Last Updated on July 25, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Delta Air Lines currently operates its Chicago O’Hare flights from Terminal 5, not Terminal 2. Delta moved its ORD check-in, gates, baggage services, and Sky Club to Terminal 5 in October 2022. Because gates and operating carriers can change, check the Fly Delta app or your boarding pass before leaving for the airport.
Quick Answer
Delta Air Lines operates from Terminal 5 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Go to Terminal 5 for Delta check-in, bag drop, security, arrivals, and baggage claim. Delta gates are in Concourse M, and the Delta Sky Club is near Gate M13. Always confirm your terminal and gate before traveling.
Key Takeaways
- Delta uses Terminal 5 at O’Hare for its scheduled ORD flights.
- Delta moved from Terminal 2 to Terminal 5 on October 12, 2022.
- Terminal 5 contains Concourse M, where Delta’s departure gates are located.
- The Delta Sky Club is near Gate M13 and offers food, drinks, Wi-Fi, work areas, showers, and other amenities for eligible guests.
- Use the Airport Transit System to travel landside between Terminal 5 and the other terminals. You may have to clear security again.
- A Delta flight number does not always mean Delta operates the aircraft. Check the operating carrier on codeshare bookings.
History of Delta Air Lines at O’Hare Airport
Delta has served Chicago O’Hare for many years, but O’Hare is not one of Delta’s airline hubs. The Chicago Department of Aviation identifies American Airlines and United Airlines as O’Hare’s two hub carriers. Delta instead operates ORD as an important destination within its domestic and partner network.
The most important recent change occurred on October 12, 2022, when Delta moved from Terminal 2 to Terminal 5. The move placed Delta closer to several international and SkyTeam partners and gave passengers access to newer check-in equipment, upgraded gate areas, and a much larger Delta Sky Club.
Older airport guides, parking websites, and search results may still direct Delta passengers to Terminal 2. Those instructions are outdated. Delta’s own Chicago O’Hare airport page currently directs passengers to Terminal 5.
Delta Terminal 5 Layout and Amenities
Terminal 5 has one main passenger concourse, Concourse M. Delta’s check-in area, bag-drop facilities, security access, departure gates, arrivals area, and baggage services are all associated with Terminal 5.
| Travel Need | Where to Go |
|---|---|
| Delta terminal | Terminal 5 |
| Departure gates | Concourse M; check your boarding pass for the exact gate |
| Check-in and bag drop | Delta check-in area in the Terminal 5 departures lobby |
| Arrivals and baggage claim | Terminal 5 arrivals and baggage-claim level |
| Delta Sky Club | Terminal 5 near Gate M13 |
| Other terminals | Use the free Airport Transit System or an available secure-side transfer service |
Terminal 5 provides free airport Wi-Fi, flight-information displays, information desks, restrooms, charging locations, family facilities, food outlets, and shops. A power station is listed near Gate M13, although passengers may also find outlets in gate seating areas.
Note: A flight sold by Delta may be operated by Air France, KLM, WestJet, or another partner. Check the words “operated by” on your reservation because the operating carrier controls check-in and terminal instructions.
Delta Check-in and Security Process at ORD
Delta passengers can usually check in through the Fly Delta app, Delta’s website, a Terminal 5 kiosk, or a staffed Delta counter. Terminal 5 also has kiosks that support self-tagging for checked bags and self-service bag-drop positions may be available.
| Travel Step | Delta Guidance |
|---|---|
| Recommended domestic arrival | At least 2 hours before departure |
| Domestic checked-bag cutoff at ORD | At least 45 minutes before departure |
| Domestic check-in without checked bags | At least 30 minutes before departure |
| Domestic gate-ready time | At least 15 minutes before departure |
| Recommended international arrival | At least 3 hours before departure |
| International check-in deadline | Generally at least 1 hour before departure; destination-specific rules may require more time |
These are minimum requirements and recommendations, not estimates of how long the Terminal 5 lines will take. Weather, holidays, airline disruptions, construction, and international departure checks can add time. Review Delta’s current domestic check-in requirements or international check-in requirements before travel.
TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are available in Terminal 5. However, checkpoint locations, operating hours, and individual lane availability can change during the day. Follow airport signs rather than assuming every expedited lane will be open when you arrive.
Warning: Arriving before departure time is not enough. Delta may refuse a checked bag or cancel check-in if you miss the applicable cutoff, even when the aircraft has not left the gate.
Delta Sky Club at O’Hare Terminal 5
The Delta Sky Club is located in Terminal 5 near Gate M13. Delta opened this lounge when it moved from Terminal 2 in October 2022. The club covers more than 22,000 square feet and was designed to seat nearly 400 guests.
Verified amenities include food selections, a full-service bar, Wi-Fi, charging access, quiet sound booths, a family room, and four showers. Select Delta flights may also offer boarding through gate areas connected directly to the club, but this service is not available for every departure.
