Guide to accessing Chicago O'Hare lounges with Priority Pass

Quick insights

• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) has one lounge in the Priority Pass network.
• With a Priority Pass membership, you may visit over 1,500 participating lounges worldwide.
• Priority Pass memberships are available for purchase or as a complimentary benefit of certain travel credit cards, like Chase Sapphire Reserve^®.

Known as the birthplace of modern American architecture, Chicago is not only the chief metropolis of the Midwest, but also an epic destination for deep dish pizza, North Avenue Beach (yes, a beach...on a lake!) and shopping on the famed Magnificent Mile.

ORD is located 15 miles from downtown Chicago. With non-stop flights to 165+ U.S. cities and international flights to over 60 countries, it's considered one of the busiest airports in the U.S.

In this article, we'll share some things to know about ORD airport as well as how to access the lounge available to Priority Pass™ members.

What to know about Chicago O'Hare airport

When navigating the airport, you can easily walk between the domestic terminals (1, 2 and 3), which are all connected. The International Terminal 5 is not connected and you'll need to access it via the Airport Transit System, which is a train shuttle. From the first stop at Terminal 1 to the last stop at rental cars and parking, it takes about 10 minutes, with stops at Terminals 1, 2, and 3 in between.

This airport features a wide variety of dining options, including some of Chicago's classics, as well as plenty of shopping in each terminal. You can also find napping pods, a yoga room, a health club and even a garden that features 1,100 plants and vegetables, many of which are used in the airport's restaurants.

What to know about the Priority Pass network of lounges at ORD

To access any lounge in the Priority Pass network, you'll need a membership. Priority Pass is a membership program that provides over 1,500 airport experiences around the world, from spacious lounges to spas and private suites. There are several ways to get a Priority Pass membership, including as a benefit of some travel credit cards, which we’ll explain below.

Does ORD have a Priority Pass Lounge?

There is only one lounge available to Priority Pass members at ORD: the Swissport Lounge in International Terminal 5.  You must have a boarding pass for an outgoing international flight to board the transport bus to this terminal.

Here are a few things to know before accessing the lounge:

• Location: Terminal 5, between gates M8 and M7
• Amenities: Wi-Fi, refreshments (including alcohol), hot and cold buffet in the evening, TV room, flight monitors

Priority Pass members can access this location three hours prior to their scheduled flight departure, as capacity allows. The lounge features several food options, spacious seating and quiet areas. Children under four receive complimentary access.

Other airport lounges at ORD?

ORD has over a dozen lounges operated by specific airlines. To access these lounges, you may need a certain level of ticket (a first-class ticket, for instance), a certain loyalty status with that airline, a paid membership to the lounge or, in some cases, a day pass.

Accessibility for each lounge is different, so you'll want to review the airline's website for their entry rules. Here is a list of several lounges organized by terminal:

Terminal 1

• United Club (near gate B6)
• United Club (near gate B18)
• United Club (near gate C16)
• United Polaris Lounge (near gate C18)

Terminal 2

• United Club
• USO Lounge

Terminal 3

• American Airlines Admirals Club (near gate G8)
• American Airlines Admirals Club (near gate L1)
• American Airlines Admirals Club (near gate H6/K6)
• American Airlines Flagship Lounge
• USO Lounge

Terminal 5 (International Terminal)

• British Airways First Lounge
• British Airways Terraces Lounge
• Delta Sky Club
• SAS Lounge
• Swissport Lounge

How to access lounges in the Priority Pass network at ORD?

There are several ways to get airport lounge access, including:

Purchase a membership

When you sign up for a membership with Priority Pass, you can choose between three annual plans to suit your travel needs. For example, if you want access to lounges without paying visit fees, consider the Prestige membership plan. The Club airport lounges participate in the Priority Pass network, so membership will provide access to those locations.

Complimentary Priority Pass Select™ membership with Chase Sapphire Reserve

If you have a travel rewards credit card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you can enroll in complimentary Priority Pass Select membership. This membership option is typically only available as a credit card benefit.

You may activate your Priority Pass Select membership by logging into your Chase Ultimate Rewards^® account. While the membership is complimentary, most travel credit cards have annual fees. But if you’re a frequent traveler, you may find that the holistic benefits are well worth the price of the annual fee.

Priority Pass Select memberships include two guests per lounge visit. The cardmember will be charged an additional $27 per guest, per visit for any additional guests (price subject to change).

In summary

Nicknamed the “Windy City", Chicago attracts millions of visitors a year, and with good reason. There are endless ways to be entertained in this city.

Serving as an international stop for many, Chicago O'Hare remains a bustling airport located just a short drive from downtown. Priority Pass members will find the Swissport Lounge is a nice break from the stress of international travel.

Discover other lounges in the Priority Pass network across the United States:

• Priority Pass Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
• Priority Pass Boston (BOS)
• Priority Pass Newark (EWR)
• Priority Pass Houston (IAH)
• Priority Pass Seattle-Tacoma (SEA)
• Priority Pass Orlando (MCO)
• Priority Pass Las Vegas (LAS)
• Priority Pass Atlanta (ATL)
• Priority Pass San Francisco (SFO)
• Priority Pass Los Angeles (LAX)
• Priority Pass New York (JFK)

This article contains the most up-to-date information at the time of publication. Details since publication are subject to change. Visit Priority Pass' official website for the most up-to-date benefits information.