Delta to switch to terminal 5 at Chicago O’Hare airport

Chicago O’Hare airport has confirmed that Delta will move from its “longtime home” at Terminal 2 next week.
    The carrier will switch to Terminal 5 on Wednesday October 12, as part of the terminal’s $1 billion renovation and expansion.
  Delta will occupy ten gates (M2 to M11) in the terminal’s western concourse, with its existing eight gates in Terminal 2 being reallocated to United Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
   The carrier’s existing Terminal 2 Sky Club will close on Tuesday October 11, with a new lounge opening in Terminal 5 between gates M11 and M14. The new facility will accommodate nearly 400 guests, around four times as many as the previous Sky Club.
   Once completed the airport’s Terminal 5 expansion will increase gate capacity by 25 per cent, with the terminal’s 30-year old baggage handling system being replaced, the number of TSA checkpoints being increased, and customs and immigration facilities being reconfigured.
    CGI image of the redeveloped Terminal 5 at Chicago O'Hare airport (image from hok.com)
There will also be an 85 per cent increase in passenger amenity space in the terminal, with new concessions coming to both Terminal 5 and Terminal 3 including Butcher and the Burger, Sparrow Coffee, Bar Siena and Hampton Social.
   A new six-floor parking garage is also being built, which will double the number of short and long-term spaces when it opens in 2024.
     Further ahead, plans to replace the existing Terminal 2 and add two new satellite concourses remain under regulatory review by the FAA, with final approval anticipated later this year.
   Commenting on the news TSA Illinois Federal Security Director Dereck Starks, said:
    “The expanded Terminal 5 checkpoint will allow TSA officers to process travellers more efficiently than previous space limitations allowed.
    “During this time of increasing passenger volume, coupled with long-term improvements to the airport infrastructure, we ask travellers to arrive early and leave prohibited items out of their carry-on bags.
    “Our responsibility remains keeping passengers safe while also providing security screening as efficiently as possible, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation.”

-B