Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, offers a seamless travel experience with extensive amenities, transportation options, and a wide variety of services for passengers. The guide consists of detailed instructions about O’Hare Airport that assist both business and leisure passengers throughout their travel journey from check-in until their destination is reached.
Overview of the O’Hare Airport
O’Hare International Airport opened in 1955, and it currently stands at 29 kilometres northwest of downtown Chicago. The airport maintains four terminal points named Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, alongside International Terminal 5, which operate in conjunction with the free 24/7 Airport Transit System. O’Hare welcomes more than 70 million yearly passengers, making it one of the globe’s busiest aviation centres that serves multiple domestic and international carriers.
Departures And Arrivals at the O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Multiple terminal operating at O’Hare Airport (ORD) feature domestic flights in Terminals 1-3 and international flights located only in Terminal 5. The majority of airlines manage departures and arrivals from the same terminal except international arrivals that use Terminal 5 customs facilities. A free ATS train provides nonstop transportation across all terminals throughout every day of the week.
| Airline | Departures Terminal | Arrivals Terminal |
| Aer Lingus | 3 | 3 |
| AeroMexico | 5 | 5 |
| Air Canada | 2 | 2 |
| Air France | 5 | 5 |
| Air India | 5 | 5 |
| Air New Zealand | 5 | 5 |
| Air Serbia | 5 | 5 |
| Alaska Airlines | 2 | 2 |
| All Nippon | 1 | 5 |
| American Airlines | 3 | 5 |
| Austrian Airlines | 5 | 5 |
| Avianca Airlines | 5 | 5 |
| British Airways | 3 | 5 |
| Cape Air | 3 | 3 |
| Cathay Pacific Airways | 5 | 5 |
| Contour Airlines | 3 | 3 |
| Copa Airlines | 5 | 5 |
| Delta and Delta Shuttle | 5 | 5 |
| Denver Air Connection | 2 | 2 |
| EVA Air | 5 | 5 |
| Emirates | 5 | 5 |
| Ethiopian Airlines | 5 | 5 |
| Etihad Airways | 5 | 5 |
| Finnair | 5 | 5 |
| Frontier Airlines | 5 | 5 |
| ITA Airways | 5 | 5 |
| Iberia Airlines | 3 | 5 |
| Icelandair | 5 | 5 |
| Japan Airlines (JAL) | 3 | 5 |
| JetBlue | 2 | 2 |
| KLM Royal Dutch | 5 | 5 |
| Korean Air | 5 | 5 |
| LOT Polish Airlines | 5 | 5 |
| Lufthansa | 1 | 5 |
| Qatar Airways | 5 | 5 |
| Royal Jordanian | 5 | 5 |
| SWISS | 5 | 5 |
| Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) | 5 | 5 |
| Southern Airways Express | 2 | 2 |
| Southwest Airlines | 5 | 5 |
| Spirit Airlines | 2 | 2 |
| Sun Country | 5 | 5 |
| TAP Air Portugal | 5 | 5 |
| Turkish Airlines | 5 | 5 |
| United Airlines | 1 | 5 (International) |
| VivaAerobus | 5 | 5 |
| Volaris Airlines | 5 | 5 |
| Westjet Airlines | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Traffic and Global Standing
In 2023, O’Hare International Airport served approximately 73.9 million flyers, which represented an 8.1% increase when compared to 2022 figures. The global airport ranking for O’Hare changed from being the 4th busiest in 2022 to the 9th in 2023, while its traveler numbers increased by 8.1%.
Security and Customs Procedures at O’Hare International Airport
Security checkpoint compliance stands as a vital travel phase known for its pressure on passengers. The security and customs processes at O’Hare International Airport (ORD) have been designed to ensure traveller safety without compromising terminal traffic flow. Travellers who know the airport guidelines will wait less time and experience fewer typical operational problems.
TSA Security Screening Process
O’Hare International Airport security operations are managed by the Transportation Security Administration, which maintains checkpoints across each terminal. The CP1, CP2, and CP3 checkpoints are at Terminal 1. Terminal 2 has the CP5 checkpoint. Terminal 3 has the following checkpoints: CP6, CP7, CP7 A, CP8, and CP9. The checkpoints CP10 and CP11 are at Terminal 5.
