Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) Guide 2026: Terminals, Lounges, Parking & Security Tips

Located just 17 miles outside Chicago's Loop, ORD is a world-renowned airport with well over 857,000 aircraft movements per year, giving us 2,340 aircraft take-offs and landings a day - making it the busiest airport in the world for that metric. In 2025, ORD became the busiest airport in the United States by aircraft movements, recording approximately 857,000 takeoffs and landings.  

And did you know the airport was named in honor of Chicago-born Edward "Butch" O'Hare -- a Navy flying ace during WWII -- while "ORD" stood for the name of the airport when it was then an agricultural strip: Orchard Field Airport? The world is within reach of ORD - north to the pole, south to Antarctica, and every direction in between!

Airlines At Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD)

ORD serves as an important hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines. While Frontier Airlines bases many operations here, United Airlines makes ORD its main hub, the third busiest for American Airlines, operating in excess of hundreds of flights out of O’Hare every day! If you’re curious as to who operates out of which terminal… wonder no more!

Terminal 1

United Airlines' main O'Hare hub at Terminal 1 consists of a whopping 54 gates spread across two concourses -B and C -, and you will find other major global players such as Lufthansa and ANA.

Terminal 2

Also known as the “United Express terminal”, Terminal 2 supports the United Express network as well as some other major players like Air Canada, JetBlue Airways, etc.

Terminal 3

With a spectacular 80 gates, Terminal 3 at Chicago O'Hare International Airport is the place to be if your carrier is American Airlines (which holds the lion's share of the gates here), Alaska, or several other major carriers oneworld partners such as British Airways. O'Hare is undergoing significant renovations through what is called the “ElevateT3” plan to boost service and passenger experience to $300 million by the year 2020.

Terminal 5

Originally a "rookie terminal" when the expansion to three terminals wasn’t an adequate fix for all the traffic to O'Hare's, it is today used predominantly by a variety of international carriers, in addition to U.S carriers Delta, Southwest Airlines, Spirit, Frontier Airlines, Emirates, Air France, and many others. 

Note: Keep in mind that due to airport configuration issues, airlines may sometimes move between terminals. Always check with your individual airlines or booking information for up-to-date flight terminal information.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport Lounges

There are sixteen lounges at ORD spread throughout every terminal that can be accessed by passengers with a valid membership. Here are the most famous lounges:

United Club Lounges

Chicago O’Hare is home to five United Club locations: Terminal 1’s B Concourse near gate B6, B Concourse near gate B18, and C Concourse near gate C10; Terminal 2’s E Concourse near gate E7; and F Concourse near gate F9. To gain entry, you will need to have the same-day boarding pass for a United, Star Alliance, or the carrier's contracted partner airlines’ flight. 

United Polaris Lounge

With significant enhancements completed in the spring of 2025, the expanded United Polaris Lounge is now at an impressive size of 25,000 square feet, providing seating for more than three hundred fifty passengers. It features a new, stylish speakeasy-style bar and lounge and is widely regarded as the best airport lounge at ORD. 

American Airlines Admirals Club

The Admirals Club, from American Airlines, can be found in three places within Terminal 3. One lounge is accessible near gate G8 and operates daily between 6:15 am and 9:45 pm, another is located before gate L1 and is open every day from 5 am until 9:45 pm. A third Admirals Club Lounge is in the covered walkway that lies between gates H6 and K6 and has been operating every day from 5 am.

American Airlines Flagship Lounge

American Airlines has a flagship lounge where you can enjoy a massive buffet, local brews, and fine wines. Here, you will find premier selections of the finest spirits, a wide array of innovative craft cocktails, and a table of specialty wines with additional premium vintages. Designated quiet and TV zones, Qi wireless chargers in seating arrangements.

Delta Sky Club

Spanning more than twenty-two thousand square feet, O'Hare International Airport’s Delta Sky Club has many areas designed for relaxing and networking. The Delta Sky Club offers both alcoholic drinks and caffeine for everyone at a full-service bar. The lounge also includes an extensive complimentary food buffet with both hot and cold options available. 

Air France Lounge (Terminal 5)

The Air France Lounge officially opened in October 2025 in partnership with Priority Pass. At 470 sq m and able to accommodate up to 105 travelers, the lounge aims to embody the sophisticated Parisian atmosphere with French culinary flair. Features of the lounge include hot and cold food buffets, shower facilities, and quiet rooms. 

Swissport Lounge (Terminal 5)

Passengers traveling from any airline and flying in any class cabin can use the Swissport Lounge. Day passes can be purchased in advance online, purchased at the lounge itself, or you can buy a membership to access the lounge with greater frequency. 

