Chicago O’Hare Terminal 5 Guide (ORD): Gates, Tips

Terminal Overview

Chicago O’Hare’s Terminal 5 is best known as the airport’s international gateway. It handles most non-precleared international arrivals (where you clear U.S. immigration and customs at ORD) and also hosts a mix of carriers including several international airlines and some domestic operations (notably Southwest in recent years). If you’re arriving internationally, this is where you’ll typically claim bags and recheck them for onward flights.

Terminal 5 is a single-concourse terminal (Concourse M), which makes it simpler to navigate than the multi-concourse domestic terminals. The overall experience is usually straightforward: check-in and security on the landside, then one long airside corridor of gates, shops, and seating. It can get busy around peak international arrival banks, so plan a little extra time if you’re connecting or checking bags.

Airlines & Destinations

  • Airlines commonly operating from Terminal 5 include: Southwest, Delta, Aeromexico, Air France, Air India, Air New Zealand, Alaska Airlines, All Nippon Airways, American Airlines (international arrivals), Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, Copa Airlines, EVA Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, and Etihad.
  • Key destinations tend to include major international hubs and long-haul markets across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America (think London, Paris, Tokyo, Dubai/Abu Dhabi-area service, and major Central/South American gateways depending on season and airline schedules).
  • Alliance notes: You’ll see a mix of alliances here—Oneworld (for example, British Airways and some American international flows), SkyTeam (for example, Delta, Air France, Aeromexico), and Star Alliance (for example, ANA, Austrian, Air India, EVA). Because many alliances primarily depart from other terminals at ORD, always double-check your boarding pass and the airport monitors for same-day gate/terminal changes.

Layout & Navigation

Terminal 5 is organized around Concourse M with gates M1–M40. After you clear security, you’ll enter a central airside area with shops and services, then walk along the concourse to your gate. If you’re meeting someone arriving internationally, the arrivals flow typically brings passengers down to immigration, baggage claim, and then into the public arrivals area.

  • Security: Screening is on the terminal’s main departure level before you enter Concourse M. At busy times, arrive early—international check-in lines can add time before you even reach security.
  • Walking: Since it’s one concourse, navigation is easy—just follow overhead signs to M-gates. Gate-to-gate walks vary; allow extra minutes if you’re moving between far ends of the concourse during peak crowds.
  • Connections to other terminals: Terminal 5 is not connected airside to Terminals 1–3 by the pedestrian tunnels. To switch terminals, use the free Airport Transit System (ATS) from the lower level. Trains run about every 3–5 minutes, operate 24/7, and trips between terminals are typically 5–10 minutes plus walking time.
  • Terminal Transfer Bus (TTB): During daytime hours, a terminal transfer bus may be available for certain connections to help you avoid re-clearing security; at night, expect to go landside and use the ATS, then be rescreened.

Amenities & Services

  • Shopping: Terminal 5 is known for its international-friendly retail, including a Dufry duty-free shop and the popular “I Love Chicago” souvenir store—good stops if you’re looking for last-minute gifts.
  • Food: Options change over time, but you’ll generally find a mix of quick-service and sit-down choices clustered near the central post-security area and spread along Concourse M. If you have time, walk a bit away from the busiest central zone for shorter lines.
  • Lounges: Lounge availability can vary by airline and season in Terminal 5. If lounge access matters for your trip, check your airline’s app the day of travel for the most accurate location and entry rules.
  • Business needs: Expect standard airport conveniences like seating areas and charging points, with quieter work time often easiest to find at less-crowded gates farther from the main retail core.
  • Family & accessibility: The terminal is designed for international volume, with accessible elevators/ramps and restrooms. If you’re traveling with kids or need assistance, ask your airline about meet-and-assist options and allow extra time for the longer international arrivals process.

Practical Tips

  • Best for long layovers: After security, walk toward mid-to-far gates and pick a seating cluster away from the central shopping area—you’ll usually find more open seats and a calmer feel.
  • Quietest spots: The ends of Concourse M tend to be quieter than the middle, especially outside the peak departure waves.
  • Power & charging: A known charging station location is near Gate M13. If you can’t find an open outlet there, check seating areas at nearby gates—availability can change as seating is upgraded.
  • Wi‑Fi: ORD typically offers airport Wi‑Fi; connect to the airport’s network and follow the on-screen prompts. If the connection is slow, moving away from crowded gate areas can help.
  • International arrival connections: If you’re arriving from abroad and connecting onward, plan for immigration, baggage claim, and potential recheck—then factor in ATS time if your next flight leaves from Terminals 1–3.