Changing Terminals
 

What is the fastest way to go from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1? I am having to change from American Airlines to United and will have to change terminals. Thanks!

Stay inside security and walk. There is a tram outside security, but going through security again would cost you any time savings.

If you go to http://www.flychicago.com/ohare/terminals/terminal.shtm, you can see the connections between the terminals. They are all airside. From American, at first follow signs toward concourse G. When you get to the base of G, keep going and you'll go through a hallway into Terminal 2. You'll pass the entrace to concourses E and F and then eventually get to a hallway going to Terminal 1. Pay attention at the end of this hallway, you need to turn left down a narrow hallway to get to the airside part of Terminal 1. If you go straight, you'll be exiting security.

Agree with glg. Stay airside. It's going to be a bit of a hike depending on where on T1/2 and T3, but depending on the day it's easier than going through security.

There is a shuttle service that runs from the United gates in T2 to the C gates at concourse T1. If you have to get to a C gate it might be the best way.

This does not run all the time though. I believe it stops at 8 or 9pm. FYI.

Transfer from AA to NW airside?
 

Bump. Can one still trasfer between terminals airside? I'll be flying AA next week and will have 2+ hours to kill.

Will I be able to walk to the NWA/CO WC/PC (Term 2) from the AA terminal (Term 3)?
How long would you say the walk is (approximately, since it depends on which gate I arrive to)

Thanks,
Bostonbali

Yes, the airside walkways have always been there and are not going away. The signage is not perfect, but it's adequate. The only time you'd HAVE to exit security (and board the ATS) in to change flights is to get to/from T5.

Time really depends -- T3, in particular, has four long concourses ("arms") and no moving walkways. High-numbered gates in H/K/L will be a long walk away. The CO/NW lounge is at least at E4, not too far within T2.

paytonc - Great feedback, exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

Just posted this on the AA forum earlier:

Yes, I have done it numerous times. You need to be careful however if you are not familiar with ORD or you will find yourself outside of security. They seem to have installed revolving doors at most of the exits along the way so make sure you don't go through any of those. I would budget 15-20 minutes if you're not familiar with the route and are walking at a normal pace. I can easily do it in 10 minutes but I know the route and I move pretty quickly.

If you do find yourself outside of security by mistake and the line in T1 is long, ride the train or walk back to T2 and clear security at the checkpoint next to the old HP desks. There is never a line that long. You can show something shiny (e.g. an AA GLD/PLT card etc) at the elite line for an even shorter line.