A first look at Chicago O'Hare's new satellite concourse as construction continues
Though it is at least four years away from being a reality, travelers recently got a first look at what the Satellite Concourse 1 at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) will look like in 2028, when the airport's expansion and modernization project is completed.
Satellite Concourse 1 will add 19 new gates to the airport's existing Concourse C, the third of four key milestones for the airport's current modernization project. There are plans to build a second satellite concourse as well.
O'Hare International Airport is the country's third-busiest airport. There are plans to expand and modernize the airport through a project known as the O’Hare 21 Terminal Area Plan, which kicked off in 2018. As part of the major renovation, O'Hare will build two satellite concourses, a new O'Hare Global Terminal (which will ultimately replace Terminal 2) and an underground tunnel that will connect the new facilities.
In 2020, a major part of the O'Hare 21 project was completed when Runway 9C-27C, a new, 2.13-mile-long, 200-foot-wide airstrip, was unveiled. It was the final new-build runway in a 16-year, $6 billion project known as the O'Hare Modernization Program, which was spearheaded by the Chicago Department of Aviation. Runway 9C-27C cost $1 billion to construct and was funded through a combination of federal airport improvement grants and airline-backed bonds, per the CDA.
The CDA and a coalition of airlines are now funding the additional components of the program.
"The City of Chicago and 21 airlines agreed to construct the Terminal Area Plan as a part of an approved capital program in conjunction with the 2018 O’Hare Airline Use and Lease Agreement, which has a 15-year term," said a CDA spokesperson. "The budget for the Terminal Area Plan is $6.1 billion in 2018 dollars."If the budget allows, construction on the second satellite concourse will soon follow; it will connect to the first via an underground tunnel. Per the CDA, the first satellite concourse is anticipated to create more than 3,800 construction jobs.
So far, several temporary taxiways and a new roadway have been added, along with three new temporary gates at Concourse C. Taxiway B has also been reconfigured. Construction on the O'Hare Global Terminal is slated to begin in 2026, but plans may change.
"Construction on the TAP began with a series of enabling infrastructure projects in March 2023, and Satellite Concourse 1 is currently scheduled for completion in 2028," said the CDA. "The city will release revised timelines and cost estimates for additional elements of the Terminal Area Plan in the months to come."
A few gate improvement projects were completed in 2023, including a major expansion of O'Hare's international terminal (Terminal 5), which cost $1.3 billion to construct.
The Terminal 5 expansion added 10 new gates and reconfigured the international arrivals facility, customs and security checkpoints across a newly added 350,000 square feet of building space. A new six-story parking garage will open in October.
Five new baggage screening machines and various food-and-beverage service options were also added, including a few local businesses, such as The Hampton Social and Bar Siena, which both have roots downtown. Lastly, as part of the modernization project, the CDA and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events launched a $3.5 million public art plan, the city's largest local art acquisition in 30 years.
Related reading:
- Natural light and space for all: A look at O'Hare's newest United Club
- How to get from O'Hare International Airport to downtown Chicago
- I tried the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program at O'Hare — and it's a game changer
- The best ways to get from Midway International Airport to downtown Chicago
- Chicago O’Hare vs. Midway: Which Chicago airport should I fly into?
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
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- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.