Delta Terminal ORD: O’Hare Terminal 5 Guide [2026]

Last Updated on July 27, 2026 by Daniel Globe

Delta Air Lines currently operates from Terminal 5 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Delta moved from Terminal 2 on October 12, 2022, placing its flights in the same terminal as several SkyTeam and joint-venture partners. Terminal 5 handles both domestic and international traffic, so confirming your terminal and gate before leaving for the airport is still important.

History of Delta Air Lines at O’Hare Airport

Delta has served O’Hare for decades and spent much of that time in Terminal 2. The major change came on October 12, 2022, when the airline moved its ORD operation into the renovated western portion of Terminal 5.

According to Delta Air Lines, the airline invested $50 million in its new Terminal 5 operation. The move formed part of O’Hare’s much larger Terminal 5 expansion and renovation, which the Chicago Department of Aviation valued at about $1 billion.

Delta’s original Terminal 5 assignment covered Gates M2 through M11. The move also put Delta closer to several SkyTeam and joint-venture partners, making some connections easier than when Delta was based in Terminal 2.

2026 Delta Gate Changes at O’Hare

The commonly quoted Gates M2 through M11 range comes from Delta’s 2022 move and should not be treated as a permanent gate assignment. On May 29, 2026, the Chicago Department of Aviation announced a new O’Hare gate allocation scheduled to take effect in October 2026.

Under that allocation, Delta is assigned six preferential-use gates in Concourse M, including one gate subleased from Southwest Airlines. O’Hare also retains common-use gates that can be assigned to different airlines as operations require.

Terminal 5 Layout and Amenities

Terminal 5 is sometimes called O’Hare’s international terminal, but that description is no longer complete. It remains O’Hare’s primary gateway for many international airlines and international arrivals, while also handling domestic flights from carriers including Delta.

Departing passengers use the upper-level check-in and departure areas, while baggage claim and most arriving-passenger ground transportation functions are on the lower level. Delta’s check-in area includes self-tagging kiosks and self-service bag-drop options.

Once through security, Concourse M offers restaurants, bars, shops, charging areas, and passenger services. O’Hare also provides unlimited free Wi-Fi throughout its terminals, both before and after security. Terminal 5 has foreign-currency exchange services as well as pet-relief facilities.

You can review the current layout on the official O’Hare Terminal 5 map.

How to Get to Delta Terminal 5 at O’Hare

O’Hare’s free Airport Transit System, or ATS, connects Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5 with the Multi-Modal Facility. The ATS operates 24 hours a day and also provides access to rental cars, Economy Parking Lot F, Kiss ‘n’ Fly, Pace buses, and the connection to the Metra O’Hare Transfer station.

If you are arriving at the airport from another terminal before checking in for a Delta flight, the ATS is normally the simplest way to reach Terminal 5. Because the ATS operates outside the secure area, passengers transferring this way must pass through security at their departure terminal.

Terminal Transfer Bus Between Terminal 5 and Other O’Hare Terminals

O’Hare operates a secure-side Terminal Transfer Bus for eligible connecting passengers. According to the Chicago Department of Aviation, the service currently runs about every 15 minutes from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily.

• Terminal 5: Gate M13
• Terminal 1: Gate C18B
• Terminal 3: Gates G17 and K20

A same-day boarding pass for a flight departing from the terminal you are transferring to is required. During the bus’s operating hours, this service can keep qualifying passengers inside the secure area.

Outside those hours, passengers transferring between Terminal 5 and the other terminals generally need to exit the secure area, take the ATS, and pass through TSA screening again at the connecting terminal.

Delta Air Lines Flight Network from O’Hare Airport

Delta does not operate an O’Hare hub on the scale of United or American. Instead, its Chicago schedule is mainly designed to connect ORD travelers with Delta’s hub network.

When Delta opened its Terminal 5 facility in 2022, it reported more than 40 peak-day nonstop departures to eight of its nine U.S. hubs. That number is useful historical context, but it should not be treated as a permanent schedule because frequencies and routes change.

One important recent change came on June 7, 2026, when Delta launched new nonstop service between O’Hare and Los Angeles International Airport. Delta announced three daily flights on the route, adding another major hub connection for Chicago travelers.

For longer international trips, many Delta passengers connect through hubs such as Atlanta, Detroit, New York-JFK, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Salt Lake City, Seattle, or Los Angeles. Travelers interested in the aircraft commonly used on long-distance routes can also read this guide to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and long-haul travel.

Because airline schedules change seasonally, check Delta’s live schedule rather than relying on a fixed list of ORD destinations.

Delta Sky Club at O’Hare Airport

The Delta Sky Club in Terminal 5 is located near Gate M13. The lounge covers more than 22,000 square feet and is about four times the size of Delta’s former Terminal 2 club. Delta said the facility was designed to accommodate nearly 400 guests.

