Flying through Chicago O'hare airport

[ToonTagTrolleyDollie]

Hi,

So this year for the first time me and my family and flying indirect through Chicago O'hare Airport on the way to Orlando. Because of flight changes and the world we now have like 6 hours or something like that in Chicago so I was just wondering if anyone's had any experience there and what kind of things are there to do etc.

Much appriciated

 

[canadiankim]

O'Hare is a seriously big airport. Were you planning on leaving it to explore or just explore the airport? Here is the link to the airport so you can have a look at what is there to do/eat/buy http://www.flychicago.com/ohare/en/home/Pages/default.aspx The airport is around 35Kms from the main downtown area so you would need to allow probably an hour each way to go too and from.

 

[Kath2003]

It's a big airport with free WiFi and several several places to have a decent meal. Bring a book.

 

[SirDuff]

I'm not sure if this link will work, but the ORD website has an "Excursion Planner" - both for inside and outside the airport. With six hours I'd likely not try to leave the airport - it is an hour each-way into the city and you'll have to clear customs/immigration when you land and security when leaving.

http://www.flychicago.com/OHare/EN/AtAirport/trip-planner/Pages/default.aspx

If the link doesn't take you to the right place, look at the drop down menu "At O'Hare" and selection "Excursion Planner".

 

[wayneg]

Have you checked to see if there are any better flights you can be changed to?
I know Delta have been very good in recent years at changing me to better flight times but only after a phone call, their system doesn't always give the best available unless you ring.

 

[ToonTagTrolleyDollie]

Have you checked to see if there are any better flights you can be changed to?
I know Delta have been very good in recent years at changing me to better flight times but only after a phone call, their system doesn't always give the best available unless you ring.

Yes we have, unfortunately the only other option would only leave us I think just over an hour between flights? which we agreed just wasn't enough time to clear customs and not be running to catch the flight to Orlando.

O'Hare is a seriously big airport. Were you planning on leaving it to explore or just explore the airport? Here is the link to the airport so you can have a look at what is there to do/eat/buy http://www.flychicago.com/ohare/en/home/Pages/default.aspx The airport is around 35Kms from the main downtown area so you would need to allow probably an hour each way to go too and from.

Hiya, I think we are planning on staying at the airport seeing as it's an hour there and back and I'm sure we will all want something to eat at that point too (I know I will as I don't like aeroplane food). Seems like there's a lot to do in the airport though so that all looks good

 

[wayneg]

Yes we have, unfortunately the only other option would only leave us I think just over an hour between flights? which we agreed just wasn't enough time to clear customs and not be running to catch the flight to Orlando.

If they were offering that I would accept it rather than wait 6 hours. I would hope the transatlantic flight was in early and rush thru. If I then missed the connection I would expect them to get me on the next (the 6 hour connection or hopefully less)

Did you check the timetable yourself between Chicago & Orlando(major airlines usually have more than 1 flight every 5 hours) or just go with what the airline/travelagent told you? They don't always give you all options, just offer you the cheaper flights. A couple of times I have had to insist on better flight times knowing there was availability on more expensive times they were not offering.

 

[2Tiggies]

ORD is a super airport. You'll land at terminal 5 and have to take the AirTran to you domestic terminal after clearing immigration and customs. It's a huge airport so you were wise not to take the hour connection.

It's very well laid out and easy to navigate despite its size and there's a vast choice of restaurants and shops. If you have the cash, you could always book a lounge for somewhere to sit for part of the time.

Are you flying with United?

 

[dixonsontour]

We did go into Chicago in 2013 but on the way back. Think we had 11 hours though, 6 wouldn't be enough. I'd try and change to a shorter time. We had 4 hours in Philly in 2012 on way back and it was too long just to wait so we opted for the longer lay over the year after so we could do something.

 

[Kath2003]

I've done ORD in around 90 minutes and, even without bags and running, would absolutely have missed my flight had it not been delayed by several hours - no question.
They're opening a Minute Suites there sometime soon. If it's open, that's where I'd spend my time!