USO Lounges

There are two USO lounges within Terminal 2 at O'Hare, which are specifically set aside for the traveling military members and their families.

Chicago O’Hare Airport Parking Guide

Finding the perfect O’Hare parking solution depends on the cost and time you will spend there. Luckily, O’Hare Chicago airport offers many on and off-site airport parking lots, which can significantly lower your costs for trips longer than a day. 

Shops At Chicago O’Hare Airport 

Shopping is not just a mere diversion when traveling through O'Hare. It can be a true journey in and of itself, considering there are literally hundreds of concessions outlets found on the four airport terminals.

Terminal 1 Shops:

• Field Museum Store (Gate B8)

• Sunglass Hut (Concourse B)

• InMotion Electronics (Concourses B & C)

• Oakley Store (Concourse B)

• Johnston & Murphy (Concourse C)

• Auntie Anne's (Concourse B)

• Barbara's Bookstore (Concourse B & C)

• Chicago Duty Free (Concourse C)

• Hudson News (Gate B5)

• Spirit of the Red Horse (Concourse C)

• Eli's Cheesecake (Concourse C)

• CIAO Gourmet Market (Concourse B)

Terminal 2 Shops:

• MAC Cosmetics (Gate E5)

• Dufry Duty Free Shop (Concourse E)

• Nuts on Clark (Concourse F)

• Hudson News & Gifts (Main Concourse)

• CIBO Express Gourmet Market (Concourse F)

• Sunglass Hut (Concourse E)

• Sarah's Candies (Concourse E)

• Auntie Anne's (Concourse F)

• Headphone Hub (Concourse E)

• Barbara's Bookstore (Concourse F)

• Shoe Hospital (Concourse E)

• Sprinkles Cupcakes Vending Machine (Concourse F)

Terminal 3 Shops:

• PGA Tour Shop (Concourse G)

• Coach (Concourse K)

• Brighton Collectibles (Concourse L)

• InMotion Electronics (Concourse H)

• Torrid (Concourse K)

• Hudson News (Concourses G & L)

• ChiBoys (Gate H6)

• Brookstone (Concourse H)

• Sunglass Hut (Concourse K)

• Barbara's Bookstore (Concourse H)

• Duty Free Americas (Concourse L)

• Starbucks (Concourses G, H, K, & L)

Terminal 5 Shops:

• World Duty Free (Concourse M)

• I Love Chicago Boutique (Gate M11)

• Hudson News (Gate M5)

• Metropolis Coffee Company (within Six Points Market)

• Chicago Sports(at Concourse M)

• Six Points Market (Concourse M)

• Headphone Hub (Concourse M)

• InMotion Electronics (Concourse M)

• DFS Duty Free Galleria (Gate M17)

• Paradies Shops (Concourse M)

• BLVD & Branch (Gate M30)

• Destination Unknown (Concourse M)

Chicago O'Hare International Airport Security Wait

When your travels take you through one of the globe's most bustling travel hubs, smart preparation is key to a seamless experience. Understand when to arrive and explore any helpful airport programs to transform potentially stressful waits into effortless transitions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q1: What's that ORD acronym about at Chicago O'Hare?

Ans: That iconic code, ORD, actually stems from O'Hare's previous moniker: Orchard Field Airport! If you need to physically reach it, you'll find it at 10000 W. O'Hare Avenue in Chicago, IL 60666.

Q2: How many places will I be changing terminals at O'Hare?

Ans: You've got four main terminals to consider. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are designed for domestic arrivals and departures, while Terminal 5 is where international journeys begin and end. The fantastic, free Airport Transit System (ATS) whisks you between all terminals, parking areas, and car rentals in no time.

Q3: Where can I stash my ride for the lowest price at Chicago O'Hare?

For the budget-conscious on-airport parking, Economy Lot G is your go-to, with a daily rate of just $15(refer to the official website for current pricing). Plus, the free ATS whisks you away to any terminal every 3-5 minutes, 24/7. Opting for an off-airport lot with shuttle service can drop those prices even lower, sometimes starting under $9 a day!

Q4: My Priority Pass loves lounges. Which ones at O'Hare roll out the welcome mat?

Priority Pass members are welcomed at two distinct lounges in Terminal 5: the Swissport Lounge and the brand new Air France Lounge, which just opened its doors in October 2025 with seating for over 105 passengers.

Q5: Is O'Hare ready for my expedited screening needs with TSA PreCheck and CLEAR?

Absolutely! You'll find TSA PreCheck at various checkpoints across Terminals 1, 2, and 3, and CLEAR Plus operates at three security checkpoints spanning Terminals 1, 2, and 5. For those with TSA PreCheck, wait times are typically slashed by about half compared to standard security lanes!