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Before heading to Italy on our SWISS flight from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), we had some time to stop by what has been described as “the worst lounge in the United States.” The Swissport Lounge Chicago is a member of the Priority Pass program and located in Terminal 5 (where most international flights depart). I’m not sure it deserves that moniker, but it’s also nothing special.
Access
Access is granted to passengers flying in Business Class or First Class on multiple international airlines. The lounge also accepts Priority Pass memberships and offers day passes for $45 per passenger. A same-day boarding pass is required to enter the Swissport Lounge.
Anthony’s Take: This lounge’s reputation is a bit exaggerated. It’s a basic space with seating, poorly functioning Wi-Fi, and limited packaged snacks and drinks. The room is windowless and it feels more like a waiting room at the DMV then an airport lounge. It was fine for a short visit, but we enjoyed the nearby SAS Lounge more.
After entering the lounge, we were directed to open the door on the right and head through to the lounge. I snapped a photo of the Wi-Fi network and password. It worked poorly during our visit.
Bar
There is a self-serve bar with wine, liquor, beer, and soft drinks found on one wall.
A refrigerator holds beer, white wine, and soft drinks.
A coffee machine is to the left of the refrigerated case. Condiments include only Coffee mate creamer and no milk.
The water dispenser was out of order.
Food
Lunch/dinner was being served during our visit. There is a buffet with several types of packaged snacks as well as instant noodles and oatmeal. The refrigerated case held packaged salads and sandwiches.
Fig Newtons and Nature Valley granola bars
Crackers
Chips and nuts
Seating & Decor
The lounge has dated seating throughout and limited art on the walls. It’s all contained in one room. Outlets are sparse and the lounge filled up a few moments after we arrived.
More seats
More seating that feels like a DMV or doctor’s office waiting room.
The garbage was full and guests were asked to bus their own glasses.
Amenities
This lounge offers free Wi-Fi (it barely worked) and the food and beverages mentioned above. The restrooms had “out of order” signs on them and there were no other amenities.
Overall Impression:
This lounge is nothing special and I certainly would not go out of my way to visit. It’s rather bare bones for a space that serves so many premium airlines. If you have access, head to SAS or the Delta Sky Club® (review here) in the same terminal.
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
