Chicago O'Hare Airport
Past Worst Airport Winner
Lasting Impressions....
Memorable comments left by travellers:
"I believe it would be easier to sleep in the engine of a plane than to sleep in this place." (Derek Blice)
"Great Airport. Now should be included in top ten airports! " (?)
"The restrooms smelled like a skunk marinated in urine and vomit. " (Tim)
"My flight got canceled and I had to spend the night at the airport. That's how most O'Hare stories begin." - hozomeen
"My only complaint is that I had to find the cots by chance. At the airline counter earlier no one mentioned it." - CourtesyPhone
FEATURED REVIEWS
by CourtesyPhone, 1/19/2008
Midwest thunderstorms left me stranded at O'Hare for a night. To avoid the expense and hassle of going to a hotel, I decided to sit in the airport till morning. Things began to close down and I ended up in the baggage claim area with a dozen other people who appeared to have the same plan. They were sitting in the usual chairs with armrests. I wandered down to one end of the area and saw that the aiport had set up about 50 cots. Each one had a pillow and blanket. The little blanket was inadequate but two of them worked. I wasn't cold. The light was low and there was no noise. Best of all, they had posted two security guards to watch us sleep. They did wake us up early, but I was able to sleep comfortably for about 5 hours. I was impressed. It was not a major weather emergency like a bit snow storm, just a rainy night in July. My only complaint is that I had to find the cots by chance. At the airline counter earlier no one mentioned it. There were no signs or announcements. It was a very pleasant surpise and Chicago-O'Hare has a friend for life!
by kclibby
I have only one comment - O'Hare has a chapel on the second floor above the ticketing area. I slept on the floor under a pew in there one night. Only one person came in all night, and he did not bother me. It was truly a sanctuary for a weary traveler. If I ever travel through O'Hare alone again, I would sleep here for sure.
by sheepishdog, 9/14/2009
This was awful. I was in the check in/baggage claim area for a couple hours and it was freezing, only had some seats with armrests, and no carpeted floors anywhere. Also, I walked up and down the entire area and couldn't find one place to charge my phone. I ended up in the bathroom charging my phone for an hour - At least it was a little bit warmer in there, and clean!
Came back out and TRIED to take a nap. I scooted myself under the armrests (yay for being small!) and just barely closed my eyes when the cleaners came right up to the seats I was laying on with their noisy machines. I know they have to do their job but DANG. I ended up with a sore neck anyway since my head wouldn't quite fit under the armrest in a way that was comfortable. Hah!
When I was able to go through security it didn't get much better. I still had about 4 hours to kill and figured I'd find a good spot on the floor somewhere. Nope! With the way this airport is set up everything is just right out in the open. The very little carpet they have is scratchy and hard, believe me, cause that's where I ended up. Right in front of a window. :[
Airport Guide
Here is some information that we've picked out of from your reviews. Be sure to read the review pages for the most up-to-date experiences:
- business centre open 24 hours
- internet
- large leather back chairs with armrests at gates
- clean washrooms (in most cases)
- cold at night
Travel Sites
- Hostels and Budget Accommodation - I've booked my own accommodation on this site. If you are too old for hostels and too cheap for hotels, like me, you'll find some good properties. They offer dorms, private rooms, B&Bs, Apartments.
