flight.
UA premium cabin flights not marketed as Polaris, such as Domestic First or International Business (Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, northern South America, ... ) are not eligible for Polaris lounge access.
For partner, Business or International First, access only at departure airport and same destination restrictions as UA (roughly at least 8+ hours long haul international - TATL, TPAC, yes any UA Polaris destination but no trans-border).
No Guests (except 1 guest for International First partner flights)
{Similar Threads:
Polaris Lounge Roadmap 2017-2018 (wiki) (thread)
EWR Polaris lounge -- Reviews, Experiences, Q&A, ...
IAD Polaris lounge -- Reviews, Experiences, Q&A, ...
IAH Polaris lounge (E11/12 - top fl) -- Reviews, Experiences, Q&A, ...
SFO Polaris Lounge -- Reviews, Experiences, Q&A, ...
LAX Polaris Lounge -- Reviews, Experiences, Q&A, ...
United Polaris-New Business Class seats & inflight service and new Polaris Lounges (wiki) (thread)}
Consolidated "Polaris Lounge Access Questions" Thread
International T5 ORD partner *G lounges
ORD Polaris lounge -- Reviews, Experiences, Q&A, ..
Dec 29, 2016, 4:34 pm
#241
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
I was in the Polaris Club in ORD for the first time recently. Have to say this is the first product/service improvement I've seen at UA in 7 or 8 years so I was really surprised. Decent design and layout. Didn't feel like a bus station. Very attentive service. Good WiFi. Nice job UA.
Sad to see global first going, but I already mostly fly LH or NH out of ORD these days anyway so the addition of a decent lounge is welcome.
Sad to see global first going, but I already mostly fly LH or NH out of ORD these days anyway so the addition of a decent lounge is welcome.
Last edited by 5khours; Dec 29, 2016 at 4:44 pm
Jan 1, 2017, 12:51 pm
#242
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Las Vegas
Programs: DL DM, AA PlatPro, Hilton DM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 1,532
I recently was in the lounge last week. I was very impressed with the Bourbon selection.. I'll post a couple of pictures soon. I had a glass of Angel's Share even though it was before noon 
.
They mentioned that hot food begins on Jan 4th.
.They mentioned that hot food begins on Jan 4th.
Jan 2, 2017, 2:29 pm
#243
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 16
I'm sitting in the polaris lounge before my LH flight to FRA.
It is very comfortable, and I like the lounge cubbies. However, if you have a bit of a belly, you might find you can pull out the laptop tray all the way. It doesn't help that I'm super short, so if if I sit all the way back in the chair, my knees can't bend. But these are standard short cubby people problems.
I had two of the Paper Airplane drinks. The Latin American Inspired And the South American inspired one. They were both delicious, but I liked the tequila and mezcal in the Latin American one much better. The first bartender did a great job explaining how he was making it.
Considering in November, I had to pay for a goose island beer in the United club on My last fight to germany, this was a massive improvement.
All of the staff was wonderful. As I left the lounge, I Waylaid one of them to ask where the restrooms were. He escorted me directly to them.
Plus, the restrooms were lovely. ORD is always my final stop, but if it wasn't, I could see surrendering some quality private time in there. As mentioned before, they are single "seat" and spacious. They were also pristine.
No hot food, but the cold dishes were great. You can see the spread I ate here (couldn't figure out how to embed instagram pics and were to take off.
http://www.instagram.com/p/BOximqKgFWL/
It is very comfortable, and I like the lounge cubbies. However, if you have a bit of a belly, you might find you can pull out the laptop tray all the way. It doesn't help that I'm super short, so if if I sit all the way back in the chair, my knees can't bend. But these are standard short cubby people problems.
I had two of the Paper Airplane drinks. The Latin American Inspired And the South American inspired one. They were both delicious, but I liked the tequila and mezcal in the Latin American one much better. The first bartender did a great job explaining how he was making it.
Considering in November, I had to pay for a goose island beer in the United club on My last fight to germany, this was a massive improvement.
All of the staff was wonderful. As I left the lounge, I Waylaid one of them to ask where the restrooms were. He escorted me directly to them.
