Advice for early am travel between downtown and O'Hare

Question

I am at a downtown hotel and have a 6am Sunday flight out of O'Hare, terminal 5 (but domestic flight). What time should I get to terminal for check in? And which is safest for early morning travel, taxi or Uber? TIA.

Answer

For your early morning flight out of O'Hare, it's important to allow enough time to check in, get through security, and possibly deal with unexpected delays. Here's a breakdown of the key things to consider:

1. Check-In and Arrival Time at O'Hare:

For a 6am flight, you should aim to arrive at the airport by 4:00am, which gives you about 2 hours before your flight. This allows time for check-in, security screening, and potential issues like long lines or unexpected delays. Airlines often recommend arriving 2 hours prior to domestic flights, but since it's early on a Sunday, you may find the airport less crowded than usual, which could save you time.

2. Travel Time from Downtown to O'Hare:

Taxi: A taxi ride from downtown Chicago to O'Hare typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. On a Sunday morning, traffic should be lighter, but it’s still important to leave early to ensure you arrive on time.
Uber: Uber is similar in terms of timing and cost. It could take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, again depending on traffic conditions. If you're traveling during the early hours, traffic will likely be minimal, but it’s always a good idea to leave a bit of buffer time in case of delays.

3. Taxi vs. Uber:

Both options are generally safe, but there are a few differences to consider:

Taxi: Taxis are usually more straightforward to find at any time of the day, including early morning hours. There’s no need to wait for a driver to accept the ride, and the taxi stands are well-marked around the city. Additionally, taxis have fixed rates to O'Hare, which can be a good option if you're looking for a predictable cost.
Uber: Uber offers more flexibility, and you can schedule your ride in advance, which may be helpful for peace of mind. However, Uber pricing is dynamic, and rates can fluctuate depending on demand. You’ll need to allow time to wait for the driver if there’s a delay in finding one nearby.

4. Additional Considerations:

Advance Booking: If you're using Uber, you may want to schedule your ride the night before or in the early morning, especially if you prefer to ensure that a driver is ready when you are. For taxis, you can easily flag one down, or ask your hotel concierge to arrange one for you in advance.
Weather & Delays: Chicago weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for potential slowdowns due to snow or icy roads in winter months. You might want to check the weather forecast before heading out to avoid any surprises.

5. Conclusion:

In short, for a 6am flight, plan to leave your downtown hotel by 3:00am to allow enough time to get to O'Hare and complete the check-in and security process. Either a taxi or an Uber will be safe, but taxis might offer a slightly more predictable experience, especially early in the morning. If you prefer more control over the timing, an Uber scheduled in advance could work well for you.