Planning to fly with Delta Air Lines from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)? Knowing where to check in, which terminal to use, how to reach your gate, and where to find baggage and passenger services can make your airport experience much smoother. Delta operates its O’Hare flights from Terminal 5, giving passengers a dedicated location for check-in, security, departures, arrivals, dining, transportation connections, and other airport facilities.
Delta Air Lines at Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Delta Air Lines operates from Terminal 5 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Delta moved its O’Hare operations from Terminal 2 to Terminal 5 in October 2022. The move placed Delta closer to its SkyTeam and joint-venture partners and created a larger dedicated Delta operation at the airport.
Terminal 5 is O’Hare’s international terminal and currently has Concourse M, with 30 gates listed in the airport’s 2026 facility data.
This guide covers everything you may need to know about Delta Air Lines at ORD, including the terminal, check-in, baggage, TSA security, gates, Delta Sky Club, dining, parking, transportation, connections, accessibility, and useful airport tips.
Delta Air Lines ORD Terminal – Quick Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Airline | Delta Air Lines |
| IATA Code | DL |
| Airport | Chicago O’Hare International Airport |
| Airport Code | ORD |
| Delta Terminal | Terminal 5 |
| Terminal Name | O’Hare Terminal 5 |
| Concourse | Concourse M |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
| Main Use | Delta departures and arrivals |
| Delta Sky Club | Terminal 5, Gate M13 |
| AirTrain | Not available; see ORD transportation options |
| Airport Type | International Airport |
| Official Airport | flychicago.com |
| Terminal Map | O’Hare Terminal 5 Map |
Chicago O’Hare’s official airline information lists the commercial carriers operating at the airport, while airport facility information confirms Terminal 5’s current gate and concourse configuration.
Which Terminal Does Delta Use at ORD?
Delta Air Lines uses Terminal 5 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
Passengers flying Delta from O’Hare should generally begin their airport journey at Terminal 5. Delta’s O’Hare operation includes check-in facilities, baggage services, security access, departure gates and the Delta Sky Club.
Delta officially moved its O’Hare operation to Terminal 5 in October 2022. The move was part of Delta’s $50 million investment in its new O’Hare home and included upgraded digital check-in tools and a large Delta Sky Club.
Even though Terminal 5 is Delta’s designated ORD terminal, always check your boarding pass and flight information before traveling because airport operations and gate assignments can change.
What Can You Find Inside Delta’s ORD Terminal?
Terminal 5 provides a range of facilities for passengers traveling through O’Hare.
Important areas include:
- Delta check-in
- Baggage services
- TSA security
- Concourse M departure gates
- Delta Sky Club
- Restaurants and food outlets
- Retail stores
- Restrooms
- Charging stations
- Passenger information
- Accessible facilities
- Transportation connections
- International arrival facilities
O’Hare currently has 149 food-and-beverage locations and 87 news, gift, specialty retail, duty-free and service locations across the airport complex, including Terminal 5.
Delta ORD Terminal Map – What Should You Look For?
The O’Hare Terminal 5 map can help Delta passengers understand where different facilities are located before reaching the airport.
When using the airport map, look for:
- Delta check-in area
- TSA checkpoint
- Concourse M
- Delta gates
- Baggage claim
- Delta Sky Club
- Restaurants
- Shops
- Restrooms
- Charging stations
- Ground transportation
- Terminal transfer locations
- Accessibility facilities
Because Terminal 5 handles a large amount of international traffic, passengers connecting between Terminal 5 and O’Hare’s other terminals should also review the airport’s connection instructions before traveling.
Where Are Delta Gates at O’Hare?
Delta flights at ORD operate from Terminal 5’s Concourse M.
The exact gate is assigned according to the individual flight and can change during the day. Rather than relying on an old gate number, passengers should check:
- Delta app
- Boarding pass
- O’Hare flight information screens
- Gate-area displays
O’Hare’s current facility data lists 30 gates in Concourse M at Terminal 5.
If you arrive at Terminal 5 early, check the airport monitors after passing security because your gate may be updated.
Delta Air Lines ORD Terminal Services
Terminal 5 provides numerous facilities that can be useful before and after a Delta flight.
| Service | Available | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Delta Check-in | Yes | Check-in and airport ticketing services |
| Baggage Services | Yes | Checked baggage and baggage assistance |
| TSA Security | Yes | Passenger screening before departure |
| Departure Gates | Yes | Delta flights use Terminal 5’s Concourse M |
| Delta Sky Club | Yes | Located near Gate M13 |
| Restaurants | Yes | Food and dining options |
| Shopping | Yes | Retail and travel essentials |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Airport Wi-Fi available |
| Charging Stations | Yes | Charging facilities throughout the terminal |
| Restrooms | Yes | Available throughout passenger areas |
| Accessibility | Yes | Accessible airport facilities |
| International Facilities | Yes | Terminal 5 handles international operations |
| Passenger Information | Yes | Airport information and flight displays |
| Transportation | Yes | Connections to Chicago and airport facilities |
| Terminal Transfer | Yes | Connections to other ORD terminals |
O’Hare lists the Delta Sky Club at Terminal 5, Gate M13, and its technology facilities include a power station at Gate M13.
