Here at PreFlight Airport Parking, we have been supporting travelers at O'Hare for over 10 years by providing convenient off-airport parking. With our long-standing service, we have gained extensive knowledge of Chicago's international airport with every passing year. Here is our guide on how to navigate one of the world’s busiest airports to enhance your travel experience using ORD and make your travels easier.
O'Hare International Airport
Fun Facts
- Chicago's O'Hare Airport is one of the top 10 biggest airports in the United States.
- Initially, the airport was called Orchard Field Airport, which is where the ORD came from but was later renamed after Edward "Butch" O'Hare, who was the first U.S. Navy Medal of Honor after World War II!
Popular Travel Times:
Busiest days to travel: Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The busiest times are 6-8 am, and 3-5 pm.
The worst time for delayed flights: 7-9 pm, due to ripples from the 3-5 pm rush.
Travel Tip: Plan to arrive at least 3 hours early to navigate the airport and get through security. There's plenty to see and do at the airport, so you might want to stay longer!
Security Tips and Checkpoint Wait Times
TSA screening times vary depending on which terminal you’re departing from. A good rule of thumb is to give at least 35 minutes for security.
- Only the Terminal 5 TSA checkpoint is open 24 hours.
- Terminal 1, 2, and 3 checkpoints are open from approximately 4 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- If you are using CLEAR at Terminals 1, 2, or 5: the times are different between 4:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily.
- You can CLEAR for 2 months free for a faster security time
For TSA screening tips and to make your experience easier
O'Hare Conveniences
- Free WiFi is available in all ORD terminals for a limited time.
- If you need to work off stress, there’s a Yoga Room in Terminal 3.
- The Interfaith Room, in Terminal 5 by Gate M25, is a safe, quiet space for praying or meditation. It also has a Qibia compass and shoe storage.
- Family Lounge, in Terminal 2 near F1, is a designated area to let your kids run around before their flight. There are additional charging stations and coloring areas.
- There are art installations throughout the airport-- explore to find them all!
- Check out the airport events! O'Hare will have live bands and other performance arts to help make your trip more memorable and exciting.
- In Terminals 1 and 3, there is a Gateway Spa for nail care and massages.
- At each baggage claim area, there is a Self Service Repair Sation if your luggage has minor damages.
Food & Drink at O'Hare Airport
O'Hare has over 94 food options across the terminals
Need coffee for that 6:30 flight? There are 17 Starbucks in Terminals 1-3.
Lounge Information
There are 13 lounges available across the airport. Given that O'hare is United Airlines, they have 4 lounges in terminals 1 and 2. There is also a Delta, Swissport, SAS, and British Airways Lounges in terminal 5. For terminal 3 there is 3 American Admiral's clubs and an American Flagship Lounge.
If you want access, check your credit card benefits or use Priority Pass, LoungeBuddy, and LoungeKey to get day passes to any of the lounges.
If you are looking for tips on how to spend your layover at ORD
Baby Care
There are 23 nursing pods/mother's rooms at the airport; for specific locations. Each is equipped with a sink, seating, diaper changing, and charging outlets. They are also ADA-compliant.
- Terminal 1:
- Concourse B by B10
- Concourse B by B7
- Concourse C by C11
- Concourse C by C23
- Terminal 2:
- Concourse E by E1
- Concourse F between E5 and F9
- Concourse F by F1 next to the Family Lounge
- Terminal 3:
- In the Rotunda by the Yoga Room
- Concourse G by G12
- Concourse K by K1
- Concourse K by K5
- Concourse K by K19
- Concourse L by L6
- Concourse L by L24
- Terminal 5:
- Concourse M by M8
- Concourse M by M20
- Concourse M by M32
- Concourse M by M37
There is a childcare vending machine called Oops! Diapers 2Go-Vending Machines contain diapers, pacifiers, formula, activity kits, toys, snacks, and other baby care items. There are 8 in total.
Travel Tip: Consider using the Family Lounge to help your children run around before your flight. For more tips, check out our guide to traveling with a car seat!
