Chicago O'Hare International Airport — Local services in Jefferson Township

Honestly my idea of it and given Chicago's rep in general... this airport is a miss/ultra disappointing. But it is evident here, many sections that they don't Want to keep up with the times. Compete. Terminal 1 Departures is so borning I dont know where everyone else gets to enjoy the aspects of the home alone movie...I'd love to enjoy the food here but it's all closed.. essentially one person said "maybe prepandemic" fir longer hours... so maybe they got stuck and never let go of that.. international sections are usually so nice this was seemed the oldest and everything closed lights half turned off through the enture section of the terminal other than gates....it is easy to get around the terminal train is easy.. i almost find it smaller than i thought..... Anyways, so much ego at so many US airports about being the best... its like they grip a point in time maybe they were and then they just stopped, and yet still think they are the best?? Lol CEOs or whoever really need to have their eyes opened to the rest of the world and the experience at other airports that vastly exceed them.. its a shame because you come here ...or i had at least expected so much Chicago greatness here...or from USA to lead as well, and sadly this airport doesnt align with that at all.

The strangest part is the Goose Island brewing restaurant bar was closed at 8pm ???? but even more weird is why I try to find the hours and some say 8am?? If that's real that is ridiculous.. Least it would be slightly more enjoyable on a Friday night before a night flight to have a beer or a meal....but nope let's sell beer and bar food at 8am?? whoever organizes that should be fired lol

All the restaurants in terminal 1 were closed by 10pm ...you get vending machines and kiosk places "if you can find them" said one Starbucks employee. Honestly in my eyes and other airports I've been to .. if you are having flights all hours, then things should be scheduled to accommodate even SLIGHTLY the night crew. I don't expect much past midnight maybe ( even if other airports beat you and offer 24 hrs services for all flights arrivals/departures) .... but 8pm and 9pm closures??? On a Friday or essentially any day for that matter ...no real food is insane for such a major city and known airport considering how many flights it serves. Obviously we don't want it dirty but will they come and be cleaning when no one was here from 8pm until 12:30am ?? No .. if you want to rest as soon as you try to even lay down they magically just need to all start cleaning at 12:40am... as slow as possible too what is this sorry excuse of a bag vacuum thing can't even pick up a straw paper they had to pick that up themselves...so loud and janky... like if they have to clean at thus hour only give them something that works and be in and out and sucks up everything.... instead of disturbing ppl here trying to sleep for red eye flights for a half an hour trying to suck up a cheerio. 1:30am still vacuuming ppl slamming garbage bins.. bro comes from God knows where and takes his airport break with RADIO com BLARING in the gates where ppl are ...don't they have a break room ????... ah now it's 2:48am and a guy with almost a steam cleaner is now vacuuming after it took that woman 2,5hrs to do 3 gates .......and hes laughing that it woke me and others up.....It's just insane .. 30mins later every gate is jammed of course with screaming kids and families like it's 2pm.... it's literally now 5:10AM and bro is setting up Goose Island what in the alcoholism ...but could you have food and one beer at 10pm ? No chance... Half all white and newer bathrooms and half this garb..with broken...

