Particularly following Russia’s closing of its airspace, the market for transatlantic flights has become the most important market segment for European carriers. European airlines have focused more and more on trying to be appealing and cater to the needs of passengers crossing the Atlantic. That not only means offering flights, but also setting up facilities at departure airport. Facilities such as the one LOT Polish Airlines just opened at Chicago O’Hare international airport.
LOT Polish Airlines Opens Its Newest Proprietary Lounge at Chicago O’Hare
For some of the aviation giants opening a new lounge might not be such a big deal, however, for carriers of the size of LOT opening a lounge outside of their own country of origin is very significant.
Just think that this is the airline’s first lounge in North America. A huge and symbolic investment for the Polish national carrier, which is working hard to make itself noticed on the international stage.
The lounge is very roomy covering a total space of 617 square meters in Chicago O’Hare’s Terminal 5. It seems to have been a well thought out space and investment for the airline. Location is quite interesting as the new LOT Business Lounge is close to both the usual LOT departure gate and the TSA security checks. Therefore, walks from and to the lounge will never be too long.
The space itself is tastefully decorated. Nothing extravagant or flashy, a lot of navy or dark blue creating a soothing and relaxing environment in contrast with wooden finishings and amber touches here and there. For all the aviation enthusiasts, as myself, the lounge has plenty of windows overlooking aircraft movements on the airport apron below.
As mentioned above there isn’t anything particularly extravagant about the lounge. Its facilities are quite simple, but I have the feeling the airline wanted to nail the basics without getting lost in too many ancillary services it might not be able to keep up in the best of ways.
Therefore, in my eyes, the focus was: make the space warm, welcoming, and easy to work in. To facilitate this there are plugs at every sitting area making its easy to stay productive between flights.
Lastly, timings and some other useful info. The lounge is open everyday from 7AM to midnight. Access is free of charge for LOT passengers holding:
- A Business Class booking
- First or Business class booking on Star Alliance flights
- Gold Star Alliance Status
You can buy your way in, but I never advise to do so. It’s very hard to get your money’s worth when you purchase lounge access out of your own pocket. But if you wished to do so, prices are:
- 55 USD for LOT Premium Economy Passengers
- 60 USD for LOT Economy Passengers
- 70 USD for walk-in passengers
A Strategic Decision – Strengthening Presence in a Star Alliance Focus Airport
The choice of opening the first North American lounge at Chicago O’Hare’s international airport is not at all by chance. O’Hare is a focus airport for the Star Alliance as it is home to United Airlines. LOT not only is looking to intercept direct demand between Poland and Chicago but also, possibly, attract other Star Alliance passengers to travel with them to Poland and onwards to the rest of Europe.
The Polish national carrier has been aggressively marketing itself. If you’ve searched for flights in the past months and years, I’m sure LOT often came up as one of the cheapest options. While it might not offer the most luxurious experience it is trying to become one of the most convenient options out there for Europe to US travel.
