What Terminal is Spirit Airlines at O’Hare Airport?

If you’re flying with Spirit Airlines from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, you’ll find all the airline’s operations centralized in Terminal 3. T3 is conveniently equipped to handle both arrivals and departures, ensuring a smooth experience for travelers. 

Located about 20 miles (32 km) from downtown Chicago, O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the busiest airports in the world, offering a wide array of amenities and services to accommodate passenger needs. Terminal 3, which houses Spirit Airlines, is connected to Terminals 1 and 2 through airside walkways, making it easy for passengers to navigate between terminals. Whether you’re catching a domestic flight or transferring to another flight within the terminal, knowing that Spirit Airlines operates from Terminal 3 at O’Hare Airport will help you plan your journey more efficiently.

O’Hare Spirit Terminal—Quick Facts

About Chicago O’Hare Spirit Terminal

Snapshot 

• ORD Airport has 4 active terminals—T1, T2, T3, and T5 (international terminal).
• The domestic terminals (T1, T2, and T3) are connected via walkways. 
• The main international terminal (T5) is connected to other terminals via shuttle services and the ATS (Airport Transit System).
• Spirit Airlines operates from T3 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). 
• Ground transport services at ORD include public buses, trains, limousines, taxis, and ride services.
• Parking is available outside every terminal and in the Multi-Modal Facility farther away from the terminals. 

Layout of Spirit Airlines Terminal at O’Hare

Layout of Spirit Airlines Terminal (T3) at O’Hare. Image Credit: FlyChicago.com

About Terminal 3—Spirit Airlines O’Hare Terminal

Terminal 3 at ORD consists of 76 gates across 4 concourses (G, H, K, and L).

• Concourse G has the following gates: G1A/B, G2A/B, G3-5, G6B, G7-14, G14A, G16-19, G19A, G20-21.
• Concourse H has the following gates: H1-6, H8-10, H11A/B, H12, and H14-18.
• Concourse K has the following gates: K1-6, K8-10, K12-13, K15-16, and K18-20.
• Concourse L has the following gates: L1/B, L2A/C, L3-5, L6A/B, L7-9, L10A/B/C, and L11/A/B.

After you pass through the central security checkpoints, you’ll find: 

• Concourse G is to the far right
  (with an Admiral’s Club) 
• Concourse H to the right side down the main central
  (with an American Airlines Flagship Lounge)
• Concourse K to the left down the main central walkway
  (with an American Airlines Flagship Lounge)
• Concourse L is to the far left of T3

Services and Amenities at Chicago O’Hare International Airport 

• Cafes and Restaurants. ORD has 130-plus restaurants, bars, and cafes. For details, refer to the airport website.
• Wi-Fi. To connect to the airport’s unlimited free Wi-Fi, choose “Boingo Hotspot”  or “_Free_ORD_Wi-Fi”, launch your browser, and agree to the option: “Watch Ad to Connect”. 
• Charging Stations: The charging stations in Terminal 3/T3 are located at Gate Numbers G13/17/, H12, K9/12, and L10B
• Lost & Found. If you lose an item at the airport gate, in the ticketing area, or on the aircraft, call the airline. For items misplaced in other areas, get in touch with wherever you lost the item:
  • Airport Transit System (ATS): 773-462-0400
  • Food Services: 773-377-7804
  • In the Terminals: Chicago Police Department (773-686-2385)
  • Parking Lot: 773-686-7532
  • Security Screening Areas: TSA Lost & Found or 773-377-1210 
  • T5 Customs: 773-686-3157
• Additional Information about the Spirit Terminal at O’Hare Airport

• Travelers aid desks are located in all terminals. The information desks in T3 are near Gate K2 and baggage claim.
• The only children’s play area/family lounge is located in T2 post-security (there’s no children’s play area in T3). 
• Nursing rooms/baby facilities in T3 are situated near L24, L6, K19, K5, G12, and the Yoga room. Unisex family rooms are located near baggage claim, L20, L7, K1, H12, H9, H5, H3, and G11.
• The pet relief area in T3 is located in the rotunda. 
• Duty-free shops are located in all terminals (near M20, M14, K5, F5, C17, and B9).
• Smoking areas are located outside all terminals. 
• The only prayer room ORD is on the mezzanine floor of T2.
• ATMs in T3 are located near K10. 
• The medical center at ORD (O’Hare Urgent Care Clinic) is situated post-security in T2.
• ORF does not offer luggage storage services at the airport.
• Important Phone Numbers
  • Customer Support 800-832-6352
  • Parking 773-686-7530

Transportation Options at Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Transport services are available outside each terminal, including trains, buses, shuttles, taxis, limousines, and rideshare options, all clearly marked by floor and overhead signs.

