If you've ever stood on ORD's lower-level curb scanning dozens of black SUVs, you understand why meet-and-greet service exists. Here's how the two pickup options compare for O'Hare car service.
Curbside Pickup
The driver parks in the designated commercial vehicle lane at the arrivals curb for your terminal. You exit baggage claim and look for your vehicle by license plate, driver name, or description. This is the standard option for most domestic arrivals and is typically included in the base rate.
Works well when: You're traveling light, you know the terminal layout, and you have cell service to call or text your driver if needed.
Can be frustrating when: It's a busy travel day, multiple vehicles are on the same curb, or you have elderly passengers, strollers, or mobility needs.
Meet-and-Greet Service
The driver enters the terminal and waits inside at the arrivals exit — typically just past the customs or baggage claim exit doors — holding a name board. You see your name, walk out together, and the driver handles the luggage to the vehicle. This service carries a small additional cost (ask operators for their specific fee when booking).
Worth it when: You're arriving internationally (Terminal 5 curbside can be confusing after a long haul), traveling with young children or elderly family members, or when you simply don't want to coordinate by phone after a red-eye.
International Arrivals: The Case for Meet-and-Greet
For international flights arriving at T5, the customs and baggage claim process can take 30–90 minutes, and the exact exit time is unpredictable. A meet-and-greet driver waits inside at the arrival exit — they'll track your flight and adjust for delays automatically. A curbside driver parked outside needs to time their arrival, which is harder to coordinate.
How to Book
When requesting quotes through the O'Hare car service directory, specify in your inquiry whether you want meet-and-greet or curbside. Ask for the fee difference and what flight tracking the operator provides. Professional operators typically monitor your flight's arrival in real time — curbside or meet-and-greet, they know if you're delayed.
Related reading: ORD black-car pickup zones by terminal | International arrivals at O'Hare: where your driver meets you