CHICAGO AIRPORT | GUIDE TO CHICAGO AIRPORT (ORD)

Chicago is the third-largest city in the U.S., and it invites visitors from across the globe to have the chance to enjoy its unique culture and delicious food and meet its friendly residents. O'Hare International Airport (ORD), or as it is more affectionately called 'O'Hare', opened in February 1944 and was named after a World War II U.S. Navy soldier 'Edward "Butch" O'Hare' who was awarded the first 'Medal of Honor' for bravery. It is now the world's most heavily used Airport when you consider its large number of take-offs and landings.

O'Hare International Airport is connected with over 60 foreign destinations worldwide. The Chicago Department of Aviation is updating the existing Airport as part of a multi-billion-dollar expansion. It will provide:

• A new design for the Airport's new 'Global Terminal'.
• Offering passengers new gates.
• Lounges.
• Enhanced security screenings for increased safety.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is located 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. The address is 10000 W O'Hare Ave, Chicago, IL 60666, United States. It is the leading Airport for north-eastern Illinois, along with nearby Indiana and Wisconsin, so there are many nearby places to explore. As the Airport serves the Chicago metropolitan area, it does so along with Midway International Airport, which is within easy reach, approximately 40 minutes away. The Airport is engaged in a modernization strategy, meaning there will soon be an increase in operations by up to 3,800. So this will also increase the capacity of the Airport to expand in passenger numbers by 2020.

O'Hare International Airport comprises four major terminals flying planes out of the Airport on a 24-hour basis. It has nine concourses and over 190 gates catering to the Airport's eight runways. From the Airport, non-stop flights are offered to around 200 worldwide destinations. This busy major international Airport also acts as a busy domestic hub for American Airlines and United Airlines. So, it is possible to board a plane from O'Hare International Airport to destinations across the United States and countries such as Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, South America, and cities in Africa and Asia.

Transportation around O'Hare Airport

Making your way around the Airport is being made easier for passengers. As it is such a busy airport, lots of work has gone into making sure that getting from terminal to terminal is going to be easy with the introduction of the new Airport Transit System (ATS) coming later this year. When arriving at the Airport from within the U.S., this will give passengers Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance, giving travelers access to more terminals. All inbound international flights will mean that passengers arrive in Terminal 5 and be subject to increased security checks. For any issues on arrival at the Airport or for any queries before arrival, the main airport contact number is +1 800-832-6352.

After it has been completed in the $310 modernization process, the ATS will make moving around the Airport easy. Once completion of the ATS in late 2019 is finished, it is expected that the 1.3 million shuttle bus trips between the airport terminals will stop. The existing fleet of buses will be replaced by new vehicles and improved infrastructure, and the company will extend the line 2,000 feet to meet with the MMF.

Various shuttles and regional buses outside the Airport make getting to O'Hare International Airport simple. Airport shuttles are available to present an accessible way for travelers to get to and from the Airport. So, whatever your need is, if you are going from the city to the Airport or need to find a hotel as you leave the Airport, then there is a plentiful choice of ways to get around. The existing shuttle services are also a great way to travel between the other local airports like Midway International Airport.

O'Hare Airport Facilities

With many lounges at O'Hare International Airport, passengers can discover a relaxing environment to rest or catch up with some work before boarding a flight. Many airline lounges around the Airport will offer a relaxing haven from the bustle of travel. Club membership is required for most lounges, but it is possible to buy day passes for many of them too.

Passengers can also access a sanctuary at O'Hare International Airport in the form of a designated yoga room. The serene yoga room in Terminal 3 is the perfect area to escape while waiting for a flight. The 15 x 16-foot room has a bamboo floor, mirrored walls, and exercise mats making it the ideal place for relaxation and yoga practice.

There is free WiFi connection throughout the Airport, charging stations are set up in the terminals to guarantee that you can stay connected, and various business centers permit you to work as you travel.

Various car rental agencies are situated at O'Hare airport in a designated Rental Car Center. A hire car is ideal for easy transport from the Airport to explore Chicago downtown.

O'Hare Airport Security

As one of the most in-demand airports in the world, being well prepared for security screening before arriving at the Airport will lead to a stress-free experience. O'Hare International Airport has plan-ahead services like Global Entry and Automated Passport Control, which allow international travelers to speed up entry procedures. Mobile Passport Control is also available, which enables passengers to present passport information before visiting the Airport online, reducing waiting times when you get there. There are desks around the Airport (+1 773 686 2385) for lost property.

Arrivals, Departures and Airlines at Chicago O'Hare International Airport

• See live flight arrivals information at Chicago O'Hare International Airport
• See live flight departures information at Chicago O'Hare International Airport
• See all airlines and routes that serve Chicago O'Hare International Airport

Parking at Chicago O'Hare International Airport

See options for parking services at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

Additional Services and Amenities at Chicago O'Hare International Airport

At Chicago O'Hare International Airport you will find the usual array of bars and restaurants, airport lounges and shops.

• See all bars and restaurants inside Chicago O'Hare International Airport
• See and book airport lounges at Chicago O'Hare International Airport
• Plan your shopping in advance - see all the shops (including duty-free) at Chicago O'Hare International Airport

Things to do in Chicago

There are a number of activities to suit all ages and interests in the region - see a selection of tourist activities in Chicago, Illinois in the United States of America.