Skip to main content
Chase logo, links to Chase home
Sign in
Credit Card Marketplace

Guide to TSA wait times at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Time to read min

    Quick insights

    • TSA wait times at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) are generally under 15 minutes.
    • At times, security checkpoint wait times can extend to 45 minutes or more due to factors like increased passenger volume or the availability of TSA agents.
    • MyTSA and other mobile apps provide current TSA wait times at ORD based on real-time data.

    Looking for TSA wait times at ORD? Whether you’re a local Chicagoan or a visitor to the Windy City, navigating airport security can be a stressful part of the travel experience. Fortunately, TSA wait times at ORD are often relatively short, and there are tools available to help travelers anticipate when they’re likely to face longer lines.

    Here are some things to know about TSA wait times at ORD, along with a few tips to help you move through airport security more smoothly.

    Airport security wait times at ORD

    Generally, TSA wait times at ORD are less than 15 minutes under normal conditions. However, during peak travel periods, wait times can extend to 45 minutes or more. The busiest times often occur around 6 a.m.

    As of March 2025, ORD does not provide current TSA wait times on their website, but travelers can use MyTSA and other mobile apps to access this information. Some apps offer airport security wait times for both standard and TSA PreCheck® lanes at specific security checkpoints within ORD and other airports.

    While these resources can be useful for planning travel, note that wait times can suddenly increase due to factors like passenger surges, TSA staffing levels and equipment availability.

    Timing your arrival at ORD

    TSA recommends arriving at the airport 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. Airlines may also offer specific guidance on how early you should arrive before you flight.

    When planning your arrival time at the airport, you may consider how long pre-boarding tasks like parking, airline check-in and baggage check will likely take to complete. If you need to park, you can check the ORD website for current parking lot availability, which may help you quickly find an open spot.

    Tips to streamline ORD security screenings

    There are a few steps you can take to potentially expedite your security screening and reduce the time it takes to reach your gate. Here are some tips to streamline your travel experience at ORD.

    Consider peak travel times

    Traveling outside of peak hours may help you avoid crowds at ORD security checkpoints. To estimate likely wait times on your travel day, you can use mobile apps that provide data-driven predictions. Additionally, you can compare predicted wait times between Chicago’s two major airports: ORD and Midway International Airport (MDW).

    While these apps cannot guarantee precise wait time predictions, some travelers may find this information useful when selecting a flight itinerary, alongside other considerations.

    Prepare for security screenings

    There are several steps you can take to potentially speed up your screening process. Familiarizing yourself with TSA guidelines, particularly TSA carry-on restrictions, may be helpful.

    Organized and uncluttered bags are typically easier to screen, so packing efficiently and following other travel packing tips could lead to a faster screening. At airport security, it may be helpful to keep your boarding pass and ID easily accessible and wear shoes, jewelry, a belt and jacket that can be removed quickly.

    Enroll in TSA PreCheck

    TSA PreCheck is a program designed to expedite security screenings. Enrolled travelers can use designated TSA PreCheck lanes at participating airports, including ORD. During the screening process, members can usually keep their belts, light jackets and shoes on and don’t have to remove laptops or liquids from their bags. 

    Use airline mobile apps

    If the airline offers a mobile app, you can typically use it to check in, obtain a mobile boarding pass or even check your bags before arriving at the airport.

    The app could allow you to bypass the airline’s self-service kiosk or counter. Note that while the app allows you to handle payment for checked bags in advance, you’ll still need to visit the airline counter to drop them off.

    While using the app for check-in and other tasks won’t affect your TSA wait time, it could reduce the overall time it takes to reach your gate.

    In summary

    At ORD, airport security wait times are typically under 15 minutes, but travelers may encounter longer waits of 45 minutes or more due to factors such as increased passenger volume, TSA staffing levels and equipment availability.

    To help estimate TSA wait times and plan your arrival, you can use MyTSA and other mobile apps. Additionally, ORD travelers could potentially expedite their time to gate by preparing for their security screening, enrolling in TSA PreCheck or using airline mobile apps for pre-boarding tasks.

    Find a credit card

    Topics:

    What to read next