Owais Crawford
Chicago's O'Hare Airport is open 24 hours, but it does not have dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. Travellers with long layovers or flight cancellations may find themselves needing to sleep in the airport. While it is possible to sleep in O'Hare, it may not be the most comfortable option due to the limited amenities and the cold temperature.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Hours | 24 hours |
| Sleeping Areas | No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones |
| Seating | Most gate seating has armrests, making it challenging to lie down and rest |
| Amenities | Yoga room, interfaith chapel, WiFi, mobile charging near gates and throughout terminals, first-class lounges (some with showers), eateries, nearby hotels with free airport shuttles |
| Temperature | Cold day and night |
| Security | If you are in the public area (landside), you cannot enter the secure area (airside) until the morning |
| Homeless Population | Growing homeless/migrant population as of February 2023 |
| Alternative Options | King Spa ($25 for 24-hour access to showers, sleeping areas, and food), day pass for the health club at the O'Hare Hilton, day pass for the United Club |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping areas and facilities
O'Hare Airport does not have any dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. However, travellers have reported a few spots that could be suitable for a night's rest. These include couches just after security/airside in Concourse K and long, soft couch-like structures near the Polaris Lounge in Terminal 1. There are also some lounger-style chairs in Terminal 1, near the United gates.
If you're looking for more comfort and privacy, you can pay to access one of the first-class airport lounges, some of which have showers. Additionally, cots are provided during major flight delays and cancellations.
For those seeking a more extended stay, there is a hotel located outside of Terminal 2, and several nearby hotels offer free airport shuttles. Alternatively, you can purchase a day pass for the health club at the O'Hare Hilton, which includes access to showers, massages, and a pool.
It is important to note that O'Hare Airport can get cold day or night, so bringing a warm jacket or blanket is recommended. Additionally, most gate seating has armrests, making it challenging to lie down and rest. If you plan to sleep on the floor, consider bringing a sleep mat or bag as the floors are primarily concrete or thinly carpeted.
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Homeless population
Chicago's O'Hare Airport has long been a place of refuge for the city's homeless population, particularly during the winter months. However, in February 2023, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that homeless people could no longer sleep at the airport, citing security concerns and the need to keep the airport safe and secure for passengers. This decision sparked concerns among homeless advocates, who questioned the sudden disappearance of the homeless population from the airport and the lack of alternative options for those seeking shelter.
For years, O'Hare Airport has been a place of refuge for Chicago's homeless community, especially during the frigid winter months. The airport's warm and clean environment provided a safer alternative to the city's often-overcrowded and unsanitary shelters. Norbert Pikula, a 77-year-old homeless man, shared his story of sleeping at the airport after losing his previous accommodation. He is just one of the many homeless individuals who have sought shelter at O'Hare.
The growing presence of the homeless community at the airport has not gone unnoticed by airport staff and authorities. In January 2023, the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) acknowledged the increasing number of unsheltered individuals at O'Hare, stating that it is a common occurrence during winter. They pledged to work with the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) to provide 24/7 outreach and assistance to those in need. However, despite these efforts, the homeless population continued to seek shelter within the airport premises.
In February 2023, Mayor Lori Lightfoot took a firm stance against the homeless sleeping at O'Hare Airport. She stated that it was "'fundamentally unacceptable" for homeless individuals to sleep there and instructed the Department of Aviation and the Police Department to remove them from the premises. This decision sparked concerns among advocates, who worried about the sudden displacement of the homeless community. They questioned the lack of alternative options, as the city's shelters were already operating at full capacity.
The sudden disappearance of the homeless population from O'Hare left airport employees and advocates puzzled. One airport employee, Michael Kozielek, expressed confusion at how people staying at the airport vanished "what felt like overnight." The increased security presence, including overnight security checks and additional police resources, effectively deterred homeless individuals from seeking shelter at the airport. However, it also raised concerns about the well-being of those who had nowhere else to go.
The decision to remove the homeless from O'Hare Airport highlighted the ongoing challenges of addressing homelessness in Chicago. Advocates criticized the city's reactionary approach and called for more permanent solutions, such as increasing affordable and permanent housing options. The complex nature of homelessness, often involving substance abuse and mental health issues, requires a comprehensive response involving various city departments and community organizations. While the airport may no longer be an option for the homeless, the search for safe and dignified shelter continues, emphasizing the urgent need for long-term solutions to address homelessness in Chicago.
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Warm clothing
O'Hare Airport in Chicago is open 24 hours, but it can get cold day or night, so it is important to bring warm clothing if you plan to sleep there. Many travellers have reported that the airport is freezing, and the floor is particularly cold. Therefore, it is recommended that you wear a warm jacket and bring a blanket to keep you warm. You may also want to consider layering up on clothes.
