O'Hare Terminal 1 Guide
Your complete guide to Terminal 1 at Chicago O'Hare—United Airlines' hub with 53 gates across Concourses B and C.
Author: Sarah Mitchell
Terminal 1 Quick Facts
- Primary Airline: United Airlines and United Express
- Concourses: B and C
- Total Gates: 53 gates
- Parking: Direct access to 6-level Terminal 1 parking garage
- Security Checkpoints: 2 main checkpoints at Concourses B and C entrances
Terminal 1 Overview
Terminal 1 is O'Hare's largest and busiest terminal, serving as United Airlines' primary hub. With 53 gates spanning two concourses, Terminal 1 handles over 20 million passengers annually flying to domestic and international destinations. The terminal underwent major renovations completed in 2019, featuring modern amenities, expanded dining options, and improved passenger flow.
As United's second-largest hub after Newark, Terminal 1 offers extensive connectivity throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The terminal is known for its efficient layout, abundant seating near gates, and comprehensive food and shopping options that rival downtown Chicago's offerings.
Terminal 1 Layout and Concourses
Concourse B
Gates: B1-B28 (28 gates)
Primary Routes: Domestic flights, select Canadian destinations
Length: Approximately 1,800 feet
Walking Time: End-to-end in 8-10 minutes
Concourse B connects directly to the Terminal 1 main entrance and parking garage. Security checkpoint located at the entrance processes passengers for both Concourse B and C. Gates B1-B6 are closest to security; gates B20-B28 are at the far end. Moving walkways cover portions of the concourse.
Concourse C
Gates: C1-C30 (25 gates, some numbers skipped)
Primary Routes: International flights, select domestic routes
Length: Approximately 2,000 feet
Walking Time: End-to-end in 10-12 minutes
Concourse C extends from the rotunda area and includes gates for United's international long-haul flights. International arrivals have access to customs and immigration facilities. The concourse features wider gate areas for wide-body aircraft and additional premium amenities. Moving walkways help travelers cover the distance efficiently.
Both concourses connect via the central rotunda area near the security checkpoints. Walking between the furthest points of Concourse B and Concourse C takes 15-20 minutes—important to know if you have a tight connection and experience a gate change.
Airlines and Destinations
Terminal 1 exclusively serves United Airlines and its regional partners operating as United Express:
- United Airlines: Mainline service to major U.S. cities, hubs, and international destinations
- United Express partners: Air Wisconsin, CommutAir, GoJet Airlines, Mesa Airlines, Republic Airways, SkyWest Airlines serving regional routes
From Terminal 1, United operates nonstop flights to over 200 destinations worldwide including major European cities (London, Frankfurt, Paris, Munich), Asian hubs (Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong), Latin American destinations (Mexico City, San José, Panama City), and comprehensive domestic coverage. O'Hare serves as a primary connecting point for United's trans-continental and international network.
Security and TSA PreCheck
Terminal 1 operates two main TSA security checkpoints:
Security Wait Times
- Peak Hours (5-8 AM, 4-7 PM): 20-45 minutes in standard lanes
- Mid-Day (10 AM-3 PM): 10-20 minutes in standard lanes
- TSA PreCheck Lanes: 5-15 minutes during peak, 2-5 minutes off-peak
- CLEAR Lanes: Available for CLEAR members, typically faster than standard
TSA PreCheck lanes are available at both checkpoints and highly recommended for frequent Terminal 1 travelers. The $78 five-year fee pays for itself quickly when you regularly save 15-30 minutes per trip. During United's morning departure bank (6-9 AM), standard security lines can exceed 45 minutes on busy travel days—PreCheck members typically wait under 10 minutes even during peak periods.
Dining Options in Terminal 1
Terminal 1 offers one of O'Hare's best dining selections with over 30 restaurants and cafés. Highlights include:
Chicago Favorites
- • Tortas Frontera (Rick Bayless Mexican)
- • Publican Tavern (craft beer & gastropub)
- • Berghoff Café (Chicago institution)
- • Garrett Popcorn (Chicago's famous popcorn)
- • Goose Island Beer Company
Quick Service & Chains
- • Starbucks (multiple locations)
- • McDonald's
- • Potbelly Sandwich Shop
- • Wow Bao (Asian fusion)
- • Villa Nova Pizzeria
Most dining options are located post-security throughout both concourses. Prices are higher than outside-the-airport rates (expect to pay 30-50% premium), but portions are generous and food quality has improved significantly in recent years. For healthy options, look for fresh salad bars and grab-and-go options near major gate clusters.
