Lois Larson
Chicago O'Hare Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving as a hub for both domestic and international travellers. With a range of facilities and amenities, the airport caters to the needs of travellers, including those facing flight delays or cancellations. While the airport does not explicitly prohibit sleeping within its premises, spending the night at O'Hare presents unique challenges due to the lack of dedicated sleeping areas and the presence of a growing homeless population as of February 2023. Travellers seeking a good night's sleep often opt for nearby hotels or alternative accommodations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Staying overnight | Possible, but not recommended due to reports of a growing homeless/migrant population |
| Sleeping spots | Couches in Concourse K, quiet place above the food court between Terminals 2 and 3, and cots provided during major delays and cancellations |
| Other options | King Spa (15 minutes away), O'Hare Hilton, and nearby hotels with free airport shuttles |
| Considerations | Cold temperatures, limited food options, and stiff chairs with armrests |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping arrangements at O'Hare airport
O'Hare Airport in Chicago can get cold at night, so it is advisable to bring a warm jacket or a blanket if you plan to sleep there. There have been reports of a growing homeless population at the airport, so you may prefer to book a hotel for the night if you arrive late and cannot get through security.
There are a few options for sleeping at O'Hare Airport. Firstly, cots are provided during major flight delays and cancellations, but these are not always available. If you want more comfort and privacy, there is a hotel outside Terminal 2, and other nearby hotels offer a free airport shuttle. There is also a quiet place above the food court between Terminals 2 and 3 where you can camp out, and few people go up there.
If you don't want to stay in the airport, there is a hostel about three-quarters of a mile from Union Station that is open all night. You could also take a $50 cab ride to a decent hotel for the night, or spend $25 for 24-hour access to King Spa, which is 15 minutes from the airport and offers showers, food, and a comfortable place to sleep.
If you do decide to stay in the airport, make sure you don't leave the secure area, as you may not be allowed to re-enter. Also, note that most food places close after 10 pm, so bring snacks and a water bottle.
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Alternatives to sleeping at the airport
If you're looking for alternatives to sleeping at O'Hare Airport, there are a few options available. Firstly, if you're looking for a more comfortable option, there is a hotel located outside Terminal 2 that offers a free airport shuttle. There are also other nearby hotels that provide a similar service.
If you're on a tighter budget, there are a couple of alternative options. One suggestion is to head to the King Spa, which is just a 15-minute taxi or Uber ride away and offers 24-hour access for $25. Here, you'll have access to showers, food, and a comfortable place to sleep. Another option is to take the Blue Line subway into the city, although arriving downtown in the middle of the night may not be the best idea.
If you'd rather stay within the airport, there are a few spots that travellers have recommended for a good night's rest. These include the couches just after security in Concourse K and the quiet area above the food court between Terminals 2 and 3. It's worth noting that O'Hare can get quite cold, so make sure to bring a warm jacket or blanket if you plan to sleep in the airport. Additionally, cots are provided during major flight delays and cancellations, but they are not typically available otherwise.
Lastly, if you're looking for a more social experience, spending $50 on a cab can get you a decent night's sleep, free breakfast, and the opportunity to meet fellow travellers to sightsee or eat with the next day. There is also a hostel about three-quarters of a mile from Union Station that is open all night.
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The homeless population at O'Hare
O'Hare International Airport in Chicago has seen a growing number of homeless people taking refuge within its premises. The airport has been described as a "sought-after refuge" due to the warmth and safety it offers, especially during the winter months. The homeless population at O'Hare has been a cause for concern for airport employees and authorities, with some expressing worries about their safety.
The issue gained prominence following a Fox News segment featuring Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who stated that unhoused individuals would not be allowed to sleep at the airport, citing security and safety concerns. She emphasized that the airport is a secure location, and steps would be taken to provide alternative support and housing solutions for the homeless population.
The Haymarket Center, an organization addressing homelessness in public transportation, has reported a significant increase in interactions with the unhoused at O'Hare. Their O'Hare Outreach program served 618 unhoused people at the airport in 2022, a 58% increase from the previous year. The program connects those experiencing homelessness with resources and provides medical care.
