Owais Crawford
Chicago O'Hare International Airport, also known as ORD, is located in Illinois and is one of the busiest airports in the world. With multiple terminals, including the recently constructed Terminal 5, which serves as the primary international terminal, the airport accommodates various domestic and international flights. O'Hare is known for its efficient customs processes, utilising biometrics technology and streamlined procedures for international arrivals. Passengers have reported varying wait times, typically ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on factors such as terminal construction and the use of mobile applications for customs clearance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
| Terminals | 5 (Terminal 5 is referred to as the international terminal, but some international flights depart from other terminals) |
| Airlines | Multiple (United Airlines is one of them) |
| Customs Process Time | Typically 30-60 minutes, rarely up to 2 hours |
| Check-in Process | Streamlined process for international arrivals |
| MPC Acceptance | Not always accepted |
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What You'll Learn
Customs is only required on arrival at O'Hare
Customs procedures are only required on arrival at O'Hare International Airport, Chicago. This is standard for all US airports, as there are no customs checks when leaving the country.
O'Hare International is a large airport with multiple terminals. Terminal 5 is the designated international terminal, but some international flights also arrive at other terminals. It is always best to check your reservation or live departure information before travelling.
The time taken to clear customs at O'Hare can vary. Typically, it takes 30-60 minutes, but it can sometimes take up to two hours. It is recommended that you allow extra time, between 30 minutes to an hour, for international flights. There is a separate line for those who have used the Customs and Border Control app, which is reported to significantly reduce waiting times.
If you are transferring from one international flight to another at O'Hare, you will need to collect your luggage and re-check it. However, this process is said to be streamlined, and two hours and forty minutes should be plenty of time.
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The customs process can take 30-60 minutes
The customs process at O'Hare International Airport can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or more, depending on various factors. The time taken to clear customs may depend on the number of foreign carriers arriving simultaneously, with certain peak times causing longer wait times. Additionally, the immigration process is often cited as the longest step when arriving at O'Hare Airport.
It is important to note that customs clearance at O'Hare Airport is only required upon arrival and not when departing. For international flights, it is recommended to allow for an additional 30 minutes to an hour to clear customs. This buffer time can help accommodate for potential construction delays, as certain terminals at O'Hare Airport may be undergoing renovations or improvements.
The duration of the customs process can also vary based on individual circumstances and programmes such as Global Entry. While some travellers have reported lengthy wait times of up to two hours, others with Global Entry have experienced swift clearance within 30 seconds.
To streamline the customs process at O'Hare Airport, travellers can follow a few suggestions. Firstly, for international arrivals, the check and recheck process is generally efficient. As you exit the customs hall with your luggage, you can hand it over to an agent, who will place it on the belt for further processing. Secondly, it is advisable to use the services of Customs and Border Control, especially if you are unfamiliar with the procedures at O'Hare Airport.
Overall, while the customs process at O'Hare International Airport can vary in duration, travellers can expect an average clearance time of 30 to 60 minutes. By staying informed about the latest airport protocols, utilising efficient baggage handling procedures, and being prepared for potential peak hours, travellers can navigate the customs process effectively and minimise potential delays.
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International flights arrive at Terminal 5
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the primary international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, United States. It is located approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district. The airport has non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the world.
ORD has four numbered passenger terminals with nine lettered concourses and a total of 213 gates—the most of any airport in the world. Terminal 5, the last terminal to be built, is the main international terminal at ORD. It is where most international airline ticket desks are based and is a short distance from the other terminals, connected by shuttle services and the Airport Transit System.
Although some international flights depart from other terminals, all international flights arrive at Terminal 5. Terminal 5 also serves some domestic flights.
In 2018, the city and airlines committed to Phase I of a new Terminal Area Plan dubbed O'Hare 21. The plan includes expanding Terminal 5 with additional gates, lounges, and updates to operations all over the airport. The expansion will enable same-terminal transfers between international and domestic flights, faster connections, improved facilities, and technology for TSA and customs inspections.
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The Global Entry app can reduce wait times
Customs at O'Hare airport can be a streamlined process for international arrivals. As you exit the customs hall, you simply hand over your bag to an agent outside, and it goes onto the belt. To reduce wait times at customs, eligible travellers can use the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) and Global Entry (GE) mobile apps. The MPC app is free and available to US citizens, US lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors, and returning Visa Waiver Program travellers with approved ESTA. It allows users to submit their travel documents, photos, and customs declaration information through their smartphones, reducing passport control inspection time and overall wait time.
The Global Entry app is another tool that can help speed up the customs process. It is available for download prior to entering the Federal Inspection Service Area. Users can submit a photo on the app to verify their membership and arrival in the US. While the Global Entry application process has been known for lengthy delays, wait times have been improving. In 2024, 80% of Global Entry applicants eligible for conditional approval received it within two weeks, allowing them to quickly schedule an interview. The US Customs and Border Protection agency acknowledges that there is still room for improvement in reducing wait times.
The Global Entry program has gained significant popularity, with a record 3.2 million applications in 2019 for all Trusted Traveler Programs. This high demand has contributed to the challenges in reducing wait times for application processing. However, efforts are being made to address these delays, and the availability of interview slots has increased significantly compared to previous years. Applicants can now more easily find interview appointments in cities like Miami, Los Angeles, and New York, although some areas, such as California's Bay Area and San Diego, remain challenging.
Overall, the Global Entry app, along with the MPC app, can effectively reduce wait times at customs. By providing a more efficient way to submit travel documents and verify membership, travellers can expedite their entry process into the United States, making their journey more seamless and less time-consuming. These apps are particularly useful at busy airports like O'Hare, where streamlining the customs process is beneficial for international travellers.
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TSA bag drop is available at O'Hare
Chicago's O'Hare International Airport offers a TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program, which allows eligible passengers to use facial recognition to pass through security and check their bags without showing their boarding pass or driver's license. This program is available to TSA PreCheck members flying with United or Delta Air Lines. As of March, there are 23 bag drop shortcut kiosks in the United terminal at O'Hare, which can be used by both TSA PreCheck and non-TSA PreCheck members. Non-TSA PreCheck members must scan their boarding pass to print baggage tags.
Passengers who are not familiar with travelling to the US may find the check-in and recheck process streamlined for international arrivals. As passengers exit the customs hall with their bags, they can hand them over to an agent, who will put them on the belt. This process can be expedited with the TSA PreCheck program, which allows travellers to enjoy faster security screening and shorter TSA wait times at O'Hare Airport.
TSA security wait times at O'Hare can range from 10 to 35 minutes during peak hours. To minimise wait times, passengers can opt for the PreCheck or Clear Plus programs, which offer expedited security screening. Passengers can also refer to guides that provide valuable information on how to navigate security efficiently and reduce their wait time.
Overall, O'Hare International Airport offers convenient options for bag drop and security screening, including the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program and expedited security screening options for eligible passengers. These options ensure a smoother travel experience, particularly for those with checked baggage.
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Frequently asked questions
Customs at O'Hare airport typically take 30-60 minutes, but sometimes it can take up to 2 hours. There is a separate line for people who have used the Customs and Border Control app, which is much shorter.
No, you only go through customs when arriving at the airport.
Terminal 5 is a short distance from the other terminals and is connected by shuttle services and the Airport Transit System.
Airlines can operate from multiple terminals at O'Hare, so it is best to check your reservation or live departure information on the day of travel.
