Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) TSA Wait Times Analysis
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) handles a high number of passengers daily, and wait times at the security checkpoints fluctuate considerably depending on the time of the day. The ORD tsa wait times can be higher for Lufthansa passengers on specific mornings, evenings, holidays, and other days with increased passenger traffic.
Finding out the ORD TSA wait time before heading to the airport helps in determining the time needed to arrive at the airport. This guide provides information on the Chicago international airport TSA wait times, the current ORD security wait time, TSA checkpoints, and PreCheck, among other details that can help in knowing how long it takes to get through the security checkpoint.
ORD Security Wait Current Status
Depending on the number of travelers and scheduled flights, the ORD Security wait time varies from one hour to several hours. According to the latest Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) TSA performance reports, the airport experiences low security wait times on average, with peak hourly averages ranging from 4 to 7 minutes. For instance, ORD had an average TSA wait time of 4 minutes in July 2025, with a peak of 7 minutes on average and a maximum of 36 minutes.
In addition to checking the recommended TSA website, travelers should find the latest TSA information relevant to the date of their intended arrival at the airport. The airport has TSA checkpoints in Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5 with varying hours of operation.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) TSA Checkpoints and Wait Times
The TSA wait times at O’Hare are dynamic and depend on the hour, the number of passengers, and the TSA checkpoint. The ORD TSA checkpoints have different hours of operation depending on the terminal.
Here are the checkpoint and their operating hours details:
| Terminal | Checkpoint | Operating Hours |
| Terminal 1 | CP1 | 4:00 am to 8:30 pm |
| Terminal 1 | CP2 | 4:15 am to 8:30 pm |
| Terminal 1 | CP3 | 4:00 am to 6:00 pm |
| Terminal 2 | CP5 | 3:15 am to 11:00 pm |
| Terminal 3 | CP6 | 3:45 am to 8:00 pm |
| Terminal 3 | CP7 | 3:30 am to 9:00 pm |
| Terminal 3 | CP7A | 3:15 am to 10:00 pm |
| Terminal 3 | CP8 | 5:00 am to 7:00 pm |
| Terminal 3 | CP9 | 5:00 am to 8:00 pm |
| Terminal 5 | CP10 | 24/7 |
| Terminal 5 | CP11 | 12:30 pm to 8:30 pm |
The TSA PreCheck option is available at selected checkpoints. The ORD Security wait time can also fluctuate depending on the checkpoint. Travelers should, therefore, check the airport website for updated information on TSA security wait times before reporting to any of the checkpoints. For these reasons, a specific TSA wait time cannot be given for O’Hare as the times are dynamic throughout the day. It is recommended that travelers check the latest security information and add extra time to their estimated TSA wait time.
TSA Wait Times at ORD
The TSA wait time at O’Hare depends on the hour, including the number of passengers, scheduled flights, holidays, and the number of open TSA checkpoints. Higher security wait times are experienced during hours with increased passenger traffic, such as mornings, evenings, and holidays. Apart from the time of the day, TSA wait time also depends on the airport terminal and checkpoint. Passengers should, therefore, check their departure terminal and add extra time to the security wait time when reporting to the airport. In the table below, one can estimate the average ORD TSA wait time.
TSA Pre-Check Checkpoints
TSA Pre-Check facilitates expedited security screening for eligible passengers. The TSA Pre-Check program has several checkpoints at O’Hare that offer the service. The checkpoints’ location and operating hours vary depending on the terminal and the airport. Travelers should, therefore, check the TSA website before arriving at the airport. In addition, the ORD TSA wait time varies depending on the specific checkpoint. When checking the ORD tsa wait times, one should, therefore, consider the location and operating hours of each checkpoint. Additionally, when using Pre-Check, making sure that one’s reservation has been linked to the TSA Pre-Check and following the instructions on the boarding pass can help prevent delays.
