Natural light and space for everyone: A look at O’Hare’s newest United Club

United Club Lounge O’Hare location

O’Hare’s newest United Club is located in Terminal 1, Concourse C; it is located next to Gate C10 and opposite Gate C15. If you regularly fly United at ORD, you’ll be familiar with the airline’s colorful pedestrian walkways, which connect passengers to concourses B and C.

Once you arrive at Concourse C, follow signs for Gates C 1-16 and turn right as indicated; The arrow on the United Club sign points in that direction.

This United Club does not restrict those flying out of gate C, but it is most convenient for them; There are also two Unity Clubs in Concourse B.

The lounge is open from 5am to 9pm daily.

United Club O’Hare lounge access

United Club is accessible through credit card, status and paid options.

United Club O’Hare lounge layout

At 17,000 square feet, this United Club is nearly twice the size of the previous United Club it replaced near gate 16. There is no shortage of space for loiterers to work via individual desks, single person, bench, ottoman and co-working style with a total of 400 seats.

As the newest United Club at ORD, you’ll find a modern design that pays homage to its Chicago roots. It features brightly colored abstract murals by local Chicago artists, including Kate Lewis.

“This is one of the first United Club locations to open with the new club design and amenities,” a United spokesperson said. “It’s part of our ongoing commitment to renovate and introduce new United Club locations that reflect the local community and deliver a more modern United brand experience.”

I appreciated the bright colors reflected in the central mural, tiled wall, and jet bridge visible outside the concourse. However, the design choices do not immediately reflect Chicago to the naked, uninformed eye. There are industrial design touches in the large symmetrical windows, open floor plan and high ceilings; There are metal, brick and concrete accents throughout.

United Club O’Hare lounge facilities

The wellness room is designed for parents to feed or change diapers in private. It comes complete with a chair, table, sink, diaper pail, and changing table.

There are also men’s, women’s and gender-neutral family bathrooms – all clean and bright.

As is the case with all United Clubs, there is a customer service desk with two live agents to help customers with flight changes or other related issues. If you want to “get travel assistance without waking up”, there are various QR codes in the lounge that you can scan for assistance with rebooking, upgrades, and seating assignments.

Food and drinks at the United Club O’Hare lounge

This United Club offers hot and cold buffets and snacks. I was there during breakfast, which lasted until 11am. Then, move on to lunch.

Breakfast options include classics such as scrambled eggs, turkey sausage and potatoes, as well as a variety of pastries. Breakfast sandwiches, bagels, English muffins and toast are also available, along with a variety of toppings like apple butter, whipped honey ricotta and whipped butter. A yogurt bar features tiramisu overnight oats, fruit and granola; Hot oatmeal and cereal round out the options.

The current menu highlights spring elements, including a spring salad with quinoa, spinach, feta, toasted sunflower seeds, raisins, garbanzo beans, red onions, fennel and red wine vinaigrette. Appetizers include chicken cacciatore, tomato basil and rice pilaf with grilled zucchini, Italian herbs and garlic.

No matter the time of your visit, you can find snacks available in the lounge, including marshmallows, peanuts, chips, Chex Mix, and fruits like bananas, apples, and oranges.

The non-alcoholic beverage options are extensive and I was most impressed with their coffee selection. There’s a customizable coffee maker for espresso, cappuccino and lattes; Illy brewed coffee and dark roast coffee; and many different milk options, including almond.

Non-coffee drinkers can choose from a variety of Bigelow teas, fruit juices, filtered and tap water, citrus juices, Nestle hot chocolate, Coca-Cola freestyle machines and various Coke soft drinks .

The bar offers free drinks, including beer, wine, liquor and non-alcoholic drinks. Premium alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase.

Notably, the robot automatically collects trash. This small but convenient detail allows customers to leave dishes at the table to pick up after eating.

Bottom line

Space is what impresses me the most. Even when it was crowded around 10 a.m., I was able to walk through the concourse and tour easily without ever feeling crowded.

Since United has a stronghold in Chicago, it makes sense for Chicago flyers to consider the airline their go-to. Additionally, lounges can help travelers (myself included) avoid feeling overwhelmed when trying – and sometimes failing – to find a seat, charge their phone, or work before a flight.

The United Club experience is another reason why I consider United Airlines as my airline of choice.

Related reading: