Chicago Airport Lounges: A Quick Guide to ORD and MDW

Chicago airport lounges range from premium international spaces at O’Hare (ORD) to one shared-use lounge at Midway (MDW). Your best option depends on your departure terminal, airline, ticket, elite status, and credit card benefits.

Airport	Best-known lounge options	Best for
O’Hare (ORD)	United Polaris Lounge, United Clubs, Admirals Clubs, Terminal 5 international lounges	United and American flyers, international business-class travelers, eligible cardholders
Midway (MDW)	The Club at Chicago Midway	Priority Pass members and travelers seeking a quiet shared lounge

At ORD, the top choice for eligible long-haul business-class travelers is the expanded United Polaris Lounge near Gate C18. American Airlines passengers have three Admirals Club locations in Terminal 3, while Terminal 5 offers several international airline and shared lounges. At MDW, The Club at Chicago Midway gives Priority Pass members a calmer option near the Central Market between Concourses A and B.

Access is not one-size-fits-all. Some lounges admit travelers through a premium-cabin ticket or airline status; others accept club members, qualifying credit cards, Priority Pass, or limited day passes when space allows.

I’m Hank Cai, founder of JetKonnect, where I build practical airport tools and guides for travelers who want less confusion on flight day. With more than 18 years in travel search and digital strategy, I focus on making chicago airport lounges and airport access rules easier to use in the real world.

Overview of Premium Departure Clubs at O’Hare and Midway

Navigating the lounge scene across Chicago’s two major airports requires understanding how each airfield is structured. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is a massive global hub operating four active passenger terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5), while Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is a streamlined facility organized around a central concourse hub.

If you are flying through Chicago, your departure terminal strictly dictates which chicago airport lounges you can reach without re-clearing security. United Airlines anchors Terminals 1 and 2, American Airlines controls Terminal 3, and Terminal 5 handles the majority of international arrivals and departures alongside non-hub domestic carriers. Meanwhile, Midway concentrates its operations in Concourses A and B. If this is your first time navigating airport lounges, reviewing our Guide: Lounge Access for First Time will give you a solid foundation before you step into the terminal.

United Polaris Lounge and United Clubs in Terminal 1 and 2

For international business-class travelers departing on United Airlines or Star Alliance long-haul flights, the United Polaris Lounge at ORD Terminal 1 (located near Gate C18) stands as the gold standard of chicago airport lounges. The expanded facility covers nearly 25,000 square feet and accommodates over 350 travelers with thoughtfully designed seating zones.

United collaborated with home brand Crate & Barrel to curate custom decor, high-end furnishings, and sophisticated dinnerware. The dining experience tripling its private dining room capacity to over 50 seats offers both a high-end hot buffet and a full à la carte sit-down menu featuring dishes like Prosciutto Parmigiano Crostini and seasonal risotto.

United became the first U.S. airline to introduce two full-service bars inside a single business-class lounge. Across 25-plus bar seats, guests can enjoy premium wines, champagne, or custom cocktails at the lounge’s unique speakeasy-style bar. To read more about this facility’s expansion, check out the news release Reimagined United Polaris® Lounge Opens in Chicago with 50% More Space and Crate & Barrel Decor.

For domestic flyers or those in standard cabins, United operates multiple standard United Club Lounges across Terminals 1 and 2:

• Terminal 1, Concourse B: Gate B6 and Gate B18
• Terminal 1, Concourse C: Gate C10
• Terminal 2, Concourse E/F: Gate E7 and Gate F9

These standard clubs feature complimentary hot breakfast items, afternoon soups, snacks, local draft beers, and quiet spaces to work with ample power outlets.

