Delta Airlines Terminal at Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD)

Delta Air Lines operates exclusively out of Terminal 5 at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). All Delta domestic and international flights arrive and depart from Concourse M. Passenger ticketing, self-service check-in kiosks, and bag drop counters are situated on the Upper Level (Departures), while baggage claim carousels are located on the Lower Level (Arrivals). Delta completed a historic move from its longtime home in Terminal 2 to the newly modernized Terminal 5 in October 2022.

Because many travelers still associate Delta with Terminal 2, going to the wrong terminal is one of the most common mistakes flyers make at O'Hare. Knowing that Delta is now fully settled in Terminal 5 ensures you arrive at the right drop-off curb and have plenty of time to clear security.

The Move to Terminal 5: What Chicago Travelers Must Know

For decades, Delta operated from Terminal 2 at O'Hare alongside other domestic carriers. As part of the multi-billion-dollar O'Hare 21 expansion program, Delta permanently relocated all of its operations to Terminal 5.

Key upgrades resulting from this move include:

• A renovated check-in hall with self-service biometric kiosks and digital bag drop stations.
• Expanded gate areas along Concourse M with higher ceilings and updated jet bridges.
• A premier 22,000-square-foot Delta Sky Club with boarding gate integration.
• Consolidated international and domestic operations under a single roof.

If you are taking public transit on the CTA Blue Line to O'Hare, the train terminates at the main domestic terminal station (between Terminals 1, 2, and 3). You must walk upstairs and board the Airport Transit System (ATS) train to ride over to Terminal 5.

Delta Check-In and Ticketing on the Upper Level

When arriving at Terminal 5 by car, taxi, or rideshare:

• Request drop-off at Terminal 5, Departures (Upper Level).
• Delta's ticketing hall is located in the central section of the terminal.
• Self-Service Kiosks: Scan your confirmation code or passport to print luggage bag tags and boarding passes.
• Main Cabin Bag Drop: Dedicated bag-drop lines staffed by customer agents to verify IDs and accept tagged bags.
• Sky Priority Check-In: A dedicated, expedited area for Delta One, First Class passengers, and SkyMiles Medallion elite flyers.

If you are planning your departure from Illinois, our guide on Delta direct flights from Chicago outlines key non-stop destinations served directly from Terminal 5.

Concourse M Gates: Navigating Terminal 5

Terminal 5 uses letter "M" for all gate designations (Gates M1 through M40):

• After checking bags, proceed through the consolidated TSA security screening checkpoint on the Upper Level.
• Standard TSA lanes, dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes, and Clear biometric verification lanes are operational.
• Once through security, you enter the central Concourse M shopping and dining corridor.
• Delta flights depart from various gates along Concourse M, typically concentrated around Gates M1 to M16.

Walking from security screening to your gate takes between 4 and 10 minutes depending on your assigned gate. Although Terminal 5 is long and linear, moving walkways assist passengers along the central corridor.

The Flagship Delta Sky Club at Terminal 5

One of the greatest benefits of Delta's move to Terminal 5 is the state-of-the-art Delta Sky Club:

• Location: Situated near Gate M11, spanning roughly 22,000 square feet.
• Gate Integration: The lounge features a unique boarding gate bridge, allowing passengers on select flights to board directly from inside the lounge.
• Amenities: Hot food buffet stations showcasing Chicago culinary favorites, a full-service bar with craft cocktails and wine, modern private phone booths, dedicated workstations, shower suites, and apron views.
• Eligibility: Open to Delta One travelers, select SkyMiles Medallion elites traveling internationally, and eligible premium travel credit cardholders.

This facility represents a significant upgrade over Delta's former compact lounge in Terminal 2, offering travelers a relaxing environment before taking off toward Delta's Atlanta hub terminal or other major hubs.

Transferring Between Terminals: The Airport Transit System (ATS)

Because O'Hare is a major connecting point dominated by United in Terminal 1 and American in Terminal 3, passengers transferring to or from Delta must navigate between terminals:

• The ATS Train: An automated people mover operating 24/7 on an elevated track outside security.
• Route: Terminal 1 -> Terminal 2 -> Terminal 3 -> Terminal 5 -> Multi-Modal Facility (Rental Cars & Metra).
• Travel Time: Riding the ATS between Terminal 3 and Terminal 5 takes about 4 minutes; trains run every 3 to 5 minutes.
• Clearing Security Again: Because the ATS operates landside, transferring from Terminal 1, 2, or 3 to Delta in Terminal 5 requires exiting the secure area and clearing TSA security at Terminal 5.
• Airside Transfer Bus: For select passengers with connecting boarding passes, an airside bus occasionally runs between Terminal 1/3 and Terminal 5. However, schedules can be irregular, and most travelers rely on the ATS.

