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

Last Updated on July 5, 2026 by Daniel Globe

Delta Air Lines operates from Terminal 5 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), the airport’s international terminal, which Delta shares with its SkyTeam and joint-venture partners. Delta moved its ORD operations here from the older Terminal 2 in October 2022 as part of a $50 million investment, giving passengers modern check-in technology, a larger Delta Sky Club, and single-terminal connections for international travelers.

Key Takeaways

• Delta Air Lines operates from Terminal 5 at O’Hare Airport, using gates M2 through M11.
• Delta relocated to Terminal 5 from its longtime Terminal 2 home in October 2022 as part of a $1 billion airport-wide renovation program.
• Terminal 5 is O’Hare’s international terminal, so Delta shares it with SkyTeam and joint-venture partner airlines, simplifying connections.
• Delta is not a hub carrier at Chicago; it operates roughly 40 peak-day nonstop departures to most of its nine U.S. hubs, including both New York airports (JFK and LaGuardia).
• The Delta Sky Club in Terminal 5 is roughly four times the size of the old Terminal 2 club and includes two bars and expanded dining.

 

History of Delta Air Lines at O’Hare Airport

Delta has served O’Hare for decades as one of several major carriers connecting Chicago to the rest of the country and the world. For most of that history, Delta operated out of Terminal 2. That changed in October 2022, when Delta completed a move into newly renovated gates in Terminal 5’s western concourse, part of the Chicago Department of Aviation’s broader $1 billion O’Hare 21 modernization program.

The relocation put Delta in the same terminal as its SkyTeam alliance partners and joint-venture airlines, so international connecting passengers no longer need to change terminals and clear security again mid-journey. Delta’s gates moved from Concourse E in Terminal 2 (later reassigned to United and Alaska Airlines) to Gates M2 through M11 in Terminal 5.

Terminal Layout and Amenities

Terminal 5 was extensively renovated as part of its relocation, and the layout reflects that investment. The check-in lobby sits on the upper level, with self-tagging kiosks and a self-service bag drop option — Delta is the only global airline at ORD offering full self-service bag drop. Arrivals are handled on the lower level. Once through security, the M-concourse gate areas are larger and more modern than Delta’s old Terminal 2 space, with expanded seating and elevated dining and retail options.

The terminal offers dining ranging from quick-service counters to sit-down restaurants and bars, along with retail shops for travel essentials and souvenirs. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and because Terminal 5 is O’Hare’s international terminal, it also has on-site currency exchange and pet relief areas both before and after security.

Delta Air Lines Flight Network from O’Hare Airport

Delta does not operate a hub at O’Hare the way United and American do, but it maintains a solid schedule of nonstop domestic service designed largely to connect Chicago travelers to Delta’s own hub network. That includes nonstop flights to Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Salt Lake City, Boston, and both New York-area airports (JFK and LaGuardia). Seat capacity on these routes has grown in recent years, with added flying to cities like Boston, Detroit, and Minneapolis.

Because Delta’s ORD schedule is built around domestic connections to its hubs rather than long-haul international routes, travelers looking for one-stop connections to Europe, Asia, or Latin America from Chicago will typically route through one of Delta’s larger hubs, such as Atlanta, Detroit, or JFK, rather than flying nonstop overseas from O’Hare itself.

Delta Sky Club at O’Hare Airport

Delta’s Sky Club in Terminal 5 sits between Gates M11 and M14 and is roughly four times the size of the airline’s old Terminal 2 lounge. Eligible members and guests have access to comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, beer, wine, and premium spirits from two bars, plus expanded buffet-style dining. The club also features artwork from local Chicago artists, including large-scale sculpture and mixed-media pieces.

The Sky Club includes workspaces with charging access, making it a practical stop for business travelers who need to work before a flight, in addition to standard entertainment displays such as news and sports programming.

Delta Air Lines Check-in and Security Process

Delta’s Terminal 5 check-in lobby is designed for speed, with self-tagging kiosks and self-service bag drop reducing the need to wait for a staffed counter. Passengers can also check in online through the Delta website or mobile app in advance to save time at the airport.

