When traveling through Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), one of the busiest airports in the United States, it is important to know which terminal your airline operates from. For passengers flying with Etihad Airways, all operations are handled at Terminal 5, the dedicated international terminal at ORD. This guide will give you an in-depth look at the Etihad Airways ORD Terminal, covering everything from check-in and security to amenities, lounges, and travel tips.
Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, connects Chicago with its hub in Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). From there, travelers can connect to destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Australia. At O’Hare, Etihad operates exclusively out of Terminal 5, which serves nearly all international airlines.
Terminal 5 has undergone recent renovations, making it more spacious, modern, and traveler-friendly. Whether you’re departing on an Etihad Airways flight or arriving from Abu Dhabi, you will be routed through this terminal.
The check-in counters for Etihad Airways are located inside Terminal 5. Passengers are encouraged to arrive at least three hours before departure, especially for long-haul international flights. Online check-in is available 24 hours before departure, but you will still need to visit the counter if you have checked luggage.
Etihad provides dedicated check-in counters for:
Economy Class passengers
Business and First Class passengers
Etihad Guest Gold and Platinum members
Priority check-in helps premium travelers move through the process more quickly. Baggage allowances depend on your class of travel and route, so it’s a good idea to confirm ahead of time.
Once you complete the check-in process, you will proceed to security screening, handled by the TSA. Wait times can vary depending on the time of day, but Terminal 5 is generally more manageable than ORD’s domestic terminals. After security, international passengers board from the secure airside area.
On arrival at ORD, Etihad Airways passengers must clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at Terminal 5. Depending on your passport and visa status, you may be eligible for expedited entry through Global Entry or Mobile Passport Control.
One of the highlights of flying Etihad is access to premium lounges. At ORD, Etihad does not operate its own branded lounge, but premium-class passengers and Etihad Guest members have access to partner lounges within Terminal 5.
The most common lounge options for Etihad Airways passengers include:
Air France–KLM Lounge – a popular option for Etihad premium travelers.
Swissport Lounge – available through Etihad’s agreements and often used for Business and First Class.
These lounges provide comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and in some cases, shower facilities. For Economy Class passengers, lounge access can sometimes be purchased depending on availability.
If you’re departing from the Etihad Airways ORD Terminal, you’ll have access to an upgraded selection of dining and retail options. Terminal 5 has undergone major updates in recent years, and now offers a wide range of international cuisine, coffee shops, and quick-service outlets.
Popular dining options include:
Big Bowl (Asian cuisine)
Tocco (Italian dining)
Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless (Mexican sandwiches and specialties)
Dunkin’ and Starbucks for coffee and snacks
For shopping, you’ll find duty-free stores, travel essentials, luxury brands, and bookstores located throughout the terminal. This makes waiting for your Etihad Airways flight more enjoyable.
Etihad Airways uses a structured boarding system, starting with premium passengers (First, Business, and elite status holders) followed by Economy travelers in groups. Boarding gates are well-marked in Terminal 5, and announcements keep passengers informed. Since Etihad operates long-haul flights from ORD, expect a larger aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which features spacious seating and modern in-flight entertainment.
For passengers arriving on Etihad Airways flights, Chicago O’Hare’s Terminal 5 serves as the entry point into the U.S. After disembarking, passengers proceed through immigration, baggage claim, and customs. Once cleared, travelers can connect to domestic flights on other carriers by transferring to ORD’s other terminals (1, 2, or 3). Shuttle buses, the Airport Transit System (ATS), and ground transportation options make connections straightforward.
Chicago O’Hare is a large airport, and if you need to connect from Etihad Airways in Terminal 5 to a domestic carrier in another terminal, allow extra time. The Airport Transit System (ATS) is the most efficient way to travel between terminals and parking lots. It runs 24/7 and is free of charge.
Arrive early: For international flights, three hours in advance is recommended.
Use TSA PreCheck or Global Entry: If eligible, these services save time at security and immigration.
Check lounge access: Premium passengers should verify which partner lounge is available on the day of travel.
Plan connections wisely: If connecting to a domestic flight, allow plenty of time to transfer terminals.
Take advantage of dining options: Try local Chicago favorites like Tortas Frontera before boarding.
The Etihad Airways at Chicago O’Hare Airport provides a smooth experience for international travelers flying to and from Abu Dhabi. Located in Terminal 5, passengers benefit from modern facilities, streamlined check-in, diverse dining and shopping, and access to partner lounges. Whether you’re traveling in Economy or premium cabins, knowing what to expect at the terminal can make your journey much easier.