The security procedures at O’Hare follow federal protocols, which require the following steps:
- Identification Check: TSA officers need to verify identifications by checking a government-issued photo ID and boarding pass during the initial security checkpoint.
- Baggage and Personnel Screening: Your carry-on items need to pass through X-ray machines when you place them on conveyor belts for screening. All passengers need to remove laptops and tablets as well as liquids held in containers under 3.4 oz from their belongings so they can be placed in special containers before screening.
- Advanced Imaging Technology: Full-body scanners are the primary imaging procedure that passengers need to undergo. These security devices identify threats that consist of metallic items along with non-metallic objects. A secondary screening as well as pat-down procedures by TSA officers who share the same gender, can be used to conduct further inspections on passengers.
- Special Assistance: TSA Cares provides support services in O’Hare for airport security that accommodate elderly people and disabled travellers, as well as passengers requiring medical assistance.
TSA PreCheck
The TSA PreCheck program provides faster screening services for regular air travellers at all terminals. The trusted traveller program, TSA PreCheck, functions throughout all O’Hare terminals, where qualified travellers gain access through this system.
- Passengers can maintain wearing their shoes together with their belts in addition to light jackets.
- Passengers should leave their laptop computers and all liquids that follow 3-1-1 liquid standards inside their travel bags.
- Passengers can benefit from designated fast lanes to cut down waiting times at the screening points.
- Applicants should register online, while TSA requires an in-person background check together with an interview at their nearby enrollment facilities (located at O’Hare).
International Arrivals: Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
International passengers who use Terminal 5 for their arrival will undergo customs procedures through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for entry into America. The customs facilities at O’Hare position as one of the most active operations throughout the United States while offering several improvements in the processing stages.
Standard Customs Procedure
Present Travel Documents require a passport and a completed customs declaration form to be handed over to the CBP officer. Passengers may use the digital kiosks to both scan their passports along with responding to customs declaration inquiries. The facial recognition system employed by Customs and Border Protection at biometric screening processes enhances both border security and processing speeds.
A staff member at the Baggage Claim retrieves checked baggage while conducting relevant inspections. During baggage inspection Customs and Border Protection officers will follow up with extra inquiries regarding travel details and possessions brought into the United States and stay duration.
Global Entry Program
The Global Entry program delivers expedited customs procedures to travellers who qualify through its low-risk approval process. Registered users can:
- Registered Global Entry users should access automated kiosks with their passports or permanent resident cards
- Global Entry members avoid waiting in lines by moving straight to baggage claim stations after successfully proving their identity and making their declarations.
- Enrolled members can gain access to TSA PreCheck while using this service
- International flyers who enrol in this program need to pass security checks alongside an in-person meeting, yet they receive substantial benefits during customs operations.
Mobile Passport Control (MPC)
At O’Hare, passengers can make use of Mobile Passport Control (MPC), an application accepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The app enables travel participants to finish their customs declaration by creating QR codes, which enables them to use special MPC lanes found in Terminal 5
Amenities and Services at the O’Hare Airport: Making Your Journey Comfortable and Convenient
Chicago O’Hare International Airport delivers more than basic transit services. The airport provides comprehensive amenities together with services that improve the travel experience for regular flyers along with business professionals and families, and people waiting between flights. Travellers can enjoy a pleasant experience at the airport because it provides various facilities designed to serve modern travelling needs.
Dining Options
Visitors who eat at O’Hare Airport will experience a culinary adventure. A variety of more than 135 restaurants and food outlets at the airport showcase the local food traditions alongside international dining choices.
Travelers visiting Chicago enjoy traditional Chicago treats, including Garrett Popcorn alongside deep-dish pizza from Giordano’s and elegant tortas from Tortas Frontera by celebrity chef Rick Bayless.
The extensive dining portfolio at O’Hare offers numerous healthy food choices besides international dining, which includes fresh sushi along with Mediterranean wraps together with vegan-friendly salads, and organic beverages. Travellers who need a quick meal can find numerous convenient locations for grab-and-go kiosks and coffee shops distributed throughout all terminals.