Both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR expedited screening are available in Terminal 5, which can meaningfully shorten the security line for enrolled travelers. Standard TSA screening applies to all other passengers, and Delta recommends familiarizing yourself with current carry-on restrictions before arriving.

Delta Air Lines Lounge Access at O’Hare Airport

Access to the Terminal 5 Sky Club works the same way it does across Delta’s network. Sky Club members get unlimited access, while passengers flying in premium cabins on international itineraries or holding qualifying Medallion elite status may also gain entry. Travelers without membership or elite status can purchase a day pass at the lounge entrance, making the club accessible for occasional or one-time visits.

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

Delta’s move to Terminal 5 placed it alongside its SkyTeam alliance partners and joint-venture airlines, which is one of the main reasons the relocation happened. Sharing a terminal with partners like Air France and KLM means connecting international passengers no longer need to transfer buildings and re-clear security mid-itinerary, which simplifies logistics for anyone booking a connecting itinerary that combines Delta with a partner airline.

Delta Air Lines Terminal Expansion and Renovations

Delta’s Terminal 5 presence is the result of a major construction and relocation project completed alongside the Chicago Department of Aviation’s broader Terminal 5 expansion. The project included new gate podiums, updated flight information displays, modernized ticketing and baggage systems, and a rebuilt concourse layout across Gates M2 through M11.

The renovated concourse offers improved seating, better lighting, and updated wayfinding signage. Combined with mobile boarding passes and self-service kiosks, the goal of the project was to reduce congestion and modernize a terminal that had aged significantly since it last saw major updates.

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

Arrive early. Because Terminal 5 is O’Hare’s international terminal and often handles higher passenger volumes, giving yourself extra time for check-in, security, and any potential ATS delays is worthwhile. If you’re connecting from another O’Hare terminal, budget time for the transit ride rather than assuming you can walk.

Download the Delta mobile app for real-time flight status, gate changes, and boarding notifications. Use the self-service check-in and bag-drop kiosks when possible to skip counter lines. If you’re traveling with children or need special assistance, contacting Delta customer service in advance can help ensure accommodations are arranged before you arrive.

Flying Delta Air Lines from O’Hare Airport

Flying Delta out of O’Hare today looks different than it did just a few years ago. The move to Terminal 5 brought a larger Sky Club, faster self-service check-in, and easier connections with SkyTeam partners, even though Delta’s ORD schedule remains focused on domestic routes to its own hub cities rather than a full hub operation. Knowing you’ll depart from Terminal 5 rather than the old Terminal 2 location is the single most useful thing to confirm before you head to the airport.

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 want to check out this article on 5 Wired Noise Cancelling Earbuds Perfect for Your Next Flight. These earbuds can help block out cabin noise and make your journey more enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What terminal is Delta Air Lines at O’Hare?

Delta operates out of Terminal 5 at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, using Gates M2 through M11. Delta moved here from Terminal 2 in October 2022.

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

You can reach Terminal 5 using O’Hare’s Airport Transit System (ATS), which connects all terminals, the Multi-Modal parking facility, and the Metra station. Drivers should follow signs for Terminal 5 or Terminal 5 parking.

Are there any amenities at Terminal 5 for Delta passengers?

Terminal 5 offers a range of amenities including dining, retail shops, currency exchange, pet relief areas, free Wi-Fi, and the Delta Sky Club.

Is there a Delta Sky Club at Terminal 5?

Yes. Delta operates a Sky Club in Terminal 5, located between Gates M11 and M14, for eligible members, guests, and day-pass purchasers.

Sources

1. Delta News Hub — confirms the October 2022 move to Terminal 5, Sky Club size and location, and route details.
2. City of Chicago Department of Aviation — confirms gate assignments (M2–M11) and the Terminal 2-to-5 transition.
3. Delta Air Lines airport map — confirms current Terminal 5 amenities, TSA PreCheck/CLEAR availability, and parking guidance.