United Unveils New Lounge, Plans More Remodeling
By: Darren Booth
United Airlines opened its newest airport lounge Thursday at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and will use the new design prototype to renovate existing lounges.
The new 13,300 square foot United Club in Terminal 2 at O'Hare features an expansive bar area, several seating areas and—the best part—an abundance of power outlets and workstations. It's often difficult to find an outlet in many of United's existing clubs.
United incorporated elements of travel and flight in the lounge, including spherical globe lighting and restroom mirrors shaped similar to Boeing 787 Dreamliner windows. (Read more: Onboard United's Inaugural 787 Dreamliner Flight)
And the floor to ceiling windows provide a view out to the tarmac and runways.
Other amenities in the lounge include:
- Complimentary bar service, beverages and light snacks
- Agent assistance with reservations, seat assignments and electronic ticketing
- Complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access
- Telephones with data ports for computer usage
- Free local phone calls and use of copier and fax machines
- Conference rooms with speakerphones and DVD players
- Current periodicals and newspapers
United is spending more than $50 million in 2013 to renovate several of the airline's 51 United Club locations, partly funded by an increase in membership rates. (Read more: United's Annual Lounge Rates to Increase by $25 for Individuals)
The next cities slated for new lounges or renovation include San Diego, Seattle, Houston, London, San Francisco, Atlanta and Boston.
