Spirit Airlines At Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) Terminal
Traveling from Chicago to anywhere with the ultra-low-cost carrier- Spirit Airlines and not knowing the airport details can turn your smooth trip into chaos. To avoid any hassle, make sure to check out Spirit Airlines ORD terminal details to pass through the airport security and other procedures rather swiftly.
Spirit Airlines serves more than 600 airports and one of the important ones is the O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. This article is dedicated to the airline’s terminal details at ORD to help you navigate the airport easily. Read through the details below to know more.
Which Terminal Does Spirit Use at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)?
Spirit Airlines primarily uses Terminal 3 at O’Hare International for most of its flights, check-ins, and other services. However, as of February 2025, somereports indicate that the airline has started using Terminal 2 at O’Hare Airport for select operations. To avoid confusion, always check your e-ticket or e-boarding pass for the exact terminal and gate information before heading to the airport.
Pro Tip: Download the Spirit Airlines mobile app or check www.spirit.com for real-time flight updates and terminal details.
Overview of Spirit Airlines ORD Terminal
Navigating a busy airport like O’Hare can be overwhelming, especially when traveling with a low-cost airline like Spirit. The different procedures are carried out at different locations. For example, ticketing is at A1. Also, the gate numbers vary for domestic and international departures and arrivals. Let’s get a quick overview O’hare Spirit terminal in the table below:
Category |
Details |
Airport |
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) |
Terminal |
Terminal 3 |
Check-in Time |
Domestic: 45 mins / International: 60 mins |
Baggage Service Office |
|
Airport Website |
|
Ticket Counter Hours |
Daily: 3:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
Preferred Reservation Sales |
Daily: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
Ticketing Location |
Terminal 3, A1 |
Gate Numbers |
Domestic Arrivals: 1–29 / International Arrivals: 70–99 |
Departures |
Primarily Terminal 3 |
Official Website |
|
Phone |
1-855-728-3555 |
Phone (TTY) |
1-800-955-8771 |
YouTube |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Why These Terminal Details Matter?
O’Hare International Airport is one of the busiest in the world handling more than 600 airlines and millions of passengers annually. Knowing your terminal details for Spirit Airlines will ensure that you:
- Arrive at the correct check-in counters.
- Navigate security checkpoints efficiently.
- Find your gate without last-minute stress.
- Access baggage services quickly for lost or delayed luggage.
Key Features At Spirit Airlines O’Hare Terminal
Terminal 3 at O’Hare International handles Spirit Airlines services well with several amenities to enhance your travel experience. What you can find at this terminal include:
- Modern Check-in Counters- Usually located at A1 and are open from 3:00 AM to 11:30 PM daily.
- Self-Service Kiosks- These are also available at Spirit Terminal ORD for faster check-in, especially if you have no bags to check into the hold.
- Baggage Services- Terminal 3 also has a baggage handling area to assist you with lost, delayed, or damaged luggage.
- Security Checkpoints: Plan for extra time during peak hours (6:00 AM–9:00 AM and 3:00 PM–6:00 PM).
Note: If your flight departs from Terminal 2, amenities and gate locations may differ. Check flychicago.com for terminal-specific maps and services.
Flying Out From Chicago? Know More About Spirit Airlines Departures
Spirit Airlines handles most departures from Terminal 3 and some at Terminal 2 or Terminal 5 (international flights). Here’s what you may know when departing from Spirit Terminal at the O’hare Airport:
Check-in Options
Use Counter A1 in Terminal 3 or check out counters at Terminal 2. Get there 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours for international departures. Make sure to check in before the deadline or use the self-service kiosks in time for a quick check-in at the airport.
Bags
Drop bags at Counter A1 in Terminal 3 (or Terminal 2). Pay baggage fees online to avoid higher airport rates. Also, remember that Spirit charges for both carry-ons and checked bags.
Security Services
Terminal 3 security is busy between 6-9 AM and 3-6 PM. Check out TSA PreCheck information and purchase priority services if available for a faster line.
Gates
Spirit Airlines Domestic flights use gates 1–29 and International flights use gates 70–99 in Chicago O’Hare Spirit Terminal 3. Check airport screens or the Spirit app for gate changes.
Note: Boarding starts 30 to 45 minutes before takeoff. So keep your boarding pass ready, Also join the Spirit’s $aver$ Club to score deals on baggage fees and priority boarding.
What terminal is Spirit at ORD For Arrivals?
Spirit Airlines uses the same terminal for arrivals as for departures from O’hare International Airport. Here are the arrival steps for a better and smoother transition-
- Domestic flights exit at gates 1–29 in Terminal 3 (or Terminal 2). International flights use gates 70–99 in Terminal 3 or Terminal 5 for customs.
