Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications incl...
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Juan has been involved in credit cards, loyalty, travel, and personal finance for more than 10 years. He has worked for several outlets including The Points Guy and Forbes and was previously Editor-in...
& Keri Stooksbury
With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...
76 comments
JUSTINE
August 30, 2019
My husband and I will be flying domestically from Las Vegas with American Airlines and arriving into Terminal 3. Our daughter will be flying with Qantas from Australia into Terminal 5. Are we easily able to meet her in the arrival area? As she is travelling on her own we dont want her to leave the Internationl Arrival area. Can we gain acces to this?
Christine Krzyszton
August 31, 2019
Hi Justine. When you arrive at terminal 3, you can take the bus to terminal 5. It is a short ride. You will be able to then go to the lower level of terminal 5 and greet your daughter at International arrivals. It is not a large area so you will have no problem.
ChicagoFrequentFlyer
October 01, 2019
Your list of terminals and which airlines operate in and out of each terminal is so far off, it’s not even funny. Have you been to ORD before?
Andrew Kunesh
October 01, 2019
Hello! Thanks for bringing this to our attention—we just updated the airline and terminal list with accurate information.
Anonymous
January 11, 2020
I saw the article after Dec 2019 update. Thanks for the exhaustive and extremely useful review.
Will
March 02, 2020
My Daughter is arriving in T5 enroute to Toronto from Japan. Her Toronto trip is out of T2. How easy is that (The ATS is out based on this article) and how long would she need? It’s a 2 hr layover. Thanks
Catherine Luther
March 03, 2020
Hi Will,
Replacement bus services are in place until the ATS re-opens and buses operate every 5-15 minutes from the lower level of Terminal 5. We can’t comment on how much time is required for connections as this can depend entirely on whether the inbound flight is on time, traffic on route between the terminals, and time to re-clear security.
Airports recommend 2 hours for a domestic flight and 3 hours for an international flight.
Meghna
March 16, 2020
How is the congestion and rush at Chicago o hare terminal 5 for departures amid Covid19 widespread. Do they have a fast track line for customs and immigration for passengers flying business class? My son Is travelling tonight to Dubai and I am so stressed. Stay Safe everyone!
Arezoo
May 21, 2020
My two kids and I are going to be arriving in terminal 3. Then we must go to terminal 5. What should we do? How can I transfer our luggage to terminal 5?
Jarrod West
May 22, 2020
Hi Arezoo,
Is your entire itinerary with the same airline? If so then they might check your luggage onto the final destination. But if you are switching carriers, or are flying into Chicago from a city outside of the U.S., then you will need to pick up your luggage at the baggage claim, head to terminal 5 and re-check your luggage.
Thanks for reading!
Niles
July 01, 2020
Where is a safe place to pick up someone in O’hare international terminal nowadays? Amid COVID-19, I am concerned if I wait in the area outside Door A or B, there will be a lot of people in an enclosed area.
Thank you
Jarrod West
July 02, 2020
Hi Niles,
I suggest waiting in the cell phone lot until the person you are picking up is able to call and arrange a safe pickup location. The lot is located on the west parking area of the terminal Recirculation road.
Thanks for reading!
Niles
July 06, 2020
Thank you for your reply.
Niles
July 06, 2020
How are the immigration and customs lines in international airports these days? Is it still very crowded, long wait, is there any distancing when waiting in lines, and do people wear masks? Thank you.
Vicki
August 30, 2020
There are no longer any skycaps at United OHare. A real nightmare since we had 10 bags to check pus our carryons. We had to get everything in ourselves. Three baggage carts plus.
Really bad.
RANJITH REDDY
December 17, 2020
Flying into ORD Terminal 5 on AirIndia, then traveling to Dallas on a separate domestic ticket from ORD to DFW on American Airlines (AA). Can I recheck bags in Terminal 5 at the AA counter and not have to drag the bags with me to the domestic terminal? Since the ATS is down, we have to use the bus service. I am traveling with an infant. Would I have to carry the bags to the domestic terminal from Terminal 5? Please share your insights on this.
Catherine Luther
December 21, 2020
Hi Ranjith,
This should be possible, but I would suggest you contact the airline to confirm as the check-in rules can vary at different airports.
Brandon V
February 18, 2021
As of 2/14/21, Southwest now operates 20 daily flights from ORD, utilizing three gates in Terminal 5. They offer nonstop flights to Denver (DEN) six times daily, Dallas Love (DAL), Nashville (BNA) and Baltimore (BWI) four times daily, and Phoenix (PHX) twice daily.
Jarrod West
February 18, 2021
Hi Brandon,
Thanks for pointing that out! I’ve updated the post to reflect that change.
