Connecting at Chicago

Air New Zealand operates from Terminal 5 at the O'Hare International Airport. If you're connecting with another airline, you may need to change terminals.

If you are arriving on an international flight, you need to clear US Customs checkpoints before entering the United States and collect your baggage (even if you're in transit and have connecting flights).

View O'Hare Airport terminal map

  • 1

    Arriving at O'Hare International Airport

    • On arrival, exit through the gate at Terminal 5 and make your way to the U.S. Customs processing area for a primary inspection.

    • After clearing customs, make your way to immigration.

  • 2

    Collecting baggage

    • Once you have cleared customs and immigration, make your way to the baggage claim area to collect your baggage.

    • Screens in the area will have the flight and corresponding baggage carousel details displayed.

  • 3

    Baggage/agriculture inspection

    • Once you have collected your baggage, make your way to the U.S. Customs processing area for a baggage/agriculture inspection. A customs officer will direct you to the area which is located near the exit.

    • If your final destination is Chicago, you can leave through the arrivals hall after clearing customs.

  • 4

    Connecting flights or transfers

    • If you have a connecting flight, recheck/drop your baggage with your connecting airline at the recheck counters which are located outside of the U.S Customs processing area before heading through the arrivals hall.

    • If you have a domestic flight with United Airlines or American Airlines, you also need to recheck/drop your baggage after clearing customs so you don't have to carry your baggage to the domestic terminals.

    • If you need to travel from Terminal 5, you can either use the Airport Transit System or the Terminal Transfer Bus. The bus pick-up is located in Terminal 5, Gate M13. You will be given an orange card which will help the security screening checkpoint go quicker. Make sure to have your boarding pass ready before you board the bus.

  • 5

    Arriving at Terminal 1, 2 or 3

    • On arrival at Terminals 1, 2, or 3, make your way through the security screening checkpoint, unless you had a pre-screening in Terminal 5 before boarding the transfer bus.