Consolidated "Layover at ORD - what to do? where to go? how much time?" thread
Jul 30, 2007, 9:37 pm
#77
Join Date: Jun 2001
Posts: 41
hot jucy or wet
It all sounds good to me! I've never had one but I've seen them on tv and I just knew I had to have one. The weather looks good for a smooth flight tomorrow and hopefully I'll land on time and get to do this. I'm looking forward to it and I'll post when I get back in 10 days with the results. ^
Jul 31, 2007, 7:08 am
#78
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chicagoland, IL, USA
Programs: WN CP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,192
If you don't like hot peppers, you can get it "sweet" (green peppers).
There's nothing like a good Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich. Make sure you have a bunch of napkins handy, or a spare shirt.
Follow it with an authentic Chicago-style hot dog with everything.
There's nothing like a good Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich. Make sure you have a bunch of napkins handy, or a spare shirt.
Follow it with an authentic Chicago-style hot dog with everything.
Jul 31, 2007, 8:23 am
#79
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 20,404
Aug 14, 2007, 9:46 pm
#81
Join Date: Jun 2001
Posts: 41
Final Report
My flight from San Jose was delayed on departure almost an hr and a half and I didn't feel comfortable going very far. I ended up going to the sports bar at the Hilton for a cold one and some lunch. Thanks for the tip UNITED959. As it turns out I could have gone because my connecting flight had mechanical problems and we were put on another plane but I did not find that out until boarding the original plane had begun. Oh well, that's the way it goes sometimes. I just want to thank everyone here who took the time to reply to me especially balima, and wish you all safe and happy trails! ^
Oct 1, 2007, 6:08 am
#82
Join Date: May 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 1,896
Is 5 hr layover at ORD enough time for 1st timer to see downtown Chicago?
I'm likely to have a scheduled 5 hr 20 mins layover (domestic to international) at ORD. Does this give me enough time to go downtown, see something of Chicago and get back to ORD for my flight?
Thanks for any help.^
Edited: OK so it's now a 9 hour lay-over which gives us a bit more time to have a comfortable trip into Chicago and back. Please see posts from 29 onwards.
Thanks for any help.^
Edited: OK so it's now a 9 hour lay-over which gives us a bit more time to have a comfortable trip into Chicago and back. Please see posts from 29 onwards.
Last edited by Corpt; Oct 27, 2007 at 8:43 am Reason: Now 9 hour lay-over not 5.
Oct 1, 2007, 6:41 am
#83
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: MSP (and will only fly NWA in re-routes if I HAVE to)
Programs: AA EXP (4.5MM), hotel programs as needed
Posts: 5,800
The 'el ride to downtown Chicago is about 45-55 minutes as I recall. Much is underground once you get close to the city.
Domestic to 'el is fairly a short jaunt by the tunnels.
Unfortunately when you come back, you have to do the same thing PLUS get on a train to go to the International terminal (adding maybe 15 minutes to the journey).
International flights suggest (require) you to check in about 2 hours before flight time. I know that seems like a long time but that is what I understand. Technically you and your luggage will already be checked in so all you have to do is pass thru formalities and get to the gate. Allowing 1 hour for that instead of 2 makes sense (most international flights board 45 minutes prior to departure).
OK .. you get off the plane, walk to the 'el station, buy ticket and possibly wait 15 minutes for a train and get downtown. That may take total time 1.5 hours outbound travel. Lets assume the same on the return. So 3 hours of traveling and the one hour checkin need leaves you an hour to explore Chicago.
The 'el does not go to North Michigan Avenue (shopping mecca) but more to State Street and that part of the city. While you could walk to the Art Museum or the lakefront, I think you would immediately be walking back to the train instead of enjoying the city.
The trip would be VERY tight in my opinion. Also if the return trip is anytime weekday after 4pm (when rush hour starts) your travel time may increase and also you may find yourself squashed into a train or waiting for another train.
