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Chicago is home to two international airports: O'Hare and Midway. O'Hare International Airport, also known as O'Hare Airport, Chicago O'Hare, or simply O'Hare, is located on the Northwest Side of Chicago, Illinois, 14 miles (23 km) from the Loop business district. Operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation, O'Hare is a hub for United Airlines and American Airlines and a focus city for Frontier and Spirit Airlines. It offers non-stop flights to destinations around the world and has five terminals.
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What You'll Learn
O'Hare is Chicago's busiest airport
Chicago is home to three international airports: O'Hare, Midway, and Gary/Chicago International Airport. Of these, O'Hare is Chicago's busiest airport, with five terminals and about five times as many domestic and international flights as Midway. O'Hare is located on the Northwest Side of Chicago, 14 miles (23 km) northwest of the Loop business district. It is operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation and covers 7,627 acres (3,087 ha).
O'Hare is a hub for several major airlines, including United Airlines, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. The airport has undergone significant modernization and expansion, including the addition of new concessions and parking facilities. O'Hare offers a wide range of dining and shopping options, giving it a mall-like feel. It also provides convenient transportation options, such as the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line and the Metra commuter train service, as well as regional and airport shuttle buses.
In contrast to O'Hare's size and bustle, Midway offers a smoother and more relaxed flying experience. With a single terminal and three concourses, navigating Midway is easier and quicker. Security wait times are shorter, and there are still plenty of places to grab a snack or a meal. Midway is located on Chicago's south side, making it a convenient option for those headed to neighbourhoods south of the Loop.
Despite the advantages of Midway for those travelling to certain areas of Chicago, O'Hare remains the busier and more popular airport. Its multiple terminals and vast flight offerings provide travellers with more options and flexibility. O'Hare's modern facilities, diverse concessions, and convenient transportation links make it a preferred choice for many travellers, solidifying its position as Chicago's busiest airport.
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It has five terminals
Chicago O'Hare International Airport, also known as O'Hare Airport, Chicago O'Hare, or simply O'Hare, is located on the Northwest Side of Chicago, Illinois, about 14 miles (23 km) from the Loop business district. Operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation, O'Hare is Chicago's busiest airport, boasting five terminals and offering approximately five times as many domestic and international flights as Midway, Chicago's other primary airport.
Each of O'Hare's five terminals features unique amenities and services. Terminals 2 and 3 retain the original design, while the rest of the airport has undergone significant modernisation. Terminal 5, for example, has seen the addition of five new concessions, including Publican Quality Bread, Six Points Market, and Metropolis Coffee Company. The terminal also offers a mix of international and domestic services and has undergone enhancements to its parking facilities, with a new six-story structure doubling its parking capacity.
O'Hare's expanded and modernised international terminal showcases a range of dining options, including an outpost of a Lincoln Park favourite, serving burgers, breakfast, and salads. The airport also provides a sprawling food court with a variety of choices to cater to different tastes and preferences. Beyond dining, O'Hare has a mall-like feel, with shops offering a diverse range of products, from gourmet chocolate bars to high-end headphones.
The airport's size and multiple terminals mean that getting from one place to another within the airport can be time-consuming. Travellers may find themselves spending up to half an hour walking to their gate. However, O'Hare's extensive facilities and wide range of flight options make it a popular choice for travellers, especially those headed to the north side of Chicago, as it provides convenient access to the CTA Blue Line and the Metra commuter train service.
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It is located 14 miles northwest of the Loop business district
O'Hare International Airport, also known as Chicago O'Hare Airport or simply O'Hare, is located 14 miles (23 km) northwest of the Loop business district in Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the two major international airports in the city, the other being Midway Airport, with a third, Gary/Chicago International Airport, located 25 miles from downtown Chicago.
O'Hare is Chicago's busiest airport, with five terminals and a much wider selection of domestic and international flights compared to Midway. It is a hub for United Airlines and American Airlines, and a focus city for Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines. The airport has undergone significant modernisation and expansion, with ongoing improvements to its passenger facilities. For example, O'Hare recently opened a new concourse serving international and domestic passengers as part of the O'Hare 21 project, which aims to transform the airport into a modern, efficient global hub.
The airport is unusual in that it serves as a hub for more than one of the three mainline US carriers. It is also notable for its wide range of shopping and dining options, including a sprawling food court and shops selling various items, from gourmet chocolate to high-end headphones. O'Hare has a six-story parking garage with approximately 1,700 spaces and real-time parking availability information.
