Chicago Loop 1 PM --> ORD Flight at 2:30?
Oct 11, 2022, 9:20 pm
#16
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However, with MDW, there are fewer (less frequent) flights in general and also no lounge etc. in which to wait. It's also a long walk from the CTA station to the actual check in counters and TSA airport security checkpoints.
Oct 12, 2022, 6:36 am
#19
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: DTW
Posts: 59
You'll have to let us know the result OP. I'm another vote for book the later flight. I flew more out of MDW than ORD when I lived in Chicago, but drive-wise I wouldn't rely on Chicago traffic for ANYTHING. Even the CTA is susceptible to random delays.
Oct 12, 2022, 8:01 am
#20
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As someone who used to live in CHI and take either the Kennedy or the blue line everyday, there’s no way I’d expect to make this. Especially not since DL is in T5 now. There can be traffic any time of day on the Kennedy, and the blue line is notorious for it’s “slow zones” where tracks need maintenance.
I should point out that I’m usually of the “go for it” variety, but I see virtually no chance of making that.
I should point out that I’m usually of the “go for it” variety, but I see virtually no chance of making that.
Oct 12, 2022, 8:46 am
#21
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 843
I'm with most others that it might be doable on paper, but everything has to go just right at that hour in order to make it.
Oct 12, 2022, 9:32 am
#22
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The actually walk within the airport (CTA > landside > airside gates) is probably longer than you think (again, "especially because of T5").
>>> EDIT - you have to take the airport train from T2 (T3?) to T5... ugh
I'd err on the side of Uber/taxi, but having taken one at that time - esp. with things "back to normal" - it's a massive crapshoot.
(last week I did same day change in Dallas 90 minutes from the time I clicked in the app and I made it in plenty of time... but that was a totally different / suburban scenario - more similar to Oak Brook/Hoffman/Mt. Prospect > ORD)
>>> EDIT - you have to take the airport train from T2 (T3?) to T5... ugh
I'd err on the side of Uber/taxi, but having taken one at that time - esp. with things "back to normal" - it's a massive crapshoot.
(last week I did same day change in Dallas 90 minutes from the time I clicked in the app and I made it in plenty of time... but that was a totally different / suburban scenario - more similar to Oak Brook/Hoffman/Mt. Prospect > ORD)
Oct 12, 2022, 7:58 pm
#25
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I would estimate that he misses the flight 90% of the time, especially now that DL has moved to T5, even if we're optimistic that 1:00 pm means time on the sidewalk rather than time that the meeting actually ends. Saying a polite goodbye and taking an elevator down to street level consumes time, more so if luggage must be retrieved from a closet, a lavatory visit is necessary, or one must sign out of the building or turn in a visitor's badge.
Oct 12, 2022, 8:59 pm
#26
Join Date: Jun 2014
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Oct 13, 2022, 6:15 am
#27
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 3,097
I would estimate that he misses the flight 90% of the time, especially now that DL has moved to T5, even if we're optimistic that 1:00 pm means time on the sidewalk rather than time that the meeting actually ends. Saying a polite goodbye and taking an elevator down to street level consumes time, more so if luggage must be retrieved from a closet, a lavatory visit is necessary, or one must sign out of the building or turn in a visitor's badge.
Note that via uber, T5 is a shorter drive than T2.
Oct 13, 2022, 8:42 am
#28
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Just making a reality check. Let's say a poster said "I left downtown Chicago at 1p for my 2:30p flight. It took me 1 hour to make it to ORD, security took 15 minutes, and the gate was closed by the time I made it there 10 minutes before posted departure time. DL didn't have space on the next flight 3 hours later and I was stuck at ORD overnight. I'm MAD!!!"
How many folks saying OP should be OK would be turning around and saying "dude, you shouldn't cut it so close! You should have booked the later flight and tried to get on standby for the earlier flight!!!"?
How many folks saying OP should be OK would be turning around and saying "dude, you shouldn't cut it so close! You should have booked the later flight and tried to get on standby for the earlier flight!!!"?
Oct 13, 2022, 8:44 am
#29
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Oct 13, 2022, 10:55 am
#30
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Google Maps says 42 minutes from The Loop to T2 and 41 minutes to T5. I don’t think that 60 seconds is the difference maker OP should be betting on. T5 may be geographically shorter but T5 is also an exit with intersections and traffic lights off the highway while that highway goes to straight into the main Terminal where T2 is without any traffic lights or intersections to go through before getting to the terminal.
Last edited by ATOBTTR; Oct 13, 2022 at 11:17 am