EVA Air, a prominent long-haul carrier based in Taiwan, operates its Chicago flights through Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). If you're flying EVA, you will most likely depart from or arrive at Terminal 5, ORD's dedicated international terminal. Understanding how this terminal works—the layout, the amenities, and the connections—can make your journey much smoother and less stressful.
Why EVA Air Uses Terminal at ORD
EVA Air ORD Terminal at O’Hare is specifically designed for international travel. It hosts most non-precleared international arrivals and departures and houses U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities for processing travelers.With 35 gates in a single concourse (gates M1–M40), Terminal 5 handles many global airlines, and EVA Air is one of the key carriers here. Because its separation from the domestic terminals has specific transport connections, which we’ll explore in detail below.
Arriving and Departing: What the Passenger Journey Looks Like
Departures (Heading Out on EVA Air)
Check-In & Security: When you fly EVA Air out of ORD, your check-in and departures process takes place in Terminal 5. The terminal has dedicated ticketing desks and check-in counters for international airlines.
Security Checkpoints: Terminal 5 has TSA security checkpoints. According to layout guides, there are two main departure-level checkpoints.
Boarding: All post-security EVA passengers proceed to Concourse M, which is well signposted. The concourse’s 35 gates (M1–M40) give a manageable scale for walking, even with luggage.
Arrivals (Touching Down in Chicago)
Immigration & Customs: As a non-precleared international flight, your EVA Air arrival will go through full immigration (CBP) at Terminal 5.
Baggage Claim: Once you clear immigration, you’ll collect your luggage at the arrivals level. Terminal 5 also handles customs screening and agriculture checks where needed
Connecting Flights: If your next flight is domestic (Terminals 1–3), you’ll have to transfer. This involves exiting the secure zone and using the Airport Transit System (ATS) or a shuttle bus to reach the other terminals.
Connectivity: Moving Between Terminal 5 and Other Parts of ORD
Since Terminal 5 is not physically connected to Terminals 1, 2, and 3 by walkways, terminal transfers require transport:
Airport Transit System (ATS): This train system links Terminal 5 to the other terminals and the multi-modal facility, making it a core option for terminal movement.
Terminal Transfer Bus (TTB): Buses operate airside between Terminal 5 and Terminals 1 & 3. These run every ~15 minutes during the day (11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.).
Security Re-screening: If you're transferring from Terminal 5 to another terminal, you generally need to be re-screened at TSA.
Luggage Considerations: Be sure to check whether you need to recheck bags at the new terminal after customs, depending on your ticket and airline policies.
Terminal 5 Amenities: Comfort Before & After Your EVA Flight
Terminal 5 packs a surprising amount of comfort and utility for an international terminal. Here’s what EVA Air passengers can typically enjoy:
Lounges
Swissport Lounge: Located near Gate M13, this lounge has Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, and reading materials. Some credit card programs (like Priority Pass) also grant access.
SAS Lounge: Near Gate M19, this lounge offers seating, workspaces, Wi-Fi, and a slightly quieter environment.
Delta Sky Club: Terminal 5 also has a Delta Sky Club in Concourse M, which adds premium value to the terminal’s lounge mix
While there isn’t an EVA-branded lounge, these options serve well for business-class, Star Alliance, or lounge-program travelers.
Dining and Food Options
Travelers flying EVA can enjoy a variety of food choices at Terminal 5:
Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless: A popular sit-down Mexican restaurant that brings a touch of local Chicago flavor.
Big Bowl: Perfect for noodle lovers — offers Chinese and Thai-style dishes.Tocco: A more upscale trattoria for Italian-inspired meals.
Wow Bao: For quick, steamed bao, rice bowls, and soups — great for light, fast dining
Grab-and-Go: Coffee shops, dessert kiosks, and vending machines are spread throughout, including 24-hour options given Terminal 5’s all-day operations
Shopping & Services
Duty-Free Shops: Since it's an international terminal, you’ll find duty-free stores offering liquor, perfumes, cosmetics, and other luxury goods.
Retail & Essentials: There are newsstands, bookstores, travel-item stores, and convenience outlets to pick up last-minute necessities.
Wellness & Comfort: Terminal 5 features amenities like a yoga room, a nursing/mother’s room, and mobile-device charging stations.
Accessibility: The terminal is ADA compliant, with accessible restrooms, elevators, and support for travelers with reduced mobility.
Real Passenger Insights & Common Challenges
EVA Air passengers aren’t alone in navigating the quirks of Terminal 5. Real traveler feedback highlights a few common experiences — good and tricky.
Long Immigration Lines: Several travelers report long waits during peak arrival times.
Terminal Transfers: Reddit travelers note that the TTB bus is very helpful — but only when it’s running. Outside its operating hours, you might need to use the ATS and re-clear security. > “We arrived shortly before the transpo stopped… we literally just made it onto the last one for the night.
Terminal Crowding: Some users have described congestion in arrival halls, especially around immigration during busy international arrival waves.
Lounge Quality: While Swissport is available, not all travelers rave about it. According to some recent reviews, food options can be limited and the environment less polished than what you’d expect at a more premium airline lounge.
Tips for EVA Air Travelers Using ORD Terminal 5
To make your trip smoother, here are some practical tips for EVA Air passengers at ORD:
Arrive Early: Since Terminal 5 handles full immigration and customs, arriving 2.5–3 hours before departure is often wise.
Check Shuttle & Train Options: If you're connecting from a domestic flight, check whether the TTB (bus) or ATS (train) works best for your schedule.
Confirm Lounges: Look at your eligibility — depending on your travel class or loyalty status, you might access Swissport, SAS, or the Sky Club.
Be Patient at Immigration: If arriving internationally, expect possible delays; plan buffer time, especially if you have a tight connection.
Use Charging Stations: Make use of power outlets in terminal seating zones — particularly handy before long EVA flights.
Explore Food Wisely: Terminal 5 has both sit-down and quick options; try Tortas Frontera or Big Bowl if you have time, or Wow Bao if you're rushing.
Pack for Duty-Free: If you like luxury shopping, plan to browse the duty-free shops, but be mindful of allowed quantities and duty-free rules.
Accessibility Planning: If mobility is a concern, request wheelchair assistance in advance — terminals are well equipped, but knowing where to go helps.
Why Terminal 5 Works for EVA Air
For EVA Air, Terminal 5 at ORD offers a strategically ideal base. The terminal’s international focus, with robust CBP infrastructure, caters well to long-haul travelers. Its mix of lounge options, food variety, and connectivity via ATS or bus gives flexibility whether you're arriving from Asia or departing to Europe via connecting flights. Though not without some common international-travel pain points, for many EVA customers, Terminal 5 represents a reliable, functional gateway.
Final Thoughts
Flying EVA Air out of Chicago O’Hare’s Terminal 5 means engaging with the airport’s full international operations: customs, immigration, and robust amenities. While the terminal is physically separate from others, smart use of the ATS or terminal-transfer bus can make connections workable. With lounges like Swissport and SAS, varied dining, duty-free shopping, and essential services, Terminal 5 serves as an effective and relatively traveler-friendly international hub.
For EVA Air flyers, the key to a stress-free experience is planning: arrive early, know your transfer options, and make use of available lounges and facilities. With those bases covered, Terminal 5 at ORD becomes more than just a stop — it becomes a well-balanced launchpad for your international journey.