A Delta ticket by itself does not provide lounge access. Eligibility can depend on the traveler’s cabin, route, membership, credit card, annual visit allowance, fare type, and same-day itinerary. Delta’s three-hour access policy generally limits entry before an originating departure, while connecting passengers receive a layover exception.
Note: Delta Main Basic tickets are excluded from many Sky Club access methods. Review Delta’s current Sky Club access policy before relying on a membership, premium ticket, or credit-card benefit.
Dining and Shopping Options in Terminal 5
Terminal 5 offers quick-service meals, coffee, snacks, sit-down dining, Chicago-inspired food, convenience stores, travel supplies, gifts, and duty-free shopping. Options are available before and after security, although the larger selection is generally inside Concourse M.
Current Terminal 5 dining listings include The Hampton Social, The Dearborn, Publican Quality Bread, Protein Bar & Kitchen, Dunkin’, Farm2Air Market, R.J. Grunts Burgers & Fries, Butcher & The Burger, and other concessions. Retail listings include travel-essential shops, vending locations, Brookstone, BLVD & Branch, and Chicago-themed stores.
Airport vendors and opening hours change according to flight schedules, construction, and staffing. Check O’Hare’s official dining directory and shopping directory for options near your gate.
Duty-free pricing is intended for eligible international travel and is not automatically available to every Terminal 5 passenger. Ask the store about destination and boarding-pass requirements before making a purchase.
Connecting Flights and Transfer Process
Delta does not operate an O’Hare hub, but some travelers still connect between Delta flights or between Delta and partner airlines at ORD. The correct transfer process depends on the arriving flight, departing terminal, baggage arrangement, and whether the passenger must enter the United States.
Domestic Connection Within Terminal 5
If both flights use Terminal 5 and your bags are checked to the final destination, you can normally follow signs to the next gate without leaving the secure area. Confirm the new gate in the Fly Delta app because Concourse M assignments can change.
Domestic Connection to Another Terminal
Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected to one another, but Terminal 5 is separate. O’Hare provides two possible transfer methods:
- Airport Transit System: The ATS is a free landside train connecting Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5 with the Multi-Modal Facility. Passengers who leave the secure area to use it must clear TSA security at the departure terminal.
- Terminal Transfer Bus: An airside bus may operate between designated locations in Terminals 1, 3, and 5 for eligible connecting passengers with boarding passes. Terminal 5’s published pickup location is near Gate M13. Availability and eligibility can change, so follow airline and airport directions.
Do not plan to walk from Terminal 5 to Terminals 1, 2, or 3. Terminal 5 is not connected to those terminals by the same pedestrian corridors used within the domestic-terminal complex.
International Arrival and Connection
Passengers arriving from most international airports must complete the following steps at their first U.S. airport:
- Clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection.
- Collect all checked bags.
- Pass through customs.
- Recheck bags at the designated connection point when the itinerary permits.
- Travel to the departure terminal if necessary.
- Complete TSA security screening again.
Flights arriving from a U.S. preclearance airport are generally treated more like domestic arrivals because U.S. inspection was completed before departure. Procedures can still vary by itinerary, so follow the instructions given by the operating airline.
Pro Tip: Allow extra connection time whenever you must change terminals or arrive from a non-preclearance international airport. A legal connection sold by an airline does not guarantee that immigration, baggage, ATS, and security lines will be short.
Ground Transportation Options
Terminal 5 has access to taxis, app-based rideshare services, hotel shuttles, regional buses, parking, rental cars, and public transportation. Follow the signs for the correct pickup zone because taxis, rideshare vehicles, private cars, and hotel shuttles may use different areas.
CTA Blue Line
The CTA Blue Line operates 24 hours a day between O’Hare and Chicago. Normal travel time between O’Hare and downtown is about 40 to 45 minutes.
The Blue Line station connects directly with Terminals 1, 2, and 3. From Terminal 5, follow signs to the Airport Transit System, ride the ATS to Terminal 2, and then follow signs marked “CTA Trains” or “Trains to City.” Check the CTA airport travel page for current fares, service alerts, and accessibility information.
Parking
The Terminal 5 parking garage and adjacent Lot D provide parking close to Terminal 5. O’Hare also operates economy lots that may be more suitable for longer stays. Parking prices, capacity, and construction access can change, so review O’Hare’s official parking information before driving to the airport.
Rental Cars
On-airport rental-car companies operate from the Multi-Modal Facility. Take the ATS between Terminal 5 and the facility. Off-airport rental companies may require an additional shuttle from a designated pickup point.
Accessibility and Special Services
O’Hare Terminal 5 includes elevators, accessible restrooms, curb ramps, accessible information services, family facilities, and service-animal relief areas. Passengers who need wheelchair assistance, boarding help, service-animal arrangements, or another airline accommodation should make the request directly with Delta before travel.