American Airlines Admirals Club Locations in Terminal 3

American Airlines maintains a dominant presence in Terminal 3 with three distinct Admirals Club locations and a premium Flagship Lounge:

1. Concourse H/K Connector (Crosswalk near Gates H6/K6): This is the largest Admirals Club at O’Hare. Situated on the third floor, it offers sprawling views of the tarmac, multiple full-service sit-down bars, a buffet area, two 8-person conference rooms, a dedicated kids’ room, and private shower suites. Premium international business class and elite passengers can also access the co-located Flagship Lounge on the floor below. For a deeper look at this facility, read this Review: American Airlines Admirals Club, Chicago O’Hare (Concourse H/K) – Altitude Yes.
2. Concourse G (Gate G8): Open daily from 6:15 a.m. to 9:45 p.m., this location is significantly smaller but serves as a wonderfully quiet getaway when the main H/K club gets overcrowded during peak push periods.
3. Concourse L (Gate L2A): Open from 5:00 a.m. to 9:45 p.m., the Concourse L club is the most compact of the trio. It provides basic buffet items, a full bar, one 4-person conference room, and work cubicles. To see if this spot fits your layover, check out this Lounge Review: Admirals Club® (ORD – Terminal 3, Concourse L) – The Bulkhead Seat.

Terminal 5 International Facilities and Access Rules for Chicago Airport Lounges

Terminal 5 serves as O’Hare’s gateway for overseas flag carriers, as well as several domestic flights. Because Terminal 5 is physically separated from Terminals 1, 2, and 3 (connected airside via the Airport Transit System landside or airside shuttle buses), knowing which lounges operate in Concourse M is crucial.

Wingtips Lounge and Swissport Lounge Access Criteria

Terminal 5 hosts independent shared-use lounges that cater to international carriers, elite status holders, and cardholders enrolled in the Priority Pass Network:

• Wingtips Lounge (Near Gate M19): Open daily from 08:00 to 22:00, Wingtips provides comfortable seating, complimentary hot and cold snacks, wine, beer, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Priority Pass cardholders can enter here, though admittance is subject to availability and restricted to a maximum stay of 3 hours.
• Swissport Lounge (Gate M18): Open primarily in the afternoon and evening to align with European carrier departures, the Swissport Lounge provides contract lounge services for business-class passengers on airlines such as Hainan Airlines or Turkish Airlines, while participating in select independent card pass networks during off-peak hours.
• LOT Business Lounge (Gate M18) & Air France Lounge (Gate M17): These dedicated carrier lounges cater directly to premium class passengers and SkyTeam/Star Alliance elites departing on long-haul routes.

Amex Platinum Access to Specific Chicago Airport Lounges

Travelers holding The Platinum Card® from American Express have specific entry points at O’Hare. While ORD does not currently feature a proprietary American Express Centurion Lounge, cardholders still have solid access privileges across the airport terminals.

Cardholders flying on a same-day Delta Air Lines ticket can enter the Delta Sky Club in Terminal 5 (Gate M13). This modern space features elevated dining, premium bar options, and floor-to-ceiling airport views.

For cardholders flying with other carriers, Amex Platinum provides access to Terminal 5’s Air France Lounge and Wingtips Lounge through enrolled Priority Pass Select benefits. To evaluate which credit cards maximize your perks when flying through ORD, review our guide on the Best Card for ORD.

The Club at Chicago Midway: MDW’s Premier Space

For decades, Chicago Midway International Airport operated without a single dedicated airport lounge. That changed with the historic launch of The Club at Chicago Midway (MDW), representing the first shared-use lounge in the airport’s 96-year history.

Situated right in MDW’s Central Market at the intersection of Concourses A and B, The Club MDW is accessible to all passengers regardless of the airline they are flying. It is fully integrated into Priority Pass, giving cardholders complimentary access, while also offering single-day passes for purchase.

The interior design takes inspiration from Chicago’s architectural history, showcasing skyline aesthetics, plush seating, and locally curated artwork. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer direct views of the airfield. Guests enjoy a complimentary hot and cold buffet featuring local bites, as well as a full-service bar pouring craft beers and regional spirits.

