In a Nutshell
There are two lounges at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport that offer access to Priority Pass™ members. And if you hold a premium travel credit card, your card may come with complimentary access. But heads up: The lounges at Chicago are both located in the international terminal.Priority Pass™ offers two lounges at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, but many travelers won’t have access to either one, since both are located in the international terminal.
If your flight takes you through the international terminal of Chicago O’Hare International Airport, you can access the Priority Pass™ lounges using a Priority Pass™ membership.
Things to know about the Priority Pass™ lounges at Chicago’s O’Hare International airport
Unfortunately for domestic travelers, the only Priority Pass™ lounges at Chicago O’Hare International Airport are located in the international terminal (Terminal 5). Even if domestic travelers wanted to take a trip out of the way to visit a Priority Pass™ lounge in Terminal 5, they wouldn’t be able to because both lounges are designated for international flights departing from Terminal 5.
You need to have a boarding pass for an outgoing, or “forward,” international flight to access the secure-side terminal transfer bus, which takes you to Terminal 5.
But if you find yourself in the international terminal at Chicago O’Hare, here are some key things to know about the two lounges you’ll find there.
Air France — KLM Lounge
Location
The Air France — KLM Lounge can be found airside in Terminal 5. After you pass through security, turn right, and you’ll find the lounge on the left, between gates M8 and M7.
Features and policies
When you arrive at the Air France — KLM Lounge, you’ll have access to …
- Phone
- Wi-Fi
- Refreshments
- Alcoholic drinks (for passengers 21 and older)
- Magazines and newspapers
The lounge is accessible to disabled guests and allows children under the age of 2 to enter for free.
Heads up: This lounge imposes a three-hour maximum stay and you have to follow a “smart casual” dress code (no shorts, tank tops, baseball hats or sports jerseys).
Hours
The lounge is open on Monday and Saturday from 8:15 a.m. to 11:50 p.m., and Tuesday through Friday and on Sunday 6 a.m. to 11:50 p.m.
It’s important to note that access may be restricted on a daily basis between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., as well as between 6 and 8 p.m.
Swissport Lounge
Location
The Swissport Lounge is also in Terminal 5. After you clear security, turn to your right. You’ll see the lounge between gates M8 and M7, on the right side.
Features and policies
When you visit the Swissport Lounge, you’ll have access to …
- Wi-Fi
- Refreshments
- Alcoholic drinks (for passengers 21 and older)
- TV
- Newspapers and magazines
The lounge also offers disabled access and free entry for children under the age of 4.
Heads up: The lounge imposes a dress code, so make sure you’re wearing shoes when you enter the lounge — you won’t be granted entry otherwise.
Hours
Chicago O’Hare’s Swissport Lounge is open daily from noon to 9:30 p.m. The lounge is closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
How to get Priority Pass™ lounge access
If you have a premium travel credit card, you may already have access to Priority Pass™ Select membership with no member-visit fees — you’ll likely need to enroll before using it.
Another way to get a Priority Pass™ membership is to purchase it. Priority Pass™ currently offers three membership levels.
- Standard: $99 annual fee; $32 per visit for you and an additional $32 per guest, per visit
- Standard Plus: $299 annual fee; 10 free visits for you (each additional visit costs $32) and $32 per guest, per visit
- Prestige: $429 annual fee; with unlimited free visits for you, and $32 per guest, per visit.
After you sign up for membership, you’ll receive a physical Priority Pass™ membership card, and if you’re eligible for a digital membership card you can access it immediately within the Priority Pass™ app.
Before you purchase a Priority Pass™ membership, make sure you don’t already have access to complimentary Priority Pass™ Select as a perk of a premium credit card. Here are some of our favorites that come with complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership.
Bottom line
If you have access to Priority Pass™ lounges and have an international flight through Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, take advantage of the opportunity to escape the hectic terminal and visit either the Air France — KLM Lounge or the Swissport Lounge.
Don’t forget to check your credit cards to see if you already have access to a Priority Pass™ Select membership. That way, you can access the lounges at Chicago O’Hare and other airports, such as LAX or JFK, for free and can grab a bite to eat or a drink while you catch up on the news or your emails.