Consolidated "Layover at ORD - what to do? where to go? how much time?" thread
#16
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 37
Layover ORD - What to do ?
Hello,
I have a 5 hour layover on April 13 between my LH flight from Frankfurt and the connecting flight to Jacksonville.
Anything to do at the airport, or could it be reasonable to visit downtown (Sears Tower?) during this time?
Moreover: How is transfer at ORD from international to national, I understood that I have to clear security once again?
Yours,
Matthias
I have a 5 hour layover on April 13 between my LH flight from Frankfurt and the connecting flight to Jacksonville.
Anything to do at the airport, or could it be reasonable to visit downtown (Sears Tower?) during this time?
Moreover: How is transfer at ORD from international to national, I understood that I have to clear security once again?
Yours,
Matthias
#17
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Kampala, Uganda - Evanston, IL
Programs: UA 1P, AA, LH Cattle Class, SPG
Posts: 426
With a five hour layover, I would not necessarily recommend heading downtown. The CTA (train) ride takes about 45 minutes and a cab ride will take you 1/2 hour or maybe much more during times of heavy traffic.
You have to use the ATS system (a small tram) between the International Terminal 5 and Terminal 1 assuming you fly United. You will have to clear security again in the domestic terminals.
As far as things to do, there are three Red Carpet Clubs in the United Terminal. Also the airport Hilton has several nice restaurants, which can be much quieter than the terminals, however it is obviously outside security. There is really not that much to do close in to O'Hare airport, so unless you have the time to go downtown Chicago, I would not recommend leaving the airport.
You have to use the ATS system (a small tram) between the International Terminal 5 and Terminal 1 assuming you fly United. You will have to clear security again in the domestic terminals.
As far as things to do, there are three Red Carpet Clubs in the United Terminal. Also the airport Hilton has several nice restaurants, which can be much quieter than the terminals, however it is obviously outside security. There is really not that much to do close in to O'Hare airport, so unless you have the time to go downtown Chicago, I would not recommend leaving the airport.
#18
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cape Cod MA
Programs: GS, 3 MM, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 752
Originally Posted by ORDflyr
With a five hour layover, I would not necessarily recommend heading downtown. The CTA (train) ride takes about 45 minutes and a cab ride will take you 1/2 hour or maybe much more during times of heavy traffic.
You have to use the ATS system (a small tram) between the International Terminal 5 and Terminal 1 assuming you fly United. You will have to clear security again in the domestic terminals.
As far as things to do, there are three Red Carpet Clubs in the United Terminal. Also the airport Hilton has several nice restaurants, which can be much quieter than the terminals, however it is obviously outside security. There is really not that much to do close in to O'Hare airport, so unless you have the time to go downtown Chicago, I would not recommend leaving the airport.
You have to use the ATS system (a small tram) between the International Terminal 5 and Terminal 1 assuming you fly United. You will have to clear security again in the domestic terminals.
As far as things to do, there are three Red Carpet Clubs in the United Terminal. Also the airport Hilton has several nice restaurants, which can be much quieter than the terminals, however it is obviously outside security. There is really not that much to do close in to O'Hare airport, so unless you have the time to go downtown Chicago, I would not recommend leaving the airport.
#21
Join Date: May 2003
Programs: UA 1K, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 934
Real Food
If you are in the market for a bit of real food. There are excellent restaurants available by free shuttle to area hotels. I suggest Hyatt Rosemont for the Steak Sandwich; or, go top shelf and do Morton's of Chicago. I thing the Marriott shuttle is the closest. Advise if interested and I will provide details.
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SFO
Programs: AA ExPlat,EX-UA 1K, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat,
Posts: 12,212
Originally Posted by mjcasta
If you are in the market for a bit of real food. There are excellent restaurants available by free shuttle to area hotels. I suggest Hyatt Rosemont for the Steak Sandwich; or, go top shelf and do Morton's of Chicago. I thing the Marriott shuttle is the closest. Advise if interested and I will provide details.
#23
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DCA ZWU
Programs: AGR WOH
Posts: 1,785
Yes, three hours would be enough for a domestic connection, maybe cutting it close for an international arrival.
This is a frequently asked question over at the Chicago forum:
http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=528778
This is a frequently asked question over at the Chicago forum:
http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=528778
#24
Used to be 'g_leyser'
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Brandon Johnson International Airport (expect delays)
Programs: AA PlatPro, HH Gold, Bonvoy Gold, IHG Plat, Reno Air MEGA Platinum
Posts: 10,039
I'm assuming you are connecting from the first FRA-ORD flight on LH, which arrives at 12:10pm. There is a 1:15pm flight to JAX, which, if you hurried you could possibly make it, but it would be tight. I would try for it.
You will have to clear customs in Terminal 5, then take the train to Terminal 1 and reclear security.
You will have to clear customs in Terminal 5, then take the train to Terminal 1 and reclear security.
#25
Join Date: May 2003
Programs: UA 1K, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 934
Steak Sandwich
If you time things right, 3 hours is plenty with boarding passes in hand to hit the Hyatt.
From Domestic Terminals - Follow signs to ground transportation center - 10 minute walk to/from most gates. If arriving on UA, it is easier to head down to baggage claim and then walk across the street. All shuttle buses depart from here.
From International Arrivals Building - Call 847 518 1234 (Hyatt) as soon as you clear customs. Head to to Portal 5E (lower level) and the shuttle will pick you up.
The Hyatt shuttle departs every 20 minutes. Once you arrive at the Rosemont Hyatt (Not ORD Hyatt), head to the desk and set up your return ride. It is on call based on need. Go around the corner and have a seat in the restaurant. Service is prompt and the sandwich is excellent.
I frequently do this with a 2 hour layover. If I had a 4+ layover, I would head to Morton's and really do it up right!
From Domestic Terminals - Follow signs to ground transportation center - 10 minute walk to/from most gates. If arriving on UA, it is easier to head down to baggage claim and then walk across the street. All shuttle buses depart from here.
From International Arrivals Building - Call 847 518 1234 (Hyatt) as soon as you clear customs. Head to to Portal 5E (lower level) and the shuttle will pick you up.
The Hyatt shuttle departs every 20 minutes. Once you arrive at the Rosemont Hyatt (Not ORD Hyatt), head to the desk and set up your return ride. It is on call based on need. Go around the corner and have a seat in the restaurant. Service is prompt and the sandwich is excellent.
I frequently do this with a 2 hour layover. If I had a 4+ layover, I would head to Morton's and really do it up right!
Last edited by mjcasta; Mar 12, 2006 at 4:39 pm
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: SPI
Programs: AA Gold, UA LT Plat, Mar LTT
Posts: 18,147
Originally Posted by Chapel Hill Guy
Which Morton's is closest to ORD?
Best wishes, Dave
#29
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Chapel Hill, NC - UA Nobody (sigh)/0.925MM, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 3,510
Originally Posted by bseller
The one in Rosemont,,,,,which is located here. It is located in Columbia Center III, which is near the Sofitel, Embassy Suites, and the Hyatt Regency Ohare.....ENJOY!!
Best wishes, Dave
Best wishes, Dave
#30
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: NY (Formerly SF)
Programs: UA GS/1K, SPG Platinum
Posts: 186
One of my favorites, and a real Chicago treat, is to go to Gino's East in Rosemont. It's about a 10 min taxi ride there. (Get the cab company # to go back).
It's real Chicago Style Pizza. (Much better than Uno's).
It's real Chicago Style Pizza. (Much better than Uno's).