Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) Check-in

At O’Hare International Airport (ORD), you actively manage the initial check-in process to ensure speed and efficiency. You prepare your travel documents in advance, verify your seat, and print your baggage tags using the self-service kiosks. After you complete these essential steps of check-in at ORD Airport, you proceed directly to security screening, creating a smoother and more organized start to your journey.

This comprehensive guide details the check-in locations at ORD Airport for many major carriers operating out of ORD.

Your Check-in Options at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport

ORD’s check-in window for most major airlines typically opens 24 hours before departure, offering passengers a variety of easy ways to complete the process.In the case of United Airlines you can check in 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure. 

Here is how you can check in at the ORD Airport. 

• Online or Mobile Check-in: 

This is the fastest method. First, you can check in via your airline’s website or mobile app, select your seat, and receive a mobile or printable boarding pass. However, for international flights, the airline may require you to upload or scan your passport details through the app to issue the boarding pass, or you may still need a brief document check at the counter.

• Airport Self-Service Kiosks: 

These machines are conveniently located in the terminal lobbies. Specifically, they let you quickly check in; then, you can select or change seats; and finally, they provide the ability to print your boarding pass and bag tags.

• Airline Ticket Counter: 

If you are unable to complete online check-in, or if you have specific service needs or checked baggage, alternatively, a full-service counter is available to assist you.

• Curbside Check-in (Airline Dependent): 

Curbside check-in at ORD Airport allows you to drop off your bags and receive a boarding pass immediately outside your departure terminal. However, note that this expedited process is only available for certain domestic carriers.

Check-In Locations at ORD Terminals:

Your airline may use various check-in locations within ORD Airport’s terminals; for international flights, the airline often splits arrivals and departures between separate areas.

ORD Terminal 1 Check-in:

Terminal 1 at ORD Airport is the main hub for United Airlines and its related Star Alliance partners.

• United Airlines (Domestic & International Departures)
• Split Arrivals/Departures: All Nippon (Departures), Lufthansa (Departures).

Furthermore, some international airlines use Terminal 1 or 3 for departures, but they process arrivals through Customs and Border Protection facilities in Terminal 5.

Terminal 2:

Forcheck-in at ORD Airport, Terminal 2 is home to numerous domestic and regional carriers, offering passengers a diverse array of services.

• Air Canada
• Alaska Airlines
• Denver Air Connection (Key Lime Air)
• JetBlue
• Southern Airways Express
• Spirit Airlines

Terminal 3 at ORD Airport:

Terminal 3 primarily accommodates American Airlines as its main operating base, but the terminal also hosts several other airlines.

• American Airlines (Departures)
• Aer Lingus
• Contour Airlines
• Split Arrivals/Departures: British Airways (Departures), Iberia Airlines (Departures), Japan Airlines (JAL) (Departures).

ORD Terminal 5 Airlines:

Many international carriers and several large domestic operators use Terminal 5 as their primary gateway, making it O’Hare’s most diverse terminal.

A majority of the airlines listed below, especially international carriers, are located in Terminal 5:

• International Carriers: AeroMexico, Air France, Air India, Air Serbia, Austrian Airlines, Avianca Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Copa Airlines, EVA Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Finnair, ITA Airways, Icelandair, KLM Royal Dutch, Korean Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, VivaAerobus, Volaris Airlines, Westjet Airlines.
• Other Airlines in T5: Arajet, Avelo Airlines, Delta and Delta Shuttle, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country.

Security Screening: Passing the TSA Checkpoint at ORD Airport

After you secure your boarding pass and drop your checked bags, you must proceed to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoint. Typically, the average wait time at ORD Airport is 15-20 minutes, but it can exceed 45 minutes during peak hours.

Quick-Pass Programs:

To significantly cut down on your wait time, consider enrolling in a trusted traveler program:

• TSA PreCheck®: This is the most popular way to expedite domestic security. Typically, PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes in line. Furthermore, you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on and leave laptops and 3-1-1 liquids in your bag. Finally, note that a dedicated enrollment center is available at ORD in Terminal 1 Baggage Claim.

• CLEAR: First, CLEAR confirms your identity using biometrics (iris or fingerprints). As a result, you bypass the initial ID check line and proceed directly to the physical screening. In addition, CLEAR operates at ORD and frequently complements TSA PreCheck.

Standard Security Screening Checklist:

If you are going through the standard lane, follow these tips for a hassle-free experience.

• Documents: You must have your valid photo ID and boarding pass ready.
• Liquids: The 3-1-1 Rule- containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. So, remove your clear, quart-sized plastic bag containing liquids, gels, and aerosols.
• Electronics: You need to remove laptops, tablets, and any electronic device larger than a cell phone from your bag.
• Personal Items: Remove shoes, belts, light jackets/outerwear, and contents of your pockets.
• Food & Gifts: Food items may be subject to additional screening. If traveling with gifts, leave them unwrapped, as they may need to be opened for inspection.

Conclusion:

You can significantly ease your check-in at O’Hare International Airport (ORD) when you understand your available options. First, you can choose the convenience of online and mobile check-in. Since airlines are spread across Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5, you should know your departure location in advance; this ensures a smooth start to your journey. After you check in, TSA security checkpoints, supported by programs like PreCheck and CLEAR, help you move quickly toward your gate.

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