Cheapest time to fly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Being a major tourist and business destination, flights to Chicago O'Hare are popular throughout the year. During the temperate months of April and May, and again through September and October, the city is especially popular, so booking Chicago flights outside of this period can save you money. Those who book cheap flights to Chicago O'Hare International Airport during the summer will get to experience some of the cultural highlights of 2024 / 2025, including Gay Pride, the Chicago Blues Festival and the Taste of Chicago.
Flying to Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Chicago's O'Hare airport is one of the busiest in the world and topped the table for the most takeoffs and landings in 2014. O'Hare is located 17 miles north of the city centre. Many airlines including British Airways, Lufthansa, Finn Air and American Airlines operate direct flights between Chicago and a number of UK airports, such as London Heathrow. Last minute flights which require a stopover from the UK are served by Swiss, Delta and Air Canada, among others.
On arrival and getting around ORD
Flights to Chicago O'Hare use one of the airport's four terminals. However, there is no Terminal 4 and so they are numbered 1, 2, 3 and 5. Chicago O'Hare flights arriving from outside the United States are serviced exclusively by Terminal 5. The airport has eight runways, more than any other commercial facility in the world. The airport is also undergoing an extensive modernisation programme in order to ensure passenger satisfaction and deal with the ever-increasing demand. The two and a half-mile intra-terminal train connects passengers to all the necessary locations such as car parks and train stations.
Getting to the city from the airport
Chicago's L trains and Metra system ferry people arriving on last-minute flights in an economical and timely manner. The CTA Blue Line station is situated within the airport vicinity, making access to the train service quick and efficient. Local buses and private shuttles are available at the airport and terminate at a number of locations in central Chicago and in surrounding suburban areas – ideal for arrivals and for departures for return flights.
Don't forget before you fly
Passengers with a UK passport do not need to apply for a formal visa. Instead, you must apply online for ESTA approval at least three days before your direct flight's departure. The local currency is the US Dollar.