Located on the Northwest Side of Chicago, O'Hare is the preferred airport for travellers headed to the north side of the city. It is easily accessible via the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line, which takes passengers through the Logan Square area to the Loop in about 45 minutes. Additionally, the Metra commuter train service connects the airport to the Chicago suburbs, and regional and airport shuttle buses are also available.
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It is a hub for United Airlines and American Airlines
O'Hare International Airport, also known as Chicago O'Hare Airport, is located on the Northwest Side of Chicago, Illinois, approximately 14 to 17 miles (23 to 27 km) northwest of the Loop business district. It is one of the busiest airports in Chicago and serves as a major hub for United Airlines and American Airlines.
United Airlines and American Airlines have established dominant hubs at O'Hare Airport. In the 1980s, after the passage of US airline deregulation, O'Hare witnessed its first significant change when TWA departed Chicago for St. Louis. Despite facing competition from United and American, which resulted in a loss of $25 million annually, the dominant hubs of these two airlines at O'Hare have endured and continue to thrive today.
Being a hub for United and American Airlines has contributed to O'Hare's status as a prominent and busy airport. O'Hare offers non-stop flights to a vast number of destinations worldwide, including North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. As of 2024, O'Hare is considered the most connected airport in the United States and the fifth most connected airport globally.
The airport's expansion plans, such as the construction of the O'Hare Global Terminal (OGT) and new satellite concourses, aim to accommodate the growth of both United's and American's international operations. These developments will facilitate seamless transfers between international and domestic flights and enhance facilities for TSA and customs inspections.
O'Hare's role as a hub for multiple major airlines has made it an essential gateway to Chicago and its surrounding regions. Its connectivity and convenient transportation options, including the CTA Blue Line and Metra commuter train, make it a preferred choice for travellers heading to the north side of Chicago.
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It has a large food court and shopping options
Chicago O'Hare International Airport, also known as O'Hare Airport, Chicago O'Hare, or simply O'Hare, is located on the Northwest Side of Chicago, Illinois. Operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation, the airport offers a wide range of dining and shopping options for travellers.
O'Hare's large food court features a variety of dining options, including well-known chains and local favourites. For those who want to try iconic Chicago dishes, Gold Coast Dogs offers Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef, and Polish sausage. Another local favourite is Rick Bayless's Tortas Frontera, known for its delicious Mexican sandwiches. Fliers can even order online ahead of time and have their food ready once they get through security or after de-boarding. Other notable dining options include the Publican Tavern, a miniature version of the beloved Publican brand, and the Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi Bar, where chefs prepare nigiri, sashimi, and maki rolls on-site.
For travellers looking for a quick bite or a light snack, Garrett Popcorn offers its famous CheeseCorn with CaramelCrisp mix. Brown Sugar Bakery, founded by baker Stephanie Hart, serves Southern-inspired breakfast and coffee. Bubbles Wine Bar provides a relaxing atmosphere with jazz-style music, soft lighting, and a grand piano, offering sparkling wine and plates of cheese or vegetables. The Goose Island Beer Company, with locations in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, serves seasonal drafts, paninis, and pizza.
In addition to its dining options, O'Hare Airport also boasts a large shopping area with something to suit every traveller's needs. Those looking for last-minute gifts, souvenirs, duty-free items, or travel essentials will find a variety of options. Popular stores include I Love Chicago in Terminal 5, which offers Chicago-themed souvenirs, and the Chicago Duty-Free Shops, located in several terminals. The airport also features luxury brands and specialty stores like Publican Quality Bread, Six Points Market, and Metropolis Coffee Company.
Whether travellers are looking for a quick bite, a relaxing meal, or some retail therapy, O'Hare Airport's large food court and shopping options offer convenience, variety, and a taste of Chicago.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, O'Hare International Airport is located on the Northwest Side of Chicago, Illinois, 14 miles (23 km) northwest of the Loop business district.
There are three international airports in Chicago: O'Hare Airport, Midway Airport, and Gary/Chicago International Airport.
O'Hare is Chicago's busiest airport, with five terminals and a much wider range of domestic and international flights than Midway. O'Hare also has a sprawling food court and a mall-like feel, with a much greater variety of shops. However, Midway offers a smoother and easier flying experience, with shorter wait times for security and easier navigation.
