Connecting at Chicago

To connect with another airline you may need to change terminals. Air New Zealand operates from terminal 5 at the O'Hare International Airport.

All customers arriving on an international flight must clear U.S. customs checkpoints, and collect their bags before being able to enter the United states, including if you have connecting flights.

View O'Hare Airport terminal map

  • 1

    Arriving at O'Hare International Airport

    • Upon arrival, passengers must exit through the gate at terminal 5 and proceed to the U.S. Customs processing area for a primary inspection.

    • All passengers must proceed to immigration and wait in line after clearing the customs inspection.

  • 2

    Collecting baggage

    • Once passengers have cleared the U.S. Customs Primary Inspection, they must collect their baggage from the baggage claim area.

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

  • 3

    Baggage/agriculture inspection

    • Once passengers have collected their baggage, they need to make their 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 are able to leave after clearing customs through the arrivals hall.

  • 4

    Connecting flights or transfers

    • Passengers who have a connecting flight must recheck/drop their baggage with their airline at the recheck counters which are located outside of the U.S Customs processing area before proceeding to exit 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.

    • Passengers who have a domestic flight in terminals 1, 2 or 3 can use the Airport Transit System to travel from terminal 5. Upon arrival at terminal 1, 2 or 3 passengers will have to go through a security screening checkpoint.

    • Passengers can also use the Terminal Transfer Bus to travel from terminal 5. The bus pick-up is located in terminal 5, Gate M13. Passengers will be issued an orange card (at ATS Airport Train System levels ) that will create a quicker process while going through the security screening checkpoint at terminal 5. Passengers must have their boarding pass ready to show before boarding the bus. If for the any reason the passenger prefers, they may take the ATS to their desired terminal and clear security in a normal fashion.

  • 5

    Arriving at Terminal 1, 2 or 3

    • Upon arrival at Terminal 1, 2 or 3 passengers will have to go through a security screening checkpoint, unless they have had a pre-screening in terminal 5 before boarding the Terminal Transfer Bus.

    • Passengers can check the screens for their flight number and gate location. The domestic terminals are all connected and are easy to get from one to the other.