In addition to its principal hub at Southwest Airlines ORD Terminal has recently expanded its operations in the city with the addition of Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Although it primarily serves foreign flights, Southwest provides its passengers with a contemporary, efficient, and roomy atmosphere at its location in Terminal 5 of O'Hare's international terminal. 

Accessibility and Check-In Experience

The Airport Transit System (ATS), an automated people mover that links all terminals with the parking and rental car facilities, is required for travelers using Terminal 5 at O'Hare, which is a little further from the airport's main terminals. Although the ATS itself is quick and effective, with trains arriving every few minutes, this can be a little problematic, especially for people who are not familiar with O'Hare.

 Security and TSA Pre-Check

The security checkpoint in Terminal 5 is generally well-organized, though it can become crowded, especially during international travel rushes. Since Southwest is primarily a domestic carrier, passengers may encounter varying security wait times depending on the time of day. Fortunately, Terminal 5 does offer TSA Pre-Check, which can expedite the process for eligible passengers. It’s recommended that travelers arrive early, as security lines can vary, and being in the international terminal sometimes means an additional layer of checks.

Amenities and Dining Options

Once through security, Terminal 5 provides a nice variety of dining and shopping options, although it might not be as extensive as O’Hare’s other terminals. For food, there’s a mix of quick-service options and sit-down restaurants, including local Chicago favorites and national chains. You can find a mix of American and international cuisines, reflecting the diverse passenger base of Terminal 5. However, if you’re used to Southwest’s Midway offerings, the options might feel more limited.

Gate Area and Boarding Experience

For passengers who need to keep their electronics charged, Southwest's Terminal 5 gates offer ample of seating and charging facilities. With a focus on creating a comfortable waiting space, the gate areas are often tidy and well-kept. O'Hare follows the same boarding procedure as other airports for Southwest, which has a distinctive "open seating" policy. To ensure a seamless and organized boarding process, passengers line up according on their position and boarding group. A pleasant pre-flight experience is produced by the professional and amiable gate crew.

Baggage Claim and Arrival Process

Although the baggage claim and ground transportation areas are a little more dispersed, the experience for arriving passengers at Terminal 5 is generally seamless. Once more, the ATS offers links to the main parking and rental vehicle facilities, as well as to additional terminals. Baggage handling at Southwest is often effective, and bags arrive in a timely manner.

Overall Impression

For travelers who want greater flexibility and fly out of both O'Hare and Midway in Chicago, traveling Southwest from Terminal 5 at O'Hare is often a good experience. Though it lacks the vibrant spirit of Southwest's other locations, the terminal itself is contemporary, spotless, and equipped with many facilities. The security and check-in procedures are quick, but because of the international traffic and the structure of the terminal, they might take a little longer.

Conclusion

In summary, Southwest’s operations at O’Hare’s Terminal 5 are a good addition, offering Chicago-based passengers more options without compromising on service quality. While the terminal might not feel as tailored to Southwest’s domestic focus, it provides a pleasant, functional, and convenient alternative for those flying through O’Hare.