Hi, I flew out of Southwest Airlines ORD Terminal and was thoroughly impressed with the way things went. The check-in experience was smooth and well-staffed, and although the terminal itself wasn't the most up-to-date, it was clean and comfortable. My favorite part was how friendly the staff were—it really does make all the difference when people genuinely appear to enjoy what they do. Security came quickly, and I liked the clear signage in the terminal. There weren't a lot of dining options close to my gate, but I was able to find a decent place to get a coffee and have a seat. There definitely could be more charging stations, though. Once boarding began, everything ran like clockwork. The gate agents kept everything running smoothly and let everyone know what was going on. My flight departed on schedule, and the flight crew aboard was equally as welcoming. Certainly a pleasant day to travel courtesy of Southwest!

First Impressions Matter — and ORD Delivers

Let’s start with the basics. Southwest Airlines operates out of Terminal 5 at O’Hare International Airport. Now, if you’ve flown out of O’Hare before, you probably associate Terminal 5 with international travel. But that’s changed over the past few years. Terminal 5 recently underwent some serious renovations, and now it’s home to a growing number of domestic carriers—including Southwest. When I arrived at Terminal 5 for my flight to Denver, the first thing I noticed was how modern and clean everything felt. There's a fresh, upgraded atmosphere that makes it different from some of the older terminals. Natural light streams through the windows, signage is easy to follow, and the staff at the Southwest Airlines counters were genuinely helpful—something that’s not always guaranteed at a busy airport like O’Hare.

Check-In and Security — Surprisingly Smooth

I’ve had my fair share of travel days where just checking in felt like a marathon. But I have to give credit where it’s due—Southwest Airlines at really keeps the process efficient. I checked in using the self-service kiosk, printed my boarding pass, and tagged my own luggage. It may sound like a lot to do on your own, but honestly, it took all of five minutes. There were also staff around to help anyone who looked unsure, which I appreciated. Security was the next big hurdle, and here’s where I got lucky—there was practically no line. The TSA agents were brisk but respectful, and before I knew it, I was on the other side, looking out at a gorgeous lineup of planes through those giant windows.

Terminal Amenities — Plenty to Do Before Your Flight

Let’s talk about what makes waiting for a flight bearable—or even enjoyable. Once you’re through security at Southwest, there’s actually quite a bit to explore. Since Terminal 5 serves both international and domestic travelers, the retail and dining options are surprisingly diverse. There are cafes like Big Shoulders Coffee (perfect if you need that caffeine fix), restaurants like Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless (hello, avocado and fresh salsa!), and even a few places with full bar service if you want to relax before your flight. I opted for a turkey sandwich and a sparkling water, and enjoyed it in a quiet seating area with outlets for charging my phone. One of the things I really appreciated was how clean and modern everything felt. The terminal has wide walkways, lots of seating options, and—bless the designers—plenty of charging stations. I didn’t have to circle the gate area looking for an outlet. Everything felt intentional and traveler-friendly.

Gate Area & Boarding Experience

Southwest’s gates are located toward the middle section of Terminal 5, and like the rest of the terminal, they’re clean and organized. I’ve always been a fan of Southwest’s open seating policy, and it was no different here. The gate agents did a great job of explaining the boarding process, and the whole thing was smooth and on-time. One thing that stood out was how friendly the staff were—both the gate crew and the flight attendants. There’s something genuinely comforting about Southwest’s vibe. You get a sense that the people working there actually enjoy their jobs and care about getting you where you need to go safely. Also, the views from the gate area are excellent. Watching the planes land and take off at one of the busiest airports in the world is always a treat. It gave me a moment to breathe and take in the magic of air travel—something I try not to take for granted.

Family-Friendly and Accessible

As someone who sometimes travels with family, I noticed how accommodating the terminal was for all types of travelers. There were family restrooms, nursing rooms, and accessible seating throughout the terminal. If you’re traveling with kids, strollers, or elderly parents, you’ll find that Terminal 5 is manageable and thoughtfully laid out. There were also friendly Southwest employees available to answer questions or help with boarding. It wasn’t just a one-time thing—throughout the time I spent at the terminal, I saw multiple staff members assisting travelers and offering directions or tips with a smile.

Final Thoughts: A Refreshing ORD Experience

Let’s be honest—O’Hare doesn’t always have the best reputation when it comes to travel ease. But flying Southwest out of Terminal 5 genuinely changed my perception. From the smooth check-in process and efficient security to the modern gate area and helpful staff, I was pleasantly surprised every step of the way. I know that travel experiences can vary based on time of day, weather, and a hundred other factors. But based on my recent trip, I’d happily fly out of the Southwest again.

Is the Southwest Airlines ORD Terminal Right for You?

If you're flying domestically and have the option to choose Southwest out of O’Hare, here are a few reasons I think it’s a great choice:

• Updated, modern terminal
   

•  Friendly and efficient staff
   

•  Plenty of food, coffee, and seating options
   

•  Clean restrooms and family-friendly amenities
   

•  Easy-to-follow layout
   

Of course, like any major airport, O’Hare can get busy, so I still recommend arriving early. But overall, this terminal feels like a big step up from the typical chaotic airport experience.

Conclusion

All in all, flying with Chicago Airport Southwest Terminal was pleasant and surprisingly hassle-free. The terminal itself isn't necessarily the most modern, high-end aspect of ORD, but it's functional, clean, and easy to get around. What made the real difference, though, was the Southwest employees—they were always friendly, accommodating, and cheerful, which was a welcome respite from what usually is a chaotic airport. Check-in and security were smooth, the gate area was tidy, and the boarding process was like clockwork. Yes, the food choices and charging points could be better, but they are minor trade-offs for the hassle-free and well-organized experience I had.