ShareWhat People Are Saying About O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
The Editor
Elisa Kronish
Citysearch
Flying Out – O'Hare's dizzying activity is divided among four terminals--1, 2 and 3 are domestic, while Terminal 5 is international and in a separate building. United Airlines' monopolizes most of Terminal 1. The international terminal accommodates more than two dozen airlines flying to Europe, Asia, Mexico and the Middle East. The airport's vastness often means long walks from door to gate, so allow extra time. Business travelers enjoy basic services, as well as laptop workstations, language assistance, currency exchange, mailing center and on-site catering. – – Diversions…
07/02/08
Confusing and Annoying, depending on your airline
by IceMouse at Citysearch
O'Hare is undergoing renovations, so things at the airport may change by the time you read this. It was definitely not an easy place to navigate. There are often signs which will tell you two different things within 10 feet of each other! For example, to get to terminal 2 from the blue line, there is a sign that points left, but when you look left there are no more signs, and when you look right there is a sign that tells you it is straight ahead. Other places will tell you different concourses are straight into the wall. Also there were often signs pointing to elevators which went up and down, escalators that went down, and doors that lead outside all at once. We came in on a United flight and the gate area was beautiful, a nice entrance to the city and the walkway to get to baggage had the roof lined with neat neon lights. However, we had to get our bags from Northwest(due to flight issues), so to do that we found that we had to walk outside to get to terminal 2. The gate area of terminal 2(on the return flight) was very much less scenic, not even offering a moving walkway. The area was bleak with little shops. After another flight issue, we had to get to another concourse, which involved waiting for a shuttle to drive us all over the tarmac. It was not fun as we were in a rush and only made it to our gate as they did the final boarding call. Certainly an airport is an airport, but unless you fly United(Or one of the other terminal 1 airlines) and don't have to change terminals, it is a confusing experience which is dismal-looking
- Pros: Terminal 1 is beautiful
- Cons: Confusing signs and poor-looking other terminals(Hopefully being renovated)
11/23/07
The #1 airport in the country
by jericsmall at Citysearch
Ok, I'm biased. As a long-time Chicagoan, I probably have a love partly just because this is my old home town. But Ohare is beautiful. I mean it. The architecture is amazing, the interiors spacious and light feeling, and the tunnel out to Terminal C is amazing (in an artistic sense) -- though it feels a little bit like being in Logan's Run. The food options are numerous and seem to be better than your average airport fare. The downside here are the hugely long lines for security and tickets. Baggage claim is awesomely close to most of the terminal exits. City trains pull right into the airport -- and probably are your best bet for getting there or away from there.
- Pros: Architecture, train right into the airport
- Cons: The long walk to Terminal C
06/30/03
OHare
by lyngw at Citysearch
I have come to avoid Ohare whenever possible. Changing concourses takes considerable time and energy (although the tunnels are unique). There are very few decent eating establishments, surprising considering the volume of traffic this airport receives. I have also, for whatever reason, experienced more delays and cancellations from this airport than any other. The customer service staff that I have dealt with is slow, untrained and makes errors. I now deal only with Red Carpet Club staff or phone the Premiere line when there is a problem requiring intervention.
- Pros: attractive, fairly clean
- Cons: food facilities, delays, staff skills
The Details on O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Taxis and Limos:
O'Hare is 17 miles from Chicago and a 25-75 minute drive, depending on traffic. Taxis are at lower level; shared rides available. Expect $35-$40 to Chicago (no flat fee). For limos, check ride boards or information booths, across from lower level Door C.
Car Rentals:
Rental agencies are on lower level near baggage claim areas of Terminals 1, 2 and 3. From Terminal 5, contact agencies by courtesy phones on lower level. Many agencies also offer courtesy buses from lower level to various car pick-up/drop-off areas.
Take the Train:
The CTA fare to the Loop (downtown Chicago) is $1.75, and the trip takes about 40 minutes. The trains don't get stuck in traffic, so you can get back to your continuing flight on time. The CTA terminal is in the lower level of the airport.
