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At Chicago O’Hare (ORD), American Airlines operates out of Terminal 3
AA Ticket counters Open daily: 3:30am to 10:00pm
Flagship Check-in: Yes
Five Star Service: Yes
Curbside check-in: International only
Check-in times
In most locations, you must be checked in:
At least 45 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights within the United States
At least 60 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights to or from airports outside of the United States
Peculiarities:
ORD can be affected by winter storms or very heavy air traffic; ground holds even at incoming flights' departures airports, are not uncommon at these times. Knock-on effects during lengthy IROPS can manifest themselves systemwide.
NOTE: AA has 66 gates at Terminal 3, and has added five more at Concourse.Alaska, Iberia, and Japan Airlines all depart AA T-3. Alaska has moved to Terminal 2. All international arrivals are at Terminal 5, many international departures as well. AB, BA, CX, EY, QR, RJ depart T-5.
International arrivals from Canada airports without USCBP pre-clearance are sometimes listed as arriving at "IAB" - International Arrivals Building. These aircraft's passengers will not arrive at T-3 as domestic passengers; by Federal law, they must be cleared by USCBP, and that facility is at T-5.
There is no airside connection T-3 <--> T-5; one must go landside and use the free "ATS" airport train. Flyers connecting to BA departing T-5 may use the airside shuttle bus departing near gates G17 and K20. Every half hour 11 am - 9 pm. Sign with orange dot. TTB SERVICE HAS BEEN TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED - TTB service takes travelers from the domestic terminals (1, 2, & 3) to Terminal 5 without having to exit security or be rescreened in Terminal 5 at the TSA checkpoint. [Still suspended as of 4/30/2022] Airside connection has been restored March 1, 2023 - SEE BELOW
Operating terminals and gates
Terminal 1 is used by All Nippon Airlines (Departures), Ethiopian (Departures), Lufthansa (Departures), and United.
Terminal 2 is used by Air Canada, Alaska,Delta, and previously US Airways, jetBlue, along with many United Express flights.
Terminal 3 is used byAlaska Airlines, American Airlines and for departures only by Iberia and Japan Airlines (exception: arriving international flights that have been USCBP cleared, e.g. originating in Canada or DUB, arrive at Terminal 3 as domestic flights). Other airlines flying domestically and not mentioned above are also handled in Terminal 3.
Concourse G is used mostly for American Eagle flights
Concourse H and K are used for mainline flights
Concourse K gates 12-20 are typically used for international flights
Concourse L is used mostly for American Eagle flights (as well as non-oneworld carriers)
Terminal 5 is now both an international and domestic terminal. Among the international flights, the following oneworld carriers depart and arrive here: British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, Finnair, Qatar Airways, and Royal Jordanian; arriving international American Airlines, Iberia and Japan Airlines flights all arrive here as well. In fact, all arriving international passengers from places without pre-clearance will arrive at Terminal 5.
Domestic carriers now using Terminal 5 are: Delta and Delta Shuttle, Frontier, Southwest, and Sun Country.
Getting from terminal to terminal
Landside transfers are normally done by using the Airport Transit System train, which also connects to the airport car parks.The ATS is currently out of service with substitute buses operating at present. April 18, 2022: ATS service has been fully restored and is operating 24/7 daily.
Terminals are connected by frequent landside buses, and AA T3 - International T5 are connected by an airside Terminal Transit Bus (TTB). If you have a boarding pass for your connection (or a printed itinerary of flight confirmation), you can use this bus, boarding at G17 or K20 and arriving airside at T5 Gate M1. The TTB runs 7 days a week, 1100 / 11 am to 2100 / 9 pm while the ATS is shut down, but seasonally and with shorter hours when it is. At other times you must exit landside and use the landside bus.
If you arrive at O'Hare on an international flight you will arrive at Terminal 5. If you have a connecting domestic flight from T1-2-3. You must use the landside bus to T3 after you process Immigration and exit Customs. You will be required to pass through security at T3. Landside busses are frequent. May 1, 2022: Shuttle buses ended.
Airside:
walking corridors connect Terminals 1, 2 and 3 between terminals. (ATS landslide train must be used to connect to or from Terminal 5 outside of shuttle bus operating times.)
For those holding boarding passes on same day flights out of Terminal 5 (International Terminal), a shuttle bus will operate from T-3 (From Gates G17 and K20) to T-5 (Gate M13) between 11:30 am and 9:30 pm.[Still suspended as of 4/30/2022] March 1, 2023: Service restored. Connecting Traveler Information
Walking between terminals
Walking airside between terminals airside is possible (other than Terminal 5). There are no shortcuts and it can take significant time.
