hi all, rob here new to the forum..im going over to the states in september, and on one of the days there, i will be flying into chicago ord from baltimore bwi with united airlines. my question is, once ive landed at ord can i stay airside all day and spot from inside the terminal till my flight back later that night, time till return flight gives me 13 hours there..hopefully i can spot without any hassle as there is lots to be seen here....any info on this would be great..thanks rob..

Hi Rob hope this helps

No problems airside logging but absolutely no photography.  You can move around all the terminals without having to leave airside and won’t get any hassle.  On occasion you may get a visit from airport police but when they find out that you are a spotter you will be left alone.  The best place is the end of Concourse H, American Airlines area.  There are rest rooms on the way to the end of the pier and food courts to take some food and drink with you so you do not have to move from the seats at the end by the window.   Most movements can be seen from here.  If you are flying from the UK / Europe you will arrive at Terminal 5 which is the International terminal.  From here the views aren't very good as you only have limited windows looking out to those taxiing.  If you are flying in on a Domestic flight then this is when you can maximise your time here by staying airside as long as possible.  The best terminals offering views out onto the apron are from the AA / UA terminals and by walking the gates you will log those parked and those taxiing.  Gate K19 overlooks the International Terminal and you should get everything coming in or out.  The Kids Playground overlooks the American Eagle Ramp to your left and the United Express on your right.  There are wooden benches here and you are out of sight of the passengers.  The Hilton Hotel has good views across the airport.  Room 10044 overlooks the Continental stands with United to the right and American to the left but any even numbered room on the 10th floor gives a view over the airport - lower numbers than 10044 will give a better view of United, higher numbered ones will give a better view of the landing aircraft after they have slowed down on the ground.  Even numbered rooms on floor 7 or above should provide similar views.  The glass is thick and dirty so it is hard to read off other than straight through the glass.  The windows by the ice machine will give you views of the biz park.  If you have a car, for info on places around the perimeter, visit http://chicagoaps.tripod.com/caps/id16.html.