In mid-October, Air France opened its first lounge at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. Located in Terminal 5, the lounge reflects Air France’s branding and service standards and is operated in association with Global Lounge Network. The lounge welcomes Air France Business and Flying Blue Elite Plus customers, as well as eligible KLM Royal Dutch Airlines travelers. Travelers who are members of an eligible loyalty program do not need to be traveling via Air France or KLM Royal Dutch Airlines to access the lounge. The lounge, covering over 5,000 square feet and equipped with 105 seats, is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
With its generous ceiling height, the lounge features large bay windows that provide soft, natural light throughout the day, offering an uninterrupted view of the runways. Designed by Air France teams in collaboration with the agency SGK Brandimage of Paris, France, the lounge reflects the world of the airline with the use of its logo—the winged seahorse—and posters illustrating the airline’s rich heritage. Air France’s signature colors—shades of blue, luminous whites, and touches of red—give the whole space a refined, chic atmosphere. The furniture, with its soft, enveloping lines, has been carefully selected to offer optimum comfort. Designed to ensure relaxation and serenity, the lounge offers a host of services that showcase the art of French-style entertaining.
Fine French Dining in the Spotlight
At the heart of the lounge, a catering area invites guests to enjoy a French-style culinary experience. This warm and inviting space has nearly forty seats and a large table for heightened conviviality. The range of dishes on offer changes throughout the day, with hot and cold, savory and sweet dishes, including vegetarian options. Guests can enjoy beef bourguignon, country-style chicken, and chocolate mousse with caramel cream.
To create a tasty menu with a more sustainable approach, Air France favors regional and seasonal produce, while paying particular attention to limiting food waste and sorting and recycling catering items. Water fountains are also available to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic.
The bar area is inspired by the atmosphere of grand Parisian hotels, creating a festive and elegant atmosphere. Staffed by a bartender or available on a self-service basis, it features a selection of champagnes, French wines, and spirits.
Flying Blue Ultimate customers have access to a dedicated space within the lounge, equipped with four comfortable seats guaranteeing comfort and tranquility. This space guarantees everyone’s privacy while providing easy access to all available services.
Air France Lounge Essentials
Throughout the lounge, there are plenty of comfortable seats for customers to relax, work, or enjoy something to eat. More private relaxation areas, equipped with ottomans and seats facing the runways, also are available for those who have extra time before their flight. A quiet, functional work area and a dedicated booth for making phone calls ensure a peaceful atmosphere.
For quick and easy access, the entrance to the lounge is equipped with eligibility kiosks. The lounge also offers TV screens, free Wi-Fi, and numerous power sockets and USB ports near the seats. Finally, a range of French and international digital press is available on the Air France Press app.
This winter, Air France will operate up to seven flights a week between Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport and O’Hare International Airport.
