BTW, I checked with someone at O'Hare about lockers, their response: "All lockers were removed after the tragic events of 9/11 in order to create a more secure environment for our visitors and passengers."

So no lockers :-(

Could you check your luggage when you arrive at O'hare and then go out shopping? Is there a timeline that won't let you check your luggage before a certain time before your flight? Just a thought...

are you a member of the red carpet club or similar? you might be able to leave luggage there....usually, when the luggage is checked at the orgination, it is checked through to the final flight. I've only picked up and rechecked luggage when connecting and have to go through customs.

Just my opinion but I would much rather be driving on local roads between 5 and 6 pm (the time when BTilke would be returning to O'Hare) than the Kennedy inbound. My husband used to work in Rolling Meadows and we live in the city and that inbound trip is killer. But downtown and and on the el is likely the best way to go.