Best Answers for O'Hare International Airport

Each airport has unique amenities and services, and this leaves room for many questions. Use this guide to answer the largest questions. If you have more questions, check out our ultimate guide about O'Hare Airport.

Does O’Hare have multiple terminals? How do I get between them?

Yes there are four terminals. Terminals 1,2,and 3 are connect and are easily walkable. To get between each terminal it take about 10-20 minutes. But if youre trying to go to terminal 5, which is normally if you are flying internationally, is not connected to the other terminals and requires you to take a shuttle or transit system

There is also a shuttle between Terminals 5,1 and 3 after security, so you don't have to go through lines again. This option doesn't run as frequently as the ATS (Airport Transit System) and isn't available at night.

• Terminal 1: United, Lufthansa, and All Nippon Airways
• Terminal 2: Southern Airways Express, Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, and JetBlue
• Terminal 3: Aer Lingus, American Airlines, British Airways, Cap Aire, Contour Airlines, Denver Air Connection, Iberia, Japan Airlines, and Spirit Airlines
• Terminal 5: All international airlines and arrivals, United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Delta Airlines,

What are some tips for someone flying out of O'Hare Airport?

It can be confusing, but O'Hare (ORD) is less than an hour's drive from Midway (MDW), so make sure to confirm what your ticket says before heading to the airport. 

 

To make your departure go smoothly, check which terminal you're supposed to be at before arriving.

 

Always bring a backup copy of your tickets for everything. Use screenshots, email confirmations, or printout copies just in case your ticket information is glitched.

 

Don't be afraid to ask the O'Hare staff questions; the airport can have confusing signage or hard-to-find directions.

Parking options near O'Hare?

For cheaper parking, try PreFlight Airport Parking. It offers four parking levels and a free shuttle that picks you up straight from your car and drops you off at your terminal. When you return from your flight, you will be dropped off directly to your car. This is also cheaper than O'Hare Airport Parking, and it is easier to get in and out of PreFlight compared to O'Hare parking.

Does O’Hare have free Wi-Fi?

Yes, it's called "_Free_ORD_Wi-Fi." Ensure you use this specific Wi-Fi and don't connect to any Wi-Fis that look similar or appear official. Only connect once you have confirmed it's the right Wi-Fi network.

 

Hackers will often create Wi-Fi that looks official so they can steal your information. If you do decide to use public Wi-Fi, make sure not to look at sensitive personal information, turn off file sharing, and, if you're logging into something, use two-factor authentication.

Are there ATMs or currency exchange services at O’Hare?

Yes, they tend to have higher exchange rates than at your bank. There are Seaway Banks that can help you.

• In Terminal 1: By Gate C18 and B10
• In Terminal 2: Gate F1 and Main Concourse
• In Terminal 3: Gate K10
• In Terminal 5: Lower Level Arrivals and Upper Level.

 

They are mainly open between 6:30 am -6 pm

 

Check your bank's policy regarding foreign purchases or currency exchange rates before exchanging currency because they might have cheaper exchange rates.

Where can I find the immigration or customs office at O’Hare?

It's in Terminal 5 on the lower level by the baggage carousel #12

Do I need to go through security again if I have a layover at O’Hare?

If you are staying within the US, you don't need to unless you leave the airport. If you are flying internationally or from outside the US, you will most likely need to.

What is there to do in O'Hare?

Check out our blog about O'Hare layovers to see what you can do in the airport around the airport with the time you have.

How often are flights delayed or canceled at O'Hare?

It's also dependent on the airline and the weather. Looking at the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, over the last 3 years, departures have been 75% on time each year. There is less than 2% chance for a flight to be canceled.

The most consistent airlines are United and Delta, which are around 76-78% on time and have a 2% cancel rate.

If you use Spirit or Frontier, they are on time, around 52%, and cancel around 3.86% of the time.

We recommend monitoring the weather and real-time cancellation and delay trackers like Flight Aware, Flight View, or Fly Chicago.

Are there long-term parking facilities at O’Hare?

Yes, the airport has long-term parking options. If you would like to use off-site long-term parking, PreFlight Airport Parking is half the price of airport parking and comes with complimentary shuttle services directly to your terminal.

 

Are airport customer service representatives available to assist me if I’m lost or need help?

There is one at each terminal by Gates B6, C18, F4, K2, and M15. They can direct you to where you need to go or anything you need!

Are there showers or sleep pods?

Unfortunately, there aren't any sleeping options at ORD. But there are showers: one at American Airlines Club and two in the terminal next to Gate F3.

What should I do if I lose my passport or ID at the airport?

Whether you are before or after security, you can go to the Lost and Found to see if it has been returned, or if you left it in TSA, talk to a TSA agent. You can also call the airport and the TSA to see if they have it.

 

TSA will hold onto IDs for 30 days before they destroy them.

How much time before my flight should I drop off my checked luggage at O’Hare?

We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours ahead of your flight to give enough time for onboarding, getting through security, and checking in your bag. If you're traveling during the holiday rush, we recommend adding an extra hour.

 

Each airport is distinct in its offerings, providing a variety of amenities and services that cater to the diverse needs of travelers. This uniqueness can lead to numerous questions regarding what each airport has to offer, from dining options to lounge access, transportation services, and beyond.