My connection is through ORD this afternoon. Usually, I go to the USO when I fly through. I'm wondering if it's worth the hassle of doing so today. I have a 2 hr layover and the USO is en route from one terminal to the other.

As much as I respect and financially support the USO, I wouldn't do this if there was a way to avoid exiting the secure area and dealing with the TSA all over again.

Agreed +1

Bleck. Thanks for your input. I was leaning that way, but it's just nice to relax, have some privacy to nurse, and let my 4 yr old play.

You're considering using the USO so I'm going to make the assumption you're military. Depending on whether you're traveling on official orders you may be eligible to use American Airlines' Admirals Club.

Likewise

Ditto on that, if you meet the criteria Link to AA criteria

I use USOs all over the world and would normally suggest yes, but in this case, I'd opt out of having to re-do the security hassle with the time involved.

I much prefer stateside airports with USOs past security like IAH, DEN, HOU.
I know a few O/D heavy airports like LAX have great USOs outside security too, but I hate to have to reclear.

Overseas I do prefer pre-sec, like FRA.

Ciao,
FH

We are military, but unfortunately not on orders.

I did just call the USO at ORD, and found out they have 2 locations. One inside security (near L concourse, which I don't think will be anywhere near our flights), and the one I've gone to outside of security. The woman said that if I go to the one outside of security, I am allowed to go through the employee lane and bypass the CF. If I get hassled, one of the USO employees will help. She also gave me her cell#. Maybe I will go after all.

You can get to the L concourse from all concourses in T1-T3. They're all connected inside security though it may be a long walk. I'd sooner do that than take chances with security. I also wouldn't believe that the TSA clerks would let you through the employee lane regardless of wht the USO employee said...on the other hand, if you have time I suppose you could take up the fight, armed with the cell number of the USO employee.

Did seem to remember there being a USO airside at ORD. Geez, they have a doctor's office and a post office. It's quite the terminal.

I suspect the re-entry process is only about bypassing the line, not bypassing security. If re-entering, presume re-screening.

If it's anywhere close, and with a 2hr layover, staying airside might be worth the walk.

...and, it's 2 hours <minus> how late your incoming flight turns out to be <minus> walking time from your arrival gate to the USO and from the USO to your departure gate.

That is good to know. I have an older USO guide and it only shows the one at ORD. Thanks for the update. Happy Travels.

Ciao,
FH

Well..I had no problems w/using the employee line. Lesson learned though that the NOS is in the far right lane (which corresponds to the employee lane). I realized that, told TSA that I didn't want to go through the NOS as I had two small kids w/me. I was told that I wouldn't have to go through it b/c of the kids. Went through the WTMD w/the baby still strapped to me - no one told me to take her off. B/c of that though, I did get patted down. It must have been pat-down lite - she barely made it up to 'resistance', fingers didn't do down further than the waistband of my pants, no shirt lifting or bra/breast touching. She did mess w/the knot of the carrier, and she had me pull the baby out a bit so she could touch my stomach over the shirt (where baby was resting).

There was no mention of needing to pat down either girl. I asked if she needed to pat down the baby since I was wearing her, and TSA said no.