Hi there, I recently took Southwest Airlines O'Hare International Airport and to be honest, I was impressed. It is huge, and it can be overwhelming, but the Southwest experience was delightfully straightforward. The people at check-in smiled and said hello to every patron, which really got things off on the right foot. I had a carry-on, so check-in was a breeze, and security wasn't bad either (which I never thought I'd be saying about. Upon arrival, I had no problem finding my gate, and there were more food stalls around to grab a bite to eat. Boarding was smooth – I like their open seating, particularly when everyone is comfortable with it. The flight itself was smooth, and the staff seemed really enthusiastic to be there – and that's infectious. They gave frequent updates and were assiduous in making sure everyone was settled in. I really appreciated the calm, friendly vibe throughout the whole process. I’ll definitely consider flying from with Southwest more often.
Getting to the Airport
I rode the Blue Line, which I always advise if you don't have much baggage. It's often more reliable than driving or rideshare during peak hour. O'Hare is huge, so I gave myself a good two hours ahead of my flight. I didn't want to risk getting lost or being in a huge security line. When I arrived at the airport, I took directions to Terminal 5, which is where Southwest is based out of O'Hare. Admittedly, locating Southwest's check-in space took me a moment—it's not as blatantly obvious as some of the larger carriers—but there were more than enough friendly airport attendants there to direct me.
Check-In and Bag Drop
Southwest’s self-check-in kiosks were right there near the entrance to Terminal 5. I’ve used them before at other airports, so it was a familiar process: type in your confirmation number, print your boarding pass and baggage tag, and head to the counter to drop off your bag. There were a couple of courteous agents supervising the zone, and one of them even came over to assist an older woman who was looking a bit flustered. Seeing that made me understand why I've always enjoyed flying Southwest's service—They go out of their way, even with the little things. My own check-in experience was seamless. I checked my bag in, received a friendly "have a great flight!
Security & Terminal Experience
And now, if you've ever traveled out of the past, you might know that security is hit-or-miss. Sometimes it's quick, and sometimes it's like you're going to miss your flight if you arrived 2 hours early. This time, I was lucky. The TSA line moved efficiently, and the agents were fairly cheerful and friendly. I was through in under 20 minutes, which allowed me time to get a snack and locate my gate without having to hurry. The Southwest gate area was modern, clean, and had ample seating. I took a seat close to an outlet to charge my phone, and there were a couple of places close by to get coffee, sandwiches, and water. Not a vast array of food choices like you find at some of the other terminals, but sufficient to keep you going before you get on the plane. I had time to people-watch, and I liked how relaxed the scene was—no panicked passengers screaming into phones or gate agents shouting orders. Just a peaceful, organized energy.
Boarding
Something that I've always loved about Southwest is their boarding process. It's a bit unconventional—no seat assignments, but boarding groups—but it pays off. You check in ahead of time so that you'll get a higher boarding position, and when it's your group that's called, you get in line by number. This time, I was in Group A, so I got my choice of seats after I boarded. Before boarding started, the gate agent came over the speaker and gave a quick, clear rundown of how the process would work. I’ve seen gate staff get flustered or short with passengers when it comes to boarding, but this team was calm and professional. They even threw in a little humor to keep the mood light. The whole thing ran smoothly—no crowding or confusion. I boarded, was greeted by two friendly flight attendants, and took a window seat toward the front.
In-Flight Experience
Southwest's in-flight service is uncomplicated, but reliable. You will not have first-class bells and whistles or in-flight food, but you do have nice, friendly flight attendants and a cozy setting. After a few minutes after takeoff, the flight attendants circulated offering snacks (the standard: cookies and pretzels) and beverages. I opted for ginger ale, as usual. The staff was pleasant and warm, telling some jokes and talking to the passengers. One of them caught a boy sitting in back of me who seemed anxious and gave him a pair of "pilot wings" and some additional cookies. It was a little thing, but it totally made the boy's day. You could tell him relax and smile a bit. The aircraft itself was tidy, the chairs were in fine condition, and the overall atmosphere was relaxed but respectful. I also liked the fact that the pilot made a few announcements along the way—a few too often, but not enough to make you feel you're being over-nagged—and kept us informed we were running on schedule and approaching clear skies.
Arrival and Baggage Claim
We arrived around 10 minutes ahead of schedule, always a welcome plus. Deplaning was prompt and organized, and I was reunited with my bag in around 15 minutes. O'Hare baggage claim is sometimes an ordeal, but it was uneventful this time. There were ample signs directing us to the carousel, and everything seemed to run smoothly. After that, I boarded the Blue Line once more and returned home—truly impressed at just how simple the entire experience was.
Conclusion
So here’s the deal: If you’re wondering whether it’s worth flying ORD Southwest Terminal instead of Midway, the answer is yes. While Midway might be a bit smaller and easier to navigate overall, Southwest’s presence is strong and well-managed. The airline brings its signature friendliness and efficiency to one of the busiest airports in the world—and they do it surprisingly well.
Let me break it down:
- Customer Service: 10/10. Everyone I interacted with—from check-in to the gate to the flight crew—was kind, helpful, and genuinely seemed to care.
- Efficiency: No major delays, smooth boarding, quick baggage return. Honestly, more efficient than some flights I’ve taken from smaller airports.
- Cleanliness & Comfort: The terminal space and the aircraft were both clean and well-kept. Plenty of seating and outlets at the gate.
- Atmosphere: Calm, organized, and a little more relaxed than the usual airport chaos. That says a lot coming from O’Hare.
Of course, it’s still a big international airport, so give yourself time to get around and expect a bit of walking. But Southwest’s setup there is totally manageable, and the airline’s commitment to friendly, low-hassle service definitely holds up—even in a giant hub like. All in all, it was one of the more pleasant airport experiences I’ve had recently. I won't hesitate to fly Southwest out of again if the price and schedule are favorable.
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