Traveling with Lufthansa from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)? Knowing your departure terminal, check-in location, security area, gate, baggage process, and terminal connections can make your airport experience much more straightforward.
Chicago O’Hare is a large airport with several passenger terminals, so understanding the difference between Terminal 1 and Terminal 5 is especially important for Lufthansa travelers. O’Hare’s current airline-location information lists Lufthansa departures at Terminal 1, while Lufthansa arrivals are listed at Terminal 5.
Terminal 1 contains Concourses B and C and is primarily associated with United Airlines and other Star Alliance operations, including Lufthansa. Lufthansa’s own airport security information also identifies Terminal 1 at Chicago O’Hare for eligible fast-lane passengers.
This guide explains Lufthansa at ORD, including check-in, baggage, security, departure gates, international arrivals, connections, lounges, transportation, parking, airport services, and frequently asked questions.
Lufthansa at ORD: Essential Airport Information
| Category | Lufthansa Details |
|---|---|
| Airline | Lufthansa |
| IATA Code | LH |
| Airport | Chicago O’Hare International Airport |
| Airport Code | ORD |
| Departure Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Terminal 1 Concourses | B and C |
| Departure Gates | Terminal 1; gate varies by flight |
| Arrivals | Terminal 5 listed for Lufthansa arrivals |
| Check-In | Terminal 1 |
| Security | Terminal 1 |
| Airport Transportation | ATS, CTA Blue Line, taxis, rideshare and rental cars |
| Airport Website | FlyChicago |
| Airline Website | Lufthansa |
O’Hare’s current terminal information lists Lufthansa as a Terminal 1 departure airline, while the airport’s terminal map separately lists Lufthansa as arrivals only in Terminal 5.
Which Terminal Does Lufthansa Use at ORD?
For a Lufthansa flight departing from Chicago O’Hare, passengers should generally go to Terminal 1.
Terminal 1 includes:
- Concourse B
- Concourse C
- Lufthansa check-in facilities
- TSA security screening
- Departure gates
- Restaurants and cafés
- Retail services
- Passenger amenities
Lufthansa’s current security information specifically lists Chicago (ORD) – Terminal 1 for its eligible fast-lane passengers.
If you are arriving on Lufthansa, however, O’Hare’s current airline-location information lists Lufthansa arrivals at Terminal 5.
Lufthansa ORD Terminal at a Glance
| Airport Area | Lufthansa Information |
|---|---|
| Airport | Chicago O’Hare International Airport |
| Airport Code | ORD |
| Departure Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Departure Concourses | B and C |
| Arrival Terminal | Terminal 5 |
| Check-In | Terminal 1 |
| TSA Security | Terminal 1 |
| Departure Gate | Varies |
| International Arrivals | Terminal 5 |
| Inter-Terminal Transportation | Airport Transit System (ATS) |
Important: Do not automatically assume your arrival and departure terminals are the same. Lufthansa’s departure and arrival operations at ORD are currently listed in different terminals.
Where Should Lufthansa Passengers Check In at O’Hare?
If you are flying from ORD on Lufthansa, begin your airport journey at Terminal 1.
Passengers who need to check baggage should proceed to the Lufthansa check-in area and allow sufficient time for document verification and baggage processing.
If you have already checked in online and are traveling with only carry-on baggage, you may be able to proceed more quickly through the airport. However, international travelers should still allow enough time for security and any required document checks.
Your Basic Lufthansa Airport Journey
Terminal 1 → Lufthansa Check-In → Bag Drop → TSA Security → Concourse B/C → Departure Gate
Keep your passport, boarding pass and other travel documents accessible throughout the process.
Lufthansa Check-In and Baggage Drop at ORD
Lufthansa passengers departing Chicago should use the airline’s designated facilities in Terminal 1.
At check-in, you may need to:
- Confirm your flight details.
- Present your passport and travel documents.
- Check your luggage.
- Receive or confirm your boarding pass.
