Airport transfer question.

Question

My flight got changed by airlines. If I have only 1.5 hours layover at Chicago will that be enough time? It’s a connecting flight through airline from Seattle to Punta Cana. But wasn’t sure if in Chicago if 1 it’s far from domestic arrivals to international departure and 2 if i have to do security etc again.

Thanks!!

Answer

1.5 hours for a layover at Chicago O'Hare (ORD) is generally considered tight, but it can be manageable depending on a few factors. Since your flight is connecting from a domestic (Seattle) to an international (Punta Cana) flight, here are a few things to consider:

1. Terminal Transfers: O'Hare has multiple terminals, and whether you need to change terminals depends on the airlines you're flying. Most domestic flights arrive at Terminal 1, 2, or 3, while international departures generally leave from Terminal 5. If you arrive at a terminal other than Terminal 5, you will need to take a shuttle or walk to the international terminal. It takes about 10-15 minutes by shuttle between terminals, and the airport staff can guide you through the transfer.

2. Security Check: Since you’re connecting to an international flight, you will likely need to go through a security check again at Terminal 5. This can take some time, especially during busy periods. If you are eligible for TSA PreCheck, it can help speed things up, but without it, security lines can be long, especially for international flights.

3. Boarding Time: International flights generally start boarding about 45 minutes before departure. This means that you’ll need to clear security and be at your gate before that time. Depending on the time of day, O'Hare can get quite crowded, and long security lines or delays in the shuttle transfer might reduce your layover time further.

4. Airline and Assistance: Since your layover is tight, I recommend contacting your airline to ask whether they provide assistance for tight connections. Some airlines offer expedited security or shuttle services for passengers with short layovers, particularly when connecting between international and domestic flights.

Tips to make the connection easier:

Check the status of your incoming flight and any delays or gate changes that might affect your connection.
Know your arrival gate (for domestic) and departure gate (for international) ahead of time, so you can plan the quickest route between terminals.
If you’re unsure about the connection time, talk to the gate agents or airport staff once you arrive. They can often offer guidance or speed up the process if needed.

1.5 hours is on the edge of what's feasible, and it will depend largely on how quickly you can transfer between terminals and clear security. If your first flight is delayed, airlines will typically accommodate you on the next available flight. But if everything goes smoothly, you should be able to make it!