Think of it this way... if I had 5 hours in London could I see much of the city? The HEX is a huge advantage, but forget that and think Picadilly line. In 5 hours on that line (coming and going) what could you see. I think the comparison is pretty equal there. Except for the fact that the Tube allows you to get closer to some of the interesting sites in the city compared to the 'el.
On a side note .. I have had a 6 hour layover (domestic to domestic) and gone into Chicago for lunch. Tho I know where I am going and stations and all. I have also had 12 hour layover in London and took the HEX and done some sightseeing. So I know what you are asking ...
Domestic to 'el is fairly a short jaunt by the tunnels.
Unfortunately when you come back, you have to do the same thing PLUS get on a train to go to the International terminal (adding maybe 15 minutes to the journey).
International flights suggest (require) you to check in about 2 hours before flight time. I know that seems like a long time but that is what I understand. Technically you and your luggage will already be checked in so all you have to do is pass thru formalities and get to the gate. Allowing 1 hour for that instead of 2 makes sense (most international flights board 45 minutes prior to departure).
OK .. you get off the plane, walk to the 'el station, buy ticket and possibly wait 15 minutes for a train and get downtown. That may take total time 1.5 hours outbound travel. Lets assume the same on the return. So 3 hours of traveling and the one hour checkin need leaves you an hour to explore Chicago.
The 'el does not go to North Michigan Avenue (shopping mecca) but more to State Street and that part of the city. While you could walk to the Art Museum or the lakefront, I think you would immediately be walking back to the train instead of enjoying the city.
The trip would be VERY tight in my opinion. Also if the return trip is anytime weekday after 4pm (when rush hour starts) your travel time may increase and also you may find yourself squashed into a train or waiting for another train.
Think of it this way... if I had 5 hours in London could I see much of the city? The HEX is a huge advantage, but forget that and think Picadilly line. In 5 hours on that line (coming and going) what could you see. I think the comparison is pretty equal there. Except for the fact that the Tube allows you to get closer to some of the interesting sites in the city compared to the 'el.
On a side note .. I have had a 6 hour layover (domestic to domestic) and gone into Chicago for lunch. Tho I know where I am going and stations and all. I have also had 12 hour layover in London and took the HEX and done some sightseeing. So I know what you are asking ...
Oct 1, 2007, 6:51 am
#84
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chicagoland, IL, USA
Programs: WN CP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,192
Oct 1, 2007, 6:55 am
#85
Join Date: May 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 1,896
The 'el ride to downtown Chicago is about 45-55 minutes as I recall. Much is underground once you get close to the city.
Domestic to 'el is fairly a short jaunt by the tunnels.
Unfortunately when you come back, you have to do the same thing PLUS get on a train to go to the International terminal (adding maybe 15 minutes to the journey).
International flights suggest (require) you to check in about 2 hours before flight time. I know that seems like a long time but that is what I understand. Technically you and your luggage will already be checked in so all you have to do is pass thru formalities and get to the gate. Allowing 1 hour for that instead of 2 makes sense (most international flights board 45 minutes prior to departure).
OK .. you get off the plane, walk to the 'el station, buy ticket and possibly wait 15 minutes for a train and get downtown. That may take total time 1.5 hours outbound travel. Lets assume the same on the return. So 3 hours of traveling and the one hour checkin need leaves you an hour to explore Chicago.
The 'el does not go to North Michigan Avenue (shopping mecca) but more to State Street and that part of the city. While you could walk to the Art Museum or the lakefront, I think you would immediately be walking back to the train instead of enjoying the city.
The trip would be VERY tight in my opinion. Also if the return trip is anytime weekday after 4pm (when rush hour starts) your travel time may increase and also you may find yourself squashed into a train or waiting for another train.
Think of it this way... if I had 5 hours in London could I see much of the city? The HEX is a huge advantage, but forget that and think Picadilly line. In 5 hours on that line (coming and going) what could you see. I think the comparison is pretty equal there. Except for the fact that the Tube allows you to get closer to some of the interesting sites in the city compared to the 'el.
