Is a 1½ hr layover in Chicago long enough?

ORD · Chicago Ohare International · Chicago, United States
Probably Enough

Yes, 1½ hours is probably enough for a layover at ORD (Chicago).

Matches the international-to-domestic minimum, allowing time for customs, rechecking bags, and security.
Concourses
4
Max Transit
30m
Avg. Security
25m
Primary Hub
United Airlines
Domestic → Domestic
45min
Domestic → International
60min
International → Domestic
90min
tight
International → International
75min
AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
If connecting from Terminal 5 to a domestic flight, budget extra time for immigration, customs, and a second security screening.
United connections within Terminals 1 and 2 are often walkable without needing the train, saving time versus waiting for the ATS.
American connections in Terminal 3 can involve long walks between concourses, so don't assume a same-terminal connection is fast.
Use the ATS train rather than walking between terminals 1-3 and the remote terminal, as the walking paths are far longer.
Check your gate assignment as soon as you land since O'Hare frequently reassigns gates, especially during weather delays.
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Tight connections are safer outside peak hours. Morning rush (6–9a), midday (11a–2p), and evening (4–8p) are highest risk.
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.
Is 1½ hours enough for a layover at Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?

Matches the international-to-domestic minimum, allowing time for customs, rechecking bags, and security.

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 1½ hours connection at ORD on an international flight?

1½ hours clears the 75-minute international minimum connection time at Chicago Ohare International, but you should still head directly to your gate. 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.

AD PLACEMENT — BEFORE FOOTER