Air carrier Captain reported concern with distance between taxi way lines in the alleyway at ORD airport.

Date: 2026-01 · Aircraft: Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng · Phase: taxi

Anomalies: conflict-ground-conflict|critical

Synopsis

Air carrier Captain reported concern with distance between taxi way lines in the alleyway at ORD airport.

Narrative

Thank you for all the work you put forth..Yes; I have read the Ops Alert. In 25yrs of flying this is the closest I've ever seen two wingtips on purpose. I recognize Bulletin assures clearance for 'simultaneous large aircraft operations' in the Fox-Alley. Situation: Pushed back from Gate XX and disconnected from tug in the Fox alley) on East Line in Aircraft X abeam Gate XY. An airliner taxied inbound in Aircraft Y (fences on wingtips) on the West Line. I checked and if I am to believe GoogleMaps measurements; the distance between centerline of East and West is 130'. Wingspan of Aircraft X gives us allegedly @ 13' of clearance wingtip-to-wingtip. Frankly; I don't buy the GoogleMaps measurements. The FO with experience operating in close proximity to other jets; believed that we had less than 4' between wingtips. Before I do this again; I will either have a wing walker in the Fox Alley (dangerous IMO (In My Opinion)) or refuse to taxi out until I know the exact clearances. I'm curious what turned up for the exact measurements between the wingtips of Aircraft X and Aircraft Y? Follow up question: what is the minimum wingtip clearance that ORD is willing to accept during taxi-operations? 8 feet? 4 feet? 2 feet? 10 inches?

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.