This airport doesn’t even earn a 1 star at all! Very disappointed in this Airport! We came from The Netherlands to catch our connected flight from Chicago to Las Vegas, but our short stay was very disappointing. First of all, this is not our first time visiting America. We had all our needed papers including Esta by us, but it seemed that all the airport staff were very rude, very disrespectfull towards us. I mean I know they’re doing their jobs, but sorry this also can be done with a little bit respect and good manners. My mom’s esta wouldn’t pop up in the system where you have to show them your paspoort and tell them why you are visiting the US. We told the guy nicely that we have the esta app and even on paper, he said very rude “that he is not gonna check that so you don’t have to show me”. Then he told my mom that somebody is going to take her to a seperate area and I was worried, I m not going to leave my mom alone. Our other part of our group was all done getting the luggage to bring to re check in for our connected flight. The guy told my mom that she is going to a much better place than “Disney world”! My mom and me had no idea what he meant with that, but it sure didn’t feel right! I knew I won’t leave my mom! So we were taken to a closed area. Coming inside we saw a couple tourist also in that room waiting for paspoort check up. So they took my mom’s paspoort and we had to sit in that seperate room. While waiting we went through everything (on our phones) to look for a fault why her esta wouldn’t pop up in their system. We couldn’t find any fault. Our stress levels began to increase because we only had 30 min left to board our connected flight. My mom asked one of the guys bringing the paspoorts to the other tourist waiting in that room. She had asked very polite how long will it take because we have a plane to catch. This guy rudely answered my mom that she had to worry first if she can come in to America instead worriying about the connected flight. We almost cried hearing this from this disrespectful guy. I mean, there is no need to be that rude. We work in healthcare in The Netherlands we are used to direct answers but this i m sorry was not polite at all! Almost crying out of stress and disrespectful people I texted the other part of our group to go ahead to catch the connected flight because we were still waiting without any news of how long it will take. Finally the guy called my mom’s name that we could go. He gave her no explanation nor any excuses why we had to end up in this horrible stressfull situation. So we ran to the door, the guy at the door taking all his time to open the door. So I said we have to catch our flight, he shouted rudely “ Jezus Christ relax!” Rolling his eyes out of anger! Do those people don’t get it that we worked very hard to go on vacation and how bad it is to miss the flight!?

Even by the security check all the staff were very rude. The flight was boarding at that time! Normaly we don’t write these reviews, but this was so awful! There is no need to be rude! This really gave us a very bad impression of Chicago airport and that we will never visit...

Chicago O'Hare International Airport serves as a pivotal gateway to America's heartland, handling over 54 million passengers annually. This massive aviation complex maintains a solid 4.0 rating (from 52,981 reviews) despite its reputation for complexity and occasional congestion.

The airport features a striking contrast between sleek, modern amenities and the inevitable challenges of a major hub. Recently renovated spaces showcase contemporary design with warm wood elements, expansive glass walls, and thoughtful lighting that creates an inviting atmosphere. These areas offer comfortable seating with excellent tarmac views, particularly impressive during twilight hours when the airfield lights create a spectacular urban landscape.

O'Hare's size presents both advantages and challenges. With extensive filtering options for concourse information, TSA PreCheck experiences, and global entry procedures, navigating efficiently requires preparation. The employee experience suggests an airport in transition.

Transportation options represent a significant strength. Located approximately 17 miles from downtown Chicago, travelers can reach the city center in 40-45 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The CTA Blue Line provides a budget-friendly alternative, connecting directly to the Loop in about 45 minutes for just $5—a substantial savings compared to $40-50 taxi fares.

American Airlines maintains a commanding presence here, with their distinctive livery dominating certain terminals. The airline's operational high carbon footprint contributes to both the airport's global connectivity and its occasional scheduling challenges.

As one reviewer aptly noted, "Delays feel like wins when your flight isn't cancelled." This sentiment captures the recalibrated expectations many travelers develop toward major hubs. During peak travel periods, savvy passengers build significant buffer time into their schedules.

Dining and lounge options have improved dramatically in recent years. Contemporary spaces offer working areas with ample natural light and power outlets—a welcome respite for business travelers. The lounges present varied environments, from bustling social spaces to quieter work zones, though access requires status or additional fees.

For travelers navigating O'Hare, preparation proves essential. PreCheck or Global Entry significantly reduces security wait times. Allow generous connection margins, especially during winter months when Chicago's weather can disrupt operations. Terminal transfers require additional time, so verify your itinerary carefully before booking tight connections.

Though demanding patience, O'Hare rewards travelers with exceptional connectivity, modernized facilities in many areas, and an improving passenger experience. While not without challenges, this historic aviation hub continues evolving to meet contemporary expectations while serving as Chicago's primary window...