Feature / Detail	O’Hare (ORD) Primary Lounges	Midway (MDW) The Club
Total Lounges	10+ across Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5	1 central shared-use lounge
Primary Terminal Locations	T1 (Gates B6, B18, C10, C18), T2 (E7, F9), T3 (H/K, G, L), T5 (M13, M17, M18, M19)	Central Market (Intersection of Concourses A & B)
Priority Pass Options	Wingtips Lounge (T5), Swissport Lounge (T5)	The Club MDW
Airlines Served	United, American, Delta, Air France, LOT Polish, and international carriers	All carriers operating out of MDW (Southwest, Delta, Allegiant, etc.)
Key Standout Amenities	Polaris speakeasy bar, shower suites (T1/T3), kids’ rooms	Airfield views, Chicago skyline art, local craft beverages

Key Amenities: Showers, Workspaces, and Premium Dining

Selecting the right lounge often comes down to the specific facilities you need during a layover. Whether you need to freshen up after an overseas flight or host a quick team meeting before departure, chicago airport lounges provide a range of specialized amenities.

• Shower Suites: Fresh shower facilities are a rare luxury at O’Hare. You will find dedicated shower suites inside the United Polaris Lounge (Terminal 1, C18) for international long-haul business travelers, and inside the American Airlines Admirals Club in Terminal 3 (Concourse H/K).
• Conference and Meeting Rooms: Business travelers looking for private meeting spaces can reserve conference rooms inside Terminal 3’s Admirals Clubs. The Concourse H/K connector location features two conference rooms seating up to 8 people each, while the Concourse L club offers one 4-person conference room.
• Family Facilities: Parents traveling with young children can take advantage of dedicated family rooms. The Concourse H/K Admirals Club offers a kids’ play room equipped with entertainment options to keep young flyers engaged away from the main lounge seating area.
• Elevated Food and Beverage: Dining offerings range significantly across facilities. While standard domestic clubs offer light soups, salads, and packaged snacks, flagships like the United Polaris Lounge elevate service with sit-down à la carte dining and signature cocktails like the “Second City Sour” (featuring Chicago’s famous Jeppson’s Malört spirit).

To weigh whether spending money on club memberships or day entry fits your personal travel budget, explore our Guide: Is Lounge Access Worth It?.

How to Access Airport Clubs with Credit Cards and Day Passes

Gaining access to chicago airport lounges does not always require a first-class ticket. We can group access strategies into four main channels:

1. Credit Card Memberships: Premium travel cards are the most popular gateway. Cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express, the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card include lounge network memberships (such as Priority Pass) or proprietary lounge entry. Additionally, co-branded cards like the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® ($595 annual fee) include a full Admirals Club membership—often a better value than buying an $850 standalone annual club membership. To learn about choosing the right card, see our guide on the Best Card for Lounge Access.
2. Airline Elite Status & Cabin Class: Passengers flying international long-haul business or first class on Star Alliance or Oneworld carriers receive automatic entry to flagship lounges like United Polaris or American Flagship. Elite status holders (such as Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald or Star Alliance Gold) can also enter partner clubs when departing on qualifying international itineraries.
3. Purchasing Day Passes: Travelers without elite status or credit card perks can buy single-entry day passes at select locations. Both United Clubs and American Admirals Clubs sell single-day passes (Admirals Club passes cost $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles). However, keep in mind that day pass acceptance is strictly subject to lounge capacity and can be paused during peak travel hours. Check out our guide on Lounge Day Passes to see how one-time entry works.
4. Guest Access Regulations: Always check guest policies before arriving with family or colleagues. While premium credit card memberships often allow two free guest entries, airline day passes typically apply only to the individual pass holder. To avoid surprises at the front desk, check out Lounge Guest Policies and read our comprehensive primer on How to Get into Airport Lounges.

• Amex Platinum: Check Current Bonus →
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: Check Current Bonus →
• Capital One Venture X: Check Current Bonus →
• Citi AAdvantage Executive: Check Current Bonus →

Frequently Asked Questions About O’Hare and Midway Lounges

Which Chicago airport lounges offer shower facilities?

At Chicago O’Hare (ORD), shower facilities are available inside the United Polaris Lounge in Terminal 1 (near Gate C18) for qualifying long-haul international business-class passengers. In Terminal 3, shower suites are located inside the main American Airlines Admirals Club in the Concourse H/K connector. There are currently no shower facilities available at Chicago Midway (MDW).