Plus, the restrooms were lovely. ORD is always my final stop, but if it wasn't, I could see surrendering some quality private time in there. As mentioned before, they are single "seat" and spacious. They were also pristine.
No hot food, but the cold dishes were great. You can see the spread I ate here (couldn't figure out how to embed instagram pics and were to take off.
http://www.instagram.com/p/BOximqKgFWL/
Last edited by polabear; Jan 4, 2017 at 7:38 pm Reason: Thought of more stuff while walking to gate
Jan 4, 2017, 11:43 pm
#246
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: USA
Programs: UA 1K, Starwood Platinum, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 982
Hot food should start later this week.
Table service with cooked-to-order food will start on 1/11. At some point, it will be possible to reserve a table ahead of time. There will be 45 minute slots to choose from. The tableware, napkins, condiment holders, etc. are gorgeous.
Pic:
Eventually, it will also be possible to reserve one of the four relaxation rooms.
Table service with cooked-to-order food will start on 1/11. At some point, it will be possible to reserve a table ahead of time. There will be 45 minute slots to choose from. The tableware, napkins, condiment holders, etc. are gorgeous.
Pic:
Eventually, it will also be possible to reserve one of the four relaxation rooms.
Jan 5, 2017, 8:30 pm
#247
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: BOS/BDL
Programs: MileagePlus Club, Amex Platinum, AAdvantage, SkyMiles
Posts: 232
Jan 6, 2017, 4:57 am
#248
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Aussie in ORD
Programs: Marriott Plat, Ua Gold, GE.. Sucker for punishment
Posts: 4,237
Hey.. a slightly OT question.. We arrive in ORD after SYD-LAX-ORD in BF/Polaris.. Looks like we get access to the lounge.. But we have checked luggage.. I would love to check the lounge out.. If we just leave luggage on the conveyor does United just store them? A few glasses of Moet at the end of a long travel day(s), yes please!
Jan 6, 2017, 4:18 pm
#249
Moderator: United Airlines
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,859
Jan 6, 2017, 5:11 pm
#250
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: DEN/OGG
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 1,482
Jan 6, 2017, 5:57 pm
#251
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: BOS/BDL
Programs: MileagePlus Club, Amex Platinum, AAdvantage, SkyMiles
Posts: 232
Please tell me that you have never made a plan for anything (birthday party for spouse, replacement of rotting garage doors, putting in a vegetable garden, you name it) and then not fulfill it, on time and under budget.
Jan 8, 2017, 3:45 pm
#252
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Aussie in ORD
Programs: Marriott Plat, Ua Gold, GE.. Sucker for punishment
Posts: 4,237
Thinking just a quick 30 min trip would mean bags will only be there ~10 mins longer than normal..
Jan 8, 2017, 8:48 pm
#253
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Chicago
Programs: United 1P
Posts: 32
So I read this from United FAQ:
Only customers traveling in United Polaris business class or United Polaris first class on long-haul international flights, as well as customers traveling in international first or business class cabins on Star Alliance™ partner airlines, will have access to the United Polaris lounge.
I have a upcoming trip from ORD to VIE on Austrian Airlines business class. So I suppose I am eligible for access. However, Austrian Airline departs from T5, which is not connected to T1 on airside. So here is my plan:
1. Go To T5 to check in the flight and baggage.
2. Take ATS back to T1, go through security to access airside and lounge.
3. Take ATS back to T5 for my flight.
My question is whether security at T1 would let me in with a boarding pass flying out of T5?
I understand the back and forth between T1 and T5 would take time. So I'll definitely get to airport earlier.
Only customers traveling in United Polaris business class or United Polaris first class on long-haul international flights, as well as customers traveling in international first or business class cabins on Star Alliance™ partner airlines, will have access to the United Polaris lounge.
I have a upcoming trip from ORD to VIE on Austrian Airlines business class. So I suppose I am eligible for access. However, Austrian Airline departs from T5, which is not connected to T1 on airside. So here is my plan:
1. Go To T5 to check in the flight and baggage.
2. Take ATS back to T1, go through security to access airside and lounge.
3. Take ATS back to T5 for my flight.
My question is whether security at T1 would let me in with a boarding pass flying out of T5?
