How to Kill Time at Chicago O'Hare International Airport

Chicago O'Hare International Airport has 162 gates spread over four terminals. It is one of the busiest airports in the world, and during inclement weather long delays can occur. To pass the time, travelers can take advantage of an interterminal train system that connects on-site activities, shops and restaurants.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Travel Clocks
• Comfortable Shoes
• Travel Clothes
• Travel Kits
• Travel Pillows
• Paperback Books
• Travel Magazines
• E-mail Accounts
• Travel Services
• Athletic Gear
• Travel Games
• Telephone Calling Cards

For Adults

1. Figure out how much free time you have. Check to see if your flight is late and in which terminal it will arrive or depart.

2. Consider going to Hilton Chicago O'Hare's Athletic Club (703-601-1722) in the center of the airport for a workout or a massage. You can reach it via underground moving sidewalks.

3. Sit down and eat a relaxing dinner at the Hilton's Andiamo American/Italian restaurant or go to the Hilton's Sports Edition bar, which offers 19 satellite-connected televisions showing sports broadcasts.

4. Shop in the airport terminals for a variety of gifts, keeping carry-on restrictions in mind.

5. Spend some quiet time in the interdenominational chapel on the mezzanine level of Terminal 2.

For Kids

6. Take the kids to the Airport Children's Museum, an aviation-oriented playground located in Terminal 2, Concourse E, East Hall.

7. Make a mini-production out of riding on the automated interterminal train system, which carries people to all four terminals. It's free!

8. Feed them at any of the dozens of fast-food eateries found in all the terminals.

9. Use the diaper-changing facilities in any of the women's restrooms.

Tips & Warnings

• You must check in at your gate at least an hour before the flight, or longer on international flights. Check with your airline.
• Keep in mind that many airlines have carry-on restrictions, which means that you may have to check-in larger purchases or have them shipped.

on 11/22/2005 The bookstore usually does not mind "browsing", and as a student in Chicago if I needed to get away from it all I went to O'Hare. The nachos are good and people watching is at a premium. Check out the little soap operas in your own gate!