Can I make a 2-hour international connection In Chicago (ORD)?

Question

I'm traveling from Shanghai, China (PVG), to Baltimore, Maryland (BWI), via Chicago, Illinois (ORD) near the end of July. I'm flying United on both legs, only because I have some frequent flier miles to burn with them. Since I booked tickets at the very last minute, I'm stuck in Economy, even though I have enough status to upgrade to Economy Plus usually. I normally connect in SFO (My hometown airport is SNA), another one of United's hubs, but that flight was full. I'm wondering if I have enough time to make a 2-hour connection and get from the international terminal to the domestic terminal, make a phone call, get some dinner to eat (I usually eat really quickly, so this would take around 5 minutes), and get on the flight with some time to spare.

Answer 1

Yes, you should have enough time.  You'll clear customs and immigration and re-check bags at Terminal 5, hop on the airtrain that connects the terminals to Terminal 1 or 2 for your domestic flight, re-clear security, and be good to go.

ORD has plenty of food options airside, so that's not a worry.  There is also an elite line for security, though I can't recall if it's only available to Premier Executive and above.

Long story short, unless you run into some serious problems I don't see a 2-hour connection being an issue.  

Safe travels!

Answer 2

Yes, that should be enough time.  Since you are arriving in the morning hours, you are beating the afternoon "European" rush.  There is a baggage recheck area just beyond the Customs area to take your luggage.  Simply jump on the train in the lobby area for your journey over to Terminal 1.

Answer 3

Sorry to tell you but the passport control latly has been very crowded I lost a flight last week in Miami because a lot of families vacationing to the caribbean and latin america.Remember that you need to do customs also so if you flight it is not delayed you have 50/50 chances

Answer 4

Two hours should be okay...provided the planes are on time.  ORD is a busy airport.  Not sure if you have to clear customs or not, may want to give your self an extra hour.

Answer 5

Yes.