Arrival at the airport:
Within the U.S. as well as flights to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, check in:
At least 30 minutes prior to departure (if not checking bags)
At least 45 minutes prior to departure when checking bags
For flights to international destinations check in:
At least two hours prior to departure to complete all necessary international requirements
Minimum time for checking in and arriving at the gate
To better ensure an on-time departure, our goal is to close the jetbridge door 10 minutes before departure time. This allows all customers to board and stow their belongings. (AA may release your seat if you show up at your gates less than 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure.)
To retain your pre-reserved seat on a confirmed flight, make sure to follow the minimum check in and gate arrival times.*
Time to baggage delivery:
minimum 20 minutes
Security at ORD
May 2016: security queues have been quite lengthy at times, requiring up to an hour to pass through security, even at PreCheck queues. Options include:
If you have Flagship Check-In privileges, they will place you at the head of the security queue next to that check-in area.
You may choose to process security at Terminal 2 and walk airside to the AA gates (UA is only slightly better than AA). If you have CLEAR, you might want to consider clearing security here.
The mid-terminal Pre-Check line tends to be better than the one at priority security.
Note: coming out from International Terminal Arrivals immigration and customs, you are landside and may find yourself with two options: leave the building land side, or take the escalators or lifts to the ATS train platform to proceed to the other terminals or remote parking lot. To access the other terminals, you will have to process through TSA security.
What is the domestic to domestic or to international Minimum Connection Time (MCT)?
The minimum connect time at ORD, domestic to domestic or international, is 0:40 minutes. Domestic to international is easy if your international flight departs the AA terminal, but domestic to International terminal is comfortably done in 2:00 (not the official MCT, 1:15), because of the lack of connectedness between terminals. International arrival at Terminal 5 with flight departing Terminal 3, Global Entry is likely to allow 2:00 or even less, but non-U.S. or Canadian passport holders with checked baggage might use 3:00 as a better guideline.
If I am making an international to international connection, what is the process?
There is no international transit process in nearly all airports in the USA (MIA has a baggage exception for international to international). Arriving internationally, unless you have been pre-cleared, you must proceed through U. S. immigration (there are kiosks and a fast channel for Global Entry approved passengers), recover your baggage from the baggage carousel and proceed through U. S. Customs. There is a "green line" shortcut for passengers traveling only with carry-on baggage (no checked luggage) which is called "1 Stop" and there are Global Entry kiosks and there have fairly recently been dedicated Global Entry customs lines added, which ORD lacked for a very long time. Global Entry kiosks are located both in the central part of the main immigration hall area, as well as in the hall next to the 1-Stop exit.
Upon exiting Customs there is a bag drop facility; drop your checked baggage, exit to the landside arrivals area. Proceed to the the AA terminal on the ATS train, to counters or kiosks to get boarding passes for your ongoing travel, then proceed through TSA security to airside.
At Chicago O’Hare (ORD), American Airlines operates out of Terminal 3
AA Ticket counters Open daily: 3:30am to 10:00pm
Flagship Check-in: Yes
Five Star Service: Yes
Curbside check-in: International only
Check-in times
In most locations, you must be checked in:
At least 45 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights within the United States
At least 60 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights to or from airports outside of the United States
Peculiarities:
ORD can be affected by winter storms or very heavy air traffic; ground holds even at incoming flights' departures airports, are not uncommon at these times. Knock-on effects during lengthy IROPS can manifest themselves systemwide.
NOTE: AA has 66 gates at Terminal 3, and has added five more at Concourse.
International arrivals from Canada airports without USCBP pre-clearance are sometimes listed as arriving at "IAB" - International Arrivals Building. These aircraft's passengers will not arrive at T-3 as domestic passengers; by Federal law, they must be cleared by USCBP, and that facility is at T-5.
Operating terminals and gates
Terminal 1 is used by All Nippon Airlines (Departures), Ethiopian (Departures), Lufthansa (Departures), and United.
Terminal 2 is used by Air Canada, Alaska,
Terminal 3 is used by
Concourse G is used mostly for American Eagle flights
Concourse H and K are used for mainline flights
Concourse K gates 12-20 are typically used for international flights
Concourse L is used mostly for American Eagle flights (as well as non-oneworld carriers)
Terminal 5 is now both an international and domestic terminal. Among the international flights, the following oneworld carriers depart and arrive here: British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, Finnair, Qatar Airways, and Royal Jordanian; arriving international American Airlines, Iberia and Japan Airlines flights all arrive here as well. In fact, all arriving international passengers from places without pre-clearance will arrive at Terminal 5.
