Accessibility
Chicago O'Hare (ORD) Airport Accessibility & Wheelchair Services
Wheelchair assistance at O'Hare International Airport is provided free by your airline — request it at booking for best results. For security screening help, call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel to have a Passenger Support Specialist waiting at the checkpoint. Family lanes, service animal relief areas, and sensory rooms are covered below.
Airline-provided service
Wheelchair assistance
Request at booking or at check-in; O'Hare handles enormous daily volumes, so requesting wheelchair assistance at least 48 hours ahead is strongly recommended.
Tip: request at booking rather than at the airport — airline wheelchair assistants are in higher demand at peak times and early requests are filled first.
TSA Cares
Free security screening assistance
TSA Cares is a free helpline and on-site assistance program for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other circumstances that may affect the security screening process.
How to use: Call 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel. A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the ORD security checkpoint and guide you through screening at no charge.
A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the checkpoint in your terminal. Call 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel and specify your terminal (1, 2, 3, or 5).
Security lanes
Family lane available
Dedicated family and special-assistance lanes at checkpoints in Terminals 1, 2, and 3; look for signage or ask any TSA officer.
Service animal relief areas
Before security at all terminal curbside areas; after security, designated relief areas are in Terminal 1 (near gate B8) and Terminal 3 (Concourse H lower level) — ask any airport employee for confirmation.
Note: service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow individual airline policies — check with your carrier before travel.
Quiet and sensory room
ORD does not currently have a confirmed public sensory room. Contact O'Hare Guest Services (773-686-2200) for quiet space availability; each terminal has a nondenominational chapel that may serve as a quiet space.
Wheelchair and mobility device rentals
Available from Guest Services in each terminal and at all baggage claim areas. Electric cart service runs post-security within terminals.
Motorized scooters and power wheelchairs are generally available from airlines for gate-to-gate use; contact your carrier directly if you need a motorized device beyond a standard transport chair.
Pro Tip
O'Hare's Terminals 1, 2, 3 are connected airside, but Terminal 5 (international) requires leaving security and re-entering. If your connection crosses between domestic terminals and Terminal 5, request a TSA Cares escort specifically to navigate the re-screening process.
Frequently asked questions
Is wheelchair assistance free at ORD airport?
Yes — wheelchair assistance at ORD is provided free of charge by your airline or their contracted ground handler. Request it at booking or check-in. The airline arranges and covers the cost; no tipping is required, though it is appreciated.
How do I contact TSA Cares before my flight from ORD?
Call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight. The helpline is open weekdays 8 a.m.–11 p.m. ET and weekends/holidays 9 a.m.–8 p.m. ET. You can also submit a request online at tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares. A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the ORD security checkpoint at no cost.
Does ORD airport have a family security lane?
Yes — O'Hare International Airport has a dedicated family and special-assistance security lane. Dedicated family and special-assistance lanes at checkpoints in Terminals 1, 2, and 3; look for signage or ask any TSA officer.
Where is the service animal relief area at ORD airport?
Before security at all terminal curbside areas; after security, designated relief areas are in Terminal 1 (near gate B8) and Terminal 3 (Concourse H lower level) — ask any airport employee for confirmation. Service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow your individual airline's policies.
See also: ORD TSA PreCheck lanes · Flying with disabilities guide · ORD security tips
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