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Navigating O'Hare Airport
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May 15, 1998: 3:06 p.m. ET
New construction, renovations make world's busiest airport more manageable
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NEW YORK (Biztravel.com) - Even for the most experienced traveler, navigating Chicago's O'Hare International Airport can pose unwanted challenges. The sheer numbers are astounding: 190,000 travelers every day, 70 million a year, 900,000 aircraft operations each year, 162 aircraft gates. This former Douglass C-54 production site has proudly (and for some, maddeningly) held the title as world's busiest airport for 30 years running.
Despite its gargantuan proportions, though, O'Hare is manageable. In the past ten years new construction and massive renovations have been completed, making many of its facilities state-of-the-art. The most recent additions are the International Terminal (Number 5) and a light-rail Airport Transit System (ATS) connecting the terminals and parking lots.
The synthesis of modern convenience and aesthetics is best experienced in the giant United Airlines Terminal, which consists of two parallel concourses with soaring glass barrel vaults, each 1,600 feet long. The monumental use of glass and steel is reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century railway station.
Transportation
There are two main sections at the airport. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 comprise the main body of the airport, and they handle all domestic flights. They are, in turn, divided into separate concourses. The International Terminal, Number 5, is located just a short ATS ride away from the main terminals. Be aware, though, that some international flights depart from Terminals 1, 2, and 3. (There is no Terminal 4.)
Car Rental: Major national car-rental agencies have branches located in the lower-level baggage claim areas of Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Terminal 5 only has phone service to the rental car agencies; shuttle buses take you to your car.
Parking: O'Hare's main parking garage (A) is the closest parking to the domestic terminals. As a location reminder, each parking garage level is identified by a different Chicago sports team. Immediately in front of the garage, Lots B and C provide outdoor parking. Short-term rates start at $3 for the first hour and $18 for a day. The international terminal's parking also starts at $3 for the first hour, but costs $29 a day.
Long term-parking is available in Lots E and F. Both start at $2 for the first hour. Lot E costs $9 a day and is connected to the main terminals by the ATS. Lot F is $6 a day, but is accessible only via a shuttle bus which connects to Lot E and then to ATS.
Getting there: Drive time from O'Hare to downtown is often affected by the prevailing traffic situation. At best, the ride is about 25 minutes. During Chicago's extended rush hour period, the commute can last 45 to 60 minutes, at the minimum. Continental Airport Express provides van service and coaches as frequently as every 10 minutes to and from downtown hotels and North Shore suburbs for about $15. Taxis are available outside the baggage claim areas of all terminals. Expect a $25 to $30 charge. Shared-ride service is available for $13.
If you have a light load, want to beat traffic, and save some cash, Chicago Transit Authority trains are a good bet. The Blue Line provides 24-hour public transportation between O'Hare and downtown. A lower-level pedestrian passageway leads directly to the station. From Terminal 5, take the ATS to Terminal 3. Trains depart every 5-15 minutes, 24 hours a day (every 30 minutes from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.). It goes fast and costs only $1.50.
Lounges
Most major carriers have private airline clubs at O'Hare. They provide ticketing services, bars, showers, check cashing, and a relaxed atmosphere. Many double as business centers, with conference rooms, work stations, copy machines and phone/fax services.
The American Airlines Admiral Club in Terminal 3 is said to be the world's largest airline club, while United has two Red Carpet Rooms. The major overseas carriers tend to partner up with the big domestic ones. For smokers, an airline club might be of interest. Some of them have designated areas, but otherwise O'Hare is a smoke-free facility, with the only place to puff located outside on the lower level. Be warned: smoking is prohibited outside on the upper level (too many butts dropping on the heads below).
Food
Unfortunately, while much energy has been focused on O'Hare's architectural innovation, automatic baggage handling systems, and moving walkways, the food scene at the airport has lagged behind.
McDonalds and Starbuck's can be found in most terminals, and some Chicago theme restaurants are featured on the upper level of Terminal 5, but many travelers settle for over-priced stuffed pizzas or hot dogs in one of the many snack bars, food malls, or lounges.
Peggy Sue's Diner, located in the Rotunda building between Terminals 2 and 3, offers reasonable diner fare. The Skybird Meeting Center, also in the Rotunda, provides meeting rooms with catering services. If you're looking for fine dining, there are a few restaurants located in the O'Hare Hilton just opposite the main terminals.
However, help is on the way. In October, the Chicago city government set in motion a plan to bring reasonably priced Chicago-area eateries to the airport. In fact, more than half of the new vendors coming to O'Hare are from Chicago, including Billy Goat Tavern, Berghoff's (German cuisine), Pizzeria Uno, Goose Island Brewery, and Eli's Cheesecake. In addition, prices will be the same as they are at off-airport locations. The Billy Goat Tavern's famous cheeseburger will even be a nickel cheaper than it is downtown ($2.40 at O'Hare vs. $2.45). The new restaurants aren't expected until 1998.
Terminals
Every terminal at O'Hare features ATMs, public phones, newsstands, and gift shops. If you're looking for a last-minute gift, Chicago sports items abound. Pick up a Michael Jordan T-shirt or Chicago Bears football mug or take some Chicago-area cuisine home with you. There are Midwest Gourmet shops in each terminal offering Chicago Stuffed Pizza frozen and packed in freezer boxes.
Five information booths are located throughout the terminals for questions or problems. They are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. There are also two currency exchanges, and a duty free shop (for international passengers only) in Terminal 5. If you need a wheelchair, all airlines at O'Hare can provide them, with an escort. It's wise to call in advance.
For emergency medical attention, there is a medical center on the mezzanine level of Terminal 2, as well as a Chicago Police Department office. If all else fails, an interdenominational chapel is nearby, just above the US Airways ticket counter. The chapel is always open.
Hotels
There are more than 3,500 hotel rooms in 14 different hotels located near O'Hare. The most convenient is the O'Hare Hilton Hotel, situated opposite the main terminal complex and accessible through the pedestrian tunnels on the lower levels. The hotel offers 858 rooms, several meeting facilities, and a health club. Room prices range from $110 to $250. Housed in the Hilton's lobby are a dental office, currency exchange, florist, hair salon and sports bar. It also features two upscale restaurants: Andiamo for Italian-American cuisine, and the Gaslight Club for steak and seafood. The health club features weight machines, treadmills, whirlpool, sauna, lap pool and massage therapy. A day pass costs $9.
So whether you're looking for a cheap place to eat, a room to spend the night, or just a quick connection to keep you on your way, O'Hare really has it all. It takes a lot to be the world's busiest airport…and O'Hare has a lot to offer.
For more information on airport services, contact:
O'Hare International Airport, General information, directions, paging, lost and found, and live operator assistance. Telephone (773) 686-2200.
Continental Airport Express, Lower level baggage claim area of each terminal. Telephone (312) 454-7800 or (800) 654-7871.
Skybird Meeting Center, Terminal 2, Telephone (773) 686-6101.
O'Hare Hilton Hotel, O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, IL 60666. Telephone (773) 686-8000 or (800) HILTONS. Fax (773) 601-2873. All major credit cards accepted.
For wheelchair assistance, call your airline or (773) 601-3711. 
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