Is a 45 min layover in Chicago long enough?
A 45 minutes layover at ORD (Chicago) is tight — it may or may not be enough.
Is 45 minutes enough for a layover at Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
This matches the domestic MCT exactly, so it's fine only if both flights are on time and in the same terminal.
What is the minimum connection time at ORD?
Minimum connection times at Chicago Ohare International: Domestic-to-Domestic is 45 minutes, International-to-International is 75 minutes. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell.
Can I make a 45 minutes connection at ORD on an international flight?
45 minutes is below the 75-minute international MCT at Chicago Ohare International. You may need to rush and could miss your connection. The Airport Transit System (ATS), an automated people-mover train, links Terminals 1, 2, 3, and the remote parking/Terminal 5 area in a loop, with rides typically taking 4-8 minutes plus walking to platforms. Passengers arriving internationally at Terminal 5 who are connecting to a domestic flight in Terminals 1-3 must clear US Customs and Border Protection, recheck bags, and go through TSA security again before boarding the train to their next gate.
How much time do I need for a layover at ORD?
We recommend at least 50 minutes for a comfortable connection at Chicago Ohare International. This gives you enough buffer for security (typically 25 minutes) and transit between terminals (up to 30 minutes).
What happens if I miss my connection at ORD?
United and American both have extensive rebooking desks and self-service kiosks in their respective terminals, and their apps often allow automatic rebooking onto the next available flight if you miss a connection due to a delay on their own metal.