If you have a tight connection across carriers at O'Hare, budget at least 75 to 90 minutes for the ATS train ride and security re-screening. For travelers who also navigate busy New York airspace, comparing terminal setups like the Delta terminal at Newark Airport provides helpful perspective on navigating multi-terminal airport complexes across Delta's network of hubs.

Baggage Claim on the Lower Level, Terminal 5

Upon arriving in Chicago on a Delta flight:

• Deplane at your Concourse M gate and follow the directional signage toward "Baggage Claim / Ground Transportation."
• Take the escalators or elevator down to the Lower Level (Arrivals).
• Delta checked baggage is delivered to designated domestic carousels inside the Terminal 5 baggage hall.
• If arriving on an international Delta flight, you will clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection and collect your bags in the international arrivals hall before exiting to ground transportation.
• The Delta Baggage Service Office is staffed near the carousels to handle baggage inquiries, misplaced luggage, and lost items.

Ground Transportation Options from Terminal 5

Exiting the Lower Level of Terminal 5 gives you access to multiple transport options:

• Taxis and Rideshares: Uber, Lyft, and Chicago taxis pick up along designated outer lanes on the Lower Level.
• Rental Cars: Board the ATS train on the Upper Level and ride to the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), where rental car counters are located.
• CTA Blue Line "L" Train: Take the ATS train to the Terminal 2/3 stop and follow the signs down to the Blue Line station for direct transit into downtown Chicago.

Important Factors and Airport Exceptions

Keep these considerations in mind when planning your flight through O'Hare:

• Do Not Go to Terminal 2: Ride-app drivers and shuttle vans occasionally default to Terminal 2 when passengers say "Delta." Explicitly specify Terminal 5.
• Chicago Weather Delays: Winter snowstorms and summer thunderstorms can cause significant ground delay programs across the Chicago airspace. Always track your aircraft's inbound flight.
• International Gate Flexibility: Because Terminal 5 also accommodates dozens of international foreign carriers, gate assignments along Concourse M shift regularly. Always check overhead monitors.

How to Check the Latest O'Hare Flight Information

To avoid travel day surprises at Chicago O'Hare:

• Visit the official FlyChicago O'Hare Airport Website for real-time security line wait times, parking status, and terminal maps.
• Use the Fly Delta mobile app for gate updates, boarding alerts, and digital baggage tracking.
• Monitor overhead Flight Information Display screens as soon as you exit the security screening lanes in Terminal 5.
• Arrive at least two hours before domestic departures and three hours before international flights.

What to Do If You Need Help

If you experience flight cancellations, delays, or missed connections at O'Hare:

• Delta Service Center: Located near Gate M11 in Concourse M to assist with flight changes and rebooking.
• Self-Service Kiosks: Located throughout the gate corridors to view alternative flights and print updated boarding cards.
• Independent Phone Assistance: An effective alternative when terminal customer service desks face long lines of stranded passengers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which terminal does Delta use at Chicago O'Hare?

Delta operates entirely out of Terminal 5 at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Delta permanently moved from Terminal 2 to Terminal 5 in October 2022.

What gates does Delta use at O'Hare?

Delta flights arrive and depart from Concourse M in Terminal 5, with gates typically concentrated between M1 and M16.

Where is Delta baggage claim located at ORD?

Delta baggage claim is located on the Lower Level (Arrivals) of Terminal 5.

Does Chicago O'Hare Terminal 5 have a Delta Sky Club?

Yes, a 22,000-square-foot Delta Sky Club is located in Terminal 5 near Gate M11, featuring food buffets, a full bar, shower suites, and direct gate boarding.

How do I get from Terminal 5 to other terminals at O'Hare?

You can take the free automated Airport Transit System (ATS) train, which operates 24/7 and connects Terminal 5 to Terminals 1, 2, 3, and the Multi-Modal Facility.

Can I take the CTA Blue Line directly to Terminal 5?

The CTA Blue Line station is located between Terminals 2 and 3. From there, take the elevator up to the Airport Transit System (ATS) train station and ride the train one stop to Terminal 5.

Conclusion

Delta's permanent home in Terminal 5 at Chicago O'Hare International Airport gives travelers an upgraded experience, complete with modern check-in facilities, Concourse M gates, and a flagship Delta Sky Club. Remember that Delta is no longer in Terminal 2, and use the free ATS train if connecting to other terminals. Gate assignments can change based on airport traffic, so verify your departure details upon arrival.

Policies, fees, schedules and availability can change. Verify the latest information with Delta Air Lines or the applicable airport before traveling.

If you have questions about your itinerary through Chicago or need assistance arranging flights across the country, speak with an independent travel specialist at +1 725 765 9837.