Security checkpoints
10 checkpoints with the hours the airport publishes. TSA PreCheck is stated at 5 of them. Wait times are not shown here because no measured feed is connected.
More in our guide: Which security checkpoint should you use at O'Hare?.
Terminal 1
| Checkpoint | Serves | Published hours | TSA PreCheck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Checkpoint 1 | Terminal 1 | Opens at 3:30 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m. | Not stated |
| Security Checkpoint 2 | Terminal 1 | Opens at 4 a.m. and closes at 8:30 p.m. | Yes |
| Security Checkpoint 3 | Terminal 1 | Opens at 3:45 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m. | Not stated |
Sources: Transportation Security Administration, Chicago Department of Aviation, O'Hare International Airport terminal map, CLEAR
Terminal 2
| Checkpoint | Serves | Published hours | TSA PreCheck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Checkpoint 5 | Terminal 2 | Opens at 3:15 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m. | Yes |
Sources: Transportation Security Administration, CLEAR, Chicago Department of Aviation, O'Hare International Airport terminal map
Terminal 3
| Checkpoint | Serves | Published hours | TSA PreCheck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Checkpoint 6 | Terminal 3 | Opens at 3:45 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m. | Not stated |
| Security Checkpoint 7 | Terminal 3 | Opens at 3:30 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m. | Yes |
| Security Checkpoint 7A | Terminal 3 | Opens at 3:30 a.m. and closes at 10:30 p.m. | Yes |
| Security Checkpoint 8 | Terminal 3 | Opens at 4 a.m. and closes at 8:30 p.m. | Not stated |
Sources: Transportation Security Administration, Chicago Department of Aviation, O'Hare International Airport terminal map
Terminal 5
| Checkpoint | Serves | Published hours | TSA PreCheck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Checkpoint 10 | Terminal 5 | Open 24 hours. | Yes |
| U.S. Customs and Border Protection | International arrivals at Terminal 5 | Not stated | Not stated |
Sources: Transportation Security Administration, CLEAR, Chicago Department of Aviation, O'Hare International Airport terminal map
Common questions about security
Which security line is fastest?
This guide does not publish wait times, its own or anyone's estimate, and the airport's records do not say which line is faster on average. What the records do let you choose by is the hours above and the lanes: none stated. Each is for eligible travelers only.
How early should I get to security?
Of the 8 checkpoints that publish daily hours, the earliest to open is Security Checkpoint 5, at 3:15 a.m. Among them, the last to close is Security Checkpoint 1 and Security Checkpoint 5, at 11 p.m. Check that the checkpoint for your gate is open at your time: they do not open and close together.
Is TSA PreCheck at every checkpoint?
The airport states TSA PreCheck at Security Checkpoint 2, Security Checkpoint 5, Security Checkpoint 7, Security Checkpoint 7A and Security Checkpoint 10. Its text for Security Checkpoint 1, Security Checkpoint 3, Security Checkpoint 6, Security Checkpoint 8 and U.S. Customs and Border Protection does not state PreCheck. That is not the same as saying it is missing, so check the airport's checkpoint map or the TSA before you plan around it.