Shopping
O’Hare Airport provides top facilities for its shoppers. Travellers can explore various shopping options across the terminals, where they will find luxury boutiques next to travel essentials and local gift shops with duty-free stores. Travellers will discover satisfying retail encounters in the airport through purchases of souvenirs and travel gear, and upscale brands like Coach, along with MAC Cosmetics and Hudson. The tax-free shopping areas at Terminal 5 provide worldwide passengers access to perfumes, together with cosmetics as well as liquor and electronic products.
| Amenity Type | Terminal 1 | Terminal 2 | Terminal 3 | Terminal 5 | Multimodal Facility |
| ATMs | • Concourse B, Gate B7 •Concourse C, Gate C18• General Terminal (2) | • General Terminal (4) • Concourse E, Gate E5 • Concourse F, Gate F3 | • Concourse H, Gate H2 • Concourse K, Gate K4 • Concourse L, Gate L2A• Rotunda | • Concourse M, Gate M18 • Concourse M, Ticketing Level | |
| Body Chargers | •Concourse B, Gate B11 •Concourse B, Gate B12 •Concourse C, Gate C11 •Concourse C, Gate C23 | • Concourse H, Gate H1 • Concourse K, Gate K8 • Concourse K, Gate K15 | |||
| Family Lounges | • Upper Level | ||||
| Mamava Pods | •Concourse B, Gate B7 •Concourse C, Gate C11 •Concourse C, Gate C23 | • Concourse E, Gate E1• Concourse F, Gate F1 | • Concourse G, Gate G12 • Concourse K, Gate K1 • Concourse K, Gate K5 • Concourse K, Gate K19 • Concourse L, Gate L24 | ||
| Mother’s Rooms | •Concourse B, Gate B10 | • Concourse F, Between Gates E5 and F10 | • Rotunda Mezzanine • Concourse L, Gate L6 • Near Gate L24 | • Concourse M, Gate M8 • Concourse M, Gate M20 • Concourse M, Gate M32 • Concourse M, Gate M37 | • Floor 1 (2) |
| Currency Exchange | • Near Gate B9• Near Gate C18 | • Near Gate F1 | • Near K10 | • Near Baggage Claim • Upper Level | |
| Shoe Hospital | • Near Gate B10 | • Near Gate K2 | |||
| Spa Services | • Concourse B, Gate B12 | • Concourse H, Gate H1 | |||
| Barber Shop | • Hilton Chicago O’Hare | ||||
| Water Refill Stations | • Concourse B: Gates B4, B14• Concourse C: Gates C16, C17, C20, C21, C24, C28 | • Near the Children’s Museum • Concourse E: Gates E2, E3, E8 • Concourse F: Gates F5, F14, F25 | • Concourse G: Gates G4, G11, G13 • Concourse H: Gates H6, H10, H14 • Concourse K: Gates K2, K3, K5, K6B, K12, K17 • Concourse L: Gates L3, L7 | ||
| Yoga Room | • Rotunda Mezzanine |
Transportation And Connectivity
Different modes of transportation operate through O’Hare International Airport (ORD) for passenger convenience in reaching the airport and its connecting points. O’Hare has been designed to serve people travelling between Chicago’s downtown area and its suburbs, together with bordering state residents.
Public Transit
Users can reach downtown Chicago cheaply through the direct transportation service that the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line provides from O’Hare to downtown. Passengers enjoy nonstop access to the Blue Line station at the airport, which they can reach through airport pedestrian tunnels from Terminals 1, 2, and 3. The shuttle bus serves Terminal 5 passengers by transporting them to the Blue Line station.
O’Hare airport secures airport service from the Metra commuter rail system by operating at the O’Hare Transfer Station, which is part of the North Central Service line. The station exists near the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF,) where passengers can reach terminals through the Airport Transit System (ATS).
