Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is among the top 10 busiest airports in the world, welcoming more than 95 million annual passengers in recent years. Chicago is a popular route for passengers traveling through the country and internationally, hosting thousands of inbound and outbound flights every day.
Chicago O’Hare is one of two major airports serving the city, the other being Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Both airports offer a wide range of accessibility services and accommodations, including supporting passengers through security and offering free wheelchair access.
Read on to find out how to get a wheelchair at Chicago O’Hare Airport with our guide to O’Hare Airport wheelchair assistance and accessibility. We’ll explain everything from how to check in your own wheelchair and how to book accessible parking to other key services available.
In this guide:
- How to get a wheelchair at Chicago O’Hare
- Getting to and from Chicago O’Hare Airport
- Accessibility Services at Chicago O’Hare Airport
How to get a wheelchair at Chicago O’Hare Airport
Chicago O’Hare International Airport is a hub airport for United Airlines and American Airlines, while also servicing many other major airlines and airports around the world. As a result, the airport values efficient departures and prompt services, which works in everyone’s favor. At O’Hare Airport, wheelchair assistance can be requested in several ways:
- When you first book your ticket, filter your flight by wheelchair accessibility to add the service to your reservation. If you’re flying through American Airlines, look out for ‘Add special assistance’ on your booking.
- Request O’Hare wheelchair assistance by amending your ticket reservation with your airline online, or by calling the airline directly.
- Request wheelchair assistance at Terminal 1, door 1G.
- Ask a member of staff from your airline at the ticket counter.
To make sure your airline can accommodate your requirements, it’s always better to request wheelchair assistance 48 to 72 hours ahead of traveling. You can request wheelchair assistance at Chicago Airport for:
- Traveling to and from your gate.
- Navigating the airport to your connection flight gate.
- Traveling to baggage claim.
- Wheelchair services onboard the plane.
Checking in a wheelchair
It’s free to check in a wheelchair as part of your checked luggage. Simply add wheelchair assistance to your flight booking to check it in at the airport. To help ensure a smooth journey and check-in process, United Airlines recommends that passengers traveling with wheelchairs arrive at least one hour before the minimum check-in time.
At ORD, check-in typically closes 45 minutes before your scheduled flight. So, make sure to check in your wheelchair at least one hour and 45 minutes before your departure time.
The ground crew at Chicago O’Hare may require written instructions when loading and unloading your chair – which you can attach to your wheelchair before it’s checked in. After your wheelchair is checked in, your airline staff will provide a wheelchair from the airport to navigate security and reach your gate.
For more information about wheelchair assistance and accessibility on your flight, visit United Airlines and American Airlines.
Getting to and from Chicago O’Hare Airport
You’ll find both wheelchair-accessible public and private transportation at Chicago O’Hare, including wheelchair taxis. Wait times for an accessible taxi can be up to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, accessible drop-off areas with curb ramps are available at both arrival and departure vehicle loading zones.
Public transportation to/from Chicago O’Hare Airport
To reach public transport at Chicago O’Hare, head to the airport’s underground tunnel one level below baggage claim. This will lead you to O’Hare’s ‘L’ train station below the airport.
You can reach Downtown Chicago using the Blue Line. If you need assistance to get on the train, contact Blue Line customer personnel and they will help assist you onboard. You’ll also find access to public buses, ADA Paratransit, and METRA rail services.
Accessibility Services at Chicago O’Hare Airport
There are various accessibility services available at Chicago O’Hare, helping you navigate parking, airport security and finding your flight gate.
Accessible Parking Facilities
Gravel car parks can be difficult to maneuver sometimes if you use a wheelchair. If you’re parking at Chicago O’Hare, you’ll find more than 260 accessible parking spaces to help make your arrival easier. These spaces are all close to accessible elevators, sidewalks with curb ramps, and bus stops, and are designed to allow lift and ramp access.
To secure your space and benefit from discounted rates, we recommend booking parking in advance. Get in touch with us at Airport Parking Reservations to learn more about accessibility services and prebooking accessible parking at Chicago O’Hare.
We’ll also provide the parking lot’s telephone number and address on your parking reservation receipt – which you’ll receive a copy of via email after you complete your reservation.
For more details about where to find accessible parking at Chicago O’Hare, plus parking lot height restrictions, visit their O’Hare airport accessibility guide. You’ll find accessible parking at the following locations:
- Garage
- Lot B
- Lot C
- Lot D
- Lot F
- Lot G
- Lot H
Shuttles to the airport
When you park at Chicago O’Hare with us at Airport Parking Reservations, most of our parking partners offer free transportation to the airport via shuttle bus.
We always recommend allowing at least 20 to 30 minutes to check in at your parking lot, but it may be a good idea to allow more if you require wheelchair assistance. Shuttle buses will lower to the curb and offer securement systems for passengers who use wheelchairs.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
Chicago O’Hare supports the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, designed to support people with disabilities that may not be visible right away. Wearing a sunflower lanyard can offer people with diverse needs such as autism, ADHD, chronic pain, dementia, and visual or hearing impairments a discreet way to signal that they may need support.
If you don’t have a sunflower lanyard, you can request one at the information desks at:
- Terminal 1 – Gate C18
- Terminal 2 – Gate F4
- Terminal 3 – Gate K2
- Terminal 5 – Gate M15
Airline Assistance
It can be overcrowded at O’Hare, so if you need wheelchair assistance or extra support, contact your airline for personal assistance. Every airline at Chicago O’Hare offers accessibility services in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA).
Your airline can help you both at the airport and onboard your flight, including assisting you to your seat, accessing your carry-on bags or opening any food and drinks.
Airport Security
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at ORD offers wheelchair assistance and support for travelers with disabilities and special accommodations. You can request formal assistance through the service TSA Cares within 72 hours of your flight to support you through the airport screening procedure.
If you arrive at Chicago O’Hare Airport and find you need urgent wheelchair or accessibility assistance, you can also speak with a TSA officer. They’ll introduce you to a passenger support specialist, who can help you right there and then.
Additional accessibility services
When you visit Chicago ORD Airport, you’ll also find the following accessibility services as standard:
- Accessible restrooms – Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available throughout the airport at terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5, as well as the O’Hare Multi-Modal Facility.
- Changing places facilities – Passengers with disabilities can use the fully accessible shower and restroom facilities available at Terminal 2, located at security checkpoint 5 (Gate F3).
- Service animal relief zones – Animal relief zones are available for service animals throughout the airport.
- Nursing rooms – You’ll find various clean and welcoming rooms for traveling mothers to nurse their babies at Chicago O’Hare, as well as private lactation pods throughout the airport.
- Aira – Chicago O’Hare has also partnered with the visual interpreting app Aira to help guide people who are blind or have low vision around the airport.
Are there porters at Chicago airport?
Yes, you’ll find various luggage porters at baggage claim to support passengers who need extra help transporting luggage at Chicago O’Hare Airport. Just look out for porters wearing white shirts and porter caps. If you’d like to show your gratitude for their services, tips are accepted and appreciated.
That’s everything you ought to know about Chicago O’Hare wheelchair assistance and accessibility if you’re flying out of the great Windy City. If you think you’ll need assistance, it’s always best to request accommodations 48 to 72 hours before your trip. You can always contact your airline for more specific help and advice about arranging accessibility assistance.
Save time and hassle and secure the cheapest rates by pre booking parking and hotels at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. That way, you’ll have all the more time to relax, enjoy the airport amenities, and look forward to your flight. Thinking of grabbing a bite? Squeeze the best out of your trip with our guide to the top food spots at Chicago O’Hare Airport.
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