Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the busiest and most iconic aviation gateways in the Southwest Airlines ORD Terminal, connecting millions of passengers to domestic and international destinations every year. For decades, O’Hare has been known as a hub for major legacy carriers and global alliances. Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines — the country’s largest low-cost carrier — had long maintained its stronghold at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).

However, Southwest’s decision to begin operating from O’Hare marked an important step in its growth strategy, offering customers more options and easier access to its budget-friendly service. For travelers who prefer the convenience and connectivity of O’Hare, this development has been a welcome addition.

This guide dives deep into Southwest Airlines’ operations at ORD, focusing on the terminal it uses, the passenger experience, amenities, transportation, and practical tips to make your trip smoother.

Southwest Airlines at O’Hare – An Overview

Southwest Airlines is widely recognized for its unique business model — two free checked bags, no change fees, open seating, and an emphasis on friendly customer service. While Midway remains Southwest’s primary Chicago airport, the airline began flying from O’Hare to expand access for travelers located in Chicago’s northern suburbs, downtown, and nearby states.

At O’Hare, Southwest operates from Terminal 5, the same terminal used for most international flights and a growing number of domestic routes by various carriers. Terminal 5 has undergone extensive renovations in recent years, offering a fresh, modern travel experience that rivals the facilities of top global airports.

Terminal 5 – Location and Layout

Terminal 5 at O’Hare is situated on the airport’s eastern side and is connected to the rest of the airport via the Airport Transit System (ATS), a driverless train that links all terminals, parking garages, and the Multi-Modal Facility.

Key features of Terminal 5 for Southwest passengers include:

• Check-In Counters: Located on the upper (departures) level with clear Southwest signage. Passengers can use staffed counters or self-service kiosks for boarding passes and bag tags.
  
  
• Security Screening: Multiple TSA checkpoints operate in Terminal 5, helping distribute passenger flow and reduce wait times during peak hours.
  
  
• Gate Areas: Southwest flights typically depart from a dedicated cluster of gates, though assignments may change depending on daily operations.
  
  

Check-In and Boarding Procedures

Southwest’s open seating system is one of its most distinctive features. Instead of assigned seats, passengers board in groups labeled A, B, or C, and within each group by a numbered position.

Here’s how the process works at O’Hare:

1. Check-In
   
   
• Online/Mobile App: Available 24 hours before departure; recommended to secure an earlier boarding position.
  
  
• Self-Service Kiosks: Located near the check-in counters; ideal for printing passes and tagging checked baggage.
  
  
• Full-Service Counters: For those needing assistance, traveling with special items, or checking oversized bags.
  
  
2. Security Screening
   
   
• TSA PreCheck lanes are available for eligible passengers.
  
  
• Standard lanes are efficient but can get busy during early morning and late afternoon rushes.
  
  
3. Boarding
   
   
• Boarding groups and positions are displayed on your boarding pass.
  
  
• Boarding order is called over the gate announcements, starting with pre-boarding (for passengers needing extra time), followed by A, B, and C groups.
  
  

Baggage Policy at ORD

One of Southwest’s customer-friendly advantages is its two free checked bags policy. These bags must comply with size and weight restrictions (62 linear inches and 50 pounds each). Additional or oversized bags incur fees.

Baggage Claim at O’Hare: Upon arrival, Southwest passengers can collect checked bags at Terminal 5’s lower level baggage carousels. Overhead monitors display flight numbers to guide travelers to the correct carousel.

Amenities and Passenger Services in Terminal 5

O’Hare’s Terminal 5 has evolved into a comfortable, modern facility designed to meet the needs of a wide range of travelers. Southwest passengers have access to:

• Dining Options: From Chicago-style deep-dish pizza to quick sandwiches, coffee shops, and global cuisines, dining is varied and high-quality.
  
  
• Shopping: Includes travel essentials, souvenirs, apparel, and luxury goods. Duty-free shops cater mainly to international travelers but are accessible to all.
  
