Jan 2, 2019, 1:15 pm
Last edit by: onthesam
Update 10/29/2021:
Per the Chicago Tribune, quoting a spokesperson from the Chicago Department of Aviation, the ATS is set to reopen "within the month".
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On October 18, 2019, the Chicago Department of Avaition announced that the People Mover / Airport Transit System (ATS) will remain closed until at least early 2020.
From the official ORD airport site
Transportation Between Terminals (ATS & TTB)
This has been a long-planned / announced Airport Transit System (ATS) Improvement Project
For airside T3 to T5 transfers - AND EFFECTIVE 6/14/2019 T1 to T5 Transfers
You must have your onward (international) BP and Passport in order to board the TTB from either T1 or T3 to T5.
If you arrive at O'Hare on an international flight and have a connecting domestic flight, you will arrive at Terminal 5 and will need to take theATS {shuttle bus transfer service} to the domestic terminals. You will need to clear security again at the domestic terminals.
Per the Chicago Tribune, quoting a spokesperson from the Chicago Department of Aviation, the ATS is set to reopen "within the month".
---
On October 18, 2019, the Chicago Department of Avaition announced that the People Mover / Airport Transit System (ATS) will remain closed until at least early 2020.
From the official ORD airport site
Transportation Between Terminals (ATS & TTB)
The O’Hare Airport Transit System (ATS or “people mover) is closed 24/7 to finalize modernization efforts and expansion of the system.
In order to maintain a travel connection between all of O’Hare’s terminals and parking lots, the CDA will operate shuttle buses to transport passengers and employees between terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5) and from the terminals to each economy parking lot (Lots E, G, H); the Multi-Modal Facility, where rental cars are housed; and the Metra O’Hare Transfer station. The buses will operate continuously to ensure prompt and reliable service while the ATS is closed.
If connecting between domestic Terminals 1, 2 & 3, you DON’T have to take the shuttle buses, you can walk. Simply follow in-airport signage.
The CDA is committed to providing a quick and reliable bus shuttle service as the ATS modernization is finalized. The new ATS is scheduled to open sometime in 2020..
In order to maintain a travel connection between all of O’Hare’s terminals and parking lots, the CDA will operate shuttle buses to transport passengers and employees between terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5) and from the terminals to each economy parking lot (Lots E, G, H); the Multi-Modal Facility, where rental cars are housed; and the Metra O’Hare Transfer station. The buses will operate continuously to ensure prompt and reliable service while the ATS is closed.
If connecting between domestic Terminals 1, 2 & 3, you DON’T have to take the shuttle buses, you can walk. Simply follow in-airport signage.
The CDA is committed to providing a quick and reliable bus shuttle service as the ATS modernization is finalized. The new ATS is scheduled to open sometime in 2020..
For airside T3 to T5 transfers - AND EFFECTIVE 6/14/2019 T1 to T5 Transfers
you can take a Terminal Transfer Bus (TTB) from Terminals 1 and 3 to Terminal 5 and bypass the security checkpoint in Terminal 5. The Terminal Transfer Bus service is year round with operation hours as follows: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm. If you are arriving into the domestic terminals and need to collect your luggage (exit the security side of the airport) and recheck in T5, you will not be able to use this service. Terminal Transfer Bus (TTB) Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 Pickup Locations
Gate B1
Gate G17
Gate K20
Gate L24
Gate B1
Gate G17
Gate K20
Gate L24
If you arrive at O'Hare on an international flight and have a connecting domestic flight, you will arrive at Terminal 5 and will need to take the
People Mover/ATS @O’Hare/ORD shuttle train ceases ops until 202? [REOPENED 11/3/21]
Jan 3, 2019, 11:09 am
#31
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: UA MM
Posts: 4,118
Good call. I never had to endure that as I know my ORD, envisioned that would happen, and actively avoided ORD except if inbound from a PreClearance airport. Luckily the EWR PL opened the same week the ATS maintenance began (yeah it's that long already), providing a Polaris-enabled INTL alternative east of the Mississipi. So either EWR or PreClearance into ORD.
ORD arrival streams: 3
Why sweat the bus when many have reported no wait?
