V-Flyer

I have not flown internationally via ORD terminal 5. For those who have, do you have thoughts on which lounge is best? Swiss, JAL or Worldwide VIP?

Welcome

Unless the JAL lounge has changed since 2008 then avoid it. There were limited drinks /snacks and no views of the runway (or anywhere for that matter). All the newspapers / magazines were japanese despite the fact that VS also used it - A VS staff member was at the desk. I believe that VS now use the SAS lounge (though the VS site says it still uses the JAL lounge)

The Swiss lounge (which I used in July) was very small and very crowded with only a couple of free seats) but did have views over the taxiway. Again limited food and drink but there were cheese and crackers and some salad and I think a hot dish. There were some English papers available though. There was also wifi and I think a couple of PCs.

Thank you very much Tontybear. I also know JAL is now departing from terminal 3 at ORD so they may have closed the terminal 5 lounge.

Indeed the JAL lounge has gone and, inadequate as it was, it was still better than the terminal itself.

The SAS lounge is also basic, more spacious that the Swiss lounge, good tarmac views (but no runways), and a just OK snack and drink selection. No showers or other facilities though.

As slinky09 pointed out, the JAL is gone. The VS staff at ORD said to me that "They are happy to switch lounges to the SAS lounge as it is nicer." Odd, as they were forced to switch as the prior (JAL) lounge closed. They could have likely switched earlier. I imagine the SAS lounge cost more to use...just my guess.

The SAS lounge is nice and good size. Free beer/booze, light snacks, free WiFi. newspaper. It is classy and nice; just not special. This lounge is about a five minute walk to the gate VS normally uses.

The SWISS lounge is nicer than the SAS lounge by 20%. The food offerings include finger food and snacks. Not that great. The beers include local beers which I like. Booze is pretty good. Only issue I have is that the lounge is really small. The SWISS lounge is a Priority Pass Lounge,

Thanks for the insights. I will try to arrive early and visit several lounges since I will be able to access SAS via VS and the others through priority pass. If there is anything special about the Worldwide VIP lounge I will post it here.