Flights out of O’Hare and Stockholm, when do I have to be there?

For Stockholm: Between 30 minutes and 3 hours I guess. It would help if you provided a bit more details, like which airport, where you are flying to, airline (or at least which terminal), if you have access to fast track security etc.

For Chicago, you could take the Blue line into downtown Chicago, see the bean at Millennial Park, walk around the loop, have a nice meal, or depending on the time of day, maybe even take an architectural boat tour.

If you want to stay closer to the airport, there's the Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont. Also an AMC Movie theater in Rosemont.

Here's a restaurant guide for O'Hare.

I'd get back to the airport at least a couple of hours before your flight out.

For transatlantic flights from both O'Hare and Stockholm, arrive at the respective airport 3 hours before the flight.

Thanks guys. Re: Stockholm I am flying into Arlanda and out to Edinburgh with SAS, incoming and departing from Terminal 5. I don’t know if I can fast track security. I already have the tickets squared away for the Express train into and out of Stockholm.
Re: Chicago. That’s exactly what I’m going to do (Architectural Cruise!). Been jonesing for a Chicago dog also!
Thanks for the quick responses!
Kathy

Then two hours should be enough IMHO. Personally I would be comfortable arriving a bit closer to departure, but I know the airport and where to go. There might be some queues at security, depeding on the time of the day, but it's usually very efficient. Then there is emigration. Unless there is some long distance flight departing around the same time as your flight the queues for non-EEA passports shouldn't be that long. Note that there are two non-schengen areas at Terminal 5, don't go to the wrong one. SAS usually use the F-gates but there are exceptions.

Kathy,

In Chicago, it all depends on the airline and what terminal you're flying out of.

FYI - the blue line takes about an hour to/from the loop. $5.00 inbound to the loop, $2.25 back to O'Hare. There's are vending machines downstairs by the L-station. Get off at Clark/Lake, walk north on Clark until you reach the river and follow the river to Michigan Ave to find the tour ticket center and boat dock. I would buy a Ventra card ($5.00) with an extra $5.00 (for $10.00) loaded on it. That will cover you in case you want to take a bus back to Clark & Lake...

Now, as for the flight out... If you are flying out of terminal 5 (the International Terminal), the light rail is out of service and they are providing bus shuttles. I understand this can significantly impact transfer times. Also, it's my understanding that Terminal 5 doesn't have a TSA Pre-Check security lane (can be a long security queue because they're all large planes).

If you're flying out of terminals 1, 2 or 3 you shouldn't have too much of a delay.

Good luck.

If I read right, you have almost a 12 hour layover in Stockholm. That gives you an opportunity to spend some meaningful time in Stockholm itself if you like. You can got through passport control and catch the Arlanda Express to Central Station in Stockholm. Central Station is easy walking distance to just about everything in the city. If you are going there in summer you shouldn't miss it....absolutely breathtaking. After you are done, take the Arlanda Express back to the airport in time for the next leg in your journey. Arlanda Airport is efficient and has plenty to do inside should you decide just to wait in out at the airport. There are a couple of lounges that allow you to pay a fee to enter if you are not a member or flying in a certain class of service. There is an American Express Centurion lounge and those who have Priority Pass have another couple of other lounges to choose from.

Have fun and safe travels!