Frequently Asked Questions at O'Hare airport
Answers to passenger Faqs
Photo by Ben Wicks - Unsplash
Covid: What to take into account when entering the United States?
If you are a non-U.S. citizen who is a nonimmigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa), you will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before you travel by air to the United States from a foreign country.
As of 12:01AM ET on June 12, 2022, CDC not longer requires air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight.
Some categories of noncitizen, nonimmigrants are excepted from this requirement. If you meet the criteria for one of these categories, you will need to fulfill additional requirements to travel by air to the United States.
The vaccine must either be approved by the US Federal Drug Administration or must have an emergency use listing from the World Health Organization (such as Astrazeneca). Mixed dose vaccinations will also be accepted. Find the complete list of accepted vaccines here, along with acceptable ways to prove vaccination.
The vaccination requirement does not apply to US citizens, lawful permanent residents or US nationals.
Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is currently not required in indoor areas of public transportation, including on airplanes, buses, trains and other forms of public transit.
For further details, CLICK HERE.
COVID-19 Test at O'Hare airport
Doctors Test Centers, in connection with Simple Laboratories, offers rapid and PCR testing at O'Hare. Airport testing is available for travelers and airport employees for a fee: The Rapid Antigen Test is $120.00, and patients will receive results in about 20 minutes. The PCR Test is $145.00, and patients will receive results in about 24-72 hours. Test recipients will need to show proof of flying (within 72 hours before their flight or five days after) or proof of airport employment.
The COVID-19 Testing Site at O'Hare is at the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) - 10255 W. Zemke Blvd., Chicago, IL 60666 - Hours: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, 7 days a week. Appointment is required. CLICK HERE
What is the easiest way to access downtown Chicago by public transportation?
The CTA Blue Line is the easy public transportation way to connect the airport to the Loop. It provides 24-hour rapid transit train service between Chicago-O'Hare International Airport and the Forest Park terminal, via downtown Chicago (The Loop). Journey time O'Hare airport - Downtown: 35 minutes. A single regular ticket starts from $5.00.
Where is the rideshare pickup location?
Loading zones for Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft or Via) are available in Terminals 2 and 5 and the Kiss-N-Fly zone, located on the northwest corner of the Multi-Modal Facility building. LEARN MORE
Is there free internet access?
Unlimited free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout all terminals at O’Hare International Airport and is offered both pre- and post-security. Passengers should connect to "Boingo Hotspot" or "_Free_ORD _Wi-Fi" networks. Launch your internet browser and then you must load a new non-https URL to prompt the Wi-Fi access page to load. Under ORD Free Unlimited Wi-Fi, choose “Watch Ad to Connect”
How to transfer between the terminals?
A free shuttle bus transports (every 5 to 15 minutes) passengers and employees between terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5). On the other hand, a free fully-automated train system transports passengers to and from Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5, as well as the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) for rental cars, Economy Parking Lot F, Kiss 'n' Fly, Pace buses and Metra. LEARN MORE
What to do in case of a long layover?
Passengers in transit can get a day Health Club pass, located at the on-site Hilton Hotel, and enjoy the steam room, sauna, lap pool fitness area, showers and full-service locker rooms. In all terminals there are numerous comfortable airline lounges. In addition, there are children's areas, work stations, yoga room, as well as a wide range of cafes, restaurants and stores.
Is there a direct connection to Midway Airport?
The company Civitatis offers direct private transfer service between Chicago O'Hare and Midway airports and also with areas of the city. There are vehicles for 2 passengers or up to 5 passengers. LEARN MORE
In addition, GO Airport Express serves the two major airports in the Chicago area including O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW). They have airport shuttles and private van charters pick up and drop off daily between both airports, downtown Chicago and the surrounding suburb.
Taking a taxi from O'Hare to Midway is another convenient way to travel between the two airports. Rates will vary depending on the time of day, weather and cab service. You may also use the "Shared Ride" service if you have multiple parties available for the trip. Shared ride fares from O'Hare to Midway are $37 per person. LEARN MORE
On the other hand, if you are with a low budget and have time enough, You can take the CTA from O'Hare to Midway with one transfer downtown. Take the Blue Line train from the O'Hare Station located in the lower level of Terminal 2. Get off at the Clark/Lake Station downtown and transfer to the Orange Line free of charge. Finaly, take the Orange Line toward Midway and get off at the Midway Station. Be sure to allow up to two hours for the trip.
What to do in case of loss of valuables or luggage?
If you have forgotten an item near the ticket counters, gate areas. inside the aircraft or didn't get you checked baggage or is damaged, please contact your airline. On the other hand, if you have lost an item within the airport grounds, contact one of this areas:
- TSA Checkpoints / Security Lines: www.tsa.gov/form/lost-and-found
- On the Airport Transit System (ATS): contact O'Hare ATS at (773) 601-1817
- Parking facilities: contact Standard Parking at (773) 686-7532 (Keys Only. All other items lost in parking lots are turned over to Chicago Police (773) 686-2385).
- Food service locations: call (773) 377-7804
- Terminal 5 Customs Area: contact U.S. Customs at (773) 686-3157
- Public areas of the terminal and the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF): call Chicago Police at (773) 686-2385 or (773) 462-9515.
Is there a luggage storage service?
O'Hare airport doesn't have oversize item storage service. If you get the Health Club Membership, you could use the locker rooms (but only for small luggage)
Is there any free parking area?
Only pick up and drop off options offer free parking but for limited time. More information about PARKING
Is possible to get a SIM card?
Yes, in Hudson stores at Terminal 5 in Pre-Security Arrivals, and near gates M10, M12, M13.
Where can I get travel assistance while I am at the airport?
Travelers Aid Chicago is a social service agency located at O'Hare. It provides guidance, support and advocacy services for passengers during travel. The professional staff in both the booths (T1, T2, and T5) and the main office (T2) can assist with crisis intervention information as well as social services for travelers and visitors. Volunteers stand ready to assist passengers throughout O'Hare International Airport as well. LEARN MORE