Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) anticipates more than 3.36 million travelers at O’Hare and Midway International Airports between Thursday, March 20, and Monday, March 31, according to preliminary airline projections. This historically busy travel period includes the peak spring break vacation window for students across Chicago Public Schools. Overall, the total number of spring break travelers going through both airports is expected to be 4% higher than the same period in 2024.

“As a global hub, Chicago is proud to welcome millions of travelers each year, connecting them to the greatest city in the world and beyond,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “With the spring break travel season upon us, O’Hare and Midway are fully prepared to provide a seamless, efficient, and welcoming experience for all passengers. ”

“Chicago’s airports are ready to welcome travelers this spring break with world-class amenities, dedicated staff, and enhanced services,” said Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee. “Whether passengers are departing, arriving, or connecting, they can expect a streamlined and enjoyable travel experience at O’Hare and Midway. ”

O’Hare is expected to see a 7.1% increase in passengers from 2024’s spring break travel period. Friday, March 21, is projected to be O’Hare’s busiest day, with more than 279,000 passengers expected to pass through its terminals. Midway’s peak is anticipated on Saturday, March 29, with over 56,000 passengers projected.

Visitors and residents traveling through Chicago’s airports are reminded of valuable information aimed at preventing traffic congestion:

- Cell Phone Lots are free at both airports; use designated waiting areas

until arriving passengers are ready for pickup.

- Kiss n’ Fly drop-offs allow for quicker curbside access.

- Public transit options include CTA Blue Line service to O’Hare and CTA

Orange Line service starting at Midway from4a.m., Metra’s North Central

Service weekdays between Union Station downtown Chicago & O'Hare Transfer

station adjacent MMF access ATS., Pace's Pulse Dempster Line direct Evanston

Skokie Niles Park Ridge suburbs.

Kennedy Expressway Construction – O’Hare:

The Illinois Department of Transportation is in the final phase of the Kennedy Expressway reconstruction project set conclude late-2025 Drivers should aware:

- Outbound reversible express lanes closed diverting all traffic local lanes

Expect significant delays especially peak hours Travel time downtown Chicago

range one two hours Reduce congestion encouraged use public transportation

options CTA Blue Line Metra

Checking Updates on Parking Before You Leave:

To check status parking lots before leaving airport go FlyChicago com Economy

Lots often reach capacity busy holiday periods consider booking spot ahead

visiting review lot set advance reservations Terminal opened six-story garage

last November doubles number available spaces serves domestic international

travelers wait Cell Phone hourly Main Garage ride ATS Arriving Early

The Transportation Security Administration TSA U S Customs Border Protection may experience longer usual wait times security checkpoints given influx real- time updates available CLEAR Lanes enrollment options PreCheck-eligible standard Terminal Midway expedite screening process consult guidelines ensure prohibited items carry-on checked baggage foods packed accordance rules liquids Rideshares Taxis Limousines Pickups apps Uber Lyft located Upper Level Departures section Terminal designated area between Terminals transfer aboard providers drop all offer Black car including offered Loading zones following locations Zone outside north vestibule Black Blue Orange Green taxis suburbs available outside baggage claim Lower Level curb front advised stands licensed driver accept rides stand departure level roadways limousines suburban destinations Contact company choice near boards make reservations information visit Concessions Highlights continues expand dining recent openings Hinsdale-based Pronto Sandwiches alongside Home Inn Pizza Bronze take advantage mobile ordering orderORD com seamless experience New Business Lounge LOT Polish Airlines national carrier debuted lounge December provides premium business-class Star Alliance Gold members featuring cuisine modern home largest populations serves vital gateway connecting Warsaw Krakow Traveling Safely Families offers Family Lounge designated play toddlers young children features device charging outlets stroller parking Parents find locations care nurse safely privately Room Concourse next Yoga available

Gate Lactation Pod provides dozen complete list Live Entertainment As make entertained musicians artists

specializing variety genres lineup includes following Date Artist Time Location Genre Balloon Mike Mauthe Terminal Gate Friendly Kamil Bartoszcze Extension DJ Institute Bridge Jazz Date Central Market General Information bound make informed decisions accessing visiting contains real-time flights parking taxicab wait concession businesses special alerts public search page shows specific flight amenities gate targeted resources Note access restricted times ticketed assisting badged employees legitimate business

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