Swissport lounge in Chicago O’Hare International Airport would likely not be at the top of the list of favorite airport lounges for frequent travelers — the lounge does not even have its own toilets, let alone any shower facilities — but there was one aspect I liked about it prior to boarding an airplane for a flight to Dublin in Ireland.
One Aspect I Liked About Swissport Lounge in Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Airport Lounge Review.
The lounge itself is rather small and can get crowded rather easily — enough to close the lounge temporarily when it reaches capacity — especially as it was the only lounge in Terminal 5 that is part of the Priority Pass network at the time that I visited it.
The space inside is also oddly shaped — simulating a sort of capital letter L — with basic small tables and outdated chairs which are reasonably comfortable but nothing special. A couple of flat screen televisions were mounted on the walls; but the lounge contained no windows or natural lighting.
When I initially saw the food and beverage offerings, I thought that they would be of substandard quality. On the left were refrigerated items; the center area offered snacks and alcoholic beverages; and the right was a station with coffee, tea, and condiments…
…but I have to admit that I liked the pasta salad and some of the other food offerings. Vegetables with ranch dip was also available — as were chocolate pudding and fruit cups.
Several sandwiches — such as Italian salami, Tuscan turkey, and sandwiches for anyone who adheres to a vegetarian diet — were available as well.
Final Boarding Call
This lounge has been called the worst airport lounge in the United States. While it is mostly forgettable, I have actually been to even worse airport lounges.
The food was surprisingly good in the Swissport lounge in Chicago O’Hare International Airport, in my opinion. I easily was able to create a meal out of what was offered. I wanted to visit the lounge again on my way back…
…but when I arrived in the afternoon, the lounge had unfortunately reached capacity and I could not get in. That would be the most significant complaint I have about this lounge. Visitors to the lounge must use the public toilets that are outside of the entrance to the lounge and across the hall. Access to Wi-Fi is not exactly the speediest.
Swissport lounge is located in Terminal 5 of Chicago O’Hare International Airport next to gate M13.
Swissport lounge in Chicago O’Hare International Airport is open seven days per week from 7:00 in the morning to 9:00 in the evening. Access is permitted three hours prior to scheduled flight departure. Access is periodically restricted every day due to space constraints in particular during the hours of 3:00 in the afternoon through 8:30 in the evening.
All photographs ©2024 by Brian Cohen.
