Ever wonder what it is like to navigate Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport? Let’s take a closer look at Terminal 2. This terminal is a crucial part of one of the world’s busiest airports.
Terminal 2 serves several airlines. You can find United Express, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, and JetBlue flights here. The terminal has 41 gates spread across two concourses E and F.
O’Hare began as a Douglas manufacturing plant during World War II. It produced C-54 Skymasters. The site was called Orchard Place. Over half of all C-54s were built here. The airfield was known as Douglas Airport. It had four 5500-foot runways.
After the war, Douglas considered building airliners at Orchard Place. However, they chose Santa Monica instead. The complex then became Orchard Field Airport. It was assigned the IATA code ORD.
In 1949, the city renamed it O’Hare Airport. This honored Edward “Butch” O’Hare. He was a Navy pilot and Medal of Honor recipient in World War II. The ORD code remained. It is one of the few IATA codes unrelated to the airport’s name.
Scheduled passenger service started in 1955. Growth was initially slow. Midway remained the busiest airport. Airlines hesitated to move until improvements were made.
O’Hare’s first international terminal opened in August 1958. By 1959, the airport had expanded. It now covered 7200 acres. New terminals opened on January 1, 1962. They are now Terminals 2 and 3.
The jet age transformed O’Hare. The first scheduled jet was an American 707. It flew from New York to Chicago to San Francisco on March 22, 1959. Midway’s runways were too short for jets.
Improvements attracted airlines to O’Hare. In July 1962, the last fixed-wing flight moved from Midway. O’Hare quickly became the world’s busiest airport.
Today, O’Hare continues to evolve. In 2018, the city committed to O’Hare 21. This plan includes expanding Terminal 2. The goal is to create an alliance hub. This will improve connections and amenities.
Terminal 2 is set for replacement as part of the O’Hare Global Terminal project. This is deemed more critical than Satellite 2 concourse.
Within Terminal 2, the USO offers a haven for military personnel. Located before security on the Mezzanine Level, it provides free amenities to active duty, retired military, guard and reserve members, and their families.
The USO has computers, printers, and Wi-Fi. There is also a kitchenette with snacks and drinks. Guests can relax in the lounge. A children’s playroom and quiet room are also available. USO volunteers can assist with transportation needs.
O’Hare has a unique feature. It has an apiary with up to 75 hives. This supports a beekeeping program for ex-offenders. They produce beelove products. This initiative helps them gain job skills.
O’Hare’s story is one of constant change. From a wartime factory to a global hub, it reflects Chicago’s ambition. Terminal 2 is a key part of this story. It connects people and places around the world.