Terminal Maps Decoded: How to Navigate LAX, JFK, and ORD Without Getting Lost

Navigating unfamiliar airports creates anxiety even for experienced travelers. The country’s largest hubs—LAX, JFK, and ORD—sprawl across miles of terminals with confusing layouts and inconsistent signage. Understanding their quirks before arrival transforms stressful connections into manageable walks.

Los Angeles International (LAX): The Horseshoe Challenge

LAX arranges nine terminals in a horseshoe shape around central roadways. No airside connections exist between most terminals—missing your connection often means exiting security and re-entering at another terminal entirely.

Terminal allocation: Each airline clusters in specific terminals. Know your airline’s terminal before arriving. American uses Terminals 4-5, Delta dominates Terminals 2-3, United occupies Terminals 7-8, and Southwest lives in Terminal 1.

Connection strategy: Inter-terminal buses run airside between some terminals, but service is slow and routes are limited. For tight connections between non-connected terminals, plan to exit and re-clear security. Add 45-60 minutes for such connections.

The new connector: The Automated People Mover (opening in phases) will eventually connect all terminals airside. Until then, LAX remains one of the most challenging connection airports in the US.

John F. Kennedy International (JFK): The Separate Terminals

JFK functions as eight separate airports sharing runways. Each terminal operates independently with its own security checkpoints, food options, and gate areas. Moving between terminals requires the AirTrain—an airside connection doesn’t exist.

Terminal layout: Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8 are active. Terminal 4 (Delta’s hub) and Terminal 5 (JetBlue’s home) see heaviest traffic. International arrivals primarily use Terminals 1, 4, and 7.

AirTrain basics: The train runs 24/7 and connects all terminals. Budget 10-15 minutes for inter-terminal transfers, plus time to re-clear security at your departure terminal.

Chicago O’Hare (ORD): The Letter Maze

O’Hare uses letter-designated terminals: 1, 2, and 3 (domestic) plus 5 (international). Terminals 1-3 connect airside via underground walkways; Terminal 5 requires the ATS train and security re-clearance for connections.

Airline distribution: United dominates Terminals 1 and 2. American operates from Terminal 3. International carriers use Terminal 5, with some Star Alliance partners also using Terminal 5 for international departures.

Walking distances: O’Hare’s concourses stretch over a mile in some cases. Moving walkways help, but budget 25-30 minutes for walks between distant gates in different terminals.

General Navigation Tips

Download airport apps before traveling. Real-time maps and gate information reduce confusion significantly. Most major airports offer detailed indoor mapping through their official apps.

Follow gate signage rather than terminal signage during connections. Gate numbers provide more specific direction than terminal letters, especially in complex layouts.