How Does Delta Check-In Work at ORD?
Delta passengers should go to Terminal 5 when beginning their journey at O’Hare.
Depending on the itinerary and available options, passengers can check in using the Delta app or website before arriving at the airport. Travelers with checked luggage should allow sufficient time for bag drop before proceeding to TSA security.
A typical departure process looks like this:
ORD Airport → Terminal 5 → Delta Check-In → Bag Drop → TSA Security → Concourse M → Gate
Delta recommends arriving at least 2 hours before a domestic departure from U.S. airports. For most domestic flights, checked bags generally need to be accepted at least 45 minutes before departure, while passengers without checked baggage must be checked in at least 30 minutes before departure. Delta also requires customers to be at the gate and ready to board 15 minutes before scheduled departure.
Delta Departures at Chicago O’Hare
Delta departures at ORD are handled through Terminal 5.
After completing check-in and baggage drop, follow the airport signs toward TSA security. Once through security, look for your assigned gate in Concourse M.
Before leaving the security area, check the departure monitors again. This is especially useful if you have arrived several hours before departure or if airport operations are busy.
How Early Should You Arrive for a Delta Flight at ORD?
O’Hare is a major international airport, so passengers should avoid arriving at the last minute.
Allow additional time during:
- Early-morning departures
- Friday and Sunday travel
- Holiday periods
- Summer travel
- International flights
- Peak airport periods
- Heavy Chicago traffic
- Long TSA queues
- Terminal transfers
Your overall airport journey may include:
Driving/transportation + parking + terminal access + check-in + baggage drop + TSA + walking to gate + boarding
For domestic Delta flights, Delta recommends arriving at least 2 hours before departure. International travelers should allow additional time based on their itinerary and document requirements.
Delta Arrivals at ORD – What Happens After Landing?
Delta arrivals at O’Hare are handled through Terminal 5.
After landing, follow the airport signs toward:
- Baggage claim
- Connecting flights
- Customs and immigration, when applicable
- Ground transportation
- Airport exits
International arrivals at O’Hare generally proceed through the Terminal 5 CBP processing area, although passengers arriving from certain preclearance locations may follow different procedures.
If you have checked luggage, look at the airport’s baggage information screens for your assigned carousel.
Delta Baggage Services at ORD
If you have checked luggage, follow the signs to the baggage claim area after arriving at O’Hare.
If your baggage is delayed, damaged or missing, keep the following information available:
- Baggage receipt
- Flight number
- Boarding pass
- Bag tag information
- Baggage report/reference number
Contact Delta’s baggage service team as soon as possible if your luggage does not arrive.
For international arrivals, passengers may also have to complete customs procedures before continuing to their final destination.
Delta TSA Security at O’Hare
Delta passengers departing from Terminal 5 must complete TSA screening before entering the secure departure area.
Security wait times can vary according to:
- Passenger volume
- Time of day
- Day of week
- Holidays
- TSA staffing
- Weather
- Airport operations
Do not assume that a previous TSA wait time will be the same on your travel date.
After clearing security, check the airport screens again and continue to your assigned gate in Concourse M.
Delta Sky Club at ORD Terminal 5
Delta’s Sky Club is located in Terminal 5 near Gate M13.
The lounge provides eligible travelers with a place to relax, work and recharge before their flight. Delta describes its O’Hare Sky Club as a major part of its Terminal 5 operation, with more than 22,000 square feet of lounge space.
O’Hare’s official lounge directory currently lists:
Delta Sky Club — Terminal 5, Gate M13
Access depends on Delta’s current lounge eligibility requirements, so passengers should verify their eligibility before traveling.
Food and Dining Near Delta’s ORD Gates
Terminal 5 offers a variety of food and beverage choices for travelers.
Passengers can find options for:
- Breakfast
- Coffee
- Quick meals
- Snacks
- Grab-and-go food
- Sit-down dining
- Drinks
- Travel snacks
If you have a short connection or are traveling during a busy period, consider allowing enough time for both food and boarding.
Shopping at Delta Terminal 5
Passengers can also find retail facilities throughout Terminal 5.
Common shopping needs include:
- Travel essentials
- Snacks
- Gifts
- Personal items
- Electronics accessories
- Last-minute purchases
- Duty-free shopping for eligible international travelers
Because Terminal 5 serves many international passengers, the retail selection includes both general airport stores and international-travel-related services.
Delta ORD Terminal – Your Airport Journey
WHERE SHOULD I START?
Terminal 5
Delta Air Lines operates from Terminal 5 at O’Hare.
WHAT DO I DO FIRST?
Check in with Delta
Complete online/app check-in when available, or use the Delta facilities at Terminal 5.
WHERE DO I DROP MY BAG?
Delta baggage/check-in area
If you are checking luggage, complete the baggage-drop process before heading toward TSA security.
