Welcome to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, the second-busiest airport in the United States and a major hub in the country’s transportation system. O'Hare as locals call it, services 263,215 flights annually to 224 destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Home to nine different airlines, including United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines and Lufthansa, O'Hare is the perfect place to begin – or end – your travels.
O’Hare was built primarily in the 1950’s by the city of Chicago to service the booming demand for Air Travel. It was named after a World War II flying ace, Edward “Butch” O'Hare, who was from Chicago and was the first naval aviation recipient of the Medal of Honor. In 2010, O’Hare replaced Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as the busiest airport in the United States and it maintains this title today.
The airport has four passenger terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3 and Terminal 5. Each terminal is clearly indicated with symbolic designations. Each terminal offers a selection of shops and restaurants. Shopping options include newsstands, souvenir shops and a selection of duty free stores. For eating, the airport offers pancake houses, pubs, sushi bars and Lebanese cuisine. There are also six business centers located throughout the airport that provide travelers with Wi-Fi, computers, printers and complimentary beverages.
O’Hare also offer an extensive list of amenities for travelers with disabilities. All terminals are equipped with accessible toilets, telephones and elevators. Passengers in wheelchairs can register at the airport’s onsite Wheelchair Assistance Center to receive assistance with making connections, boarding and disembarking aircraft, as well as baggage handling.
For those who don’t want to drive to the airport, there are a variety of options available to get there. The CTA “L” Blue Line provides direct service to the airport, and there are numerous bus and shuttle services that serve O’Hare as well. In addition, several ground transportation options are available, including a dedicated taxi lane and Car Rental agencies, as well as limousine, van, and private car services.
Security at O’Hare is provided by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). All passengers are required to go through metal detectors and X-ray machines before they can proceed to their gate. There are also undercover Transportation Security Officers and bomb-sniffing dogs throughout the airport.
All in all, Chicago O’Hare International Airport is a bustling and convenient travel hub for domestic and international travelers alike. With its array of amenities, services and transportation options, O’Hare really is the perfect place to start your journey.
