Chicago O'Hare Airport review by A Hilbun

29 June 2005

O'Hare is simply a zoo. The facilities are simply not up to the task of accommodating the sheer number of people that pass through it. Terminal 1 security is a nightmare despite the fact that there are two checkpoints, one at each end of the building. That said, the airport is generally clean and well-maintained, especially when you consider how many people use the airport every day. United needs to now follow Northwest's example and build a new terminal that will allow United customers to transit from international to domestic in the same building. Right now, the process is quite a hassle since all international arrivals are at Terminal 5 and passengers connecting to domestic flights have to then take the monorail to Terminal 1 where they must again undergo a security screening. I have not missed a connection yet, despite some close calls (knock on wood). Also, both terminals 1 and 5, despite being far from "old" (20 years and 10 years old respectively) are starting to appear worn.

Chicago O'Hare Airport review by Neil Ramsay

4 June 2005

Arrived at Terminal 5 from Frankfurt on a Saturday at lunch time. We must have been the only flight. The non resident immigration gates were deserted. I was fingerprinted and photographed and on my way in seconds with not one question. Even got thru faster than my travel partner who is US citizen. Bags were already on the belt and after completing polite customs clearance and baggage transfer was whisked to Terminal 2 by the rail. Security check there was quick and also polite. From landing to being at my gate for onward travel took 25 minutes! Food outlets in Terminal 2 are adequate. Toilets are clean. Departure info is easy to read. The only downside is the chaotic departure situation at the United Express gate, F11. Can be a zoo when 3 or 4 flights are departing at once. Make sure you get on the right plane! This trip only confirmed my good experiences at ORD.

Chicago O'Hare Airport review by Joe Chapman

25 February 2005

Making over several dozen trips a year, since 1998, through O'Hare I can say it is one of the better airports to fly in, out, or through. It needs some work in some areas (not all terminals are equal) and is a little small to be the worlds busiest airport (Atlanta and Chicgo go back and forth on this claim and Atlanta is bigger which would make it easier). I've had the opportunity to fly through most of our nation's larger airports and, for the most part, they range from really nice to not so nice. The key to making any airport survivable (from the traveler perspective) is to learn as much about the layout as possible, where food, money and lounges are hidden and the best locations to seek aid. O'hare has many of these, they are typically clean, and, with the exception of the McDonald's locations, the staff vary from OK to really nice.

Chicago O'Hare Airport review by Jane Allen

28 January 2005

Terminal 5. It's a disaster  -  you can get a hot dog or hamburger, or revolting wrap: nowhere to buy a real meal. I was stuck there in a blizzard for 10 hours: nothing to do, no real food, nowhere to sit. Spent long time on lines, after a cancelled flight, being put on another flight at the other end of the building. Good exercise running back and forth through the terminal several times after being given wrong information. Anyone old or disabled could be stuck there forever. Staff were mostly pleasant enough, but generally a poorly organised and loathsome place!

Chicago O'Hare Airport review by G Boisvert

15 January 2005

O'hare really isn't that bad. I don't find any real faults with the security, as they have always been very pleasant when I've flown through. I've flown out through all three of the domestic terminals at O'hare, and I haven't had any problems with security- AND the lines are short too, which Midway can't claim. The facilities are nice too- well, in Terminal One and Three. T2 is a bit of a dumb, but its still better than many other airports (i.e. CDG, JFK, etc.). Overall, Ii don't see anything wrong with the way ORD is being run. (P.S. Mr. Pearson- Don't Blame the State of Illinois- it's all the City of Chicago)

Chicago O'Hare Airport review by Keith Pearson

5 January 2005

Having a daughter living in Chicago, my wife and I travel to O'Hare at least twice per year. To say that this is a premier International airport would be an exaggeration of epic proportions. The State of Illinois should be ashamed of the facilities offered to International travellers at O'Hare. It is almost impossible to believe when spending any time there, that you are in the United States, that nation so renowned for customer service. However that is the problem, it doesn't really matter where you go by air, you are only recognised as a passenger, not a customer. The Airlines & Airport Authorities seem to have forgotten that we do have choice. The way that so called Security people speak to the customers is downright appalling at O'Hare - we demand and expect civility, as we are not all terrorists or drug smugglers - in fact the percentage who are, is actually not measurable - it is small small. Get your act together Illinois/USA.

Chicago O'Hare Airport review by Gregg Hillier

11 December 2004

Considering the fact that O'Hare is one of the world's busiest airports and one of the chief international gateways of the midwestern US, the facilities are pretty sad. The AA gates are dimly lit, short on chairs, and usually filthy. The UAL terminal is brighter and newer but is starting to look dated and the International Terminal is a logistical nightmare. The tram ride to get to/from the terminal is a headache and the facility itself is poorly laid out and understaffed. Pray you have at least 90 minutes connecting time when using the International Terminal. Perhaps Chicago should do what Detroit and Indianapolis have done: build a huge, modern midfield terminal and bulldoze the ancient mess that is O'Hare.