Trains

• Metra Train: This commuter service connects downtown with the suburbs.
• CTA Blue Line: An underground train service that runs 24/7, taking 40-45 minutes to reach downtown. The station is located in Terminal 2 on the lower level of the parking garage.
• Amtrak: Operates from La Grange Road Station, accessible via Pace bus 330 from the Multi-Modal Facility (Bus Bay 9).

Buses 

The Bus/Shuttle Center is situated on level 1 of the main parking garage.

• Pace Routes: These routes extend to downtown Chicago and beyond. Route 250 travels from Bus Bay 9 at the Multi-Modal Facility to downtown Chicago.
• Regional Bus Services: Numerous regional bus services are available at O’Hare Airport.
• Shuttles: Both shared and private shuttles can be pre-booked. Operators like Go Airport Express offer pick-ups and drop-offs on the lower level outside of baggage claim, while other services operate from the Bus/Shuttle Center.

Taxis 

Taxis are located on the lower level outside the baggage claim area of every terminal. The fare to downtown Chicago typically ranges from $30 to $40.

Limousines 

Limousine services, both on-demand and pre-booked, are available outside each terminal. Pick-ups take place on the lower-level center road lane outside the baggage claim area.

Ride Services

ORD allows rideshare drivers to pick up and drop off passengers between doors 2A and D of T2 and outside 5B in T5. Pick-ups for Uber Black are on the lower level.

Parking Facilities at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

O’Hare Airport offers a variety of parking options located both close to the terminals and farther away at the Multi-Modal Facility.

Hourly Short-term Parking

Short-term hourly parking is available in Garage Lot A (the main covered parking garage with a height clearance of 6ft 6in) on level 1, conveniently located near Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Lot D, which has no height restrictions, is located near Terminal 5. The rates for parking in these lots are as follows:

Daily Parking

Daily parking is available in Garage A (Levels 2 to 6), Garage B, and Garage C (uncovered). Garages B and C, situated near the terminals, provide more economical rates after four hours compared to hourly parking.

Note: The clearance for Parking Lot B is 9 ft, and for Parking Lot C, it is 8 ft 5 in.

Long-term Parking

Economy Lots E, F, and G offer the most cost-effective options for long-term parking. Economy Lot F, with a clearance of 8 ft 2 in, is accessible via the free Airport Transit System (ATS).

Economy Lots G and H can be reached using the remote parking shuttle from the upper level of your terminal.

Valet Parking

Valet parking is available in Garage Lot A. Follow the “Valet Parking” signs to locate the lot. The fees are $26 for 0-8 hours and $64 for a full day (24 hours).

Reserved Parking

Reserved parking is offered on level 4 of Garage Lot A and can be booked in advance. The cost is $10 per day, in addition to the standard parking fee.

Pick-up or Drop-off Parking

Curbside pick-ups and drop-offs are available at all terminals, though waiting is not permitted. Use the Cell Phone Lot for free temporary parking until the passenger is ready for curbside pick-up.

Kiss ‘n’ Fly Parking

To avoid traffic congestion, use the Kiss ‘n’ Fly parking lot for picking up or dropping off passengers. Located on the northeast side of the Multi-Modal Facility, it is connected to the airport by the free ATS.

Off-site and Hotel Parking

Hotel and off-site parking lots are the most economical options, offering courtesy shuttle buses to and from the terminals. Daily rates start at $14 and can be booked online at airportparkingreservations.com.

Parking for Passengers with Disabilities

O’Hare Airport provides over 200 parking spaces for passengers with disabilities, located close to elevators and other travel facilities. All shuttle buses to/from the parking lots are wheelchair-accessible.