Domestic carriers now using Terminal 5 are: Delta and Delta Shuttle, Frontier, Southwest, and Sun Country.
Getting from terminal to terminal
Landside transfers are normally done by using the Airport Transit System train, which also connects to the airport car parks.
If you arrive at O'Hare on an international flight you will arrive at Terminal 5. If you have a connecting domestic flight from T1-2-3. You must use the landside bus to T3 after you process Immigration and exit Customs. You will be required to pass through security at T3. Landside busses are frequent.
Airside:
walking corridors connect Terminals 1, 2 and 3 between terminals. (ATS landslide train must be used to connect to or from Terminal 5 outside of shuttle bus operating times.)
For those holding boarding passes on same day flights out of Terminal 5 (International Terminal), a shuttle bus will operate from T-3 (From Gates G17 and K20) to T-5 (Gate M13) between 11:30 am and 9:30 pm.
Walking between terminals
Walking airside between terminals airside is possible (other than Terminal 5). There are no shortcuts and it can take significant time.
Arrival at the airport:
Within the U.S. as well as flights to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, check in:
At least 30 minutes prior to departure (if not checking bags)
At least 45 minutes prior to departure when checking bags
For flights to international destinations check in:
At least two hours prior to departure to complete all necessary international requirements
Minimum time for checking in and arriving at the gate
To better ensure an on-time departure, our goal is to close the jetbridge door 10 minutes before departure time. This allows all customers to board and stow their belongings. (AA may release your seat if you show up at your gates less than 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure.)
To retain your pre-reserved seat on a confirmed flight, make sure to follow the minimum check in and gate arrival times.*
Time to baggage delivery:
minimum 20 minutes
Security at ORD
May 2016: security queues have been quite lengthy at times, requiring up to an hour to pass through security, even at PreCheck queues. Options include:
If you have Flagship Check-In privileges, they will place you at the head of the security queue next to that check-in area.
You may choose to process security at Terminal 2 and walk airside to the AA gates (UA is only slightly better than AA). If you have CLEAR, you might want to consider clearing security here.
The mid-terminal Pre-Check line tends to be better than the one at priority security.
Note: coming out from International Terminal Arrivals immigration and customs, you are landside and may find yourself with two options: leave the building land side, or take the escalators or lifts to the ATS train platform to proceed to the other terminals or remote parking lot. To access the other terminals, you will have to process through TSA security.
What is the domestic to domestic or to international Minimum Connection Time (MCT)?
The minimum connect time at ORD, domestic to domestic or international, is 0:40 minutes. Domestic to international is easy if your international flight departs the AA terminal, but domestic to International terminal is comfortably done in 2:00 (not the official MCT, 1:15), because of the lack of connectedness between terminals. International arrival at Terminal 5 with flight departing Terminal 3, Global Entry is likely to allow 2:00 or even less, but non-U.S. or Canadian passport holders with checked baggage might use 3:00 as a better guideline.
If I am making an international to international connection, what is the process?
There is no international transit process in nearly all airports in the USA (MIA has a baggage exception for international to international). Arriving internationally, unless you have been pre-cleared, you must proceed through U. S. immigration (there are kiosks and a fast channel for Global Entry approved passengers), recover your baggage from the baggage carousel and proceed through U. S. Customs. There is a "green line" shortcut for passengers traveling only with carry-on baggage (no checked luggage) which is called "1 Stop" and there are Global Entry kiosks and there have fairly recently been dedicated Global Entry customs lines added, which ORD lacked for a very long time. Global Entry kiosks are located both in the central part of the main immigration hall area, as well as in the hall next to the 1-Stop exit.
Upon exiting Customs there is a bag drop facility; drop your checked baggage, exit to the landside arrivals area. Proceed to the the AA terminal on the ATS train, to counters or kiosks to get boarding passes for your ongoing travel, then proceed through TSA security to airside.
AA Guide: ORD / Chicago O'Hare International Airport - MCT, Connection, etc.