- Proceed toward TSA security.
- Check the departure screens for your gate.
International check-in requirements can vary depending on your destination and itinerary, so passengers should check Lufthansa’s instructions for their specific flight.
Traveling With Checked Bags?
If you have checked luggage, give yourself additional time before departure. Baggage deadlines can be different depending on the destination and flight.
Keep your baggage receipt until you have collected your luggage at the destination.
How Early Should You Arrive for Lufthansa at ORD?
For an international Lufthansa flight, arriving around three hours before departure can provide useful extra time for check-in, baggage, security and navigating O’Hare.
The exact time you need can depend on:
- Whether you have checked baggage
- Your destination
- Travel documents
- Security conditions
- Parking or transportation
- Time of day
- Holiday or peak travel periods
- Special assistance requirements
O’Hare is a large airport, so arriving early can be particularly helpful if you are unfamiliar with Terminal 1.
Which Concourse Does Lufthansa Use at ORD?
Lufthansa departures operate from Terminal 1, which contains Concourses B and C.
The exact departure gate depends on the individual flight and airport operations.
Recent Lufthansa-operated flights from ORD have used gates in both the B and C areas, illustrating why passengers should confirm their gate rather than relying on a fixed gate number.
Why Can the Lufthansa Gate Change?
Gate assignments may change because of:
- Aircraft changes
- Gate availability
- Weather
- Airport operations
- Delays
- Scheduling adjustments
- Aircraft servicing
Check your Lufthansa flight information and O’Hare’s departure displays on the day of travel.
Finding Your Lufthansa Gate at Terminal 1
After completing TSA screening, follow the airport signs toward your assigned concourse.
Terminal 1 is divided between Concourse B and Concourse C, so pay attention to the gate number shown on your boarding pass and the airport monitors.
O’Hare also provides passenger amenities throughout Terminal 1, including power stations in multiple locations across Concourses B and C.
Gate-Finding Tips
- Check your flight number.
- Confirm the departure time.
- Look for your current gate.
- Follow the B or C concourse signs.
- Recheck the monitors if your flight is delayed.
- Listen for airport announcements.
Your gate information should always be treated as subject to change.
Lufthansa Arrivals at Chicago O’Hare
Lufthansa arrivals at ORD require a little different planning from Lufthansa departures.
O’Hare’s current airline-location information lists Lufthansa arrivals at Terminal 5, while Lufthansa departures are listed at Terminal 1.
If you are being picked up after a Lufthansa arrival, make sure your driver knows that the arrival terminal may be different from the departure terminal.
International arrival procedures can include:
- Leaving the aircraft.
- Proceeding through the required immigration process.
- Collecting checked baggage.
- Completing customs procedures.
- Following signs toward ground transportation or connecting flights.
The exact process depends on your itinerary and point of origin.
What If You Have a Lufthansa Connecting Flight at ORD?
Connections at O’Hare require attention to your next flight’s terminal and gate.
If your Lufthansa flight arrives at Terminal 5 and your next flight departs from another terminal, you may need to use the airport’s inter-terminal transportation system.
The Airport Transit System (ATS) connects O’Hare’s terminals and other airport facilities.
For a Connecting Passenger
- Follow the signs after leaving your Lufthansa flight.
- Complete any required immigration and customs procedures.
- Collect baggage if required.
- Confirm your next flight terminal and gate.
- Use the appropriate airport transportation.
- Complete any required security screening.
- Check the departure monitors again.
If your connection involves different airlines, check whether your baggage is checked through to the final destination.
Lufthansa Baggage Claim at ORD
Passengers arriving on Lufthansa should follow airport signs toward baggage claim after completing the required international arrival procedures.
Since Lufthansa arrivals are currently listed at Terminal 5, passengers should expect the international-arrival process to take place there.
Your assigned baggage carousel can vary by flight, so check the airport’s baggage information screens after arriving in the claim area.