Parking Contact Numbers

For parking inquiries, call 773-686-7530.

Spirit Airlines Destinations from Chicago ORD

Spirit Airlines presently flies directly from Chicago (ORD) to 22 destinations. They include New York (LGA and EWR), Boston (BOS), Los Angeles (LAX), Dallas (DFW), Detroit (DTW), Atlanta (ATL), Houston (IAH), Miami (MIA), Las Vegas (LAS), Charlotte (CLT), Orlando (MCO), Nashville (BNA), San Diego (SAN), Portland (PDX), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Cancun (CUN), Tampa (TPA), New Orleans (MSY), San Juan (SJU), Fort Myers (RSW), and Myrtle Beach (MYR).

For more information, such as duration, frequency, distance, etc., refer to Where Does Spirit Fly from Chicago?

Security and Customs at Chicago O’Hare International Airport 

O’Hare International Airport has varying numbers of security checkpoints in each terminal: Terminal 1 has 3, Terminal 2 has 1, Terminal 3 has 5, and Terminal 5 has 1 main checkpoint.

Security Checkpoint Operating Hours

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck lanes are available in all terminals at O’HARE AIRPORT. Below are the checkpoints and their hours of operation:

If the TSA PreCheck lane is unavailable at Terminal 5, a card will be issued allowing you to keep your shoes on in standard lanes. There is also a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center in Terminal 1 near door 1G in the baggage claim area, open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Upon approval, you will receive a Known Traveler Number, enabling you to use TSA PreCheck lanes at all U.S. airports.

Global Entry

Global Entry kiosks expedite the customs process for international travelers at O’HARE AIRPORT. To enroll, apply and schedule an interview at an enrollment center. The enrollment center at O’HARE AIRPORT is located in Terminal 5 and is open from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Mobile Passport

O’HARE AIRPORT supports Mobile Passport Control, allowing quicker U.S. arrival processing. Use the app to submit your passport information and customs declaration, then show your receipt and passport to a CBP agent upon arrival.

CLEAR

CLEAR uses biometric scans for expedited security clearance, bypassing the need for ID checks at security. CLEAR lanes are available at O’HARE AIRPORT during the following hours:

Inter-Terminal Transport at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

The Airport Transit System (ATS) links Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5. It also provides transportation to the Multi-Modal Facility, which serves economy parking lot F, Kiss ‘n’ Fly, Metra trains, Pace buses, and the airport’s car rental center.

Post-Security Airside Transport

Chicago O’Hare Terminal Transfer Bus (TTB) The Terminal Transfer Bus service, currently on hold, shuttles domestic passengers between Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5, allowing connections without needing to clear security again at Terminal 5. This service is available only to passengers who do not need to collect their luggage between flights and is not accessible to international passengers arriving at Terminal 5 who have connections in Terminals 1, 2, or 3.

Operating daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., the buses depart from the following Terminal 3 gates:

• G17
• K20
• L24

Walking Between Terminals

Passengers can use airside walkways to travel between Terminals 1, 2, and 3, making it convenient for domestic flight connections.

• Terminal 1 to Terminal 2: The walkway is on the departure level, across from gates B5 and B6, leading to gate E1 in Terminal 2.
• Terminal 2 to Terminal 3: The walkway begins near gate F1 and ends at the rotunda in Terminal 3.

Walking times vary depending on the specific concourse and gate. The longest walk, from Terminal 1, Concourse C to Terminal 3, Concourse L, is just over a mile and takes about 20 minutes at an average pace.

Pre-Security Landside Transport

The Airport Transit System (ATS) at O’HARE AIRPORT is a light rail service connecting all terminals. Since it is located outside the secure area, passengers must clear security again at their connecting terminal. Each terminal has a clearly marked landside ATS station. Trains run frequently in both directions, allowing passengers to choose the quickest route to their next terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spirit Airlines O’Hare Airport Terminal 

If you’re traveling with Spirit Airlines from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, knowing the ins and outs of its operations at Terminal 3 can streamline your journey. This section addresses some of the most common FAQs about Spirit Airlines O’Hare Airport Terminal. Going through them will ensure you’re well-prepared for a smooth and hassle-free experience at one of the world’s busiest airports.