- Domestic bags are at Terminal 3 (lower level) or Terminal 2; international at Terminal 5 post-customs
- Rideshares/taxis pick up at Terminal 3 (Door 3H), Terminal 2 (Doors 2A/2D), or Terminal 5 (Door 5B). The CTA Blue Line and Airport Transit System (ATS) connect terminals to parking and rentals.
Use the Airport Chicago O’hare cell phone lot for free for arrivals. You can also track your flights using Spirit’s tacker or check it on flychicago.com/ohare.
Parking Near Spirit Airlines Terminal 2 and 3
O’Hare offers accessible parking near Terminals 2 and 3, with 300+ spaces designed for travelers with mobility needs. Most parking lots are close to elevators and bus stops. All ATS shuttles and buses to remote lots are wheelchair-accessible, accommodating up to two wheelchairs. Below are parking options for Spirit travelers.
Parking Lot |
Location |
Accessible Spaces |
Height Restriction |
Notes |
Main Garage |
Near Terminals 2/3 |
108 (Levels 1–6) |
6’6” |
Ideal for short-term parking, close to check-in |
Lot D |
Near Terminal 5 |
13 |
None |
Use south bridge to Terminal 5; pedestrian entry on north side |
Lot F |
Remote, via ATS |
40 |
8’2” |
Budget-friendly, ATS shuttle to Terminals 2/3 |
Table Source: https://www.flychicago.com/ohare/ServicesAmenities/accessibility/Pages/Getting-To-and-From.aspx
Parking Tip: Pre-book at flychicago.com to secure a spot. Call the Parking Hotline (773-686-7530) for assistance.
Alert: Due to construction, Terminal 5 Garage and Lot D users should enter via the south bridge by the elevator lobby. Lot D pedestrians use the north entrance and follow signage to Terminal 5.
Eat and Shop at Terminal 2
Terminal 2 has tasty and convenient options for Spirit travelers. Here’s a snapshot of dining and shopping, based on O’Hare’s latest info.
Type |
Name |
Location |
Hours |
Food |
Dunkin’ |
Concourse F, Gate F9 |
4:30 AM–9:00 PM |
Food |
McDonald’s |
Concourse E, Gate E5 |
5:00 AM–10:00 PM |
Food |
Stanley’s Blackhawks Kitchen |
Concourse E, Gate E3 |
8:00 AM–9:00 PM |
Shop |
Hudson News |
Concourse E, Gate E1 |
5:00 AM–9:00 PM |
Shop |
Chicago Sports |
Concourse E, Gate E4 |
7:00 AM–8:00 PM |
https://www.flychicago.com/ohare/eatshopmore/
Eat and Shop at Terminal 3
Terminal 3, Spirit’s main hub at O’Hare terminal, offers a variety of dining and shopping. Check out these favorites from O’Hare’s directory.
Type |
Name |
Location |
Hours |
Food |
Tortas Frontera |
Concourse K, Gate K4 |
6:00 AM–9:00 PM |
Food |
Garrett Popcorn |
Concourse H, Gate H2 |
7:00 AM–9:00 PM |
Food |
Publican Tavern |
Concourse K, Gate K1 |
8:00 AM–9:00 PM |
Food |
Chili’s |
Concourse G, Gate G10 |
6:00 AM–9:00 PM |
Shop |
Brookstone |
Concourse H, Gate H3 |
7:00 AM–8:00 PM |
Shop |
Chicago Gifts |
Concourse H, Gate H6 |
7:00 AM–8:00 PM |
https://www.flychicago.com/ohare/eatshopmore/
Final Say
Once you have a clear idea of airline services and options at Spirit Airlines ORD Terminal, you can straightaway head to the airport. O’Hare International Airport features several airline lounges and other facilities as well to make your trips even better. Just check your ticket details to know where and when to go and traverse through the airport without any hassle contact Spirit if you want additional information or get in touch with the Terminalfinders team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What terminal is Spirit at ORD?
Usually Terminal 3, sometimes Terminal 2 or 5 (international). Check your boarding pass.
Where should I park for Terminal 3?
The Main Garage (near Terminals 2/3) has 108 accessible spaces but note the 6’6” height limit.
How do I get to Terminal 3?
Use CTA Blue Line, rideshares, or park in the Main Garage with ATS access.
Where’s Baggage Claim at ORD?
Terminal 3 (domestic), Terminal 2 (select flights), or Terminal 5 (international).
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