โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
40
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
OโHare International Airport has four terminals: Terminals 1, 2, and 3 form a horseshoe connected by airside walkways, while Terminal 5 handles most international flights and sits across the airfield. The Airport Transit System (ATS) train links all terminals, parking, and the rental car center on a frequent loop.
Walking between concourses inside the domestic complex is straightforwardโConcourses B and C in Terminal 1 are joined by the underground neon tunnel (5โ7 minutes end to end), Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 takes about 8โ10 minutes, and Terminal 3โs farthest gates are 12โ15 minutes from Terminal 1 via secure corridors. Travel to Terminal 5 requires exiting or riding the ATS from the domestic terminals; the train ride is about 8 minutes with another few minutes of platform access.
Each terminal hosts multiple TSA checkpoints with PreCheck and CLEAR lanes; the main checkpoints in Terminals 1 and 3 open earliest for banked morning departures. Typical waits run 15โ25 minutes, but peaks before 7 a.m. or during holiday afternoons can exceed 35 minutes, so the TSA โMyTSAโ feed is useful for live estimates. Re-entry from Terminal 5 to domestic gates requires clearing security again.
Immigration and customs for most international arrivals are handled in Terminal 5โs expansive arrivals hall with Global Entry, Mobile Passport, and baggage re-check desks for onward connections. Certain precleared arrivals from Canada and select international flights on United or American may use facilities in Terminals 1 or 3, but transfer passengers should follow airline-specific signs before boarding the ATS.
Amenities are extensive: United Polaris and United Club lounges populate Terminal 1, Delta Sky Club sits in Terminal 2, and Americanโs Admirals Clubs and Flagship Lounge anchor Terminal 3. Terminal 5 offers lounges for Delta, Air France/KLM, British Airways, and others, plus a large dining court. Nursing rooms are available in every terminal, โKids on the Flyโ play areas sit near Gates F1 and in Terminal 2โs rotunda, and all concourses provide elevators, moving walkways, and adult-changing stations for accessibility.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) requires careful planning, particularly when transferring between the main domestic terminals (Terminals 1, 2, and 3) and the primarily international Terminal 5. After re-checking your bags, take the ATS to your domestic departure terminal and clear TSA security there.
A highly efficient alternative for passengers on a single ticket who do not need to collect their luggage is the Terminal Transfer Bus (TTB). If the TTB is not running, or if you are on separate tickets, you must use the landside ATS and re-clear security at your next terminal. O'Hare is a place where terminal choice and connection timing matter, because the airport is large enough that the wrong assumption can cost real minutes. A minimum connection time of at least three hours is strongly recommended for international-to-domestic transfers to account for potential CBP delays and terminal changes.
Unlike the domestic terminals, Terminal 5 is physically separate and is connected to the rest of the airport via the 24/7 automated Airport Transit System (ATS). This airside shuttle operates daily between approximately 11:30 AM and 9:30 PM, allowing you to move between terminals without exiting the secure area or re-clearing security. Utilizing the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app can help expedite the immigration process.
For most international arrivals, you must clear immigration and customs at Terminal 5, collect all checked baggage, and then re-check your bags at the dedicated airline counters located just past the customs exit. The TTB can be accessed from Gate M13 in Terminal 5, Gate C18B in Terminal 1, and Gates G17 or K20 in Terminal 3. Travelers should also note that some domestic carriers, such as Delta and JetBlue, now operate out of Terminal 5, so it is essential to verify your departure gate on the information screens before heading to the main terminal core.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, serves as a vital regional gateway to the Lehigh Valley and Eastern Pennsylvania. It offers a less congested and more convenient travel experience compared to larger metropolitan hubs. The airport features a single, modern terminal building spread across two levels, designed for efficient passenger processing and easy navigation. The lower level is dedicated to arrivals, housing baggage claim, car rental counters, and exits to ground transportation. The upper level manages departures, with ticket counters, airline check-in desks, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening checkpoint.
The airport continually invests in enhancing its passenger facilities. A recent TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project has significantly upgraded the security area, incorporating up to four screening lanes, modern escalators and elevators, and an enhanced air purification system. The terminal is structured with two main concourses: Concourse A on the ground level serves airlines like Allegiant Air, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, while Concourse B on the upper level is utilized by United Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
Amenities at ABE are well-appointed for a regional facility, including several cafes and snack bars, shops for essentials and souvenirs, and free Wi-Fi throughout. ABE also offers family-friendly amenities such as a children's play area, a sensory room, and a therapy dog program, along with occasional live music performances, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all travelers.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Lehigh Valley International Airport provides efficient access to Pennsylvania's fourth-busiest passenger facility serving 14 nonstop destinations through Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Frontier Airlines from its renovated single terminal with two-level design. The airport's 14 gates split between ground-level Concourse A (8 gates) and upper-level Concourse B (6 gates) enable quick connections with minimal walking distances, while recent TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project upgrades include four screening lanes, modern escalators, and enhanced air purification systems reducing security wait times to 3-8 minutes with PreCheck or CLEAR enrollment.
Domestic connections benefit from ABE's position as an alternative to crowded Philadelphia, Newark, and JFK airports, offering reliable connectivity to major hubs including Atlanta via Delta, Charlotte via American, Chicago O'Hare via United, and Detroit via Delta for onward domestic and international connections. Regional destinations include popular leisure markets such as Fort Lauderdale, Orlando Sanford, Myrtle Beach, Nashville, and Florida Gulf Coast cities through Allegiant's low-cost network, while business travelers utilize American's Charlotte hub and United's Newark and Chicago services for broader network access.
Weather-related disruptions during Northeast winter storms can impact operations, though ABE's modern runway and de-icing equipment maintain better reliability than larger metropolitan airports. Ground transportation includes rental cars, taxis, and ride-sharing services for the 65-mile drive to Philadelphia or 90-mile journey to New York City, while regional bus connections serve Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. The airport's family-friendly amenities including children's play areas, sensory rooms, and therapy dog programs create comfortable connection environments, while free WiFi and dining options support extended layovers in this efficiently designed regional aviation facility.
โ Back to O'Hare International Airport