Chicago O’Hare International Airport, or ORD, is one of the world’s busiest and most significant airports. Every year, millions of travelers use this airport to travel to and from various destinations in the United States and worldwide. Because of its size and high volume of travelers, it is sometimes challenging for travelers, especially first-timers, to navigate this airport.
This is a complete guide to help you understand everything about Chicago O’Hare International Airport in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. You will be able to navigate this airport easily and save a lot of your precious time.
Overview of Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Before going into details, here is a quick overview of ORD:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Chicago O’Hare International Airport |
| Airport Type | Public International Airport |
| Address | 10255 W. Zemke Blvd, Chicago, IL 60666 |
| IATA Code | ORD |
| ICAO Code | KORD |
| Terminals | 4 (1, 2, 3, 5) |
| Runways | 8 |
| Airlines | 50+ |
| Annual Passengers | Millions annually |
| Operator | Chicago Metropolitan Area |
| Official Website | flychicago.com |
As the name suggests, ORD is situated in the heart of America. This makes it a prime location for both domestic and international flights. You can take flights from here to America, Europe, Asia, and other places. It is always a great idea to arrive early and plan well, considering the large size of the airport.
Chicago O’Hare Terminals
There are four main terminals at ORD. Each terminal is used by different airlines for different flights. Knowing your terminal beforehand can help you avoid a lot of trouble.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 is used by United Airlines. This terminal is used for a large number of domestic and some international flights. This is a well-furnished terminal. There is no shortage of food, seating, and lounges here.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 is used by Air Canada, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines. This terminal is used for both domestic and international flights. This terminal is used by people who want to take connecting flights.
Terminal 3
This is one of the busiest areas of the ORD. It is mainly operated by American Airlines.
It handles a lot of domestic flights. It also includes international flights like British Airways. Food and shopping are also available here.
Terminal 5
It is the main terminal for international flights. Most international flights take off from here.
Flights like Emirates and Delta Air Lines take off from here. It also includes U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Connecting Between Terminals
It is quite easy to connect the terminals. Here is how you can do it:
- Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected inside the security area.
- It is airside. You can walk between these terminals.
- Terminal 5 is separate from the rest of the terminals.
To connect between Terminal 5 and the rest of the terminals, you have the option of the following:
- Airport Transit System (ATS) train
- Shuttle buses
Important Tip: If you have a flight from Terminal 5, you may have to go through security again.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) Check-In
ORD airport provides various check-in options for passengers to make their check-in process smooth and hassle-free.
Available Check-In Options:
- Airline check-in counters
- Self-service kiosks
- Online check-in
- Baggage drop counters
Tips for a Smooth Check-In:
- Reach the airport 2 hours before domestic flights
- Reach the airport 3 hours before international flights
- Make use of online check-in
- Keep your ID and boarding pass ready
- A smooth check-in process will help you avoid unnecessary tension and waiting in lines.
Chicago O’Hare Security Wait Times
One of the busiest areas in an airport is the security check area. The waiting time for this area depends on various factors.
What Affects Wait Times?
- Time of day
- Crowd of passengers
- Holidays and peak season
- TSA staff
Average Wait Time:
The waiting time for this area ranges from 10 to 60 minutes, depending on how crowded the airport is.
Tips to Save Time:
- Apply for TSA PreCheck
- Avoid peak hours
- Check online for live wait times
- Avoid crowded checkpoints
TSA Programs to Expedite Your Travel
ORD facilitates various TSA programs to expedite your travel:
- TSA PreCheck: Expedited screening without removing your shoes or laptop
- Global Entry: Expedited immigration service for international travelers
- REAL ID: Required ID documents for domestic air travel in the United States
These services are beneficial to travelers who often use these facilities.
Services and Amenities at ORD
Chicago O’Hare Airport provides various services to ensure a comfortable journey:
Key Services and Amenities:
- Free Wi-Fi connectivity in all terminals
- Recharging points for your electronic gadgets
- Airline lounges
- Currency exchange facilities
- Information desks
- Family facilities and nursing rooms
Dining and Shopping at ORD
There are many dining and shopping options at ORD based on Chicago culture.
Some popular places are:
- Tortas Frontera (T1) – Known for delicious Mexican sandwiches
- Billy Goat Tavern (T1) – Famous for Chicago-style burgers
- Publican Tavern (T3) – Good for meals and craft beers
- Garrett Popcorn (T3) – Chicago-style popcorn
- Chick-fil-A (T5) – Good for quick meals
You can get anything you want – snacks or meals.
Parking Options at ORD
There are many parking options at ORD based on your needs and budget.
Main Parking
- Near the airport terminals
- Short trips – good option
- Hourly and daily parking available
Economy Parking
- Lot F – Covered parking for extended stays
- Lot G – Budget parking with shuttle/ATS service available
- Lot H – Budget parking for extended stays
Premium Parking
- Closer to the airport terminals
- Covered parking – a convenient option
- More costly option – time-efficient
Transportation Options
Getting to and from ORD is never a problem as there are numerous transportation options available.
Available Options
- Taxis ($50 to downtown Chicago)
- Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft
- Regional buses
- CTA Blue Line (train available 24 hours a day)
- Rental cars available from the Multi-Modal Facility
Using the CTA Blue Line is one of the most cost-effective and convenient methods of reaching downtown Chicago from the ORD airport.
Accessibility Features
ORD airport is designed for all travelers, including those with special needs.
Available Services
- Wheelchair assistance
- Elevators featuring Braille signs
- Companion restrooms
- Sensory-friendly spaces
- Aira for visually impaired passengers
If you require special assistance, it is recommended that you contact your airline in advance.
Tips to Navigate ORD Easily
While large airports like ORD can be intimidating, it is always possible to make your airport experience more enjoyable by following some simple tips. These include:
- Utilize interactive airport maps
- Pay close attention to the signs in each terminal
- Plan ahead
- Be prepared and have the necessary documents ready
- Stay informed on flight status
Conclusion
Chicago O’Hare International Airport is not just another airport; it is one of the most important global travel centers, serving millions of travelers every year. The airport is designed to make traveling as easy as possible, with well-organized airport terminals, flexible check-in procedures, efficient security checks, and excellent airport amenities.
Whether traveling for business or for pleasure, knowing how the airport works will help you get around easily and efficiently, saving you precious time.
FAQ About Chicago O’Hare International Airport
There are 4 terminals at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
The security wait times at Chicago O’Hare International Airport can be between 10 and 60 minutes.
You should arrive at least 2 hours before your domestic flight and at least 3 hours before your international flight.
Yes, Chicago O’Hare International Airport offers Wi-Fi in all the terminals.
The best way to get to downtown Chicago from the airport is to take the Blue Line train.