I understand the back and forth between T1 and T5 would take time. So I'll definitely get to airport earlier.
My flight took place last month. I arrived at T5 about 3.5 hours before the flight. After checking in, I went to T1. The security didn't even ask anything when I present my Austrian Airlines boarding pass. So I enjoyed the new lounge for about 1.5 hours before I went back to T5 for my flight. Everything went smoothly.
Jan 9, 2017, 10:44 am
#254
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
Hot food now confirmed - with menus!
I made it to Polaris right as they were wrapping up the breakfast service so I was able to grab a picture of the printed menu as well as account for the food (much of it was being taken away so can't really report on how it looked):
In addition to the oatmeal and congee listed on the menu, I saw Le Creusets with breakfast potatoes in one and bacon and sausage in the other.
For lunch it appears a different type of setup. I didn't see a menu, but in addition to the same cold items they had before, and what looked like maybe a chicken soup, they have individual metal pans with various sampling-sized portions of a few dishes. One was abeef, onion, and brussels sprout dish, a penne pasta, some sort of puff pastry dish, and a salmon with vegetable dish.
I know they're trying to be fancy but it's a bit unwieldy to carry the pans back to your seat on a dish and they look hard to clean:
I will also note that the bar now carries blue cheese olives.
All in all I'll have to see about the table service as what's being offered is certainly enough to make a lunch out of (as I typically skip the meal service on the 2pm to FRA) but still feels slightly lacking. I expected it to exceed say what's found at LHR UC but it does not (though still beats what was offered in the GFL or UCs before)
Also it would still be nice to have a self-service bar for at least wines. There is just one bartender so it could be quite a bit of a wait for a drink at times.
In addition to the oatmeal and congee listed on the menu, I saw Le Creusets with breakfast potatoes in one and bacon and sausage in the other.
For lunch it appears a different type of setup. I didn't see a menu, but in addition to the same cold items they had before, and what looked like maybe a chicken soup, they have individual metal pans with various sampling-sized portions of a few dishes. One was abeef, onion, and brussels sprout dish, a penne pasta, some sort of puff pastry dish, and a salmon with vegetable dish.
I know they're trying to be fancy but it's a bit unwieldy to carry the pans back to your seat on a dish and they look hard to clean:
I will also note that the bar now carries blue cheese olives.
All in all I'll have to see about the table service as what's being offered is certainly enough to make a lunch out of (as I typically skip the meal service on the 2pm to FRA) but still feels slightly lacking. I expected it to exceed say what's found at LHR UC but it does not (though still beats what was offered in the GFL or UCs before)
Also it would still be nice to have a self-service bar for at least wines. There is just one bartender so it could be quite a bit of a wait for a drink at times.
Jan 10, 2017, 6:28 pm
#255
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: DEN/OGG
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 1,482
I am in the Polaris lounge right now:
I am not that impressed and for sure miss the tranquility of the GFL
All about first impressions, right?
I didn't like to be accosted far from the door and asked to show a boarding pass. Are we at EWR or what?
Secondly a number of bathrooms are already out of service and I had the pleasure of 3 other ones, as the first two I entered were out of paper towels, and I used up the last two in the 3rd room.
The hot food is out and quite tasty, served in miniature pans. What is missing is any labeling telling you what it is.
No food to order despite being advertised
The lounge is quite loud and it's only 1/3rd occupied I can imagine this being a zoo.
Lots of staff around.
Try drinks later.
I am not that impressed and for sure miss the tranquility of the GFL
All about first impressions, right?
I didn't like to be accosted far from the door and asked to show a boarding pass. Are we at EWR or what?
Secondly a number of bathrooms are already out of service and I had the pleasure of 3 other ones, as the first two I entered were out of paper towels, and I used up the last two in the 3rd room.
The hot food is out and quite tasty, served in miniature pans. What is missing is any labeling telling you what it is.
No food to order despite being advertised
The lounge is quite loud and it's only 1/3rd occupied I can imagine this being a zoo.
Lots of staff around.
Try drinks later.