What If Your Bag Does Not Arrive?
If your checked baggage is missing or damaged:
- Keep your baggage tag.
- Keep your boarding pass.
- Contact Lufthansa baggage services.
- Provide your flight number.
- Report the issue as soon as possible.
- Keep any baggage claim reference information.
For specific baggage policies, use Lufthansa’s current baggage information for your itinerary.
Lufthansa Flights From Chicago O’Hare
Lufthansa operates international services from Chicago O’Hare and connects Chicago with its European network.
Chicago is included in Lufthansa’s current network information, and the airline’s route material lists Chicago among its North American destinations.
Common Lufthansa long-haul services from ORD include European destinations such as Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC).
Example Lufthansa Routes
| Route | Airport Codes |
|---|---|
| Chicago – Frankfurt | ORD → FRA |
| Chicago – Munich | ORD → MUC |
Flight schedules can change seasonally, so confirm the exact service and operating date before traveling.
TSA Security for Lufthansa at ORD
After completing Lufthansa check-in and baggage drop, passengers need to proceed through TSA security before reaching their departure gate.
Lufthansa currently lists Terminal 1 as its security fast-lane location at ORD for eligible passengers, including qualifying First Class, Business Class, Senator, HON Circle and Star Alliance Gold travelers under the applicable conditions.
Security Preparation Tips
Before approaching security:
- Keep your boarding pass accessible.
- Have your passport ready.
- Follow current TSA instructions.
- Check the latest security information.
- Remove or prepare items as required by TSA.
- Allow extra time during busy periods.
Security procedures and eligibility for expedited lanes can change, so follow the instructions in effect on the day of travel.
Lufthansa Lounge Options at ORD
Lounge access at Chicago O’Hare depends on your Lufthansa ticket, travel class, frequent-flyer status, Star Alliance status and applicable lounge rules.
Eligible passengers should check the current Lufthansa lounge information before traveling.
Because Lufthansa departures are handled from Terminal 1 while many international-arrival facilities are in Terminal 5, passengers should also consider their terminal location when planning lounge access.
Important: Lounge access is not automatically included with every Lufthansa ticket.
Dining and Shopping at O’Hare
Chicago O’Hare offers restaurants, cafés, shops, retail stores and passenger facilities throughout its terminals.
Terminal 1’s Concourses B and C include a range of food, retail and passenger services.
Passengers with extra time before boarding can check the available options near their departure gate.
Airport Amenities
- Restaurants
- Coffee shops
- Retail stores
- Duty-free services
- ATMs
- Charging stations
- Wi-Fi
- Accessible facilities
- Restrooms
- Family facilities
- Service-animal relief areas
O’Hare’s current facility information shows a broad range of concessions and passenger services throughout the airport.
How to Get Around Chicago O’Hare
O’Hare is spread across multiple terminals, so transportation between terminal areas can be important for Lufthansa passengers.
The airport’s Airport Transit System (ATS) provides connections between the passenger terminals and other airport facilities.
Transportation Options at ORD
| Transportation | Useful For |
|---|---|
| Airport Transit System | Moving between airport facilities |
| CTA Blue Line | Downtown Chicago |
| Taxi | Direct city transportation |
| Rideshare | Door-to-door travel |
| Rental Car | Longer trips and regional travel |
| Hotel Shuttle | Nearby hotels |
If you are transferring from Terminal 5 to Terminal 1, allow enough time for the terminal transfer and any additional security requirements.
Parking at O’Hare for Lufthansa Passengers
Passengers driving to ORD should choose parking based on their departure terminal.
Since Lufthansa departures are currently handled from Terminal 1, check the latest O’Hare parking information before leaving for the airport.
If you are picking up someone arriving on Lufthansa, remember that O’Hare currently lists Lufthansa arrivals at Terminal 5.
Parking Tips
- Arrive early during peak periods.
- Confirm your terminal before choosing a parking area.
- Keep your parking location information.