Wheelchair service can assist travelers through check-in, security, gate transfers, boarding, and deplaning. Requesting the service in advance gives the airline more time to coordinate staff, especially for a terminal change or tight connection.
Travelers who need help during TSA screening can contact TSA Cares at 855-787-2227. TSA recommends contacting the service at least 72 hours before travel when possible. Additional accessibility details are available in O’Hare’s Terminal Accessibility guide.
Tips for Navigating Delta’s Terminal at O’Hare
- Enter Terminal 5 in your navigation app. Do not follow an old article or saved map that directs you to Terminal 2.
- Check the operating carrier. A Delta flight number may belong to a partner-operated codeshare flight.
- Use the Fly Delta app. It provides a digital boarding pass, gate updates, delay notices, and baggage tracking.
- Allow time for Terminal 5 security. International departure periods can produce changing passenger volumes.
- Do not miss Delta’s cutoffs. Domestic checked bags at ORD generally must be accepted at least 45 minutes before departure.
- Verify lounge eligibility before arriving. Sky Club rules depend on the exact ticket and access credential.
- Plan terminal changes carefully. The ATS is landside, and passengers using it for a connection normally need to clear TSA again.
- Check airport alerts. Construction, parking access, pickup zones, and concession hours can change.
The simplest travel-day rule is to follow your current boarding pass, not an old terminal guide: Delta’s normal home at O’Hare is Terminal 5, but the operating carrier and assigned gate remain the final authority.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Delta Air Lines operates from Terminal 5 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Delta passengers should use Terminal 5 for check-in and baggage services, then proceed to their assigned Concourse M gate. The Delta Sky Club is near Gate M13, and Terminal 5 provides a broad selection of dining, shopping, transportation, and accessibility services.
The most common problems occur when passengers follow outdated Terminal 2 information, overlook a codeshare operating carrier, or underestimate the time needed for an interterminal or international connection. Check the Fly Delta app shortly before departure and again after arriving at the airport.
Traveling with a computer can add weight to your carry-on. This guide to the best lightweight laptop for travel may help when preparing for a future flight.
Sources
- Delta Air Lines: Chicago O’Hare Airport Map and Information — confirms Terminal 5, check-in features, bag-drop guidance, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR availability.
- Delta News Hub: Delta’s New O’Hare Home — confirms the October 2022 move and Terminal 5 Sky Club details.
- Chicago O’Hare: Connecting Traveler — explains terminal transfers, international arrivals, baggage reclaim, and security screening.
- Chicago O’Hare: Airline Lounges — confirms the Delta Sky Club location near Gate M13.
- Chicago Transit Authority: O’Hare Airport Service — confirms Blue Line operating information and Terminal 5 transfer directions.
- Chicago O’Hare: Terminal Accessibility — provides wheelchair, TSA Cares, restroom, and disability-service information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What terminal is Delta Air Lines at O’Hare Airport?
Delta Air Lines operates from Terminal 5 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Its departure gates are in Concourse M. Check your boarding pass for the exact gate and confirm the operating carrier on codeshare flights.
Did Delta move from Terminal 2 to Terminal 5?
Yes. Delta moved its O’Hare operation from Terminal 2 to Terminal 5 on October 12, 2022. Websites that still direct Delta passengers to Terminal 2 are using outdated information.
How do I get from another O’Hare terminal to Terminal 5?
Use the free Airport Transit System for a landside transfer. Passengers using the ATS for a flight connection normally must clear TSA security at the departure terminal. An airside Terminal Transfer Bus may also be available between designated locations in Terminals 1, 3, and 5 for eligible passengers.
Can I walk from Terminal 2 to Delta’s Terminal 5?
No practical pedestrian connection links Terminal 5 with the Terminal 1–3 complex. Use the Airport Transit System or follow airline instructions for an eligible secure-side transfer.
Where is the Delta Sky Club at O’Hare?
The Delta Sky Club is in Terminal 5 near Gate M13. Access depends on the traveler’s ticket, itinerary, membership, credit card, fare type, and current Delta Sky Club rules.
How early should I arrive for a Delta flight at ORD?
Delta recommends arriving at least two hours before a domestic departure and at least three hours before an international departure. At ORD, domestic checked bags generally must be accepted at least 45 minutes before departure.
Do I need to collect my luggage during an international connection?
Usually, yes. Passengers arriving from most non-preclearance international airports must clear immigration, collect checked bags, pass customs, recheck the bags, and complete TSA screening. Arrivals from U.S. preclearance airports are generally handled differently.
Does a Delta flight number always depart from Terminal 5?
No. A Delta-marketed codeshare flight may be operated by another airline. In that situation, the operating carrier may control the terminal and check-in location. Review the “operated by” information on your reservation.