Chicago O'Hare Airport review by Warren Ryback

21 November 2004

My wife and I had the recent experience of visiting O'Hare Airport under a pretty pressing time schedule. Arriving late from Toronto due to fog - we were made aware upon arrival that we had to make it to the other end of the airport within minutes as our connecting flight was on time. The Amazing Race was on! Running through the airport - we were made very well aware that there are no moving sidewalks, etc - and that the airport was quite large. Yes, due to it's shape - transferring luggage was a breeze - but what about the passengers who are on a connecting flight. If you are elderly, or are not in shape to walk around the block 2-3 times avoid this airport at all costs!.

Chicago O'Hare Airport review by Simon Albury

18 August 2004

The monorail that connects the different terminals is poorly signposted and may even be unsigned. This weekend it was hard to find someone to tgell me where to go for the monorail. Transfering from American Airlines to BA seemed to involve considerable distances and no less than three escalators. Perhaps there was a shorter route - but if there was - there was no way to find out about it. The problems of Chicago reminded me of the joys of connecting via Bangkok.

Chicago O'Hare Airport review by Benjamin Lee

21 June 2004

I flew through O'Hare for London Heathrow return. O'Hare seems good for international flights. Though it's a long walk for international arrivals, I passed through customs within minutes. It's certainly superior to the miles-long maze at Heathrow. United Airlines has a baggage recheck station directly after you clear customs. Yes, O'Hare can have horrible weather delays. I myself spent 19 hours there when all my flights home for the evening were cancelled. But I can hardly fault the airport for that - after all, the midwest is famous for its thunderstorms. I spent that night in the terminal with many fellow passengers. Fortunately, the airport staff were accustomed to the situation - the janitors made sure not to wake us while they cleaned the terminal at 3 a.m. Having spent so much time in O'Hare, I am still happy with the airport's layout and facilities. Lines can sometimes get long, but staff will help redirect passengers to other security checkpoints. Terminals have good signage, shops, and waiting areas. Good transportation on the train system. Only $1.75 to downtown Chicago on the clean, easy-to-use subway.

Chicago O'Hare Airport review by T Thomas

12 June 2004

After reading about all the positive experiences of some of the customers of O'Hare, I must say that I feel they are the lucky ones. On a recent trip through Chicago, due to heavy storms throughout the Midwest, we were stranded in Chicago for 28 hours! After being jerked around from flight to flight, from gate to gate, we were finally informed that we were not going to get home that night. By this time, no hotel lodging was available. Spending the night in an airport terminal, although bearable, is not my idea of a good time. And to have to put my 80-year-old father-in-law, who was travelling with us, through this ordeal struck me as very "bush-league." Although the gate personnel were very courteous, they seemed to be misinformed and understaffed, which led me to believe that the major problems stemmed from the management ranks. Procedural errors and false promises made our "stay" in Chicago a day that I will remember with bitterness and resentment.

Chicago O'Hare Airport review by S Cahill

28 January 2004

For an airport that's often dubbed as "the world's busiest airport", it sure didn't seem too cluttered with passengers like I imagined. I have flown into and out of Terminal 1 both in October 2003 and January 2004, and those experiences have more or less been a breeze. It's the first airport I have ever flown to alone, so I was intimidated at first when I saw the map on the website. But when I finally landed in O'Hare, I found the terminal to be easy to manouvre around - even when I had to go to and come out of concourse C. There were plenty of places to eat and restrooms (the automatic-rotating seat covers were a good idea), and the moving walkways were a nice touch. And security is very smooth - very thorough, but still getting the line to move quickly, and never too crowded, even during peak hours. I also liked how the CTA's Blue Line goes directly into the O'Hare building - it's especially wonderful on very cold days! One thing I would like to see, though, is maybe some restaurants and stores, and an ATM or two, before security - my boyfriend and I would tend to arrive early and would often wish we had something to do before I leave, while whenever he has to fly out of Boston, we can at least go over to Terminal C and enjoy Boston Landing. Otherwise, I was very satisfied with O'Hare, and I wish that other airports ran as smoothly.

Chicago O'Hare Airport review by Derew  Lussenden

13 October 2003

Parades Bar in Terminal 5 has the best services and friendliest bartenders. If you are a frequent flier, you will be remembered and treated as if family! Positioned conveniently outside the security check-in, Parades is the ideal place to relax before a long international flight.

Chicago O'Hare Airport review by Thomas Snoeck

22 August 2003

International terminal in Chicago is understaffed (took about 1hour to get through immigration, which almost made me miss my connecting flight since I still had to run to terminal 3 gate K17. Also this was my first time in ORD, and i did not see any walkways (approx 1/2 mile from gate to immigration counters) and an other approx 1/2 mile from security check to gate K17 (which is at far end of term 3). So 1mile of walking not including walking to the train system to get from one terminal to another (when you´re young and fit this might not be a big problem.

Chicago O'Hare Airport review by Mark Simons

28 June 2003

For any passengers with a long wait for a connection it might be worth noting that you can gain access to the airport Hilton (connected to the terminals) fitness centre for a flat rate of $10. This allows access to sauna, steam room, pool, exercise facilities etc with free towels provided. Really is a great way to freshen up between flights. Also a good sports bar and restaurant right next door!