#1486
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: In the Land Beyond OHare
Programs: 3RR, UA, BA, AA, HH, Marriott RW,
Posts: 202
My $.02. What city are you flying to? Though limited airline choices if it's a city that SWA services, consider MDW as it might be a better choice. It's compact, easy dropoff, overall shorter walking distances, has plenty of moving walkways and has some quiet areas including unused gate areas. Having TSA-PRE definitely helps, if you have it. If using SWA, you'll pre-board too. I regularly fly from MDW and never have had any issues.
#1487
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: BMI
Programs: AA EXP, Delta, Amtrak, Hertz PC
Posts: 657
Another area I like that is not a lounge is the high L gates in the new extension (L20 - L24). A bit of a walk but that area is usually pretty quiet compared to the rest of terminal 3.
Last edited by KBMIFlyer; Dec 19, 2022 at 9:01 pm
#1488
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,125
Thanks. That timing is what made me think it can't be correct / not updated without the airside bus. 1.15 to taxi to the gate, get off your plane, walk to train, take train, clear security, walk to gate... any one of a hundred minor things would result in a misconnect.
#1489
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: USA
Programs: American airlines
Posts: 89
My $.02. What city are you flying to? Though limited airline choices if it's a city that SWA services, consider MDW as it might be a better choice. It's compact, easy dropoff, overall shorter walking distances, has plenty of moving walkways and has some quiet areas including unused gate areas. Having TSA-PRE definitely helps, if you have it. If using SWA, you'll pre-board too. I regularly fly from MDW and never have had any issues.
I have generally always avoided SWA because I like to show up toward the end of boarding and don’t want to wait in line to fight or stress over getting a good seat, but that actually could work perfectly for this situation since we will be pre-boarding anyway. Honestly never would’ve thought of SW since I’ve been so avoidant of it in the past, so thank you!
#1490
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: USA
Programs: American airlines
Posts: 89
ORD can be quite busy when it's busy so lots of people hurrying and would be stressful for a slow walker. I would schedule flights that are at times others are not flying to avoid peak crowds. Also, during these same peak times the security lines can be super long so use the security line all the way to the right in the aa terminal (forgot the letter, but it was mainly used by crew even though it was open to passengers hence the line was always short). It's been a few years since I've flown out of there on AA, but this was my last memory of how to avoid issues there.
There are AA Admirals clubs in each terminal so that's basically your only choice for easy access lounges. If I remember correctly, ORD does have 'family' bathrooms that are basically like a private bathroom.
I used to live in MKE and I think MKE didn't have many directs either so had to connect depending on the destination. But there is an awesome burger place there right before security--forgot the name--same name as the one at Bradford Beach. Strange how I remember these tidbits--I lived in MKE over 6 years ago now!
MDW has a completely different mix of airlines and frankly, you have to drive through some rough (hoody) places to get there. If I have a choice, ORD over MDW any day of the week.
Hope this helps!
There are AA Admirals clubs in each terminal so that's basically your only choice for easy access lounges. If I remember correctly, ORD does have 'family' bathrooms that are basically like a private bathroom.
I used to live in MKE and I think MKE didn't have many directs either so had to connect depending on the destination. But there is an awesome burger place there right before security--forgot the name--same name as the one at Bradford Beach. Strange how I remember these tidbits--I lived in MKE over 6 years ago now!
MDW has a completely different mix of airlines and frankly, you have to drive through some rough (hoody) places to get there. If I have a choice, ORD over MDW any day of the week.
Hope this helps!
And I am pretty sure I know the burger place you’re talking about! I might try to book more through MKE even if it’s not direct. I’d rather a layover in CLT or something than a more stressful ORD situation I think (plus burgers 🤷♀️). Thank you!
#1491
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: SPG, AA, United
Posts: 1,816
Thanks! Unfortunately will be flying at peak time Wednesday now 🙈. Was supposed to be Thursday (22nd) but there’s a blizzard coming apparently so I just switched the flights and am expecting even more chaos now. Will definitely take your advice for the TSA though!
And I am pretty sure I know the burger place you’re talking about! I might try to book more through MKE even if it’s not direct. I’d rather a layover in CLT or something than a more stressful ORD situation I think (plus burgers 🤷♀️). Thank you!
And I am pretty sure I know the burger place you’re talking about! I might try to book more through MKE even if it’s not direct. I’d rather a layover in CLT or something than a more stressful ORD situation I think (plus burgers 🤷♀️). Thank you!
I had to remember the name so I looked it up--Northpoint Custard--and then the sad part, they closed. Those were some damn good burgers too. And the malted milkshakes and fries--man, what a loss.
