Tips for Catching Early Morning Flights at Chicago Airports
How do I prepare for a 5am flight at O'Hare or Midway?
For early morning flights (5-6am), book your black car pickup for 2-2.5 hours before departure. Pack the night before, get to bed by 9pm, and prep clothes/coffee for a quick morning exit. Professional car service eliminates driving stress and allows you to rest during the ride. TSA is typically faster before 5am.
Early morning flights offer significant advantages: lower fares, fewer delays, and arriving at your destination with the full day ahead. But catching a 5am or 6am flight from O'Hare or Midway requires strategic planning, especially when it comes to transportation.
This guide covers everything you need to know about early morning Chicago airport travel, from optimal timing to the best transportation options for those pre-dawn departures.
Timing Your Departure: The Early Morning Formula
For O'Hare Airport (ORD)
O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, but early morning hours are surprisingly manageable:
- 5:00am flight: Arrive by 3:00-3:30am (pickup at 2:00-2:30am from suburbs)
- 6:00am flight: Arrive by 4:00-4:30am (pickup at 3:00-3:30am from suburbs)
- International flights: Add 30 extra minutes for international terminal check-in
- Peak travel days: Add 15-20 minutes during holidays or summer
For Midway Airport (MDW)
Midway's smaller size means faster navigation, but security lines can still build:
- 5:00am flight: Arrive by 3:30am (pickup at 2:30-3:00am from suburbs)
- 6:00am flight: Arrive by 4:30am (pickup at 3:30-4:00am from suburbs)
- Southwest travelers: Online check-in opens 24 hours before, complete it the night before
TSA Wait Times at Early Morning Hours
Early morning TSA lines are typically the shortest of the day, but timing varies:
| Time | O'Hare Wait | Midway Wait |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00-4:00am | 5-15 minutes | 5-10 minutes |
| 4:00-5:00am | 10-25 minutes | 10-20 minutes |
| 5:00-6:00am | 15-35 minutes | 15-25 minutes |
Pro Tip: TSA PreCheck and Clear lanes may have limited hours before 5am. Check your airline's app for real-time security wait times before leaving home.
Why Black Car Service Makes Early Flights Easier
At 2am or 3am, your transportation choice significantly impacts your travel experience:
Black Car Service Advantages
- Guaranteed pickup time: No surge pricing, no waiting for driver acceptance
- Professional drivers: Know the fastest early-morning routes
- Rest during ride: Recline and relax instead of navigating dark roads
- No parking concerns: Skip the long-term lot shuttle wait
- Consistent pricing: Same rate at 3am as 3pm
Rideshare Challenges at Early Hours
- Limited driver availability in suburbs before 4am
- Potential surge pricing during driver shortages
- Longer wait times (10-20+ minutes in some areas)
- Risk of driver cancellation close to pickup time
The Night-Before Checklist
Successful early morning flights start the night before. Complete these tasks before bed:
- Confirm transportation: Double-check your black car pickup time and address
- Complete online check-in: Get boarding pass on your phone
- Pack bags completely: Stage luggage by the door
- Lay out clothes: Choose comfortable travel attire, easy to put on half-asleep
- Prep coffee/breakfast: Set up coffee maker or grab-and-go items
- Set multiple alarms: Phone alarm plus backup, 5 minutes apart
- Check weather and traffic: Verify no overnight disruptions
- Charge devices: Phone at 100%, portable charger packed
Sleep Strategies for Early Flights
Getting quality rest before an early flight requires planning:
- Go to bed by 9pm: Even 4-5 hours of sleep helps
- Avoid screens after 8pm: Blue light disrupts sleep onset
- Skip caffeine after noon: Ensure you can fall asleep early
- Consider a sleep aid: Melatonin 30 minutes before target bedtime
- Plan to sleep on the plane: Bring neck pillow and eye mask
Travel Hack: Book a window seat for early flights so you can lean against the wall and sleep without being disturbed by seatmates needing to get up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I leave for a 5am flight at O'Hare?
For a 5am flight at O'Hare, leave your home by 2:30-3:00am to arrive by 3:00-3:30am. This provides 90-120 minutes before departure for check-in, security, and walking to your gate. Early morning TSA lines are typically shorter, but international terminals may have longer waits.
Is TSA open at 4am at Chicago airports?
Yes, TSA checkpoints at both O'Hare and Midway open by 4:00am or earlier to accommodate early morning flights. Some checkpoints open as early as 3:30am during peak travel seasons. PreCheck and Clear lanes may have limited availability at these early hours.
Should I book a black car service for early morning flights?
Yes, booking a professional black car service for early morning flights offers significant advantages: guaranteed pickup times, no surge pricing at odd hours, professional drivers who know the fastest routes, and the ability to rest during your ride instead of focusing on driving or navigating.
Book Your Early Morning Airport Transfer
Reliable pickup at any hour. Professional chauffeurs who arrive on time, every time. Start your trip stress-free.