United Club

United Club – Chicago O’Hare (ORD) Terminal 1, gate B18

Remodeled in April 2016, the United Club at Chicago O’Hare airport by gate B18 is one of the airline’s four lounges at their home base (the other clubs are located near gates B6, C10, and F4.)

Close to the domestic gates, the United Club functions primarily on a membership basis, though United Premier Gold members receive access when flying internationally, as well as passengers holding Star Alliance Gold status from foreign airlines.

United international business and first class passengers, whether departing or connecting, should head over to the United Polaris Lounge in Concourse C for a vastly superior experience, including luxuries such as a complimentary full-service restaurant, private relaxation areas, and shower suites.

United Club ORD design

United Club – Chicago O’Hare (ORD) Terminal 1, gate B18 | © United

In April 2016, the United Club at O’Hare airport by gate B18 shed its legacy décor in favor of United’s new design, which was premiered at the United Club location in Terminal 2, Concourse F.

With white tones, clean lines, and designer light fixtures, the décor is resolutely modern and minimalistic, perhaps to a fault. Golden hues by the bar and pictures of vintage aircraft spruce up the ensemble and break the monotony.

Located below the concourse, and accessible through escalators and elevator from the reception area, the lounge is situated on the ground level, away from the gates and adjacent to a technical area. United has therefore chosen to obscure the windows. While the frosted panes let natural light in, the club lacks views and can feel somewhat claustrophobic. Incidentally, the former design, with Scandinavian-style blinds, was significantly more elegant.

United Club – Chicago O’Hare (ORD) Terminal 1, gate B18 | © United

The L-shaped lounge features a range of seating options, including comfortable and wide chairs with side tables for solo travelers, convenient table-top seating by the windows, dining tables for two, and a cozy group of egg chairs. Power outlets and USB ports are available at virtually every seat, including at the bar.

Unfortunately, the layout merely aims at maximizing the capacity of the space, with rows of seats facing each other in an uninspired setup. At peak times, the lounge is painfully crowded, with little room to walk around without bumping elbows with other customers. The buffet and bar areas are especially cramped.

United Club ORD amenities

Given its location on United’s home turf, the United Club at Chicago O’Hare by gate B18 is at the forefront of the airline’s catering enhancements.

United Club – Chicago O’Hare (ORD) Terminal 1, gate B18 | © United

In the morning, patrons will find a complimentary breakfast buffet with hot items such as oatmeal, scrambled eggs or sausages, along with a selection of pastries, fresh fruit, and yoghurt. Lunch is the highlight, with a variety of snacks, salads, hot entrees such as clam chowder, couscous, or palek paneer, as well as desserts and fruit. Choices are more modest in the evening, with an assortment of finger food and salads.

United has also partnered with legendary Chicago-based restaurant Giordano’s, known for its deep-dish pizza, to offer paid food offerings. Customers can order from a touch screen, and their order will be delivered at their seat. Prices range from $7 to $14, a questionable value since other options are complimentary, but prices aren’t marked up otherwise compared to Giorfano’s locations at the airport.

Hydration stations feature an assortment of infused waters and ice tea, and a Coca-Cola FreeStyle machine lets customers choose through a wide variety of soft drinks. Wine, beer, Prosecco, and well drinks are all complimentary at the bar, while premium drinks are available for purchase.

United Club – Chicago O’Hare (ORD) Terminal 1, gate B18

The United Club offers fast and complimentary Wi-Fi service. Other business amenities include a printer, as well as two private phone rooms with doors and a small desk. United requests that customers limit usage to ten minutes.

Various newspapers and magazines are available. United also offers complimentary access to Foli, an online service which allows customers to download a vast selection of reading materials to their mobile device for further reading during their journey.

The bathrooms are notable for their airplane window shaped mirrors and fancy soap dispensers. Less remarkable is the lack of showers, even at a major hub such as Chicago O’Hare.

United Club ORD bottom line

United Club – Chicago O’Hare (ORD) Terminal 1, gate B18 | © United

The United Club at Chicago O’Hare by gate B18 is modern and well appointed, and features a number of enjoyable amenities such as power outlets at every seat, complimentary hot meals, and phone rooms. Unfortunately, the lounge is chronically crowded to the point that finding a seat can occasionally be a challenge, and the availability of hot meals is somewhat hit or miss.

A virtual tour of the new United Club at Chicago O’Hare airport by gate B18  is available here.