Mounika
February 24, 2021
Hi, flying from Atlanta to Chicago ORD with Delta Air Lines arriving in terminal 2 then traveling to terminal 5 for an international flight with a different airline. I am so worried about the time and transfer through terminals as I need to claim my baggage from domestic and find a taxi to get to Terminal 5. Can you suggest to me if 3hr 30min is a safe enough layover for different airlines?
ATL – ORD Arrival 5:52PM ORD – HYD departure 9:30 PM
Christine Krzyszton
February 24, 2021
Hello Mounika. You should not have a problem with that connection. There is a shuttle bus from Terminal 2 to Terminal 5. More information here: https://www.flychicago.com/ohare/myflight/connecting/pages/default.aspx
Mounikq
February 25, 2021
Hello Christine, thanks for your reply but when I go through that link they mentioned that If you are arriving into domestic terminal and need to collect your luggage and recheck in T5, you will not be able to use this service .
Christine Krzyszton
February 25, 2021
Hello Mounikq.There are 3 types of airport transit between the terminals. The ATS which is the people mover train is shut down for repair. The TBB bus which transports passengers from the secure area of terminals 1, 2, and 3, to terminal 5 is the one that cannot be used if you have to collect your luggage because you have to leave the secure area where the shuttle bus is to get your luggage and you cannot get back into the terminal. The inter-terminal Airport Transfer shuttle bus is the one you will take to get to Terminal 5 and it picks up outside. Here is the info on that shuttle bus. https://www.flychicago.com/ohare/myflight/international/pages/default.aspx
bishnu
April 28, 2021
Hello,
My family from Nepal is coming to O’Hare on 29 April via Qatar Airways. I am wondering how and where I can receive them. I am super new to the airport. Also how to go to the Terminal 5 arrival section to receive the family? Your clear direction is highly appreciated.
I will reach O’Hare from Chicago via blue line train.
Thanks.
Catherine Luther
May 03, 2021
Hi Bishnu,
You would need to take the terminal shuttle bus from Terminal 2 where the blue line train station is located to Terminal 5 where you can meet passengers in the arrivals area.
christopher
June 01, 2021
I plan to travel on American Airlines from LHR to FAI via ORD. I will have to go to Border Control (first visit to USA with an ESTA)/collect baggage/recheck baggage in Terminal 5. Where do I recheck baggage with AA in T5? Also, do I clear customs and security in T5 before going to Terminal 3? Will the ATS be operational by then, is it after security? How long is it likely to take me to get from the gate in T5 to the gate in T3, going on the average time before Covid?
Jarrod West
June 06, 2021
Hi Christopher,
AA should have a designated section for you to recheck your luggage after you pick ut up. If for whatever reason they do not, just proceed to the AA check-in desk in Terminal 3. Yes, you will have to clear customs immediately upon arriving in the US, but you will not clear security until you arrive to Terminal 3. The ATS should be operating, and is pre-security and will take you from Terminal 5 to Terminal 3. I would estimate that the entire process should take you about 90 minutes.
Christopher
June 07, 2021
Thanks, Jarrod. Although I am not registered disabled, a wheelchair would help me to move between the terminals, do I arrange that with American Airlines or the Airport? Would a “pusher” be provided or would one of my family do the pushing, if the latter, would we be able to leave the wheelchair at the departure gate?
Jarrod West
June 07, 2021
Hi Christoper,
You’ll want to call American Airlines and request wheelchair assistance at least 48 hours before your trip begins, or earlier if possible. A pusher should be provided for you, which likely will be an airport employee.
Andy
June 13, 2021
FYI, the ATS light rail system between terminals at O’Hare is still NOT operational and instead buses operate between terminals from the upper (departure) levels at each terminal.
George
September 03, 2021
Is it possible to transit from the domestic arrival area of Terminal 3 to the secure departure area of Terminal 1 (AA to LH) without any checked baggage?
Jarrod West
September 03, 2021
Hi Geroge,
Yes, you can take the Terminal transfer bus between Terminals.
George
September 06, 2021
Thanks!
mmk44@ameritech.net
September 07, 2021
Are there skycap services for Southwest Airlines at terminal 5?
Jarrod West
September 08, 2021
Hi Mk,
They used to, but suspended the service during Covid and it does not appear that they have brought it back yet. Safe travels!
Miki
November 08, 2021
I have an hour connecting flight from Indianapolis to Chicago, do I have to go through security again? What is the process?
