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Chicago, USA

Chicago O'Hare Arrival Alerts

Get a text when their flight lands at Chicago O'Hare.

Get a text when they land at ORD

Airport Code

ORD

Passengers/Year

83 million

Terminals

Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 5

Exit Time

40-75 minutes international, 15-25 minutes domestic

About

Arriving at O'Hare International Airport

O'Hare is one of America's busiest airports and serves as a major hub for both United and American Airlines. Terminal 1 is United's hub, Terminal 3 is American's hub, and Terminal 2 handles Delta and other domestic carriers. International arrivals go through Terminal 5, which sits apart from the other terminals.

The separation of Terminal 5 matters. If you're picking someone up from an international flight, you need to drive to a completely different part of the airport. The ATS (Automated Transit System) connects Terminals 1, 2, and 3, but Terminal 5 requires a separate bus or the ATS extension. Plan accordingly.

From landing to exit on an international flight at Terminal 5 is 40-75 minutes. CBP staffing fluctuates, and afternoon arrivals from Europe tend to create the worst queues. Domestic arrivals are much faster, typically 15-25 minutes from touchdown.

Chicago weather is a factor. Winter delays at O'Hare are common, and the airport is notorious for cascading cancellations during snowstorms. If you're tracking a winter arrival, check status frequently.

The Blue Line CTA train runs 24 hours between O'Hare and downtown Chicago (45 minutes to the Loop). For pickups, each terminal has designated pickup lanes, and there's a cell phone lot for waiting.

Pickup tip

Cell phone lot available. Rideshare pickup areas at each terminal. Terminal 5 is separate from 1-3.

How it works

Track ORD arrivals.

1

Enter the flight number

Type the flight number for the arrival to ORD.

2

Add your phone number

Enter the mobile number where you want to receive the alert.

3

Get a text when they land

We track the flight and text you when they touch down at O'Hare International Airport.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

How do I know when a flight lands at O'Hare?

Enter the flight number into SkyText. You'll receive a text when the flight lands.

Which terminal handles international flights at O'Hare?

Terminal 5, which is separate from the domestic terminals (1, 2, 3). Budget extra time to get there.

How do I get from O'Hare to downtown Chicago?

The Blue Line CTA train runs 24 hours and takes about 45 minutes to the Loop.

Picking someone up from ORD?

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Tom Walsh
Tom Walsh

Founder, SkyText

Aviation lover who built SkyText because families deserve to know when someone lands safely. Has tracked more flights than he'd like to admit.