You’re flying out from ORD Airport, and there might be plenty of obstacles like traffic, security checks, and more. Well, it has nothing to do with you. But you can do yourself a favor by arriving early and skipping all these worries. Here’s a guide to how early to get to O’Hare Airport.
How Early Should I Get to ORD?
With O’Hare International Airport among the world’s busiest airports, it is recommended that you reach the airport before departure. Ideally, you should reach the ORD airport two hours before the scheduled time of departure for a domestic flight. If you’re flying internationally, make sure you reach your destination at least 3 hours before your flight time. Arriving early will help you get through check-in and security checks, as well as any possible delays.
However, during the holiday or peak season, just as everything gets busy, ORD gets busy, too. So, here’s what you should know.
Why Is It Crucial to Get to ORD Early?
Here are a few factors to help you know how early to get to O’Hare Airport:
Traffic delays
Chicago traffic could be one of your worst nightmares. Be mindful of the traffic congestion, especially during the peak hours. Yes, the commute during the busiest hours could be a headache. So, plan things early and make sure you get to the airport, skipping all the drama.
Passenger traffic at ORD
ORD has a passenger traffic of more than 80 million, which undoubtedly makes it one of the busiest airports not just in the country but in the world. So, you can expect a large crowd any day at O’Hare International Airport. Keep in mind that it’ll be really difficult to navigate through terminals during holidays and peak seasons.
Parking at O’Hare Airport
Finding onsite parking in one of the busiest airports in the world, like ORD, is indeed very tough. The spots will fill up in no time, and roaming in circles looking for a space to park will take a lot of time. As you have to undergo security and baggage checks before your departure, this can be quite challenging.
The easiest way to find safe and affordable parking near ORD is to choose an offsite parking lot. Pre-book your spot through GlobalAirportParking.com to save up to 60% and find a safe and comfortable short-stay spot for your car.
Navigating O’Hare Airport terminals
O’Hare Airport is a colossal airport with four terminals, nine concourses, and 215 gates, the most of any airport in the world. Terminals 1-3 at ORD are connected airside by a walkway, making it easier for passengers to navigate between them. However, Terminal 5 is separated by taxiways.
Peak travel times
Check-in and security at ORD can take a little bit longer during the peak season or holidays. So, to wipe out any last-minute stress, it’s a good idea to check your flight time and arrive at the airport earlier than the optimal time.
International travel
Flying internationally means there’ll be a longer check-in process, extra security checks, and other time-consuming processes. So, make sure to arrive at the airport early to tackle any time-consuming procedures.
Also read: Guide to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
How Busy Is O’Hare International Airport?
O’Hare International Airport is the world’s seventh-busiest airport. With high passenger traffic and aircraft movements, it is always busy.
The busiest times at ORD are: 6-8 am and 3-5 pm.
During this period, you can expect longer security lines and passenger-filled terminals. So, plan wisely and arrive at the airport early.
How Early to Get to ORD for a Domestic Flight
If you’re flying domestically, TSA suggests arriving at the airport 2 hours before your scheduled time of departure. However, if it’s your first time traveling, consider arriving 30 minutes earlier to give yourself a bit more time to move around the airport comfortably.
How Early to Get to ORD for an International Flight
If you’re flying internationally from ORD, you must reach the airport 3 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure. Also, during peak hours or busy travel seasons, consider adding 30 minutes or more to be safe.
TSA Wait Time at ORD
The TSA wait times at O’Hare International Airport can vary. The average TSA wait time at ORD is normally 2 minutes. However, during peak times, this can go up to 45 minutes, so make sure you are aware of the busiest times. Check all the updates regarding the security wait times through the airport website or the MyTSA app.
Our Tips for a Smooth Flight from ORD
Check the flight status: Check your flight’s status on the airline’s or airport’s website before you travel to the airport.
Reserve parking in advance: Book an offsite parking spot via Global Airport Parking to have a stress-free flight.
Be ready for the security check: Know about all the regulations and avoid bringing prohibited items that could delay the proceedings.
Check the wait times: Learn about the wait times at ORD security checkpoints using apps like MyTSA.