Pet Care
- Terminal 1:
- Lower Level by Door 1A, look for a sign saying SARA and a black fence
- Main Hall near K1 towards L Concourse
- In Concourse C by gate C10
- Terminal 2:
- Outside Arrivals near Door 2E
- Terminal 3:
- After security near C10
- Post security in the Rotunda towards Terminal 2
- By gate L26
- Terminal 5:
- Outside Arrivals by Door 5B
- After Security between M8 and M28
- Right before Custom Boarder Protection area
- In the international baggage claim area
Lost and Found
There are multiple locations across the airport; unfortunately, there isn't a central location. You can either go to a ticket counter, gate area, airline counter, or TSA checkpoint to see if they have your lost item. If you lost an item at TSA, there is a form you can follow to try to get your items back.
There are different numbers you can call depending on the item to see if they have it: call the O'Hare Airport Transit System (ATS) at (773) 601-1817 or email lost@ohareats.com
- If you lost your items in a dining area: (773) 377-7804
- If you lose it in a public space at the airport: you can call the police: (773) 686-2385
- If you lose something at a gate or airline: you will need to contact your airline directly.
Information Counters
Throughout ORD, there are customer service staff. One is at each terminal at Gates B6, C18, F4, K2, and M15. They can help you with lost items, navigate the airport, and get emergency supplies.
There are also volunteers throughout the airport who can provide additional support, and airport members often help with accessibility services.
Accessibility Options
There is a Hidden Disability Sunflower program, where employees wearing a sunflower lanyard and blue vest can provide additional support on navigating the airport to those with hidden disabilities like autism, dementia, and more.
Access between Terminals:
The airport transit system has elevators. Please note that the train does not have wheelchair areas.
Access within Terminals:
If you need assistance, you can either go to your airline's ticket counter right when you get to the airport to request a wheelchair service or use their accessible drop-off areas for curbside assistance to help you get access directly to your terminal. You can also call your airline for transportation assistance using their helplines.
Restroom Access:
All bathrooms are ADA-compliant and wheelchair-accessible, but wheelchair users have mentioned that some concourses can have difficult designs.
TSA Process: There is a TSA Care option to offer assistance through the security process
Check out our article on traveling with a wheelchair for more tips
For more information about resources available at ORD for reduced mobility travelers
Travel Tip: Track your flight during your commute to the airport and while you’re away from your gate. Link to tracking your Flight.
Use O’hare’s interactive map to help you explore the airport's many offerings, such as art, exhibits, dining, and shopping opportunities.
PreFlight Airport Parking
PreFlight O’Hare is a 4-level parking garage with a 7-10 minute shuttle to O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Enjoy complimentary amenities for stress-free travel! PreFlight also offers a Frequent Parker Program, where you can earn free parking and get special offers!
What Kind of Parking
Premium Covered:
1st floor, widest stalls, & free EV Chargers - we provide the 120v outlet, you provide the cable.
The EV charging stations are behind the lobby
Economy Covered
On both floors 2 and 3, covered parking with wide stalls!
Rooftop parking
Our lowest-priced option
PreFlight lets you park 3 different ways, each to fit your personal travel needs!
PreFlight O'Hare Airport Parking Distance
It's a 10-15-minute shuttle trip from PreFlight to O’Hare. The shuttle will go to/from each terminal within 7-12 minutes between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. If your flight is outside these times, please call 847-678-9234 for pick-up.
PreFlight Airport O'Hare Amenities
Free Tire Inflation and Battery Jumps
The air pressure is available behind the lobby near the EV chargers. If you need your battery jumped, please talk to the front desk and they will be happy to help you!
EV vehicle charging stations
There over 18 EV chargers availabe on the first floor of the garage.
Free shuttles
Shuttle drivers will help you with your bags
For wheelchair accessibile shuttles, call 617-884-2294 to schedule 24 hours in advance so we can ensure that your shuttle is ready for you when you arriv
If you are looking for more help around O'Hare airport, check out our answers to your common ORD travel questions. Happy Travels!