- Allow extra time for walking or airport transportation.
- Check current airport parking availability before traveling.
Accessibility Services at ORD
Chicago O’Hare provides accessibility services throughout the airport.
Facilities include accessible restrooms, elevators, service-animal relief areas, accessible transportation and other passenger assistance.
O’Hare currently lists accessible service-animal relief locations in Terminal 1 at Concourse B Gate B7 and Concourse C Gates C11 and C23.
Passengers requiring airline-specific assistance should also contact Lufthansa before traveling.
Lufthansa at ORD: Travel Tips You Should Know
Confirm the Terminal Before Leaving
For a Lufthansa departure, Terminal 1 is the key location to remember. If you are arriving on Lufthansa, O’Hare currently lists Terminal 5 for arrivals.
Check Your Gate on Travel Day
Do not depend on an old gate number. Airport operations can change throughout the day.
Keep Your Passport Handy
For international Lufthansa travel, keep your passport and travel documents accessible during check-in and security procedures.
Allow Extra Time for Connections
A Terminal 5 arrival followed by a departure from Terminal 1 can require additional airport transportation and processing time.
Use the ATS When Needed
The Airport Transit System can help passengers move between O’Hare’s terminal areas and airport facilities.
Recheck Flight Information
Look at the airport departure displays after security and again before boarding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lufthansa at ORD
What terminal is Lufthansa at ORD?
Lufthansa departures are currently handled from Terminal 1 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. O’Hare’s current airline-location information separately lists Lufthansa arrivals at Terminal 5.
Is Lufthansa in Terminal 1 at O’Hare?
Yes. Lufthansa is listed as a departure airline in Terminal 1. Terminal 1 contains Concourses B and C.
Does Lufthansa arrive at Terminal 5 at ORD?
O’Hare’s current airline-location information lists Lufthansa as an arrivals-only airline at Terminal 5. Always verify your individual flight before traveling.
Which concourse does Lufthansa use at ORD?
Lufthansa departures operate from Terminal 1, which includes Concourses B and C. The exact gate can vary by flight.
Where does Lufthansa check in at O’Hare?
Passengers departing on Lufthansa should generally go to Terminal 1 for check-in and baggage services.
Where are Lufthansa gates at ORD?
Lufthansa departures are handled through Terminal 1’s B and C concourses. The exact gate is assigned according to flight and airport operations.
How early should I arrive for Lufthansa at ORD?
For an international Lufthansa departure, arriving around three hours before departure can give you sufficient time for check-in, baggage, security and navigating the airport.
Does Lufthansa have a fast security lane at ORD?
Lufthansa currently lists a Terminal 1 fast-lane location at ORD for eligible passengers under its applicable access conditions.
How do I get from Terminal 5 to Terminal 1 at ORD?
Passengers can use O’Hare’s Airport Transit System (ATS) to move between airport terminal areas and other facilities.
What should I do if my Lufthansa gate changes?
Check the latest airport departure monitors and your Lufthansa flight information, then follow the updated signs to your new gate.
Final Guide to Lufthansa at Chicago O’Hare
Flying Lufthansa through Chicago O’Hare is easier when you know the most important terminal distinction.
For Lufthansa departures, go to Terminal 1, where the airline operates through the terminal’s B and C concourses. O’Hare currently lists Lufthansa arrivals at Terminal 5, so passengers meeting an arriving traveler or making a connection should pay close attention to the terminal shown for their specific flight.
Before traveling, confirm your flight status, check the latest gate assignment, keep your passport and boarding documents ready, and allow enough time for baggage, security and terminal transfers.
If your itinerary requires a transfer between Terminal 5 and Terminal 1, plan extra time and use O’Hare’s airport transportation system as appropriate.
Last updated: October 2026. Terminal assignments, gates, schedules, security operations and airport services can change. Always verify the latest information with Lufthansa and Chicago O’Hare International Airport before traveling.