| Checkpoint | Facilities |
| Checkpoint 1 (CP1) | Standard screening |
| Checkpoint 2 (CP2) | Primary dedicated TSA PreCheck & Touchless ID. |
| Checkpoint 3 (CP3) | Standard screening & CLEAR+ |
| Checkpoint 4 | No longer an active passenger checkpoint |
| Checkpoint 5 (CP5) | Renders standard lines, dedicated TSA PreCheck, and Touchless ID |
| Checkpoint 6 (CP6) | Standard screening |
| Checkpoint 7 (CP7) | Standard screening |
| Checkpoint 7A (CP7A) | Primary dedicated TSA PreCheck & Touchless ID |
| Checkpoint 8 (CP8) | Standard lines and secondary TSA PreCheck routing |
| Checkpoint 9 (CP9) | A standard overflow checkpoint |
| Checkpoint 10 (CP10) | standard lines and dedicated TSA PreCheck |
| Checkpoint 11 (CP11) | An international overflow screening checkpoint |
Current Average TSA Wait Times at Chicago-O’Hare International (ORD)
TSA security lines at O’Hare are dynamic and can differ depending on the hour. Higher passenger traffic is usually observed during certain hours of the day, such as morning hours, and on particular days, such as weekends and holidays. The table below shows the estimated average ORD TSA wait time depending on the hour of the day.
| Time Slot | Average Wait (Minutes) |
| 12:00 AM – 4:00 AM | 2–5 |
| 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM | 4–8 |
| 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 7–12 |
| 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 4–8 |
| 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | 3–7 |
| 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 5–10 |
| 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 4–9 |
| 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM | 2–6 |
Programs for ORD Security Wait Times
Travelers can apply for TSA Pre-Check and similar programs to help expedite the security process. TSA Pre-Check is an optional procedure that allows passengers to get through the security checkpoint faster by going through expedited security screening. Additionally, TSA Pre-Check allows passengers to keep their shoes, light clothing, and belts on, and laptops on their person during the security process. The airport has several designated TSA Pre-Check security checkpoints. In the table below, one can find the location and operating hours of selected TSA Pre-Check security checkpoints.
| TSA PreCheck Location | Working Hours |
| Terminal 1, CP2 | 4:00 am to 8:30 pm |
| Terminal 2, CP5 | 3:30 am to 8:00 pm |
| Terminal 3, CP7A | 4:15 am to 7:30 pm |
| Terminal 3, CP8 | 5:00 am to 7:00 pm |
Travelers can also apply for CLEAR, an optional screening program that allows passengers to use biometric identification to get through the airport’s identity verification process faster. The CLEAR application is available at selected airports, including O’Hare. CLEAR helps reduce the time spent at the airport’s identity check process, allowing passengers to use facial recognition to verify their identity at the airport. In the table below, one can find the location and operating hours of selected CLEAR checkpoints.
| CLEAR Lanes | Operational Hours |
| Terminal 1 | Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu & Fri: 4:30 am–8:00 pm. Tue & Sat: 4:30 am–7:30 pm. |
| Terminal 2 | Sun & Mon: 4:30 am–8:00 pm. Tue–Sat: 4:30 am–7:30 pm. |
| Terminal 5 | Sun–Fri: 4:30 am–7:30 pm.Sat: 4:30 am–7:00 pm. |
Customs Wait Times at Chicago O’Hare Airport
Before leaving the secured area at O’Hare, international passengers must get through the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspection. International passengers are required to report to the customs agency for inspections. The waiting time at the customs checkpoint depends on the number of flights that have landed, the number of passengers, time of the day, and some other factors. The time required to clear the customs inspections depends on several factors, including nationality, number of passengers in a party, and the flight’s arrival hour.
Tips to Get Through TSA Faster at ORD
Before your journey starts with a little preparation, always consider the best choice. Here you can read what you should avoid and do before your TSA precheck.
- Avoid large electronic items. Unless using a TSA Pre-Check, travelers removing laptops from their bags allows a faster screening process. In case of a TSA Pre-Check, laptops do not have to be removed from the bags.
- Use TSA Pre-Check when available. In case of a TSA Pre-Check, travelers can go through the security process faster, and several items such as light clothing and belts do not have to be removed during the process.
- Check the TSA checkpoint before arriving at the airport. Depending on the day of travel, specific TSA checkpoints might be closed at certain hours of the day. Checking the TSA checkpoint location and operating hours can help avoid getting stuck at an airport with a closed checkpoint.
Conclusion
Before you start your journey check TSA wait time at ORD so you can prepare for what is coming ahead. After knowing all procedures and what to avoid at tsa precheck pax can save a lot of valuable time at the airport TSA security line.
Pax FAQs
You can come at Chicago O’Hare International Airport 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight.
30 minutes is usually enough time to get through a standard TSA security line on a normal day, but it is too risky if you have not yet arrived at the airport or if you are flying during peak hours.
Sunday is the busiest day of the week and the peak travel day during major holiday periods at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
No, you cannot get TSA PreCheck in one day, as standard approval takes 3 to 5 days after your appointment at the Official TSA PreCheck Portal.