United States · Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) Online Check-in
Chicago's main airport and a major United and American Airlines hub. Four terminals (T1, T2, T3, T5) connected by the AirTrain ATS shuttle.
Now at O'Hare International Airport
- Security wait (today, avg) 18 min
- Disruption No reported disruption
- Weather impact Clear, 14 °C
Quick information
Airlines we cover at O'Hare International Airport
O'Hare International Airport hosts about 70 airlines in total. We have terminal-specific check-in pages for the 0 listed below. Pick yours to see counters, bag-drop, and online check-in details.
No terminal-specific check-in pages for this airport yet. Browse the full airline directory for general check-in info.
How to check in for a flight from O'Hare International Airport
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Check in online before you leave home
Most airlines open online check-in 24–48 hours before departure. It saves time at the airport and avoids airport-counter fees on low-cost carriers.
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Arrive at the right terminal
ORD has 4 terminal(s). Check your airline's terminal in the table above before you set off.
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Drop off checked baggage
Counters typically open 2 hours before departure and close 40 minutes before. Use self-service bag-drop kiosks to save time.
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Pass security
Liquids must be in a single transparent bag, max 100 ml each. Laptops and large electronics out of bags. Submit your security wait time below to help others.
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Reach your gate on time
Most airlines close the gate 20 minutes before departure. Allow 5–15 minutes to walk from security to the gate.
Tips for O'Hare International Airport
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Connections between T1/T2/T3 are airside
T1, T2, T3 are connected airside (no need to re-clear security). T5 (international) is separate — connecting to it requires the ATS train and re-clearance.
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Weather delays are common in winter
ORD is famous for weather-related delays in winter (snow, fog). Allow extra connection time December–March; consider direct flights when possible.
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Blue Line is cheapest
$5 single fare from downtown to ORD. Slow (45 min) but reliable and runs 24/7.
Popular destinations from O'Hare International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Which terminal does United use at ORD?
United operates from Terminals 1 and 2 at O'Hare. United domestic short-haul mostly uses T1; United international and some longer domestic from T1 or T2.
How early should I arrive at ORD?
2 hours for domestic, 3 hours for international. ORD security wait can exceed 60 min during winter holiday peaks; consider TSA PreCheck or CLEAR.
What's the difference between O'Hare and Midway?
O'Hare (ORD) is the major international airport, far north-west. Midway (MDW) is closer to downtown Chicago, smaller, and primarily Southwest Airlines. Different terminals, different airlines.
Official sources
The check-in details on this page are sourced from each airline's website. For terminal layout, opening hours, and ground-side services, see the O'Hare International Airport official site below.
- flychicago.com — Official O'Hare International Airport website (terminal maps, parking, ground transport).
- Wikipedia: O'Hare International Airport — Editorial overview, history, statistics.
- FlightRadar24: ORD live data — Live flight arrivals, departures, and delays.
- travel.state.gov — Up-to-date entry requirements and security guidance for United States.