O'Hare (ORD) Arrivals: A Guide for Passengers and Connections

Your arrival experience at O'Hare Airport can vary greatly depending on whether your flight is domestic or international, but in either case, there are challenges and quirks you should be aware of. This guide, enriched with the recent experiences of thousands of travelers, will prepare you for what really happens after you land: from the infamous tarmac waits to the maze of baggage claim and ground transportation.

Live Flight Status: Today's Arrivals

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Quick Questions about O'Hare Arrivals

What's the biggest delay on arrival? The wait on the tarmac. It's very common to land and remain on the plane for 30 to 90 minutes waiting for a gate. Don't make tight plans.
Is a short international connection risky? Yes. Immigration lines at Terminal 5 can exceed two hours. A connection of less than 3 hours is very risky.
Where do I find my Uber/Lyft? All rideshare services are centralized at Terminal 2. You will need to take the ATS train to get there from other terminals.
Is baggage claim fast? Not always. Delays are frequent, and last-minute carousel changes are a common complaint. Check the screens constantly.

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The Real Arrival Experience at O'Hare: What the Maps Don't Show

Landing is just the beginning. O'Hare's real challenges start the moment the plane touches down. Here's what to expect, according to those who've recently lived it.

The First Hurdle: Waiting on the Tarmac

User Experience: This is, without a doubt, the number one complaint. Be prepared to wait on the tarmac for 30 to 90 minutes AFTER landing. Air traffic congestion causes planes to "queue" for an available gate. This downtime, described by travelers as "maddening," is the first and most common bottleneck. Don't make tight plans immediately following your scheduled arrival time, because it's very likely it won't be met.

International Arrivals (Terminal 5): The Real Test

User Experience: If you're arriving on an international flight, your patience will be tested. The reviews paint a very clear picture:

Slow Immigration: The lines at immigration and customs are famous for being "endless." Waits of one to two hours are common, making short connections (less than 3-4 hours) a very risky bet.
Confusing Process: The procedure for collecting luggage, clearing customs, and re-checking it for a connecting flight is described as "chaotic" and "poorly signed." Many travelers, even experienced ones, feel lost.
Variable Staff: The attitude of immigration and customs staff is inconsistent. While some agents are friendly and efficient, others are described as "rude" and "uncommunicative."

The Baggage and Ground Transport Challenge

User Experience: For both domestic and international flights, baggage claim is another critical point. Delays are frequent, and it's not uncommon for the assigned carousel to change without notice. Once you have your bags, the next phase begins: finding your transportation. The signage for the Rental Car Center (MMF) and, especially, for the centralized Rideshare Area (Uber/Lyft) in Terminal 2 is described as "terrible" and "confusing." Be prepared for a long walk and a ride on the ATS train, as these areas are not directly accessible from all terminals.

Practical Tips for After You Land at O'Hare (ORD)

If You Have a Connecting Flight
The golden rule at O'Hare: do not book tight connections, especially if you're coming from an international flight. Due to tarmac and immigration delays, a layover of at least 3 hours is advisable. If you are arriving from another country for a domestic flight, you must collect your checked luggage and go through customs and immigration before re-checking it. Follow the signs, but don't hesitate to ask staff for help, as the process can be confusing. To move between terminals, you will need to use the ATS train. See more about connecting between terminals.
eSIM
If you're coming from abroad, don't forget to buy your eSIM to access an affordable international data plan and avoid unexpected roaming charges. Upon arrival at ORD Airport, if you haven't done so already, make sure to install the Holafly eSIM in advance by following their instructions before your trip. Once at your destination, ensure your phone is connected to a local mobile network. Then, enable data roaming in your phone’s settings and select the Holafly eSIM as your active data line.
If O'Hare is Your Final Destination
Once you deplane, head to the baggage claim area. Constantly check the screens to confirm your carousel number, as it can change. If your luggage doesn't appear, go immediately to your airline's counter. Once in the public area, be wary of unsolicited transportation offers. Head to the official taxi stands or the designated area in Terminal 2 for Uber/Lyft. Your transportation options are:
If You Are Picking Up Passengers
The best option is to use the Cell Phone Lot. It's a free parking area where you can wait safely until the arriving person calls you to say they have collected their luggage and are at the departures curb. This avoids circling endlessly on the congested arrivals roadways.
Alternatively, you can also coordinate pickup at the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), where the rental cars are located. The arriving passenger must take the free shuttle bus marked "Lot F / Rental Cars" from the lower level of their terminal to the MMF.
For More Information
For other questions, check the answers to the most frequently asked questions from travelers.

Need a car upon arrival? To avoid high fees or lack of availability, especially during peak season, it's highly recommended to book your vehicle in advance. Compare rates and book your vehicle here.