Can Priority Pass members access lounges at both O’Hare and Midway?

Yes, Priority Pass members have lounge access at both airports. At Chicago Midway (MDW), members can access The Club at Chicago Midway, located in the Central Market between Concourses A and B. At O’Hare (ORD), Priority Pass members can enter the Wingtips Lounge in Terminal 5 (near Gate M19) for up to 3 hours, subject to space availability.

Are day passes available for purchase at O’Hare lounges?

Yes, day passes are available at select O’Hare lounges. American Airlines sells day passes for its Admirals Clubs for $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles. United Airlines sells one-time passes for United Clubs via the United mobile app or at the door for $59 when capacity permits. However, flagship facilities like the United Polaris Lounge do not sell day passes under any circumstances, and standard domestic clubs may turn away day-pass holders during peak crowding times.

Does Amex Platinum give access to a Centurion Lounge at O’Hare?

No. O’Hare does not have a proprietary Amex Centurion Lounge. Platinum Card® cardholders instead use enrolled Priority Pass Select benefits to enter the Wingtips Lounge or Air France Lounge in Terminal 5, or the Delta Sky Club in Terminal 5 (Gate M13) on a same-day Delta ticket.

How much is an Admirals Club day pass at ORD?

An Admirals Club day pass at O’Hare costs $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles per visit, subject to capacity. United Club day passes run $59 at the door when space allows. Neither pass works at flagship spaces like the United Polaris Lounge, which does not sell day passes under any circumstances.

Conclusion

Whether you are departing on a long-haul international flight from O’Hare’s Terminal 1 or catching a domestic flight out of Midway’s Central Market, understanding your lounge options transforms a busy travel day into a smooth, restful experience. From the speakeasy bar inside the expanded United Polaris lounge to the cozy local feel of The Club MDW, Chicago offers departure options for every style of traveler.

At JetKonnect, we build practical airport guides and tools designed to streamline your flight day. To research lounge locations, check opening hours, or evaluate credit card access perks for your upcoming trip through Chicago, visit our comprehensive ORD Airport Page.

{ “@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “FAQPage”, “mainEntity”: [ { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Which Chicago airport lounges offer shower facilities?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “At Chicago O’Hare (ORD), shower facilities are available inside the United Polaris Lounge in Terminal 1 (near Gate C18) for qualifying long-haul international business-class passengers. In Terminal 3, shower suites are located inside the main American Airlines Admirals Club in the Concourse H/K connector. There are currently no shower facilities available at Chicago Midway (MDW).” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Can Priority Pass members access lounges at both O’Hare and Midway?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Yes, Priority Pass members have lounge access at both airports. At Chicago Midway (MDW), members can access The Club at Chicago Midway, located in the Central Market between Concourses A and B. At O’Hare (ORD), Priority Pass members can enter the Wingtips Lounge in Terminal 5 (near Gate M19) for up to 3 hours, subject to space availability.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Are day passes available for purchase at O’Hare lounges?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Yes, day passes are available at select O’Hare lounges. American Airlines sells day passes for its Admirals Clubs for $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles. United Airlines sells one-time passes for United Clubs via the United mobile app or at the door for $59 when capacity permits. However, flagship facilities like the United Polaris Lounge do not sell day passes under any circumstances, and standard domestic clubs may turn away day-pass holders during peak crowding times.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Does Amex Platinum give access to a Centurion Lounge at O’Hare?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “No. O’Hare does not have a proprietary Amex Centurion Lounge. Platinum Card cardholders instead use enrolled Priority Pass Select benefits to enter the Wingtips Lounge or Air France Lounge in Terminal 5, or the Delta Sky Club in Terminal 5 (Gate M13) on a same-day Delta ticket.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “How much is an Admirals Club day pass at ORD?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “An Admirals Club day pass at O’Hare costs $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles per visit, subject to capacity. United Club day passes run $59 at the door when space allows. Neither pass works at flagship spaces like the United Polaris Lounge, which does not sell day passes under any circumstances.” } } ] }