O Hare airport terminal 5 to domestic

Question

Hello, can anyone help me to understand, arriving T5 with connecting flight via T3

International F1 student.

Do I need to collect luggage after immigration? Then where do I drop them again or the luggage will auto transfer to my next flight.

By the way I'm not American

Answer

If you are arriving at Terminal 5 (T5) at O'Hare Airport and connecting to a domestic flight via Terminal 3 (T3), here is what you can expect:

1. Immigration and Customs: As an international traveler, you will need to go through U.S. immigration and customs upon arrival in T5. After clearing immigration, you will need to collect your luggage from the baggage claim area in Terminal 5. This is standard for international arrivals, even if your final destination is a domestic flight.

2. Luggage Process: Once you collect your luggage, you will need to proceed through customs. After clearing customs, you will re-check your luggage for your domestic flight at the designated counter in Terminal 5. This is where you will drop off your luggage for your connecting domestic flight.

3. Transfer to Terminal 3: After dropping off your luggage for the domestic flight, you will need to take the airport shuttle or walk to Terminal 3 (T3). Follow the signs to the shuttle buses, which run frequently and are free. The shuttle will take you directly to T3, where you can go through security and head to your domestic gate.

4. No Automatic Luggage Transfer: Unfortunately, luggage does not automatically transfer between international and domestic flights at O'Hare. Therefore, you will need to collect your luggage in Terminal 5 and drop it off for your next flight in Terminal 5, even though your connecting flight is departing from Terminal 3.

5. General Tips:

Make sure to leave enough time to collect your luggage, go through customs, drop your luggage off at the check-in counter, and then transfer to Terminal 3 for your next flight.
It’s a good idea to check with your airline to confirm the baggage drop location and whether there are any special instructions for your connection.
O'Hare can be busy, so allow plenty of time to navigate between terminals and get through security at Terminal 3.

With these steps in mind, your connection should be relatively smooth, though it’s always good to be prepared for any changes or delays. Safe travels!