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Guide

Chicago O'Hare Lounge Guide (2026): Terminal 5 International & Polaris

By Marco Bellini July 6, 2026 7 min read

Quick Answer

Chicago ORD lounge score 8.0/10. Terminal 5 hosts Star Alliance and oneworld lounges for all international departures. United Polaris is in Terminal 1 only — not reachable airside from T5. Allow 2+ hours for domestic connections. See /airports/ord. The full guide below covers terminals, access rules, opening hours, worked examples and FAQs.

Chicago O'Hare Terminal 5 international departures. — Photo: Mattpopovich / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain

Terminal 5 international lounges

Terminal 5 consolidates international departures with alliance-operated lounges for Star Alliance, oneworld, and SkyTeam. United Polaris and American Admirals Club are in Terminals 1 and 3 — require landside ATS transfer and re-security.

UK travellers connecting to US domestic flights should allow 2+ hours minimum for immigration and re-check if not on a protected connection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use United Polaris lounge on an international departure from ORD?

Only if you depart Terminal 1 on United long-haul business class. International flights from Terminal 5 cannot reach Polaris airside.

Written by Marco Bellini

Editor, Europe & Lounges

Marco is FlightLogic's lounge specialist, having reviewed first class terminals and independent Priority Pass lounges across four continents. He previously worked ground operations at Malpensa Airport.

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