The Surprising O’Hare Rule Every Beer Lover Should Know

If you're about to fly out of O'Hare soon, there's a little-known airport rule that would make just about any layover more fun. Heck, I might even start coming to the airport even earlier. I'm joking, but you know it's fun to think about, at least. I guess I am saying that if you like beer and don't want to be locked into one restaurant or place at O'Hare, you're gonna love this.

O’Hare Is an “Open” Terminal—Here’s What That Means

Apparently, O'Hare is what's called an "open" terminal, which means bars can give you your drink to go. If you like to peruse the other shops at O'Hare, you can sip on your wine, beer, or cocktail while you do so. It's a totally legit thing that almost makes O'Hare sound like New Orleans or Las Vegas.

Read More: Was Chicago's O'Hare Airport Named One of America's Most or Least Satisfying?

Why Most Travelers Don’t Know This Exists

Interestingly, it's not something that's widely advertised. I saw it on a list of the best food at O'Hare from six years ago. While the food featured was fine, the beer in the wild was what really got me. Of all the times I have spent sitting at some bar or restaurant when I could've just got my drink to go, it is a bummer. If I had known, things would have been much more fun for me.

The Fine Print: What You Can’t Do With Your Drink

There is one catch, however; of course, you knew there had to be at least one. Well, in this case, there are two. First, you can't take your open container out past security, and second, you can't bring the drink aboard the plane.

O’Hare Layover Tip: Treat It Like a Beer Garden

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The next time you're stuck at O'Hare due to a delay or layover, tell yourself it's not an airport—it's a beer garden.