Jan 3, 2019, 12:08 pm
#32
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
Posts: 463
I have not used the elevators myself. But signage at ORD (in general) is quite good, and airports have a higher concentration of users with elevator needs (people with heavy bags, strollers) so I imagine it would be well signed. I would still leave extra time for detours/delays though as some of the feedback in this post suggests the bussing process can take some time even without the elevator into the mix.
Jan 3, 2019, 12:09 pm
#33
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 5,268
It's not my job to come up with the solutions, they are the experts and most familiar with all the options. Where there's a will, there's often a way.
Jan 3, 2019, 1:08 pm
#35
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 5,268
The real issues is delays that are out of your control. I assume the MCT time has not been increased. People with a short connection, especially on an INTL arrival that is delayed, can quickly run into problems with even a small delay due to the train not being there.
Jan 3, 2019, 1:22 pm
#36
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,531
Sounds like most days the bus takes 15 minutes including waiting. How long does the train take?
Jan 3, 2019, 1:46 pm
#37
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 5,268
Hearing other people on the thread talking about 25min or an hour obviously isnt so good.
Jan 3, 2019, 4:04 pm
#38
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,125
Back in early November, late afternoon on a Monday, the line-up for the shuttle bus at T5 snaked back and forth through the tent, then into the terminal and most of the way to the other end. It wasn't at all clear where the line ended and that it was in fact for the shuttle since no one was directing people at the far end. There were several airport employees yelling at people near the front of the line, ordering them about and telling them to move faster. Passengers who had realized that their connections were probably toast were yelling back. It was far from a smoothly run operation. It took me 45 minutes to get to the front of the line. The actual bus ride was only a few minutes.
I have no intention of connecting from another international flight in Chicago until the train is back up and running. I have told United that I will fly another airline before I try that again. At least at EWR, if the train is down, I can walk between terminals. The walk is so short that I often do that even when the train is running.
(I can't believe I am advocating flying through EWR.)
I have no intention of connecting from another international flight in Chicago until the train is back up and running. I have told United that I will fly another airline before I try that again. At least at EWR, if the train is down, I can walk between terminals. The walk is so short that I often do that even when the train is running.
(I can't believe I am advocating flying through EWR.)
Jan 5, 2019, 11:27 pm
#39
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 53
I have a domestic to international connection at ORD this coming Friday. Arrival in domestic is American Airlines (i guess Terminal 3) and international departure is T5.
Can anyone point me as to from where I need to catch the bus for T5? Will I need to do security again?
Can anyone point me as to from where I need to catch the bus for T5? Will I need to do security again?
Jan 6, 2019, 1:02 am
#40
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,834
I have a domestic to international connection at ORD this coming Friday. Arrival in domestic is American Airlines (i guess Terminal 3) and international departure is T5.
Can anyone point me as to from where I need to catch the bus for T5? Will I need to do security again?
Can anyone point me as to from where I need to catch the bus for T5? Will I need to do security again?
https://www.flychicago.com/ohare/myf...s/default.aspx
you can take a Terminal Transfer Bus (TTB) from Terminal 3 to Terminal 5 and bypass the security checkpoint in Terminal 5. The Terminal Transfer Bus service is year round with operation hours as follows: 10:00 am - 8:30 pm. If you are arriving into the domestic terminals and need to collect your luggage (exit the security side of the airport) and recheck in T5, you will not be able to use this service.
Terminal Transfer Bus (TTB) Terminal 3 Pickup Locations
Terminal Transfer Bus (TTB) Terminal 3 Pickup Locations
- Gate G17
- Gate K20
- Gate L24
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jan 6, 2019 at 1:08 am
Jan 6, 2019, 7:19 am
#41
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 53
If you take the T3 to T5 TTB, you will be airside and no need to reclear security.
https://www.flychicago.com/ohare/myf...s/default.aspx
https://www.flychicago.com/ohare/myf...s/default.aspx
Jan 14, 2019, 7:34 am
#42
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PIT
Programs: OZ Diamond, UA Gold
Posts: 9,915
Back in early November, late afternoon on a Monday, the line-up for the shuttle bus at T5 snaked back and forth through the tent, then into the terminal and most of the way to the other end. It wasn't at all clear where the line ended and that it was in fact for the shuttle since no one was directing people at the far end. There were several airport employees yelling at people near the front of the line, ordering them about and telling them to move faster. Passengers who had realized that their connections were probably toast were yelling back. It was far from a smoothly run operation. It took me 45 minutes to get to the front of the line. The actual bus ride was only a few minutes.