Amenities include two buffet areas, a full-service bar, a separate wine bar, four shower suites, privacy booths for calls or focused work, charging access, and a family room. The lounge also features artwork from Chicago-area artists.

Another unusual feature is direct boarding for select flights through boarding bridges connected to the club. Availability depends on the flight and operating conditions, so passengers should still follow the boarding information shown in the Fly Delta app and inside the lounge.

Delta’s Terminal 5 Sky Club is more than 22,000 square feet and roughly four times the size of the airline’s former O’Hare lounge.

Delta Air Lines Check-in and Security Process

Delta’s Terminal 5 check-in area includes self-tagging kiosks and self-service bag-drop positions. You can also check in through Delta’s website or Fly Delta app beginning up to 24 hours before departure. Online check-in systems can reduce the amount of time you spend at a staffed counter; this separate guide explains another example of how online check-in works in travel.

For domestic U.S. travel, Delta currently recommends arriving at least two hours before departure. At most U.S. airports, checked baggage must be accepted at least 45 minutes before departure, passengers without checked bags must be checked in at least 30 minutes before departure, and everyone should be at the gate at least 15 minutes before departure. Airport-specific exceptions can apply.

Terminal 5 offers TSA PreCheck and CLEAR for eligible travelers. Screening availability and lane configuration can change during the day, so allow more time during holidays, severe weather, or other peak travel periods.

Delta Arrivals and International Connections at O’Hare

Terminal 5 handles international arrivals at O’Hare, but the connection process depends on where your trip originated.

If you arrive from an international airport without U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance, you must clear immigration and customs before continuing your journey. Connecting passengers generally collect checked luggage, complete customs formalities, recheck eligible bags, and pass through TSA security before reaching the next flight.

Passengers arriving from certain preclearance airports complete U.S. entry formalities before leaving the foreign airport and may follow a different process at O’Hare.

International travelers should also confirm entry-document rules for their destination before departure. For example, passport-validity requirements vary by country; this guide explains the issue in more detail for international travelers visiting Pakistan.

Parking, Drop-Off, and Pick-Up for Delta at O’Hare

Terminal 5 has its own parking facility, Lot D, but airport parking availability can change quickly during busy travel periods. O’Hare also operates economy parking, including facilities connected to the airport through the ATS.

Before driving to ORD, check the official O’Hare parking page for live lot status, current rates, and reservation options.

For drop-off, follow airport signs for Terminal 5 departures. For pickup, passengers normally reach the ground-transportation areas after collecting baggage on the lower level. O’Hare’s Kiss ‘n’ Fly facility at the Multi-Modal Facility is another option and connects to Terminal 5 by ATS.

Delta Air Lines Lounge Access at O’Hare Airport

Access to the Terminal 5 Sky Club depends on your specific eligibility. A valid Delta Sky Club membership can qualify a traveler when the applicable same-day travel and fare rules are met. Certain Delta One and qualifying SkyTeam premium-cabin passengers, eligible elite travelers, and holders of certain premium American Express cards may also qualify under Delta’s current rules.

Card-based access changed significantly beginning February 1, 2025. For example, qualifying Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card Members receive a set number of Sky Club visits per Medallion year unless they meet Delta’s spending requirement for unlimited visits, while eligible U.S. American Express Platinum Card Members receive a different annual visit allotment.

Delta does not sell walk-up Single Visit Passes. Existing unexpired passes issued under older programs may still be accepted according to their terms, but a traveler cannot simply arrive at the ORD lounge and buy a general day pass.

Because lounge rules can change, review Delta’s current Sky Club access policy before your trip. Travelers on Delta Main Basic fares should pay particular attention to fare-specific restrictions.

Delta Air Lines Partners and Codeshare Flights at O’Hare Airport

Delta’s Terminal 5 move placed the airline close to several SkyTeam and joint-venture partners, reducing unnecessary terminal transfers for some connecting itineraries. Delta’s global partners include airlines such as Air France and KLM, and Terminal 5 hosts a large number of international carriers.

That physical proximity is useful, but partner connections are not all identical. Your operating airline, arriving country, baggage arrangement, and U.S. customs requirements determine whether you can remain airside or must clear formalities and security again.

Check both the marketing airline and the operating carrier on your reservation. A Delta flight number does not necessarily mean Delta operates the aircraft or that the next flight departs from the same gate area.

Delta Air Lines Terminal Expansion and Renovations

Delta’s move was part of the broader Terminal 5 modernization program. The 2022 project added renovated gate areas, updated passenger-processing technology, improved baggage systems, expanded concessions, and a much larger Delta Sky Club.

Delta’s $50 million investment was separate from, but coordinated with, the Chicago Department of Aviation’s roughly $1 billion Terminal 5 expansion and renovation project.

O’Hare continues to evolve. The 2026 gate-reallocation process is another reminder that airline gate assignments are operational rather than permanent. The important constant for Delta passengers is that Delta remains in Terminal 5, Concourse M; the specific gate should always be verified before travel.

