ORD T1, T2, T3 to T5 busing being looked at for connecting pax
#76
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, GE
Posts: 5,122
It was the city who decided the timing of the buses. Original plan was going to be 1000-2200 which would have provided almost all flights some coverage.
It's just a matter of time before UA gets involved again. There's too much from a competitive standpoint that their main competitor/alliance group is now offering a easier connecting process than Star.
Someone locally is making a decision, seeing an expense while not looking at the larger strategic view. Whereas, AA is seeing it as an investment.
It's just a matter of time before UA gets involved again. There's too much from a competitive standpoint that their main competitor/alliance group is now offering a easier connecting process than Star.
Someone locally is making a decision, seeing an expense while not looking at the larger strategic view. Whereas, AA is seeing it as an investment.
I made an earlier comment about the T5 carriers shouldering some (most?) of the burden. Aren't they the main financial beneficiaries of this service? I assume that a relatively easy and convenient air-side transfer option at ORD makes their flight more attractive to the public.
If you look at a some of the other international gateway cities (EWR, JFK and LAX come to mind), you have to go land-side to switch terminals. That would make ORD at least marginally more attractive to travelers as well.
#77
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA
Posts: 14,716
LAX is almost all connected now airside with the TBIT-T3-T2 connector buses. Only T-1 is not connected airside in some way. Being able to stay airside is definitely something I think about when choosing airlines and connecting airports.
#78
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, GE
Posts: 5,122
I agree with you on the attractions of air-side connections. I will route through airports with air-side connections over those without.
#79
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,921
I made an earlier comment about the T5 carriers shouldering some (most?) of the burden. Aren't they the main financial beneficiaries of this service? I assume that a relatively easy and convenient air-side transfer option at ORD makes their flight more attractive to the public.
#80
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Outside of Cleveland Ohio
Programs: UA *G. DL ̶G̶O̶L̶D̶ Member, Hilton/SPG Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 362
Good to know about LAX, been using SFO instead for years.
#81
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 848
A few updates....
1. It appears this is going to go year around.
2.UA still is resisting
3. EY has started using the bus to go from T5>T3. If this proves successful then plans are to look at EI and WS as they're the other precleared flights. TSA has signed off as well as CBP for EY to be the trial flight.
4. On average 500 people are using this service as numbers continue to grow.
1. It appears this is going to go year around.
2.UA still is resisting
3. EY has started using the bus to go from T5>T3. If this proves successful then plans are to look at EI and WS as they're the other precleared flights. TSA has signed off as well as CBP for EY to be the trial flight.
4. On average 500 people are using this service as numbers continue to grow.
#82
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: SkyMiles Gold, Marriott Rewards Platinum Premiere, United Premiere, Starwood Platinum, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 50
Does this run at 1330?
I saw a comment on a blog that this pauses in the afternoon for lunch break. Do you know if this runs around 1330? Looking to utilize this service on Saturday. Also, I notice that the ATS train is down between T1/2/3 and T5, so having this bus will help even more.
Does it still stop at both G17 and K20?
Thanks.
Does it still stop at both G17 and K20?
Thanks.
#83
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: SkyMiles Gold, Marriott Rewards Platinum Premiere, United Premiere, Starwood Platinum, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 50
Can I get into Terminal 1 with a terminal 5 BP?
Flying *Alliance airline out of ORD, and want to check out the Polaris lounge. Can I use my terminal 5 flight boarding pass to clear security in terminal one?
#84
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 848
I saw a comment on a blog that this pauses in the afternoon for lunch break. Do you know if this runs around 1330? Looking to utilize this service on Saturday. Also, I notice that the ATS train is down between T1/2/3 and T5, so having this bus will help even more.
Does it still stop at both G17 and K20?
Thanks.
Does it still stop at both G17 and K20?
Thanks.
It still stops at G17 and K20.
#85
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 343
#86
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: UA MM
Posts: 4,102
I happened to be on concourse G today and checked out the T5 transfer point. According to the agent there, you need a T5 BP and a passport to get on the bus.
#87
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 848
One issue is the lack of signage once you arrive at T5 with connecting gate information. Given the 4 stops, it's still being brainstormed on how to address it.
#88
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,921
I entered T3 last Monday, after checking in with BA at T5, in order to visit the new AA Flagship lounge (which is excellent). I then used the transfer bus and was asked for BP and passport at the check-in. Presumably anyone leaving T5 will have a passport and it may just be the easiest ID for them to use.
#89
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: UA MM
Posts: 4,102
I suppose it really doesn't matter as I don't think a passenger could get a BP for a flight leaving from ORD T5 without having their passport anyway... even if it was issued by AA in some place like Omaha, St. Louis or wherever the initial checkin was done.
#90
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: SkyMiles Gold, Marriott Rewards Platinum Premiere, United Premiere, Starwood Platinum, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 50
Now that my trip is complete, I wanted to weigh in on my experience. Earlier in September I used a Swiss boarding pass (departing terminal 5) to enter security at Terminal 1 so I could check out the Polaris lounge. I had no issues using a terminal 5 boarding pass to enter terminal 1. The lounge was incredible and I highly recommend it. I then walked over to G in Terminal 3 and caught the bus from G17. They take a break from about 2-245 for their shift change/lunch. We caught it around 1:40 and had just missed one. We waited maybe 10 minutes max. They stated any passenger using Terminal 5 can use the bus. Definitely is not limited to American Airlines passengers or One World.
Polaris lounge attendant tried telling us we might be denied but we decided to try it anyway and it was a terrific experience. The bus ride provides great views of all the airplanes on the tarmac! Highly recommend.
Polaris lounge attendant tried telling us we might be denied but we decided to try it anyway and it was a terrific experience. The bus ride provides great views of all the airplanes on the tarmac! Highly recommend.