The SAS Lounge at Chicago O’Hare International Airport is located in the international departures area of terminal 5. After security, make a left hand turn and walk towards gate M13. The SAS Lounge Chicago will be located on your right hand side. The lounge is open daily from 3:30 PM to 30 minutes prior to the last scheduled SAS flight. The lounge is accessible by SAS Business and Premium Economy Class passengers, Star Alliance Business Class passengers, SAS EuroBonus Elite members and Star Alliance Gold members traveling on any Star Alliance partner flight.
The SAS Lounge Chicago is on the small side but it’s on par with the other airport lounges in terminal 5. The space can get crowded during peak times and the amenities are rather limited but it does offer you a place to rest and relax before your flight. The lounge has been updated to reflect SAS’ new design aesthetic. It’s simply decorated with warm colors and natural materials but unfortunately, looks a little Ikea-esque. The main seating area is located on the right side of the reception desk with low armchairs and tables grouped together in small clusters
There’s no privacy and the space can get loud but on the positive side, the large windows let in a lot of natural lighting during the day and provide views of the ramp and runway. Pretty awesome for plane spotters.
There is a small TV room located in the back with several chairs and tables but this seems to be a makeshift sleeping room for some passengers needing some shuteye.
There is no dedicated business center but if you need to get some work done, there is a bar table located in the main seating area with a couple of desktop computers. If you need additional table space, you can try the long bar table located along the windows or the tables in the dining room. Password-protected WiFi is provided throughout the lounge but unfortunately, electrical outlets are rather sparsely located throughout the lounge. You can find some outlets along the walls and at the dining tables but that’s about it.
The dining room and self-serve buffet stations are located to the left of the reception desk. Here, you’ll find individual tables and large communal tables to grab a quick bite or share a meal with your travel partners.
At the time of my visit, 8:00 PM on a Wednesday evening, the self-serve buffet spread consisted of a salad bar, cold pasta, hot soup, cup-o-noodles and other snacks. The spread was lacking to say the least but I heard there was a hot dog stand prior to my visit.
For alcohol, there is a very limited selection of complimentary beers, wines and spirits.
There are no shower suites to freshen up, day rooms to lay down or even restrooms to use. You will have to exit the lounge to use the restrooms.
SAS has flights to both Stockholm and Copenhagen during the same time so this lounge can get busy. If you find that it’s too crowded, there is a SWISS Lounge next door for Star Alliance Gold and premium cabin passengers and an Air France Lounge down by gate M7. The Air France Lounge is a Priority Pass Lounge.
SAS Lounge Chicago bottom line
Overall, the SAS Lounge Chicago is nothing special and not a lounge I would get to the airport early to experience. The lounge is small, lacking in amenities and can get crowded at times. The food spread is limited and there are no areas for you to be productive before your flight. The space really is not designed for business travelers or those needing a quiet space to focus and work.
Have you visited the SAS Lounge Chicago? If so, please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!
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