You’re standing in Terminal 5 at O’Hare, dragging a carry-on that feels like it’s filled with lead bricks, and honestly, the gate area is a circus. It’s loud. It’s cramped. If you’ve seen the delta sky club chicago photos circulating online lately, you know there’s a massive glass door promising a completely different reality just a few hundred feet away.
But photos can be deceiving.
Wide-angle lenses make small rooms look like ballrooms, and professional lighting hides the scuffs on the ottoman. Having spent far too many layovers pacing the concourses of ORD, I can tell you that the new Terminal 5 Sky Club isn't just a "nice to have"—it is arguably the best lounge Delta has in its entire domestic network right now. It opened in late 2022 as part of a massive $1 billion renovation of T5, moving Delta from its old, cramped home in Terminal 2.
The shift changed everything.
Why the New Terminal 5 Space Changes the Vibe
The old T2 lounge was... fine. It was tiny. It felt like a basement. But the new spot? It’s nearly 22,000 square feet. That’s massive for a non-hub city. When you look at delta sky club chicago photos, the first thing that hits you is the light. Because Delta took over the space formerly occupied by international carriers, they secured floor-to-ceiling windows that wrap around the building.
You get a front-row seat to the tarmac.
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If you’re an AvGeek, this is basically heaven. You’ll see Boeing 787s and Airbus A350s from carriers like Emirates or Lufthansa taxiing right past your coffee cup. It feels premium because it is premium. The design isn't just "corporate blue." They went with "Chicago Noir"—lots of gold accents, dark woods, and stone that feels like a high-end West Loop cocktail bar rather than an airport waiting room.
The Gallery and That Famous Bar
Most people search for delta sky club chicago photos because they want to see the bar. It’s the centerpiece. It’s a literal circle—a 360-degree bar that dominates the middle of the lounge. This isn't the place where you get a plastic cup of lukewarm Chardonnay. They have a full "The Skyway" cocktail menu.
The art is another thing people miss in low-res thumbnails. Delta partnered with local Chicago artists to curate the space. There’s a specific "Gallery" feel to the walkways. You aren't just looking at generic stock photos of clouds; you’re looking at curated, textured pieces that reflect the city’s industrial roots and architectural soul.
It’s surprisingly quiet.
Even when the lounge is at 80% capacity, the acoustics are handled well. The high ceilings prevent that "canteen" echo you get in cheaper lounges. You’ve probably noticed in pictures that there are these high-backed "privacy pods." They are the MVP of the layout. If you need to take a Zoom call without the person next to you hearing about your Q3 projections, these pods are actually sound-dampening.
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The Food Situation: Better Than Basic
Let’s be real: airport food is usually a choice between a $15 soggy sandwich or a bag of pretzels.
In the Chicago Sky Club, the buffet is actually edible. They lean heavily into the "Boarding Pass" menu, which rotates. Expect things like Chicago-style hot dog sliders (yes, without ketchup, as the gods intended) and Italian beef sandwiches. They also have a dedicated hydration station with infused waters, which sounds fancy but is basically just a way to make sure you don't shrivel up like a raisin on your flight to Salt Lake City.
- The hot buffet usually switches from breakfast to lunch around 11:00 AM.
- The coffee is bean-to-cup—none of that powdered stuff.
- There is a "grab and go" section if you’re sprinting to catch a flight, though it’s technically for Diamond Medallions or those with specific access.
Finding the Hidden Gems in Photos
If you look closely at the delta sky club chicago photos of the restrooms, you’ll notice they didn't skimp on the finishes. It sounds weird to talk about bathrooms, but at O'Hare? A clean, private shower suite is worth its weight in gold. They have two of them here. If you’re coming off an international leg or a red-eye from Seattle, being able to scrub off the "airplane smell" with Grown Alchemist products is a game-changer.
You have to ask at the front desk for a shower.
Don't wait until 20 minutes before boarding. There’s usually a waitlist during the morning rush when the Virgin Atlantic and Air France codeshare passengers are piling in.
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How to Actually Get Through the Door
Access is the part that trips everyone up. You see the photos, you want in, but then the agent at the door shakes their head.
The rules changed significantly in 2024 and 2025. You can't just buy a day pass anymore. You generally need to be flying internationally in Delta One, have a Platinum or Centurion American Express card (and be flying Delta that day), or hold the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card.
And no, you can't get in if you’re flying Basic Economy, even if you have the right credit card.
The "Real" Chicago Experience
What most delta sky club chicago photos don't show is the walk. Terminal 5 is a bit of a trek from the main entrance. If you’re checking bags, give yourself an extra 15 minutes. The security lines in T5 can be erratic because of the mix of domestic Delta flyers and massive wide-body international flights.
Once you’re through, follow the signs toward Gate M11.
The lounge is tucked away, which is actually nice because it keeps the "looky-loos" to a minimum. It’s a sanctuary. Is it worth the $650+ annual fee for a credit card? If you fly out of ORD more than five times a year, honestly, yeah. The amount you save on $20 airport salads and $14 beers adds up, but the real value is the sanity you keep.
Actionable Advice for Your Visit
- The Best Seat: Head to the far left corner from the entrance. It has the best view of the intersecting runways and is usually the last area to fill up.
- Power Up: Every single seat—literally almost every chair—has a power outlet and USB port. You don't need to hunt for one like a scavenger.
- Check the App: The Fly Delta app now has a "Lounge Occupancy" tracker. Check it before you take the long walk to T5. If it says "Busy," expect a 10-minute wait at the door.
- The Secret Snack: Look for the local Garrett Popcorn often served in the afternoons. It’s a small touch, but it’s a Chicago staple that makes the lounge feel less like a franchise and more like a local spot.
If you’re planning a trip, take your own delta sky club chicago photos during the "Golden Hour" (about an hour before sunset). The way the light hits the metallic accents in the bar is incredible and makes for the best shots. Just remember to put the phone down eventually and enjoy the Italian beef. You’ve earned the break.