The growing homeless population at O'Hare has sparked discussions about the need for additional resources and services to address homelessness in Chicago. While the airport has committed to treating unsheltered individuals with dignity, the city faces a challenge in providing adequate housing solutions and support for the growing number of unhoused individuals seeking shelter at the airport.
Passengers and travellers passing through O'Hare have also shared their experiences of spending the night at the airport. Some have opted to stay within the terminal, particularly near their departure gates, to avoid encountering homeless individuals. Others have chosen to book hotels near the airport or utilize facilities like the King Spa, located 15 minutes away, which offers 24-hour access for a fee.
The situation at O'Hare highlights the broader issue of homelessness in Chicago and the need for comprehensive solutions to address the lack of shelter options for the city's vulnerable populations.
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Finding comfort while sleeping at the airport
Sleeping at an airport might not be the most comfortable option, but sometimes it is necessary. Here are some tips to help you find comfort while sleeping at the airport:
Before you go to the airport:
Check the airport's policies and layout: Not all airports allow overnight stays, and some may close at night. Understanding the airport's layout will help you locate designated sleeping areas or quiet zones. Also, check if the airport offers a wake-up call service as a backup to your alarms.
What to bring:
- Travel pillow
- Blanket
- Eye mask
- Earplugs
- Dress in comfortable layers
- Toiletry kit
- Snacks and a water bottle (as airport food places may be closed)
- Luggage lock
Where to sleep:
- Opt for locations with minimal foot traffic to avoid disturbances, but stay within well-populated areas for safety.
- At Chicago O'Hare Airport, reviewers suggest the couches just after security in Concourse K. There is also a quiet place above the food court between Terminals 2 and 3.
- If you prefer more comfort and privacy, there are hotels nearby or even inside the airport. Chicago O'Hare, for example, has a hotel outside Terminal 2 and others that offer a free airport shuttle.
- If you don't want to stay at the airport, you can consider a hostel or hotel in the city. Chicago, for instance, has a hostel near Union Station and a spa called King Spa, both open 24 hours.
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Food options at night at O'Hare airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is a bustling travel hub that offers a wide variety of dining options for travellers. While most restaurants at the airport close early, between 9 and 10 pm, there are still some options available for those looking for a late-night bite.
One popular option is Dunkin', which has several 24/7 locations throughout the airport. Other options for a quick bite include Subway, which is also open 24 hours, and Taco Burrito King, located in the Target plaza north of the airport. Little Angelo's Pizza is another option, open until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays and midnight on other days.
For those looking for a sit-down dining experience, the choices are more limited but still exist. Tuscany Cafe, located in Terminal 1, offers a large menu by airport standards, including starters, soups, salads, pastas, pizzas, and entrees. Gold Coast Dogs, a local mini-chain, serves iconic Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef, and Polish sausage.
If you're craving something more upscale, Tortas Frontera by renowned Chicago chef Rick Bayless is a popular choice. His griddle-baked Mexican sandwiches, available at three different terminals, are loaded with fillings like smoked pork, chipotle-roasted chicken, and chorizo. For a creative burger, you can try the award-winning Burger Federation in Concourse L.
So while dining options at O'Hare may be limited late at night, there are still enough choices to satisfy a range of cravings, whether it's a quick coffee and doughnut or a more substantial meal before a flight.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can stay overnight at O'Hare airport. However, it is recommended that you book a hotel if you arrive late and can't get through security.
Travellers have found the best spots for a night's rest at O'Hare airport to be the couches just after security/airside in Concourse K. Cots are also provided during major flight delays and cancellations.
Yes, there is a hotel outside of Terminal 2, and many nearby hotels offer a free airport shuttle. There is also a hostel about 3/4 of a mile from Union Station that is open all night.
O'Hare airport can get cold day or night, so be sure to bring a warm jacket or a blanket. Also, bring snacks and a water bottle as most food places close after 10 pm.
You could take a $50 cab ride to a hotel or stay at the King Spa for $25, which offers 24-hour access to showers, food, and a comfortable place to sleep, just 15 minutes from the airport.