Chicago O'Hare Airport review by Mark Simons

26 June 2003

Recently transferred United Airlines at ORD for an international connection from Newark to London. I was advised that despite a separate "e" check in reference at Newark for the international flight, I would have to queue in the International Departures zone. For ALL international flights out of ORD, United had three check in staff on duty. It took over one hour to get to the check in desk. When we finally arrived at the desk the attendant advised that we would have to re-check in at Newark! Chaos ruled with surly agents with a clearly under-staffed check in zone. For anyone transiting at ORD make sure you allow plenty of time!

Chicago O'Hare Airport review by Jeffery Lewis

26 June 2003

Whether arriving international, connecting domestic, or going anywhere for the matter, it has always been an incredible airport experience for me - many places to shop and eat, convenient access to the city, completely on a different level from JFK, LHR, LAX. Connecting from international terminal 5 to domestic flights may take an hour, since you have to clear immigration and then take a train to the domestic terminals, but the train is fast and easy to find.

Chicago O'Hare Airport review by J Sarver

2 June 2003

I agree with the previous writer that O'Hare needs more moving walkways, especially between their United Express gates in Terminal Two and the main United gates in Terminals One b and One c. There are, by the way, moving walkways in the two Terminal One buildings but they are near the end of the concourses leading to the outer gates, for that last-minute sprint!, but they do help. My suggestion, if you have to connect on United Express, now that UA has added USAirways to their mileage program, fly USAirways to connect to United Express because USAirs gates are in the very midst of the United Express gates in Terminal Two. A breeze compared to the long quarter mile trot to United's gates in Terminal One. The United Terminal One, however, is a wonderful environment, a sort-of high-tech belle-epoque feel to the place. Shops and restaurants and other services at O'Hare have always been, and remain, above the average for U.S. airports. But due to the over-used hub and spoke system delays are common and connections often missed. I can't imagine what it's like when the airlines are in full flow and not hobbled as they have been recently by economic and other woes. I will use smaller airports for connections during the busy summer months especially since the economy is in rebound and SARS is on the way out.

Chicago O'Hare Airport review by R Vignati

15 April 2003

I believe that I Naeemullah may have been in another airport. In any terminal of O'Hare you can never find moving walkways except in the tunnel of terminal 1 - dedicated to United, and connecting the main terminal or concourse B to the satellite terminal area or concourse C. Regarding duty free shops, there is just one in terminal 3, dedicated to American Airlines, and two in terminal 1. Airline lounges - American has just one Admiral Club, located between concourse H and K - so sometime you have to walk a long way before you reach your gate. United Airline Red Carpet clubs total 4 - located two in concourse B,  C and F. 

Chicago O'Hare Airport review by I Naeemullah

12 April 2003

Chicago O'Hare is an excellent airport in many aspects. It is conveniently located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Terminals 1 and 3 are easy to use, with convenient check-in facilities, reasonable security, good duty free, and lots of moving walkways to ease strain of traversing its long hallways. There are lots of lounges located through the airport, including multiple United and American lounges, so you rarely have to walk very far from the lounge to your gate. In addition, the atmosphere, although clearly one of a busy airport, is rarely unpleasant or overtly chaotic. Terminal 2, however, is not as pleasant: I find it a bit drab looking and it uses Terminal 1 for baggage claim, which can be a bit of a hike upon arrival. However, I believe they are renovating it so these comments may not apply a few months from now. Terminal 5 (for foreign-based airline departures and all international arrivals) is terrific, with easy check-in, good duty free, a nice layout, and immigration is usually a breeze. Best of all, once you've cleared all the checkpoints and collected your luggage, the arrivals hall is right next to the parking lot. A very good airport experience, and I'd recommend it to any traveler.

Chicago O'Hare Airport review by W Warnock

25 March 2003

I had my first visit(s) to O'Hare as a transit passenger last month. What a very spacious airport! It obviously handles a lot of passengers but I never had the 'cramped feeling' that you can get at other busy airports. Staff were great and the food halls were relaxing too. Best airport I have seen in the US.

Chicago O'Hare Airport review by E Hartal

27 July 2002

O'Hare is basically a nice airport well maintained and easy to get by. I usually fly American Airlines and their new food court really upgraded this terminal to a parallel of UAL terminal 1. The international terminal is nice too, but INS inspection could be long if you land at peak hours 12 pm and 5 pm. The departure hall is not that busy at all. Actually in the evening maybe 3-4 flight depart on average and it looks sometimes like a ghost town.

Chicago O'Hare Airport review by Tony Lai

26 July 2002

O'Hare compared to other US airports is great! Terminal 5 can be a breeze if your plane is parked right by the passport controls. It's no more than a two minute walk. If your plane is parked far away, it means running a marathon to get to customs. Going through customs is a breeze though. It is better organized than LAX Tom Bradley International, which is the most disorganised customs control I have ever been through. Overall, O'hare is great, if you're flying AA or United.

Chicago O'Hare Airport review by Steve Weagant

24 July 2002

I have used United's terminal one, and I do like that lay out better than the other terminals. Though O'Hare is notorious for delays, I have experienced few significant delays there.