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This summer my husband and I will be traveling to Europe. We fly from Salt Lake City to Chicago and from Chicago to Helsinki. Our flight from Salt Lake is scheduled to arrive in Chicago (ORD) at 12:04 PM. The flight from Chicago to Helsinki departs at 5:35 PM. Neither of us has ever been to Chicago and we thought it would be fun to to into the city for lunch and a quick bit of sight-seeing. We have no idea how feasible this might be, though, and we obviously don't want to end up rushing to make our overseas flight. With a 5 1/2-hour layover, would you just stay in the airport or try to make it into the city and back? Could anyone shed some light on this for me, please?
Between the time it takes to exit the airport, and the amount of time you need to arrive at the airport prior to your outbound flight, you're only going to have maybe 3 hours. Personally, I wouldn't risk it. If your layover were more like 8 hours, perhaps.
ORD is my home airport and you will not have enough time, for a domestic flight and especially when doing a International flight. While the flight departs at 5:35 boarding probably starts 45-60 minutes prior and the door shuts before 5:35!
Taking the Blue Line (L) to downtown takes almost an hour and an hour back, losing 2 hours just in transport. Add going through security and such on the return, you've burned up your time. Add in any weather or other delays into the mix and you'll definitely miss your flight. Play it safe, just enjoy ORD the best you can.
Too bad. Chicago is a nice city to see but 5.5 hours is simply not enough time to do much. Assuming you do not have TSA precheck and that you want to go to the Loop or in that vicinity, you'll have about one hour to enjoy something in the city. Not really worth it in my opinion...not even enough time to sit down and have a proper deep dish lol
Thank you all. These aren't the answers I'd hoped for, but it seems as if everyone's in agreement. I appreciate the input and will take your advice. Although I'd love to see Chicago, I'd rather make my flight to Helsinki.
Thank you all. These aren't the answers I'd hoped for, but it seems as if everyone's in agreement. I appreciate the input and will take your advice. Although I'd love to see Chicago, I'd rather make my flight to Helsinki.
Yeah I mean again just to clarify...can you do it? Can you go to the city and see something and then make it back? Yes. But I just don't think it is worth the hassle. Rushing out...probably spending over 3 hours walking/in transit/waiting in line to pass through security...just to see one or two things for an hour or so. I don't think it is worth it and I would rather just relax in a lounge or restaurant or something.
Yup.. juice ain't worth the squeeze.
Not to mention downside risk, which in your case is pretty bad.
But I really think Chicago is cool and worth at least a weekend visit, so why not put it on yr bucket list and enjoy it at leisure?
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