Chicago Airport Live Departures
Checking in at Chicago Airport
Chicago Airport features four passenger terminals; Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are primarily used for domestic flights and are connected on the airside via pedestrian walkways, whereas Terminal 5 is a detached building used for international flights.
Depending on the airline, check-in counters generally open up 3-4 hours in advance and close 1 hour before departure. If you wish to speak to a person, you can line up on arrival at the Chicago Airport departures level to check in and drop off your luggage.
Otherwise, to save time at the airport, you can take advantage of your airline’s online check-in options or self-service kiosks so you only need to hand your luggage over at a dedicated “Bag Drop” counter.
Airlines depart from each of the terminals, so be sure to check the Chicago Airport departures for today using our live flight tracker above.
Terminal 1
Location – The Departures Hall is located on the upper level.
Terminal 2
Location – The Departures Hall is located on the upper level.
Terminal 3
Location – The Departures Hall is located on the upper level.
Terminal 5
Location – The Departures Hall is located on the upper level.
When to arrive at Chicago Airport?
Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, it’s recommended that all O’Hare Airport departures arrive at least 2 hours in advance. During busy holiday periods and peak travel times of a morning and early evening, this should be extended to 3 hours to accommodate extra waiting time.
For official confirmation, reach out to your airline before traveling or check your booking for guidelines specific to your flight.
What’s next?
The next step for departures at Chicago Airport is to clear Security. Make your way to the gates with your paper or mobile boarding pass ready to present. A priority lane is available for TSA PreCheck and CLEAR customers, otherwise, you will need to join the regular queue.
For the screening process, you’ll be asked to remove any electronics such as tablets and laptops, along with loose or metallic items like keys, phones, wallets, and coins. Any outer clothing items like hats and jackets, and potentially shoes, will also need to be removed and placed in a tub.
Lastly, you should place all liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols with a volume of 100 mL or less into a clear, plastic, resealable bag. Each bag should be under 1 liter in total, and if an individual item is over the 100 mL threshold, it will need to be discarded or packed in your checked luggage before leaving home.
Since no one likes to stand around waiting, it’s good practice to have your hand luggage arranged so that all of the above items are easily accessible and ready to place in a tub when it is your turn to be screened. That way, everyone can move through the line quickly, helping to keep the wait time under 20 minutes.
What to do in Departures at Chicago Airport?
The Chicago Airport departures area features several business lounges where you can relax while you wait to board. In each of the terminals, you’ll also find food outlets and shops at almost every gate, free WiFi, pet relief areas, a chapel, bathrooms, and nursing rooms, ATMs, and currency exchange booths.
Other special features include a plane exhibition and Family Lounge in Terminal 2, and a yoga room in Terminal 3.
Check out our comprehensive Chicago Airport Guide for more details on what you can find in the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get through airport security in Chicago?
Wait times for the Chicago Airport TSA clearance range from 15 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on how many flights are departing at once. If you’re a US citizen, you can enroll in TSA PreCheck to help expedite your clearance, and the MyTSA app gives a live update on wait times so that you can plan your arrival at the airport accordingly.