On a side note .. I have had a 6 hour layover (domestic to domestic) and gone into Chicago for lunch. Tho I know where I am going and stations and all. I have also had 12 hour layover in London and took the HEX and done some sightseeing. So I know what you are asking ...
Domestic to 'el is fairly a short jaunt by the tunnels.
Unfortunately when you come back, you have to do the same thing PLUS get on a train to go to the International terminal (adding maybe 15 minutes to the journey).
International flights suggest (require) you to check in about 2 hours before flight time. I know that seems like a long time but that is what I understand. Technically you and your luggage will already be checked in so all you have to do is pass thru formalities and get to the gate. Allowing 1 hour for that instead of 2 makes sense (most international flights board 45 minutes prior to departure).
OK .. you get off the plane, walk to the 'el station, buy ticket and possibly wait 15 minutes for a train and get downtown. That may take total time 1.5 hours outbound travel. Lets assume the same on the return. So 3 hours of traveling and the one hour checkin need leaves you an hour to explore Chicago.
The 'el does not go to North Michigan Avenue (shopping mecca) but more to State Street and that part of the city. While you could walk to the Art Museum or the lakefront, I think you would immediately be walking back to the train instead of enjoying the city.
The trip would be VERY tight in my opinion. Also if the return trip is anytime weekday after 4pm (when rush hour starts) your travel time may increase and also you may find yourself squashed into a train or waiting for another train.
Think of it this way... if I had 5 hours in London could I see much of the city? The HEX is a huge advantage, but forget that and think Picadilly line. In 5 hours on that line (coming and going) what could you see. I think the comparison is pretty equal there. Except for the fact that the Tube allows you to get closer to some of the interesting sites in the city compared to the 'el.
On a side note .. I have had a 6 hour layover (domestic to domestic) and gone into Chicago for lunch. Tho I know where I am going and stations and all. I have also had 12 hour layover in London and took the HEX and done some sightseeing. So I know what you are asking ...
Do you have any recommendations then for what to do closer to the airport (13:00 to 18:00 on a weekday)?
Oct 1, 2007, 10:29 am
#86
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 20,404
I agree that with 5:20, going ALL the way downtown is not a good idea.
Unfortunately, there's not much of anything worth seeing near ORD.
Any chance you can shorten (or lengthen) that connection?
Unfortunately, there's not much of anything worth seeing near ORD.
Any chance you can shorten (or lengthen) that connection?
Oct 1, 2007, 10:42 am
#87
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Seattle
Programs: United, American, Delta, Usairways, Southwest, Avis, Alamo, Hyatt, Marriot, Intercontinental
Posts: 197
I agree with what's been said so far.
I always count on 1 hour for the blue-line.
Also, they are currently doing track-improvement construction.
And, some days, those zones have significant slow-down.
Depends on what time of day you'll be there . . . taxis are $40 each way and take 20-30 min (no traffic) but at rush hour (with current construction) could take 1hr 30min or 2hrs.
It's definitelty doable if you were flying into Midway instead.
Train ride is more like 25-30 min. Taxis are $25.
But, I'd say no-go for Ohare :-(
I always count on 1 hour for the blue-line.
Also, they are currently doing track-improvement construction.
And, some days, those zones have significant slow-down.
Depends on what time of day you'll be there . . . taxis are $40 each way and take 20-30 min (no traffic) but at rush hour (with current construction) could take 1hr 30min or 2hrs.
It's definitelty doable if you were flying into Midway instead.
Train ride is more like 25-30 min. Taxis are $25.
But, I'd say no-go for Ohare :-(
Oct 1, 2007, 10:50 am
#88
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: ORD/MDW
Programs: MR Gold, DCL Silver, RSSC Silver
Posts: 775
Oct 1, 2007, 2:43 pm
#90
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: United States
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Amtrak
Posts: 4,647
Not neccesarily. Many int'l flights depart from the domestic terminals, such as those on United, American, Lufthansa, Air Canada, and a few others. So depending on the airline that won't be an issue.