20 December 2024
- LOT Polish Airlines has opened its first business lounge in North America.
- The lounge is open daily for passengers from 7:00 AM to 12:00 (midnight) AM local time.
- The Chicago business lounge marks another step in LOT’s commitment to becoming the top choice for passengers travelling between the USA and Europe.
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 aims to exceed expectations. Its modern design and extensive amenities make it the perfect starting point for travelers.
Polish Hospitality in the Heart of America
Chicago, often referred to as the “Windy City,” is not only a key transportation hub in North America but also is of great importance to LOT Polish Airlines. 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.
The opening of the new Business Lounge in Chicago is undoubtedly a significant milestone for us, symbolising the growth of LOT Polish Airlines. It also marks another step in our mission to redefine travel comfort. We want every passenger to feel valued, no matter the purpose or type of journey. Our lounge blends modern design, top-quality services, and practical solutions, offering the ideal environment for both work and relaxation. The LOT Business Lounge is a true reflection of Polish hospitality, serving as a seamless link between the airport and the aircraft. We warmly invite all travelers to experience our new business lounge.
Izabela Leszczyńska, Director of the Product Development and Customer Experience Office at LOT Polish Airlines.
Chicago is one of the most important destinations in LOT’s network. The national carrier currently operates direct flights from Warsaw and Cracow to O’Hare Airport, and in 2023, Polish carrier transported over 250,000 passengers on the route connecting Poland and Chicago.
As home to one of the world’s largest Polish populations, Chicago serves as a vital gateway for travelers connecting to Warsaw and Cracow. On behalf of Mayor Brandon Johnson, I thank LOT for choosing Chicago as the location for the airline's first North American lounge. The new LOT Business Lounge will provide customers with exceptional comfort and convenience, further showcasing the world-class service that LOT has consistently delivered to travelers.
Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee of the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), which owns and operates O'Hare.
Harmony of Design and Functionality
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. The lounge is designed with the utmost focus on comfort and delivering an exceptional experience for passengers. Spanning over 617 m², the lounge features areas for relaxation, work, and dining. The modern LOT Business Lounge seamlessly blends elegance with functionality. Its interior, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, showcases a minimalist style, subtle colours, and accents inspired by Polish tradition, including the use of amber.
fot. Kamil Wrzosek
The national carrier’s new lounge offers 165 comfortable seats. 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. A wide selection of exquisite dishes is available, including vegetarian and halal options, all prepared to the highest standards to cater to the diverse culinary preferences of all passengers.
The lounge features advanced technologies, including special windows with an automatic dimming function. 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. These features ensure that the time spent in the lounge is a comfortable and convenient stop during the journey.
fot. Kamil Wrzosek
The general contractor for the LOT Business Lounge was Clune Construction, with design by the Chicago-based architectural firm KOO Architects. Avairpros managed the project on the American side, while Sodexo is responsible for its operation.
Availability and Entry Rules
The LOT Business Lounge in Chicago is open daily from 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight) local time. Free access to the lounge is available to:
- LOT Business Class passengers,
- First and Business Class passengers of partner airlines within the Star Alliance,
- Passengers with Star Alliance Gold status,
- Passengers with the appropriate loyalty programme status from Star Alliance partner airlines, including: Miles & More HON, Gold and Silver; Miles+Bonus; Aeroplan Altitude; PhoenixMiles; Flying Returns; Airpoints; ANA Mileage Club; Asiana Club; LifeMiles; ConnectMiles; EGYPTAIR Plus; Sheba Miles; Infinity MileageLands; KrisFlyer; Voyager; TAP Miles&Go; Miles & Smiles; Royal Orchid Plus; and MileagePlus,
- Business Class passengers of contracted airlines.
Other passengers can purchase access to the LOT Business Lounge through lot.com, sales agents, the Contact Centre, at Chicago Airport, or on-site (card payment accepted):
- LOT Premium Economy passengers: $55,
- LOT Economy passengers: $60,
- “Walk-in” passengers (not part of the above groups): $70.
Details about the LOT Business Lounge in Chicago can be found on our dedicated website.