I actually prefer my connections through CLT because between getting an hour or two at minute suites via priority pass and centurion lounge access via amex, it's a great place to rest between connections. Too bad ORD doesn't have these options or it wouldn't be too bad either.
#1492
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
#1493
Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: Alpharetta, GA, USA
Posts: 948
Arriving T3 from ATL. We have a long layover before flying QR from T5. Daughter’s boyfriend lives near ORD so is picking her up for lunch before she meets us back for the trek to T5 later. If we exit out and say hello to him, can we still get back into to T3 for the Flagship Lounge or are we limited to only T5 at that point? Thx.
#1494
Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: ORD
Programs: AA EXP; Hyatt Glob
Posts: 56
#1495
Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: ORD
Programs: AA EXP; Hyatt Glob
Posts: 56
O’Hare International Airport to Restore Terminal Transfer Bus Service on March 1
The airside connection buses between T3 and T5 resume on March 1, 2023.
”The daily service will include two different routes running every 15 minutes between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. One Terminal Transfer Bus route will operate between Gate B1 at Terminal 1 and Gate M13 at Terminal 5. The other Terminal Transfer Bus route will operate between Gates G17 and K20 in Terminal 3 and Gate M13 at Terminal 5. Both bus routes will transport passengers in each direction.”
https://www.flychicago.com/business/...QsKUVyx49SiBhg
”The daily service will include two different routes running every 15 minutes between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. One Terminal Transfer Bus route will operate between Gate B1 at Terminal 1 and Gate M13 at Terminal 5. The other Terminal Transfer Bus route will operate between Gates G17 and K20 in Terminal 3 and Gate M13 at Terminal 5. Both bus routes will transport passengers in each direction.”
https://www.flychicago.com/business/...QsKUVyx49SiBhg
#1497
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Minnesota
Programs: AA EXP; United 1K, Delta, IHG Plat Amb, PE, Marriott/Hilton Gold
Posts: 750
#1498
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,492
I didn't see it posted here yet, but if anyone was following AA2611 (ORD-LAX) yesterday, it encountered a bird strike after takeoff from ORD and landed back at ORD.
You can see the path on FlightAware:
AA2611 (AAL2611) American Airlines Flight Tracking and History 04-Apr-2023 (KORD-KORD) - FlightAware
There's also quite a bit of chatter about it over on Reddit:
https://www.reddit.com/r/americanair...c42ci/aal2611/
AA even replied to a Tweet about it:
You can see the path on FlightAware:
AA2611 (AAL2611) American Airlines Flight Tracking and History 04-Apr-2023 (KORD-KORD) - FlightAware
There's also quite a bit of chatter about it over on Reddit:
https://www.reddit.com/r/americanair...c42ci/aal2611/
AA even replied to a Tweet about it:
A bird strike put a damper in plans today, but we've got Flight 2611 now estimated to depart at 9:30p and arrive into LAX at 10:17p.
#1499
Join Date: Aug 2022
Posts: 10
Connecting in ORD
I'm planning on booking two separate itineraries that involves a 4 hour layover in ORD.
The first flight is LAX -> ORD and arriving at 12:05 pm in terminal 3.
My connecting flight is ORD -> AMS departing at 4:10 pm in terminal 5.
I've never been to ORD before so is this doable? I will be checking bags and if it makes any difference, this would be on a monday. TIA
The first flight is LAX -> ORD and arriving at 12:05 pm in terminal 3.
My connecting flight is ORD -> AMS departing at 4:10 pm in terminal 5.
I've never been to ORD before so is this doable? I will be checking bags and if it makes any difference, this would be on a monday. TIA
#1500
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,469
I'm planning on booking two separate itineraries that involves a 4 hour layover in ORD.
The first flight is LAX -> ORD and arriving at 12:05 pm in terminal 3.
My connecting flight is ORD -> AMS departing at 4:10 pm in terminal 5.
I've never been to ORD before so is this doable? I will be checking bags and if it makes any difference, this would be on a monday. TIA
The first flight is LAX -> ORD and arriving at 12:05 pm in terminal 3.
My connecting flight is ORD -> AMS departing at 4:10 pm in terminal 5.
I've never been to ORD before so is this doable? I will be checking bags and if it makes any difference, this would be on a monday. TIA
Note, your terminals suggest you're flying AA and KL. So perhaps if you have more specific questions, one or other board for those airlines would be more appropriate.
edit add: AA does seem to have interline with KL, so you may be able to get them checked through. Follow up with AA forum for experiences.