I have no intention of connecting from another international flight in Chicago until the train is back up and running. I have told United that I will fly another airline before I try that again. At least at EWR, if the train is down, I can walk between terminals. The walk is so short that I often do that even when the train is running.
(I can't believe I am advocating flying through EWR.)
I have no intention of connecting from another international flight in Chicago until the train is back up and running. I have told United that I will fly another airline before I try that again. At least at EWR, if the train is down, I can walk between terminals. The walk is so short that I often do that even when the train is running.
(I can't believe I am advocating flying through EWR.)
Experienced the same last night. Worst I’ve ever seen it. They tried to keep people inside the doors, but then others were just cutting us so we pushed forward anyways. Giant line, some people told me they waited an hour. Staff were barking orders at everyone adding to the high emotions. Thankfully we had a quick connect card, so we were able to jump the line and just barely made our flight.
Something needs to change, this can’t continue for the next 6 months. There needs to be a much more orderly manner to control the crowds, there needs to be many more busses, and the MCT needs to be expanded. Anything less than an hour and a half connection can not be done. Period.
Jan 14, 2019, 7:52 am
#43
Join Date: Dec 2015
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 90
Experienced the same last night. Worst I’ve ever seen it. They tried to keep people inside the doors, but then others were just cutting us so we pushed forward anyways. Giant line, some people told me they waited an hour. Staff were barking orders at everyone adding to the high emotions. Thankfully we had a quick connect card, so we were able to jump the line and just barely made our flight.
Something needs to change, this can’t continue for the next 6 months. There needs to be a much more orderly manner to control the crowds, there needs to be many more busses, and the MCT needs to be expanded. Anything less than an hour and a half connection can not be done. Period.
Back in early November, late afternoon on a Monday, the line-up for the shuttle bus at T5 snaked back and forth through the tent, then into the terminal and most of the way to the other end. It wasn't at all clear where the line ended and that it was in fact for the shuttle since no one was directing people at the far end. There were several airport employees yelling at people near the front of the line, ordering them about and telling them to move faster. Passengers who had realized that their connections were probably toast were yelling back. It was far from a smoothly run operation. It took me 45 minutes to get to the front of the line. The actual bus ride was only a few minutes.
I have no intention of connecting from another international flight in Chicago until the train is back up and running. I have told United that I will fly another airline before I try that again. At least at EWR, if the train is down, I can walk between terminals. The walk is so short that I often do that even when the train is running.
(I can't believe I am advocating flying through EWR.)
I have no intention of connecting from another international flight in Chicago until the train is back up and running. I have told United that I will fly another airline before I try that again. At least at EWR, if the train is down, I can walk between terminals. The walk is so short that I often do that even when the train is running.
(I can't believe I am advocating flying through EWR.)
Same experience a few months ago. Had no idea there was a line. When I saw how long it was I decided to take a taxi. Got in the taxi and told the driver I wanted to go to Terminal 1 and he said no, that's too short a ride. The taxi stand guy told him he had to take me anywhere no matter how short. I told the guy I'd give him a good tip.
I'm GS and as usual, the GS agent gave me my next boarding pass as I exited the plane but gave me no warning that the train was down and there was such a long wait for the bus. I wrote an email to GS and said that would have been a good time to have the Mercedes transfer. They said the Mercedes transfer is not available for incoming international flight because of customs.
Jan 14, 2019, 8:20 am
#44
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Long Beach, CA
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 5,292
Experienced the same last night. Worst I’ve ever seen it. They tried to keep people inside the doors, but then others were just cutting us so we pushed forward anyways. Giant line, some people told me they waited an hour. Staff were barking orders at everyone adding to the high emotions. Thankfully we had a quick connect card, so we were able to jump the line and just barely made our flight.
Something needs to change, this can’t continue for the next 6 months. There needs to be a much more orderly manner to control the crowds, there needs to be many more busses, and the MCT needs to be expanded. Anything less than an hour and a half connection can not be done. Period.
That was not any way to run ANYTHING at ANY airport.