Shuttles and Buses
Several shuttle buses together with public transportation systems serve O’Hare Airport. Hotel transportation shuttles together with off-airport services now service passengers at Terminal 2 Arrivals road section. Passengers need to check their shuttle and bus departure points directly through their service providers since operations have moved from Terminal 5 into other locations.
Pace and Peoria Charter, Van Galder Bus Company, and Wisconsin Coach Lines provide services to the city and surrounding states. MMF serves as a convenient stop along the bus routes that operate there.
Taxis and Rideshares
Each terminal offers taxi stands located on the lower level at the baggage claim section. Taxi operators with official permits at O’Hare offer transportation to locations in Chicago along with suburban areas and towns. Only official stands at the airport should be used by passengers to maintain security along with proper payment metering.
At O’Hare airport, visitors can find designated areas for rideshare service pickups operated by Uber and Lyft. Passengers can use airport signage and app instructions to find pickup zones, which guarantee effortless drop-off and pickup operations.
Rental Cars
All rental car operations at Chicago O’Hare International Airport exist within the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) structure, which provides service to Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Sixt, Payless, and Thrifty. Passengers can reach the MMF through the Airport Transit System (ATS) operation across all hours while connecting terminals with the rental car center.
Parking
Passengers at O’Hare can choose from a selection of parking alternatives that meet different travel requirements.
- The Main Garage next to domestic terminals offers Level 1 hourly rates and Levels 2 through 6 daily rates. A visitor can find hourly parking starting from $3 in the first hour, but daily parking costs up to $43 for 8 to 24 hours of parking duration.
- The affordable Economy Lots G and H provide daily parking at $15 per day, with Lot G specifically offering this rate. Early and late travellers can easily reach their terminals through the ATS while parking at these lots.
- Terminal 5 Parking includes a specific garage and Lot D, offering parking for short-term as well as long-term durations.
- The airport offers advanced space booking in reserved parking, but the parking cost does not include this fee, which amounts to $10 for each spot daily. Occupants who select this service will obtain a guaranteed parking area that provides security during busy periods of travel.
- If you wish to park your vehicle for more than 30 days, you have to call the Parking Garage office for advance arrangements. If you park your vehicle for over thirty days and do not give prior information, your vehicle will be regarded as abandoned. It will also be towed at your expense.
- If you need assistance with your vehicle and face concerns like flat tires or a dead battery, the Parking Garage office may be contacted.
- You have to pay the cash when you exit the parking lot. You can make payments with cash, Visa, Master Card, American Express, Diners Club, or Discover.
O’Hare International Airport provides exhaustive transportation options together with various parking solutions that enable passengers to choose from multiple convenient ways to reach the airport.
Airport Wi-fi
Chicago O’Hare International Airport has unlimited and free wui-fi access across all its terminals for the convenience of its customers. To access their wi-fi, here is what you need to do:
- Turn on the wi-fi on your device
- Select _Free_ORD _Wi-Fi or Boingo Hotspot from the Network Preference or Settings Menu
- Open an internet browser
- Below the ORD free unlimited wi-fi option, select “Watch Ad to Connect.”
In case you have difficulty accessing their wi-fi network, contact customer service at (800) 880-4117.
Power Stations
They are seated workstations having AC outlets and counter spaces. This way, travelers get a convenient area to recharge their electronic devices like cellphones, laptops, and so on. Each power station has 4-8 seating positions alongside a wheelchair accessible workstation. You can find them across all four terminals.
Conclusion
O’Hare International Airport (ORD) stands as a globally renowned airport that provides extensive facilities for all types of travellers while maintaining its position as one of the world’s busiest terminals. O’Hare International Airport demonstrates superior airport excellence through its diverse passenger facilities and extensive travel services alongside its dedication to service quality and technological advancements.
As a versatile airport, O’Hare offers dependable service that starts when you enter and extends to your departure or return itinerary, regardless of your purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The address of O’Hare International Airport stands at 10000 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60666, United States.
The Main Garage parking fee at O’Hare’s Level 1 reaches $3 during the first hour but climbs to its highest point at $43 within an 8 to 24-hour duration
All areas of O’Hare International Airport provide free Wi-Fi access to passengers, as mentioned already.