Christine Krzyszton
November 09, 2021
Hi Miki. If you have a 1-hour connecting time in Chicago O’Hare and you are connecting to a domestic flight, you should have enough time (if both flights are on the same airline). You should not have to go through security again. Even if your flights are on different domestic carriers, you can walk between terminals 1, 2, and 3 without exiting the secure area.
DGullicksrud
September 13, 2021
Does all luggage coming in through Terminals 1, 2, and 3 come into the same baggage area?
Jarrod West
September 16, 2021
Hi DG,
Each terminal has its own baggage claim. Safe travels!
B Smith
September 19, 2021
I have CLEAR and an AA flight out of ORD. Google tells me CLEAR is only terminals 1&2 and AA is in terminal 3. Would I be able to use CLEAR to go through security?
Christine Krzyszton
September 20, 2021
Hello B.Smith. Yes, you can use CLEAR in terminal 2 and after security, you can walk to Terminal 3 within the building. I’ve actually done this.
Chris Baldwin
October 25, 2021
Has any date been set for the reopening of the ATS, yet?
Christine Krzyszton
October 25, 2021
Hi Chris. Last week testing was going on when we were there and we were told that it will open any day now. Here’s hoping.
Christopher
November 06, 2021
I see it has now reopened, limited hours for now, increasing hours for a few months until 24/7. Busses are still running when the ATS isn’t.
Gerd
January 01, 2022
Mobile Passport was not accepted anymore in ORD when I arrived from Europe in Terminal 5.
Charles
February 21, 2022
I arrive by American Airlines from Heathrow. I am due to fly out to Fairbanks by United Airlines (not a codeshare, but on separate tickets). I believe I clear Border Control, claim baggage and clear customs in Terminal 5, After that where do I check in myself and my baggage? I note that United use T2 and T3, will the departure terminal be stated on the ticket, or does it vary day by day?
Jarrod West
February 22, 2022
Hi Charles,
You’ll check your baggage at the Terminal you’ll be departing from, which will be stated on your ticket.
Chris Ohlweiler
February 21, 2022
I have a 4 hour layover @ O’Hare between Charlotte & Seattle. I’m flying AA, so assume a T3 arrival/departure. I have Priority Pass and would like to utilize Swissport Lounge in T5.
Does access to T5 require a boarding pass for an international flight or will I be able to get there? Thanks.
Christine Krzyszton
February 21, 2022
Hi Chris. Having just visited the Swissport lounge at T5, I can say for sure that you will need an international boarding pass to get through security to visit the club. I understand your desire for a place to spend your 4-hour layover, however, you won’t be missing much by not visiting it. It is very small and has just standard offerings, nothing at all special. Plus, on a previous trip last month when we tried to access the club, they were not accepting Priority Pass. As the Air France lounge is closed for renovation, Swissport is accepting those passengers so capacity is strained.
Rob W
March 25, 2022
Can you provide accurate directions for getting to the Bus Shuttle Center from each of the three domestic terminals? The directions at the airport are vague to many who are not familiar with O’Hare and often there is no personnel at the airport that can guide guests to the Shuttle Center.
Christine Krzyszton
March 25, 2022
Hi Rob. The easiest way to reach the Bus/Shutter Center is to follow the red signs like the one posted above under Travel To and From ORD. While it might be easy to miss the signs while walking, they are posted all along the route and are the most accurate (and direct) way to reach the transportation center. I have transited ORD for decades via all three domestic terminals and still watch for those signs to guide me.
Rob W
March 26, 2022
While it has been awhile since I’ve traveled, I know the signs that you are speaking of and used to use them myself when I went out of town more frequently. They always worked well for me too. That said, when I get call from travelers at the hotel that I work at and direct them to use the (red and blue Bus Shuttle Center) signs, a good number of them still can’t figure it out. That’s why I was looking for some specific “routing” from each terminal to the shuttle center.
Mona
April 12, 2022
When will TTB ar ORD start running?
Christine Krzyszton
April 12, 2022
Hi Mona. Unfortunately, the airport website does not have a date when inter-terminal TTB service will begin again, only that it has been temporally suspended.
Najat
April 25, 2022
I arrived at T5 and am going to T3. Do I need to take all my luggage with me to T3 by bus or what?
Jarrod West
April 25, 2022
Hi Najat,
Yes, you can take the bus to Terminal 3.
Kevin
April 27, 2022
Hi. I‘ll soon be taking an Austrian Airlines direct flight from ORD T5 to Vienna. I would really like to visit the Polaris lounge in T1 and since I‘ll be traveling on an International Star Alliance flight in Business Class, I should have access. My question is, can I arrive at the airport at T5 to check in, go over to T1, go through security, visit the Polaris lounge and then go to T5 (through security again) and catch my flight? Or will I be denied entry to terminal 1? Thanks for the detailed guide and I look forward to your answer!
