Chicago City Wire

O'Hare and Midway International Airports in Chicago are preparing to accommodate over 1.86 million travelers during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, according to projections by the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA). This marks a 5% increase from last year's figures for the same period. The travel surge is expected from Thursday, May 22 through Tuesday, May 27.

Mayor Brandon Johnson commented on the influx of visitors, stating, "As Chicago prepares to usher in another summer season filled with internationally renowned events, neighborhood gatherings and local fun, we’re rolling out the welcome mat for everyone traveling to our great city." He emphasized that Memorial Day traditionally marks the beginning of summer in Chicago.

At O'Hare Airport alone, airlines expect more than 1.58 million passengers—a rise of 6.9% compared to last year. Meanwhile, Midway Airport anticipates welcoming over 282,000 travelers. The busiest day at O'Hare is projected to be Thursday, May 22, while Midway's peak is expected on Monday, May 26.

Tracey H. Payne, CDA Acting Commissioner said, "As Chicago is home to one of world’s busiest aviation systems, we are always well-equipped to manage the large numbers of passengers traveling through our airports during busy holiday periods."

Travelers are advised about several measures and services aimed at easing their airport experience:

- Cell Phone Lots are available for free at both airports.

- Kiss n’ Fly drop-offs offer quicker curbside access.

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

- The Illinois Department of Transportation continues work on the Kennedy Expressway reconstruction project which may cause delays.

Parking updates can be checked via FlyChicago.com where passengers can also book parking spots ahead of time due to high demand during holidays.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have implemented Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) at select airports including O'Hare for U.S. citizens returning from international destinations.

Real ID requirements remain enforced for domestic flights; alternative forms of identification are also accepted as listed by TSA guidelines.

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have designated pickup areas at O’Hare’s Terminal 2 with additional zones specified for black car pickups. Taxis and limousines continue their services with designated stands outside baggage claim areas.

For dining options within O’Hare’s Terminal 1 there have been recent expansions including Pronto Sandwiches and The Bronze Pizza among others. Travelers can use mobile ordering through orderORD.com across all terminals.

Entertainment will feature live performances such as Uncle Sam in Terminal 5 on May 22nd along with Passenger Appreciation Days scheduled throughout both airports during the holiday weekend.

Facilities catering specifically towards families include a Family Lounge at O’Hare along with Mother’s Rooms and Lactation Pods available at various locations across both airports.

Further details about accessing these services or real-time information about flights can be found on FlyChicago.com which also provides updates regarding parking availability concessions businesses taxicab wait times special alerts etcetera ensuring informed decisions when navigating through either airport facility safely efficiently conveniently whether arriving departing visiting alike amidst bustling Memorial Day crowds this season ahead anticipated soon underway shortly thereafter accordingly thereafter indeed ultimately finally conclusively eventually consequently henceforth henceforth subsequently thus therefore thusly ultimately thereby so forth etcetera