4pm Flight out of ORD, Coming from the Loop...
Oct 26, 2014, 5:36 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 530
4pm Flight out of ORD, Coming from the Loop...
Apologies for the question but I avoid ORD like a plague - I usually use MDW. I have to catch a 4pm flight out of Terminal 1 (United Express). Am i better off using Uber or the blue line? Assume I'll head out at around 1pm either way. My preference would be Uber but if the consensus is traffic will be a detriment at this time on a Wednesday I'd use CTA.
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
Oct 26, 2014, 7:19 pm
#2
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: AA 1.5 MM Exec Plat, WN A-List, DL Silver, UA nonrev
Posts: 2,593
Where is your starting point? That is to say, you don't have to spend much time getting to the Blue Line, do you?
While traffic can happen at any time (a bad accident can snarl the major highways, for example), you should be fine taking Uber at that hour. The Blue Line is consistently 45 min.(ish) from downtown, unless track work is being done (but, that's usually done on the weekends) or if there is an emergency.
While traffic can happen at any time (a bad accident can snarl the major highways, for example), you should be fine taking Uber at that hour. The Blue Line is consistently 45 min.(ish) from downtown, unless track work is being done (but, that's usually done on the weekends) or if there is an emergency.
Oct 26, 2014, 7:26 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 530
Thanks much. I'll be leaving from my Chicago office which is near the Willis Tower so not too far from the Monroe Street station. I know Uber will be easier from the luggage perspective (I'll have a carry-on and a backpack) but if I have to it'll still be manageable on the train. I guess it would be a good idea to check google maps for a major incident before deciding either way.
Where is your starting point? That is to say, you don't have to spend much time getting to the Blue Line, do you?
While traffic can happen at any time (a bad accident can snarl the major highways, for example), you should be fine taking Uber at that hour. The Blue Line is consistently 45 min.(ish) from downtown, unless track work is being done (but, that's usually done on the weekends) or if there is an emergency.
While traffic can happen at any time (a bad accident can snarl the major highways, for example), you should be fine taking Uber at that hour. The Blue Line is consistently 45 min.(ish) from downtown, unless track work is being done (but, that's usually done on the weekends) or if there is an emergency.
Oct 26, 2014, 8:49 pm
#5
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: ORD
Programs: AA PLT
Posts: 2,781
Traffic on the Kennedy does not typically start getting bad until 2:30 or 3, so you'll be fine either way if you leave at 1. Personally, I prefer the consistency of the Blue Line, unless the traffic map shows green the whole way and work is paying for it.
Oct 27, 2014, 9:40 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DAY
Programs: UA 1K 1MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Amex MR; Chase UR; Hertz PC; Global Entry
Posts: 10,159
Agree with consistency of blue line. I often take this route from the loop and there is not usually a big crowd at 1PM. Easy to do with a roller and backpack IME.
Oct 27, 2014, 11:08 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 16,901
Another vote for the Blue line. From "big Willy" I'd recommend the stop at Congress/LaSalle/Clark rather than Monroe, since the distance is more or less the same and the trains can fill up at Jackson (which is between LaSalle and Monroe).
If you head toward the ends of the cars there's usually space there and that allows more room for luggage. If you use LaSalle, wait right at the bottom of the escalator and get on the first car, this will then put you at the head of the pack at ORD.
If you head toward the ends of the cars there's usually space there and that allows more room for luggage. If you use LaSalle, wait right at the bottom of the escalator and get on the first car, this will then put you at the head of the pack at ORD.
Oct 30, 2014, 12:51 pm
#8
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: NYC/Northern NJ
Programs: 1K - UAL, Platinum DL, Marriott, Hilton, SPG
Posts: 1,815
Based on your departure time and no real need to save 5-10 minutes - take the Blue line. Save the ozone and your funds.
45 minutes and luggage sounds like every trip I take on the CTA so not major unless you are out of shape.
45 minutes and luggage sounds like every trip I take on the CTA so not major unless you are out of shape.
Oct 31, 2014, 7:05 pm
#9
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Chicago
Posts: 425
^^^^this. Add a dog in a carrier and a bus ride in addition to the train and that's me all the time. Unless it's around 5 a.m. or 10 p.m. or there's construction, I'd never choose Uber over the blue line.