In news that I can only describe as “positive” British Airways is to change terminal at Chicago O’Hare, with departures being routed through Terminal 3.
A sign you won’t see soon – a British Airways Boeing 777-200ER parked up at Chicago O’Hare Terminal 5 as it loads for a return flight to London Heathrow.
Beginning on Thursday 25th April 2024, British Airways departures from O’Hare International Airport will relocate from Terminal 5 to Terminal 3. The airline’s arrival service will continue in Terminal 5.
The airline will operate on the gates of oneworld alliance partner American Airlines, primarily using gate K19. The move is designed to streamline operations for the airline and improve the travel experience for customers, allowing for an easy connection between American Airlines and British Airways flights.
Signage will be placed in Terminal 5 to direct British Airways passengers to the carrier’s new departure location.
In terms of lounges, there will be some joy as the Terminal 5 windowless rooms will be replaced with access to American Airlines Flagship Lounge and Admirals Club lounges, depending on status, fare and eligibility.
British Airways will join American, Iberia Airlines and Japan Airlines as oneworld members that operate departures out of Terminal 3.
In Quotes
“We welcome the move by British Airways of their departures service to Terminal 3, which will play an important role in the everyday operations of the revamped terminal,”
“This move brings together the CDA’s vision of a new and improved Terminal 3 with British Airways improving and expanding resources for airline staff and Chicagoans traveling to the United Kingdom and beyond.”
Neil Chernoff, British Airways Chief Planning and Strategy Officer added
“Having connected Chicago to Britain for 70 years, our commitment to the city remains stronger than ever,”
“The introduction of our third daily service to London, and our move to Terminal 3 alongside our Atlantic Joint Business partners, underscores our commitment to providing unparalleled service and convenience to our valued customers in Chicago.”
Ben Humphrey, American Airlines Vice President of ORD Operations said:
“Today we are happy to welcome our long-standing Atlantic Joint Business partner, British Airways, to Terminal 3, co-locating their departures alongside American Airlines and other oneworld members at Chicago O’Hare International Airport,”
“This strategic move will help us deliver a more seamless travel experience for our customers nationwide who are connecting through ORD to London and beyond.”
Who’s left behind in Terminal 5?
There will be some oneworld airlines left behind at Terminal 5 – Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Qatar Airways, and Royal Jordanian, whilst Alaska Airlines chills out in Terminal 2.
This is big for the departing passenger experience
O’Hare Terminal 5 used to be… not quite, but hummed along, with its own peaks and troughs in traffic. However, since I’ve been flying back there in 2022, the terminal has got a lot busier, with Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines moving in.
Those extra passengers have meant longer lines to be processed for security – as well as checking in for passengers trying to navigate a narrow corridor.
Moving to Terminal 3 (in the central terminal area) for departures offers a bunch of benefits – from simple things like not having a hotel shuttle bus scowl at you, or being able to arrive via train and proceed directly to the terminal (as opposed to taking a transit system to another terminal).
There will be more security lines to be processed – which should improve passenger flow.
For those who haven’t got lounge access, there will be more options to dine and shop.
Those who have lounge access should enjoy a lounge with windows and reasonable catering options.
British Airways Terminal 5 Lounge
American Airlines Flagship Lounge
The only downsides will be that the A380 won’t be able to visit, as there are no gates capable in ORD Terminal 3, and that the lounges will get a bit busier.
Whilst arrivals will continue to be processed at Terminal 5 (as this is the only location where there is US Border and Customs), it’s not perfect, but it is possible to navigate after a long flight – especially if you need other transit options (such as rideshares or train).
I’m looking forward to seeing this in action.
H/T Jacob for bringing me the good news.
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