This is not a question just info, When you arrive in Chicago figure 1-2 hours for Customs check, its a 1/2 mile walk from plane to passport check when you are through that, you have to get your bags go through customs check then put you bags on another belt, then you are clear the you have to get on a train take it to the regular terminals and do the full check in again (shoes off etc)
Posted by
Richardson, TX, USA
153 posts
Interesting. We went through there in April and found it was very fast. No more than 5 minutes. And they were pleasant to deal with, which was a refreshing change from the greeting you get at DFW.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
I have no idea what this is about. I fly out of Chicago O'Hare about once a year internationally and it's always been quick for me, too. Going out, it's just the regular carryon bag check (and shoes). Coming back it was just a matter of getting my bag and going through a very quick immigration check. Are you talking about flying into O'Hare from out of the country, having to claim your bag and recheck it for your next flight? That could take some time, I guess, but I think it's more dependent on how many other planes come in at the same time. I've never had a delay of any length coming back through O'Hare.
Posted by
OP
Louisville, Kentucky
16 posts
this was a flight from Rome to Chicago then to Louisville
Posted by
Chicago, IL, USA
473 posts
I think a more accurate terminology would be to say that it takes 1-2 hours to connect to a domestic flight when arriving from overseas, rather than for a "Customs check". That 1/2 mile walk always feels like about one mile to me. For US citizens, the Immigration line tends to move quickly. For foreign visitors, the line always seems to be hideous. Then
there is baggage claim, which is a huge variable. Then Customs, which almost always is quick. Then there is the transfer to another terminal, checking in again, going through security, etc. This last step is all required due to the international terminal being separate from the domestic terminals.
Posted by
Frankfort, KY, USA
18 posts
Hello. Just out of a curiosity, I'm traveling through O'Hare to London then back via Vienna over Xmas.
I'm concerned that my traveling companion and I only have two hours to get through customs and then on to flights to Louisville and DFW, respectively. I'm not concerned about myself, but my friend is a Mexican citizen and is a permanant resident of the US. I'm concerned because she's traveling with a Mexican passport. She has all her paperwork but should we expect a huge delay for her to get through terminal five and off to a connecting flight?
We're looking for information regarding Mexican citizens traveling through Europe, but I'm not finding a lot of information.
Thanks to anyone who can help.