  
• Lounges: While Southwest doesn’t operate its own lounge, passengers can access independent lounges (such as the SAS Lounge or Air France-KLM Lounge) with day passes or memberships.
  
  
• Wi-Fi: Complimentary throughout the terminal.
  
  
• Charging Stations: Plentiful seating areas with built-in USB ports and outlets.
  
  
• Family-Friendly Facilities: Nursing rooms, family restrooms, and play areas for children.
  
  
• Accessibility Services: Elevators, ramps, wheelchair assistance, and accessible seating for passengers with mobility challenges.
  
  

Transportation to and from Terminal 5

Getting to O’Hare and Terminal 5 is straightforward thanks to multiple transportation options:

• CTA Blue Line: A direct rail link from downtown Chicago to the airport. From the Blue Line station in Terminal 2, passengers take the ATS to Terminal 5.
  
  
• Airport Transit System (ATS): Connects all terminals, parking areas, and the rental car center.
  
  
• Parking: Terminal 5 has dedicated short-term parking; long-term options are available in economy lots with shuttle service.
  
  
• Rideshare & Taxis: Designated pick-up zones are located outside the arrivals area.
  
  
• Rental Cars: Accessed via the Multi-Modal Facility, reachable by ATS.
  
  

Tips for Flying Southwest from O’Hare

1. Check In Early – With open seating, your boarding position determines your seat choice. Set a reminder to check in exactly 24 hours before departure.
   
   
2. Use the Mobile App – Get real-time updates on flight status, gate assignments, and baggage claim locations.
   
   
3. Allow Time for Terminal Transfer – If arriving by public transit or from another terminal, factor in ATS travel time.
   
   
4. Explore Terminal 5 – Arriving early? Enjoy the food court, shop for travel gear, or relax before boarding.
   
   
5. Plan Parking in Advance – O’Hare can be busy; reserving parking can save time and reduce stress.
   
   

Why Some Travelers Prefer O’Hare Over Midway

Southwest’s traditional Chicago home is Midway Airport, which is smaller and easier to navigate. However, flying Southwest from O’Hare offers several advantages:

• Better Global Connectivity: Ideal if combining a Southwest domestic flight with an international itinerary.
  
  
• Modern Facilities: Terminal 5’s recent renovations make it a pleasant place to start or end your trip.
  
  
• Location: More convenient for passengers in Chicago’s northern suburbs or nearby states like Wisconsin.
  
  
• Public Transit Access: The Blue Line’s 24/7 service to O’Hare offers affordable, predictable transportation.
  
  

Possible Destinations from O’Hare

While Southwest’s network from ORD is smaller than from MDW, it includes several high-demand destinations, often with multiple daily departures. These typically include:

• Denver (DEN)
  
  
• Phoenix (PHX)
  
  
• Dallas Love Field (DAL)
  
  
• Nashville (BNA)
  
  
• Las Vegas (LAS)
  
  

Flight schedules can vary by season, so checking in advance is important.

Future Outlook

Southwest’s O’Hare presence is still relatively new compared to its established operations at Midway. Given O’Hare’s strategic location and passenger volume, there’s potential for expanded routes and frequencies. Terminal 5’s capacity upgrades also position Southwest for future growth, potentially including more point-to-point domestic routes or even international service through codeshare partners.

Conclusion

Southwest Airlines’ decision to operate from Chicago O’Hare International Airport gives travelers more flexibility without sacrificing the low fares, generous baggage policy, and friendly service that define the airline. By flying from Terminal 5, Southwest passengers gain access to a world-class facility with upgraded amenities, efficient connections, and multiple transportation options.

For passengers who value the convenience of O’Hare’s location, especially those living in the city’s northern suburbs or seeking international connections, Southwest at ORD is a welcome alternative to Midway. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, understanding the layout, services, and travel tips for Terminal 5 ensures a smoother, more enjoyable journey.

In a competitive travel market, Southwest’s dual presence in Chicago reflects its commitment to meeting passenger needs — offering both the intimacy of Midway and the global reach of O’Hare. As the airline grows its ORD footprint, travelers can expect even more choices for where and how they fly.