Jarrod West
May 04, 2022
Hi Kevin,
It is up to the discretion of the security agent, but they should let you into the Terminal if you tell them that you are heading to the lounge.
george
May 23, 2022
I am flying American Airlines from ORD to Heathrow and the flight departs from Terminal 3. Do I have to check-in at the International Terminal first and then take transportation to Terminal 3 to arrive at the Gate or can I check in at the American Airlines desk in Terminal 3?
Christine Krzyszton
May 31, 2022
Hi George. You can check in and clear security at terminal 3 at 3 hours prior to your flight.
John
May 29, 2022
How do I get from Terminal 1 baggage claim to Terminal 5 as quickly as possible?
Christine Krzyszton
May 31, 2022
Hi John. You can take the Airport Transit System train people mover between terminals. The train ride takes 10 minutes and stops at Terminal 1, 2, 3, and 5. Follow the signs from baggage claim in Terminal 1. Here is more information: https://www.flychicago.com/ohare/ServicesAmenities/services/Pages/transitupdate.aspx
Charles
June 01, 2022
In your information above you state United Airlines use Terminal 1 & 2 for domestic flights. However, the Airport’s own website says only Terminal 1 is used for United’s domestic flights, which is correct please?
Chris Hassan
June 01, 2022
Hi Charles,
United uses both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at ORD, as well as Terminal 5 for international arrivals.
John Schweikle
June 07, 2022
My daughter is flying for her first time alone. I would like to go with her as far as I can into the airport. Can I park in the lot and accompany her to the front desk where you check your bags? I don’t have a ticket and realize I can’t go with her into the terminals.
Thank You.
Katie Seemann
June 07, 2022
Hi John,
Yes you will be able to accompany her to the front desk to check her bags. You can walk her all the way to the security checkpoint. I hope she has a great flight!
Beth
August 03, 2022
I live in the Chicago area, my daughter has a 4-hour layover At O’hare. Am I able to purchase a pass so that I can meet her at the gate?
Christine Krzyszton
August 03, 2022
Hi Beth. You would need an actual boarding pass to access the secured area where the gate is located. Visitor or escort passes are normally issued only for accompanying minors, the elderly, travelers with special needs, or for military members. You can try to secure a pass from the check-in desk but it is unlikely you will be issued one. However, 4 hours should be enough time for your daughter to meet you then go back through security to catch her connecting flight. Baggage claim might be an option as there is a Starbucks there.
Pranav Shrotriya
September 22, 2022
My parents are flying in to terminal 5 and are booked to stay the night at the airport Hilton. Can they bring luggage carts on to the ATS train?
Jarrod West
September 22, 2022
Hi Pranav,
Yes, they should be allowed to do so.
Sam Wad
October 10, 2022
Hello, Is the bus service [I believe it is known as TTB between domestic and international terminal without leaving the secure area] working? Thank you!
Christine Krzyszton
October 10, 2022
Hi Sam. It was not working when I was there a couple of weeks ago and according to the airport’s website, service is still “temporarily suspended”. I suspect all the construction at Terminal 5 is presenting an obstacle to service resuming. Fortunately, the ATS train is fully functional.
Jim
April 24, 2023
Really poor experience in T5 last Friday. Security check was absolute chaos. No signs, unhelpful & rude staff. This is the last experience a passenger has with official USA before leaving your country. Leaves a very bad impression and completely unnecessary.
John F
May 08, 2023
You need to update your article – T5 does indeed have a dedicated TSA-PreCheck line as well as Clear. They have had it for at least a year now.
Keri Stooksbury
May 16, 2023
Thanks for the tips, John F. I’ve gone ahead and added CLEAR and have reached out to ORD for more info on the hours for T5 since its website does not indicate that this terminal has PreCheck, though datapoints on FlyerTalk as well as your note confirm it is up and running.
Christine Krzyszton
May 12, 2023
Hi David. You should have enough time to transit and catch your connecting flight if you take the inter-terminal bus. The bus leaves from gates G17 and K20 in Terminal 3 at O’Hare so you can proceed to the gate that is closest to your arrival gate. You will show your passport and boarding pass for your Terminal 5 departure flight to the representative to receive a ticket for the bus. The bus takes approximately 10 minutes or so depending on how many cool taxiing planes you have to wait for. You will not have to pass through security leaving Terminal 3 or arriving at Terminal 5 as the bus transits the tarmac to Terminal 5. You will arrive at gate M13. If you have to collect luggage in O’Hare because you have separate tickets, this will not work. Safe travels.
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