Access to the USO in ORD While Flying United
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: WAS
Posts: 3,010
Access to the USO in ORD While Flying United
Evening all. Will be transiting ORD soon with about a 1.5 hour layover going from OKC to BOS. I'm a military dependent/ROTC cadet and would like to swing by the USO. Looking on the website, it appears to be outside security in Terminal 2 (above the NW counter, wherever that was).
Currently, my OKC-ORD flight is going into F12A and ORD-BOS is at Terminal 1 concourse B. Question is, would security lines at ORD make it too risky to go to the USO? Thanks for any comments you might have.
Currently, my OKC-ORD flight is going into F12A and ORD-BOS is at Terminal 1 concourse B. Question is, would security lines at ORD make it too risky to go to the USO? Thanks for any comments you might have.
#2
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: What I write is my opinion alone..don't read into it anything not written.
Posts: 9,686
Judge for yourself as the USO is just outside of security in term 2, on the mezzazine level. As you trasit terminals, check the line, then decide as you will be right there.
#4
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: SEA
Programs: DL Gold
Posts: 1,510
Unless there's something at the USO that's worth all that trouble (I did something similar for free wifi at the USO in IAD once) I'd stay on the other side of security.
Next time, fly through DEN. Great USO there.
#5
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM, TSA Disparager Gold
Posts: 1,431
I second the DEN USO recommendation, DFW is excellent also if you are flying AA. Despite living in Chicago for a year and flying through ORD countless times, I never visited the USO there so I can't comment on whether its worth visiting.
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: WAS
Posts: 3,010
Thanks!
Thanks for all the info, folks. I personally have been to the USOs in DEN, IAD, DCA, DFW, SEA, HNL, ATL, LAX, SFO, SAN and MSP. I do certainly enjoy the space of the one in DEN, and I like the massage chairs at DCA. Unfortunately, time and money (but mostly money) dictated flying through ORD. My main pull for USOs are the snacks, with computer use coming in second. Guess I'll see how hungry I am once I get to ORD and see how the security lines look.
Again, thanks for all the info!
Also, FoundInRNO, I happened to be at the SAN USO on a day when the Marine recruits were coming in--got to see them lined up for the bus. My hat goes off to them for volunteering for that sort of fun.
Again, thanks for all the info!
Also, FoundInRNO, I happened to be at the SAN USO on a day when the Marine recruits were coming in--got to see them lined up for the bus. My hat goes off to them for volunteering for that sort of fun.
#8
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 1,084
Definetely walk. If you take the people-mover you will need to reclear security. Walking stays inside security. The two furthest points T2>T1 can't take more than 15-20 minutes to walk.
#9
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 327
#11
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Golf, Illinois
Programs: Hilton, AA
Posts: 3
Sorry for posting in old threads, I figure I should point out a few nuggets of information about the USO at O'Hare airport.
The USO at O'Hare is open 24 hours a day as long as there is a volunteer on duty, if you have the spare 30-60 minutes, its well worth your time to drop in, grab a bite to eat, fire up your laptop and use the free WiFi, and relax. There is also a big screen TV, a family room, and five recliners if you want a little shut eye.
There is a military line for security in terminals 1, 2, and 3. In terminal 2 (where the USO is) at the center security checkpoint, go to the far right lane, there is a sign that reads AIRPORT EMPLOYEES ONLY and there's a smaller sign that says Military with orders...
Show your military ID and your boarding pass to the TSA officer at checkpoint, and its just like you were in a First Class lane, you can swipe off a whole bunch of time normally spend standing in line.
One more point to consider if you're flying United Airlines, are in uniform, and flying with orders, you can use the United Red Carpet Club.
Hope this helps, have a safe holiday weekend!
The USO at O'Hare is open 24 hours a day as long as there is a volunteer on duty, if you have the spare 30-60 minutes, its well worth your time to drop in, grab a bite to eat, fire up your laptop and use the free WiFi, and relax. There is also a big screen TV, a family room, and five recliners if you want a little shut eye.
There is a military line for security in terminals 1, 2, and 3. In terminal 2 (where the USO is) at the center security checkpoint, go to the far right lane, there is a sign that reads AIRPORT EMPLOYEES ONLY and there's a smaller sign that says Military with orders...
Show your military ID and your boarding pass to the TSA officer at checkpoint, and its just like you were in a First Class lane, you can swipe off a whole bunch of time normally spend standing in line.
One more point to consider if you're flying United Airlines, are in uniform, and flying with orders, you can use the United Red Carpet Club.
Hope this helps, have a safe holiday weekend!