Shopping in Terminal 1
Shopping options include:
- Hudson News: Multiple locations for magazines, snacks, travel essentials
- Chicago-themed shops: Souvenirs, sports gear, local products
- Duty-Free: International passengers can shop tax-free for spirits, cosmetics, luxury goods
- Electronics: Best Buy Express for headphones, chargers, adapters
- Fashion: Selected boutiques and accessories shops
United Clubs and Lounges
Terminal 1 hosts multiple United Club locations offering food, beverages, WiFi, and comfortable seating:
United Club Locations
- Concourse B near Gate B6: Large club with full amenities, showers available
Access via escalator near gate area - Concourse B near Gate B18: Mid-concourse location, convenient for B20-B28 gates
Smaller footprint, less crowded during peaks - Concourse C near Gate C16: Premium location with expanded food service
Popular for international departures
Access: United Club membership, Star Alliance Gold status, same-day United Polaris/First Class ticket, or one-time day pass purchase ($59-79)
Amenities and Services
- Free WiFi: Unlimited high-speed internet throughout the terminal (network: "Boingo Wireless")
- Charging Stations: Power outlets at every gate, USB ports, and dedicated charging stations
- Restrooms: Clean facilities every 200-300 feet with family restrooms available
- Water Fountains: Bottle refill stations throughout both concourses
- Nursing Rooms: Private spaces for nursing mothers near gate clusters
- Pet Relief Area: Post-security pet facilities available
- Accessibility Services: Elevators, accessible restrooms, and assistance available
Ground Transportation from Terminal 1
Terminal 1 connects to all ground transportation options:
- Parking: Direct covered walkway to Terminal 1 parking garage
- Taxis: Lower level taxi queue with attendants, flat rate ~$40-50 to downtown
- Rideshare: Take ATS train to Terminal 2 for Uber/Lyft pickup zones
- CTA Blue Line: Lower level station, $5 to downtown (40-45 min)
- Car Rental: ATS train to Rental Car Center (15-20 min transit time)
- Hotel Shuttles: Lower level pickup areas with designated zones
Tips for Navigating Terminal 1
- Arrive early during peak times: Morning departures (6-9 AM) see heavy congestion at security and gates
- Use moving walkways: They speed up long concourse walks significantly
- Download United app: Real-time gate changes, boarding passes, and terminal maps
- International connections: Allow 90+ minutes for customs/immigration on inbound international flights
- Gate changes happen: United frequently adjusts gate assignments—check monitors regularly
- Food before security: Limited dining pre-security; eat after clearing TSA
Terminal 1 Bottom Line
Terminal 1 is O'Hare's premier terminal, offering United passengers a comprehensive travel experience with extensive dining, shopping, and lounge options. The modern layout, efficient security, and strong connectivity make it a favorite for frequent flyers. Whether connecting through Chicago or starting your journey, Terminal 1 delivers a smooth airport experience when you allow adequate time and know your way around.
Other O'Hare Terminals
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines fly from O'Hare Terminal 1?
Terminal 1 is exclusively operated by United Airlines and United Express partners. All United domestic and international flights depart from Terminal 1's Concourses B and C. If you're flying United, United Express, or code-share flights operated by United, you'll use Terminal 1.
How long does it take to walk between Terminal 1 gates?
Walking from the furthest gate in Concourse B to the furthest gate in Concourse C takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Within the same concourse, walking between adjacent gates takes 2-3 minutes. For tight connections, allow at least 30 minutes between flights to account for delays and gate changes.
Where are the United Clubs in Terminal 1?
Terminal 1 has multiple United Club locations: Concourse B near gates B6 and B18, and Concourse C near gates C16 and C28. These lounges offer complimentary food, beverages, WiFi, and comfortable seating for United Club members, Star Alliance Gold members, and eligible premium cabin passengers.
What restaurants and shops are in Terminal 1?
Terminal 1 offers 30+ dining options including Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless, Publican Tavern, Berghoff Café, Garrett Popcorn, and major chains like McDonald's and Starbucks. Shopping includes Hudson News, Chicago-themed souvenir shops, electronics stores, and duty-free for international travelers. Most options are post-security in Concourses B and C.