There are a few options for sleeping spots within the airport. If you are prepared to sleep on the floor, you will be able to find a quiet spot. However, the floor is primarily concrete or thinly carpeted, so it is essential to bring a sleep mat or bag to put between you and the floor. There are also some armrest-free chairs, but these are few and far between. Some travellers have reported finding a good spot to sleep on one of the couches just after security in Concourse K. Additionally, there are some padded seats with power plugs in Terminal 1, Concourse B, across from the B Gates.
If you are looking for more comfort and privacy, you can pay to access one of the first-class lounges, some of which have showers. There is also a hotel outside Terminal 2, and many nearby hotels offer a free airport shuttle.
It is worth noting that there have been reports of a growing homeless population at O'Hare Airport as of February 2023. If you need to sleep in the public/landside area of the airport, you may want to consider booking a hotel for the night instead. Additionally, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone, so it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your belongings.
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Food and amenities
Chicago O'Hare International Airport has a variety of food and amenities. The airport consists of four terminals (1, 2, 3, and 5) with nine concourses, and the terminals are connected by pedestrian walkways and the Airport Transit System (ATS).
The airport offers various dining options, ranging from local favourites like Tortas Frontera to sit-down restaurants and snack stands. There are also Duty-Free shops in Terminal 5, where you can purchase items like alcohol, designer perfume, high-end chocolates, and souvenirs.
For travellers seeking added comfort, there are first-class lounges accessible for a fee, some of which offer showers. Additionally, there is an onsite hotel at Terminal 2, the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel, which provides soundproof rooms and blackout drapes for a restful stay. The hotel is conveniently connected to the domestic terminals and the international terminal via underground walkways and the ATS.
O'Hare also has unique amenities like a yoga room, an interfaith chapel, and mobile charging stations throughout the terminals. While the airport does not have designated sleep pods or rest zones, Concourse K in Terminal 3 offers padded benches and quieter spots suitable for a brief rest.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, nearby hotels such as the Hyatt Regency O'Hare offer free shuttle services to and from the airport. Furthermore, cots are provided during significant flight delays and cancellations, and there are affordable eateries throughout the airport.
While O'Hare lacks extensive shopping options compared to some international airports, it does feature an on-site museum called the O'Hare Museum, which is free to enter. Additionally, public transportation to and from the airport is reliable, with the CTA Blue Line running 24/7 between O'Hare and Downtown Chicago.
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Security and check-in
Chicago O'Hare Airport is open 24 hours. However, airline check-in and baggage drop-off hours vary according to the flight schedule. Therefore, it is important to check these hours with your airline. If you are in the public area (landside), you will not be able to get through to the secure area (airside) until the morning.
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when you are travelling alone. It is important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. It is a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
If you are on a layover, you must pass through immigration/security as there is no transit hotel. An onsite hotel at Terminal 2 is your most convenient option, but you could probably find a better deal at one of the off-site hotels offering free airport shuttles. The Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel is located across from Terminals 1, 2, and 3 and can be reached via an underground walkway or a short ATS train ride from T5. However, the Hilton can be expensive, and you may find better deals at off-site hotels.
There are also lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or using a lounge membership program. Additionally, there is a quiet place above the food court between Terminals 2 and 3. O'Hare International Airport also offers several spas that provide massages, facials, and other treatments.
If you plan to sleep in the airport, it is recommended to stay inside the security zone. You can also sleep on the floor, but it is important to bring a sleep mat or bag as the floors are primarily concrete or thinly carpeted and very cold. O'Hare can get cold day or night, so it is advisable to bring a warm jacket or a blanket.
For those short on time or wishing to avoid long queues, AirportAssist.com offers a Fast Track service that allows travellers to bypass long security lines and move quickly through the airport. This service includes assistance from a dedicated agent who will escort you through security checkpoints and immigration.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, O'Hare Airport is open 24 hours, so you can sleep in the airport if you have to. However, there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones, and most gate seating has armrests, making it uncomfortable to sleep on.
Travellers have reported finding armrest-free chairs in the airport, but these are few and far between. There are some lounger-style chairs in Terminal 1, United gates, and long couch-like structures near the Polaris Lounge. There is also a quiet place above the food court between Terminals 2 and 3.
If you're willing to pay, you can get access to one of the first-class lounges, some of which have showers. There is also a hotel located outside Terminal 2, and the nearby Hilton offers day passes for their health club, which includes showers, massages, and pool access.
Yes, in addition to the hotel outside Terminal 2, there are several nearby hotels that offer a free airport shuttle.