WHERE DO I GO FOR SECURITY?
TSA checkpoint
Follow the airport signs from the Delta check-in area toward security.
HOW DO I FIND MY GATE?
Check your boarding pass and O’Hare flight monitors. Delta flights use Concourse M, but the exact gate can change.
HOW LONG SHOULD I ALLOW?
Give yourself enough time for:
Check-in + baggage + TSA + walking + boarding
Delta recommends arriving at least 2 hours before domestic departures.
WHERE CAN I RELAX?
Terminal 5 has restaurants, shops, seating areas and other passenger facilities. Eligible travelers can use the Delta Sky Club near Gate M13.
WHAT IF MY BAG DOESN’T ARRIVE?
Keep your baggage information and contact Delta’s baggage service team for assistance.
WHAT IF MY FLIGHT IS DELAYED OR CANCELLED?
Check your Delta flight status through the Delta app or website and monitor O’Hare’s flight information displays for operational updates.
WHAT IF I HAVE A CONNECTING FLIGHT?
Check the terminal for your next flight before leaving Terminal 5.
O’Hare has four passenger terminals—1, 2, 3 and 5—and provides transfer options between them.
Connecting Between Delta and Other Airlines at ORD
Terminal 5 is separate from O’Hare’s domestic core terminals.
O’Hare provides a Terminal Transfer Bus for eligible connecting passengers between Terminal 5 and Terminals 1 and 3. A same-day departing boarding pass is required for the secure transfer bus.
Passengers connecting between the core terminals and Terminal 5 should check the airport’s current transfer instructions before traveling.
If a connection requires leaving the secure area, passengers may need to go through TSA screening again.
Transportation to and From Delta Terminal 5
Passengers traveling to or from Delta’s ORD terminal have several transportation options.
Airport Transit System
O’Hare’s Airport Transit System provides connections between airport facilities and terminals.
CTA Blue Line
The Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line provides direct rail service to O’Hare and is one of the main public transportation options for reaching Chicago.
Taxi
Authorized taxi services are available at designated airport pickup areas.
Rideshare
Uber, Lyft and other ride-app services operate at O’Hare using designated pickup locations. Follow airport signage because pickup locations can vary.
Rental Cars
Rental-car facilities are connected with the airport transportation system.
Passengers should allow additional time for Chicago traffic when traveling to ORD by road.
Delta Terminal 5 Accessibility
Terminal 5 provides accessibility facilities for passengers who require additional assistance.
Passengers can find accessible:
- Restrooms
- Elevators
- Airport transportation
- Passenger pathways
- Seating areas
- Other terminal facilities
Passengers who require airline-specific wheelchair assistance should arrange it with Delta before traveling whenever possible.
If you are connecting through O’Hare, also consider the time required to transfer between terminals.
Delta’s O’Hare Terminal – Important Things to Know
Before leaving for your flight, remember these key points:
- Delta uses Terminal 5 at ORD.
- Delta’s gates are located in Concourse M.
- The Delta Sky Club is at Gate M13.
- Check your gate on the day of travel.
- Allow additional time for TSA during busy periods.
- Delta recommends arriving at least 2 hours before domestic departure.
- International travelers should allow additional time.
- Keep baggage information until you reach your destination.
- Check the O’Hare flight information screens regularly.
- If connecting to another terminal, review ORD’s transfer procedures.
- Terminal 5 handles international arrivals and departures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Delta Air Lines operates from Terminal 5 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
Yes. Delta’s O’Hare operation is based in Terminal 5, where passengers can access Delta check-in, baggage services, security and departure facilities.
Delta flights at Terminal 5 use Concourse M. O’Hare’s current facility data lists 30 gates in Concourse M.
Yes. The Delta Sky Club is located in Terminal 5 near Gate M13. Access depends on Delta’s current eligibility rules.
For domestic travel, Delta recommends arriving at least 2 hours before departure. Travelers should allow additional time for international flights, baggage, TSA and airport traffic.
Yes. O’Hare provides transfer options between Terminal 5 and the other passenger terminals. Eligible connecting passengers can use the Terminal Transfer Bus, while other travelers may use the airport’s public transfer system and may need to clear security again.
The Delta Sky Club is located in Terminal 5 at Gate M13.
Delta previously operated from Terminal 2, but its flights moved to Terminal 5 in October 2022.
Final Thoughts
For Delta passengers, the main thing to remember at Chicago O’Hare is straightforward: Delta Air Lines operates from Terminal 5 (T5).
From check-in and baggage services to TSA security, Concourse M gates, dining, shopping and the Delta Sky Club, Terminal 5 brings Delta’s O’Hare operation together in one location.
Before heading to ORD, check your Delta flight information and the airport’s current displays. If you are connecting to another airline, pay particular attention to the terminal because O’Hare’s four passenger terminals are not all connected in the same way.
For a smoother Delta journey:
ORD → Terminal 5 → Delta Check-In → Bag Drop → TSA → Concourse M → Gate → Delta Flight