Depending on the airline, the time of day, and your level of familiarity with the airport, flying out of Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) can be a mixed bag. However, given that ORD is one of the busiest airports in the world, I was surprised by how easy and well-organized my recent experience with Copa Airlines ORD Terminal out of Terminal 5 was. As someone accustomed to negotiating busy airports and lengthy lineups, I approached this flight with cautious optimism because I had planned a trip to Panama City for both business and some leisure. After that, I had a surprisingly enjoyable airport experience that made me realize how effective, well-executed international travel can be.
I arrived at Chicago O’Hare in the early afternoon, giving myself plenty of time before my evening departure. Terminal 5 is O’Hare’s dedicated international terminal, and unlike the domestic terminals, it has its own feel—sleek, modern, and more spacious than I had anticipated. The renovations to Terminal 5 are noticeable as soon as you walk in: natural lighting pours in from massive windows, there are wide walkways free from crowding, and digital displays provide clear information on flights and services.
Finding the Copa Airlines check-in counter was straightforward. There were plenty of signs, and the Copa counters were clearly marked with the airline’s blue and gold branding. The staff at check-in were courteous and efficient. Even with a short line ahead of me, I was checked in, had my bags tagged, and was on my way in under 15 minutes. The agents spoke both English and Spanish fluently, which made the process comfortable for passengers from a variety of backgrounds. They also took a moment to explain gate details and boarding time, which I always appreciate—it’s the kind of small gesture that makes you feel taken care of.
Security at Terminal 5 can be unpredictable, but on this trip, it was quick. The TSA checkpoint was well-staffed, and the line moved at a steady pace. From entry to exit, it took about 20 minutes. As always, having TSA PreCheck helped, but even the regular line didn’t seem overly burdened. Once past security, I found myself in the main concourse of Terminal 5, which was significantly more modern and comfortable than I remembered from years past.
This terminal has seen a lot of investment recently, and it shows. There are more dining options, including sit-down restaurants and quick-service spots with international flavors—perfect for an airline like Copa that caters to a global clientele. I opted for a quick bite at a Latin-inspired café near the center of the terminal. The food was fresh, and the seating area was clean, with outlets at nearly every table—a must for any traveler trying to get work done or charge devices before a long flight.
Shopping options were decent, too. I wandered into a few duty-free stores, browsed some travel essentials, and even picked up a last-minute souvenir. What really stood out to me, though, was how clean and well-maintained everything felt. Bathrooms were spotless, janitorial staff were visibly active, and seating was abundant—even during a busy travel period.
Copa Airlines’ gate was located near the far end of the concourse, but it was easy to reach thanks to the open layout. There were plenty of signs, and flight information displays were everywhere. Boarding was orderly, with announcements made clearly in both English and Spanish. The staff managed the boarding zones efficiently, and there was no sense of chaos or overcrowding—something I’ve encountered far too often at other international terminals.
What impressed me most was how engaged the Copa gate agents were. They walked through the boarding area, assisted passengers with questions, and helped families navigate the process with patience and professionalism. It was the kind of personalized attention that makes a big difference.
As I settled into my seat and the plane taxied away from the gate, I took a moment to reflect on the experience. From check-in to boarding, everything had gone off without a hitch. Terminal 5, with its recent upgrades, provided a clean, efficient, and even stylish departure point for international travelers. And Copa Airlines, with its courteous staff and seamless process, made the journey feel smooth from start to finish.
There’s something to be said for an airport experience that doesn’t leave you drained before you even step on the plane. That was certainly the case here. I didn’t feel rushed, stressed, or confused. Instead, I had time to eat, browse, relax, and prepare for my trip with a clear head and a comfortable seat by the gate.
Of course, no airport experience is perfect. Terminal 5 still has room to grow in terms of lounge space—Copa doesn’t operate its own lounge at ORD, so unless you’re flying business and have access through another partner or program, you’ll be spending your wait time in the general seating area. That said, the space was comfortable enough that I didn’t miss a lounge too much.
Another point to consider is that while the terminal is well-designed, it can still get busy during peak travel hours. On my return trip through ORD, I noticed much heavier foot traffic in the evening, so if you’re traveling during a high-volume time, it’s always wise to arrive early and be prepared for a bit more hustle and bustle.