O'hare Airport: Managing Busy Travel Hubs Efficiently

Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. In 2024, it was ranked as the fourth busiest airport in the United States and the seventh busiest airport worldwide. O'Hare offers non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the globe and is considered the most connected airport in the US. Security wait times at O'Hare can be lengthy, with peak hour wait times ranging from 10 to 35 minutes. The airport has a vast terminal complex with four numbered terminals and nine lettered concourses, totalling 213 gates—the most of any airport in the world.

Security wait times

O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the busiest airports in the world. In 2019, it had the most aircraft movements of any airport globally, averaging 2,520 per day. As of 2024, it is the fourth busiest airport in the United States and the seventh largest airport in the country.

With such high passenger traffic, security wait times can be lengthy at O'Hare Airport. During peak hours, travellers can expect to wait between 10 and 35 minutes to get through security checkpoints. To navigate security efficiently and minimise wait times, passengers can consider enrolling in expedited security screening programmes such as TSA PreCheck and Clear. These programmes are available at O'Hare and can significantly reduce wait times.

The availability of PreCheck or Clear Plus varies by terminal at O'Hare Airport. For example, Checkpoint 7A and Checkpoint 8 offer expedited security screening, with the earliest opening time of 3:15 AM and the latest closing time of 11:00 PM.

It is worth noting that TSA checkpoint hours may differ depending on the terminal. Terminal 5 is open 24 hours, while Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are typically open from approximately 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Passengers are advised to check the latest information and give themselves a time buffer to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Peak hours

O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the busiest airports in the world. In 2019, it had the most aircraft movements of any airport worldwide, averaging 2,520 per day. As of 2024, it is the fourth busiest airport in the United States and the seventh largest.

O'Hare is a major international airport, serving as a hub for American Airlines and United Airlines, and an operating base for Frontier and Spirit Airlines. As such, it experiences peak hours throughout the day, with busy periods in the early morning, late morning, and early evening.

The early morning peak begins around 4 am, when TSA checkpoints typically open at Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Wait times during this period can be as short as 10 minutes but may last up to 35 minutes. This early morning rush is likely due to the high volume of early morning departures from the airport, with many flights scheduled between 5 am and 7 am.

The second peak period occurs in the late morning, particularly on Sundays, which tend to be the busiest days at O'Hare. This is likely due to returning travellers, as many people opt for weekend trips and return home on Sundays.

The third peak period occurs in the early evening, particularly on Thursdays and Fridays. This is often when travellers are rushing to catch the last flights out for the day, with many flights scheduled between 5 pm and 8 pm.

During these peak hours, travellers can expect longer wait times at security checkpoints, with potential delays caused by increased traveller volume. To navigate these busy periods efficiently, travellers can take advantage of expedited security screening programs such as TSA PreCheck and Clear. These programs are available at O'Hare and can significantly reduce wait times.

Additionally, travellers should be aware of potential delays caused by other factors such as weather conditions, equipment issues, and staffing shortages. Peak travel seasons, such as holidays, can also contribute to longer wait times and more crowded terminals. Therefore, travellers are advised to allow for extra time when passing through the airport during peak hours.

TSA PreCheck and Clear

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD) is one of the busiest airports in the world, ranking as the fourth busiest airport in the United States and seventh largest airport overall. With such a high volume of passenger traffic, efficient security screening is essential to ensure smooth travel experiences. This is where TSA PreCheck and Clear come into play.

TSA PreCheck is a United States government program that expedites security screening for travellers deemed low-risk by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It offers a more convenient and efficient experience, allowing travellers to keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on, while laptops and 3-1-1 liquids can remain in their bags. This program is available at over 200 airports and works with more than 90 airlines nationwide. Enrolling or renewing TSA PreCheck can now be done through CLEAR.

CLEAR Plus is a separate service that provides quick identity verification at the airport. Members can verify their identity using their face, eyes, or fingers at designated CLEAR pods. When combined with TSA PreCheck, travellers can enjoy the fastest route to their gate. CLEAR Plus is currently available to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents aged 18 and older with a valid government-issued photo ID.

Bundling TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus offers a cost-effective option for travellers. For a combined total of $199, travellers can enjoy five years of TSA PreCheck ($77.95) and one year of CLEAR Plus (as low as $121.05), resulting in savings of up to $77.95 on the first year of CLEAR Plus membership. Enrolling in both services is easy and can be done at select airports and Staples locations, with no appointment necessary.

For travellers looking to speed up their security screening process at O'Hare Airport, enrolling in TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus is a great option. With shorter wait times, travellers can breeze through security and focus on enjoying their travel experience.

Airport layout

O'Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, with a complex array of runways, taxi pathways, gates, and terminals. The airport has a total of eight runways, the most of any civilian airport globally. The runways are configured in two sets of parallel runways, with three parallel runways in each set, and a crosswind runway in each set. The north crosswind runway, 4L/22R, is used less frequently due to its intersection with two other runways.

The airport has four numbered passenger terminals (Terminals 1–3 and 5) with nine lettered concourses and a total of 213 gates, which is the most of any airport in the world. Terminal 1 is used by United Airlines, Lufthansa, and All Nippon Airways, and has 52 gates across two concourses, B and C. Terminal 2 serves most United Express and some United flights, as well as Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, and JetBlue flights. It has 41 gates across two concourses, E and F. Terminal 3 is used for American Airlines, Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Japan Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. It has 80 gates across four concourses, G, H, K, and L. Terminal 5 serves Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, as well as international airlines that don't depart from Terminals 1–3. It has 35 non-sequential gates on a single concourse, M, and is also used for non-pre-cleared international arrivals.

Terminals 1–3 are connected by an airside walkway, while Terminal 5 is separated from the others and can only be accessed by shuttle bus or the Airport Transit System, which requires re-screening at security. There is also an airside shuttle bus that runs between Terminal 5 and Terminals 1 and 3 every 15 minutes from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm.

Road access

O'Hare International Airport is located on the northwest side of Chicago, Illinois, approximately 17 miles (27 km) from the Loop business district. It is accessible by road, with direct highway access to the airport terminal.

O'Hare International Airport can be reached via Interstate 190 (Kennedy Expressway), which offers a direct route to and from the airport. This interstate connects with other major roadways, including Mannheim Road (U.S. 12 and 45), the Tri-State Tollway (Interstate 294), and Interstate 90.

For those travelling to and from the airport by car, there are several parking options available, including the O'Hare Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), which also serves as a hub for rental car companies and commuter rail services.

To alleviate congestion and provide efficient transportation options, the Airport Transit System operates an automated people mover that connects the terminal core (Terminals 1-3) with Terminal 5 and the O'Hare Multi-Modal Facility. This system resumed round-the-clock service in April 2022, providing added convenience for travellers.

Additionally, shuttle buses are available 24/7, offering free transportation between the upper-level departures area of all terminals and the O'Hare Multi-Modal Facility. The Bus Shuttle Centre, located on the ground level of the parking garage, serves as a temporary boarding location for hotel shuttles and regional public transport buses.

It is important to note that security checkpoints and TSA wait times can cause delays, especially during peak hours. These wait times can range from 10 to 35 minutes, so travellers are advised to give themselves a sufficient time buffer when planning their journey to the airport.

Frequently asked questions