Anyone who has travelled through Chicago O’Hare’s Terminal 5 in business class will know that the lounges on offer are pretty basic at best. It’s even worse for Star Alliance passengers who get huddled into the tiny (albeit perfectly functional) SAS lounge. However, passengers can now rejoice thanks to a stylish new lounge space by Star Alliance partner LOT Polish Airlines built by Clune Construction and designed by KOO architects.
On 19 December, LOT Polish Airlines unveiled a new business lounge at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, marking the national carrier’s first investment of its kind in North America. Designed with passengers’ comfort and convenience in mind, the lounge certainly delivered on its promise to exceed expectations.
With modern design, large open spaces and glorious design details, it’s certainly not what many would expect from LOT, but signals big changes for the carrier as it continues to invest in fleet and ground products globally.
But why start in Chicago? Home to one of the largest Polish communities in the world, the Chicago metropolitan area has long served as a cultural and business bridge between Poland and the United States. “The national carrier’s presence in Chicago for over 50 years is a testament to its recognition of this unique community, and the new business lounge is a response to the needs of passengers who expect the highest standards of service,” states LOT regarding this opening.
The LOT Business Lounge is located in the central area of Terminal 5, offering a panoramic view of the airport apron. Its prime location, close to both TSA security and the gate leading to the aircraft, makes it incredibly convenient. Spanning over 617 m², the lounge features 165 seats and areas for relaxation, work, and dining. This new-look modern LOT Business Lounge seamlessly blends elegance with functionality and actually the design is strikingly refreshing – Lufthansa take note, as this could easily have been your interiors approach. The lounge is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, showcases a minimalist style, subtle colours, and accents inspired by Polish tradition, including the use of amber.
The relaxation area, with its calming lighting, and the dedicated work area are thoughtfully separated from the rest of the space, ensuring passengers can rest and work in comfort before their journey. In the spacious dining area, featuring both hot and cold meals, guests can enjoy a taste of Polish cuisine alongside local specialities.
The lounge features advanced technologies, including special windows with an automatic dimming function instead of the blinds which often upset most Avgeeks who love watching the apron activity. When sunlight becomes too intense, these windows filter the light, creating ideal conditions for rest or work.
Passengers also have access to fast Wi-Fi, enabling efficient video conferencing and the use of streaming services. Additionally, the lounge is equipped with flight schedule screens and charging stations for electronic devices. But the lasting memory of this lounge won’t be its technological capabilities – it will be the three large design focal points, with the nature-inspired slatted entryway, the stunning bar back and the incredible copper chain chandelier that crowns the space.
For TheDesignAir’s recent review of the LOT Polish Business Class experience to Chicago, take a look at our YouTube channel video below, and don’t forget to subscribe.
The Big Chicago Picture
As I do every year, I ask on your kind support to keep things going. If you are able to donate – whatever amount – it all gets funnelled back in to the site, to keep the site full of content. And I thank you personally for your kind support.
