Travelers looking to hop the pond to or from the Emerald Isle will soon find their journey via O’Hare a bit smoother. Aer Lingus, Ireland's national airline, is shifting its operations over to Terminal 3 from Terminal 5 on January 24th, aiming to better coordinate with its partner, American Airlines, as announced by the Chicago Department of Aviation.
According to the CDA, the move promises a "more efficient travel experience" for Aer Lingus passengers, who now gain more direct access to American Airlines' vast domestic network at O’Hare. “Aer Lingus’ move to Terminal 3 will create a more efficient travel experience for the carrier’s passengers, allowing for more seamless connections to the countless domestic destinations O’Hare has to offer,” said CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee, with the transition paving the way for ease of travel for Chicagoans and Irish visitors alike. Additional staff and new signage, placed strategically in Terminal 5 should guide passengers during the transfer.
In the official announcement, the CDA outlined that travelers can expect to navigate the airport more conveniently with Aer Lingus' relocation. The Irish carrier, an O’Hare mainstay since 1966, will now operate out of Gate H15, a former American Airlines locale, enhancing its network and passenger services.
Susanne Carberry, Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer, told the Chicago Department of Aviation that Chicago remains a top destination for the airline. “Moving our operations to Terminal 3 in O’Hare International Airport is an exciting milestone and brings us closer to our airline partner American Airlines, the move will provide our customers with a more seamless travel experience, greater onward connections on the AA network, and easy transfers to other terminals,” Carberry said. The airline looks forward to welcoming its customers to its new base, where they'll find dedicated check-in desks and added convenience, thanks to Ireland's pre-clearance status with U.S. Customs.
The strategic alliance between Aer Lingus and American Airlines is part of a larger transatlantic joint venture that includes British Airways, Finnair, and Iberia. This collaboration serves to harmonize schedules and airfares over the Atlantic, accommodating travelers with numerous connection options. As the summer season approaches, the number of flights from O’Hare to Dublin will climb from nine weekly flights to a robust fourteen.
