How To Navigate Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (Code name ORD), is the fourth busiest in the world and second in the U.S. It has a Chicago address but is actually 20 miles from the city's downtown and is surrounded by other municipalities. Travelers flying into O'Hare for a short stay who are looking for someplace to shop, eat, play and stay often take a five-minute taxi to the towns of Des Plaines and Rosemont on O'Hare's eastern border. However, for some folks on the go, O'Hare is their first or only impression of Chicago. Once they understand that it is composed of four interconnecting terminals, each with food and shops, they will find O'Hare is not particularly daunting.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
10000 W. O'Hare Ave.
Chicago, IL 60666
(773) 686-2200 main and (800) 832-6352 (Chicago Department of Aviation)
www.flychicago.com
Terminals
O'Hare has four interconnected terminals. Be sure to check gate information before arriving or departing. Terminal 1 is dominated by United (domestic and international flights, but it also serves other airlines). Terminal 2 has been changing the airlines it serves — some of its current airlines include Air Canada, America West, Continental, Jet Blue and Northwest, but that may change again so check gate information before coming or landing. There is a walkway to Terminal 1 and 3 on the gate level that doesn't require security re-entry. Going down to the baggage level, taxis, shuttles, "L" train to Chicago and parking would mean going through security to re-enter the gate level. Terminal 3 is mostly American Airlines (domestic and international) and American Eagle, but also has other airlines such as Alaska, Delta, Iberia, Spirit and Virgin. Terminal 5 is where all international flights arrive. If arriving here, passengers who need to transfer to a domestic can take the Airport Transit System (look for ATS signs) sky rail to Terminals 1-3. Terminal 5 also has several international airlines including Air France, British Airways and KLM.
Food
Chicago is a foodie town, so enjoy the restaurants' O'Hare outposts ranging from pizzas and burgers to lite and gourmet. The following is a mere sampling of places to nosh and drink. In Terminal 1, look for Uno's Pizza Express, Chicago Style Hot Dogs, Billy Goat Tavern and Grill, Berghoff Cafe, Ciao Gourmet Market, Eli's Cheesecake and La Tapenade Mediterranean Cafe. In Terminal 2, look for Wicker Park Seafood and Sushi, Stanley's Blackhawks Kitchen & Tap, and there is a restaurant and a cafe at the junction of hallways leading to the gates and to Terminals 1 and 3. In Terminal 3, look for Wolfgang Puck Cafe and its Express, Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless, O'Brien's Restaurant and Bar, Brioche Doree, Chicago Cubs Bar & Grill, Garrett Popcorn, Gold Coast Dogs, Goose Island Beer Company and Macaroni Grill. In Terminal 5, check out Big Bowl, RJ Grunts Burgers, The Goddess and the Grocer, Wolfgang Puck Cafe and Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless.
O'Hare is filled with stores to pick up last-minute travel items or gifts to bring to friends in Chicago and back home. A favorite "oh my" stop is The Field Museum Store in Terminals 1 and 3 near the walkway on the upper level. Brooks Brothers in Terminal 3 is a good stop to pick up an extra shirt or tie. Coach is also good in Terminal 2. MontBlanc is in Terminal 3. Emporio Armani, Michael Kors, Salvatore Ferragamo and Swatch are in Terminal 5. Brookstone is in all the Terminals. Vosges Haut-Chocolat is in Terminals 1, 3 and 5. There are also several other small shops.
Relaxing, Amenities And Services
Services range from getting a flu shot (desks in Terminals 1, 2 and 3) and urgent medical care — a clinic in Terminal 2 is connected with the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Science system — to relaxing and activity spaces. The clinic is close to Kids on the Fly, a children's fun activity space in the walkway between Terminals 1 and 2. For folks who need a break from sitting on planes and waiting to leave, there is a yoga room with mats and mirrors in Terminal 3. If more exercise is wanted, the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Hotel is connected to the airport and offers day memberships to its athletic club. Need a massage and want to de-stress? Terminals 1 and 3 have getaway spas, and Terminal 5 has XpressSpa. For a cut or shave, check out the barber shop at Hilton Chicago O'Hare downstairs in Terminal 2, near the parking garage. To de-stress, another way is to look for the O'Hare International Airport Chapel in Terminal 2, next door to the USO (before entering security). The chapel has prayer books and other materials.
Related: How To Travel With Toddlers