Tips for Navigating Delta Air Lines Terminal at O’Hare Airport

• Confirm Terminal 5 and your gate before leaving home. Gate assignments may change even after check-in.
• Arrive about two hours early for a typical domestic trip. Give yourself more time during holidays, severe weather, or when checking bags.
• Know your transfer method. The secure Terminal Transfer Bus can be useful between Terminal 5 and Terminals 1 or 3 during operating hours; otherwise, use the ATS.
• Do not underestimate an international connection. Non-precleared arrivals must complete U.S. entry formalities and TSA screening.
• Check parking before driving. Lot D serves Terminal 5, while economy options may require an ATS ride.
• Use the Fly Delta app. It provides current flight status, boarding information, and gate changes.
• Verify lounge eligibility before arriving. Sky Club access rules are more restrictive than a simple paid day-pass system.

If you are traveling with children, mobility needs, or another situation requiring assistance, contact Delta in advance so the appropriate airport assistance can be arranged.

Flying Delta Air Lines from O’Hare Airport

For most travelers, the most important fact is simple: Delta operates from Terminal 5 at Chicago O’Hare. The airline has been there since October 2022, with modernized check-in facilities, a large Sky Club, and closer proximity to several international partners.

The details around that answer have changed, however. Gates M2 through M11 describe Delta’s original Terminal 5 assignment rather than a permanent range, O’Hare has announced another gate reallocation for October 2026, and the secure Terminal Transfer Bus now gives eligible connecting travelers another way to move between Terminal 5 and Terminals 1 or 3.

Check your boarding pass shortly before travel, allow enough time for security and any terminal transfer, and review current Sky Club rules rather than assuming lounge access is available for purchase.

If you’re flying with Delta Air Lines at O’Hare International Airport and looking for ways to make your flight more comfortable, you may also want to check out this article on 5 Wired Noise Cancelling Earbuds Perfect for Your Next Flight. These earbuds can help reduce cabin noise and make a long travel day more comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What terminal is Delta Air Lines at O’Hare?

Delta operates from Terminal 5 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The airline moved from Terminal 2 to Terminal 5 on October 12, 2022.

What gates does Delta use at O’Hare?

Delta’s original 2022 Terminal 5 assignment was Gates M2 through M11. O’Hare announced a new gate allocation in May 2026 that gives Delta six preferential-use Concourse M gates beginning in October 2026. Because individual gates can change, check your boarding pass or Fly Delta app on the day of travel.

How can I get to Terminal 5 at O’Hare?

The free Airport Transit System connects Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5 and operates 24 hours a day. Eligible connecting passengers can also use the secure Terminal Transfer Bus between Terminal 5 and Terminals 1 or 3 during its operating hours.

Do I have to go through security again when connecting to Terminal 5?

It depends. Eligible passengers using the secure Terminal Transfer Bus between Terminal 5 and Terminals 1 or 3 can remain airside. Travelers using the landside ATS must clear security at their departure terminal. Passengers arriving internationally from a non-preclearance airport must also complete U.S. customs procedures and TSA screening before a connection.

Is there a Delta Sky Club at Terminal 5?

Yes. The Delta Sky Club is in Terminal 5 near Gate M13. It is more than 22,000 square feet and includes buffet dining, bars, showers, work areas, charging access, and other lounge amenities.

Can I buy a Delta Sky Club day pass at O’Hare?

No. Delta does not sell general Single Visit Passes at the lounge. Access requires an eligible membership, qualifying ticket or status, eligible credit-card benefit, or another approved access credential under Delta’s current rules.

How early should I arrive for a Delta flight at O’Hare?

For a typical domestic trip, Delta recommends arriving at least two hours before departure. At most U.S. airports, checked bags must be accepted at least 45 minutes before departure, and passengers should be at the gate at least 15 minutes before departure. Allow extra time during busy periods or when your itinerary requires a terminal transfer.

Sources

1. Delta Air Lines — Chicago O’Hare airport information — confirms Terminal 5, check-in features, TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and current Delta airport guidance.
2. Delta News Hub — Terminal 5 move — confirms the October 12, 2022 move, Delta’s $50 million investment, original gate assignment, Sky Club size, amenities, and historical route information.
3. Chicago Department of Aviation — 2026 gate reallocation — confirms Delta’s six preferential-use Concourse M gates under the gate changes scheduled to take effect in October 2026.
4. Chicago O’Hare — Transportation Between Terminals — confirms the ATS and secure Terminal Transfer Bus procedures, locations, and operating hours.
5. Chicago O’Hare — Airline Lounges — confirms the Delta Sky Club’s current Terminal 5 location near Gate M13.
6. Delta Air Lines — Sky Club Access and Policies — confirms current membership, premium-cabin, elite-status, card-access, guest, fare, and Single Visit Pass rules.