O'Hare and Midway prepare for increased passenger traffic during holiday season

Jamie L. Rhee, CDA Commissioner stated: “With Chicago’s airports serving as gateways for millions of travelers each holiday season, the CDA is dedicated to delivering a world-class experience for everyone passing through.”

To ease congestion and improve traveler convenience during this busy period, several services and facilities are available:

- Free Cell Phone Lots at both airports allow drivers to wait until their arriving passengers are ready for pickup.

- The CTA Blue Line provides service to O’Hare while the Orange Line serves Midway.

- Metra’s North Central Service offers weekday transit between Union Station in downtown Chicago and the O’Hare Transfer station.

- The Pulse Dempster Line from Pace Suburban Bus connects suburban communities with O’Hare.

Parking options include advance reservations via FlyChicago.com due to high demand in Economy Lots. A new six-story parking garage at O’Hare’s Terminal 5 has increased parking capacity significantly.

Rideshare pickups for apps like Uber and Lyft are organized at designated zones within Terminal 2 at O’Hare. Taxis are available outside baggage claim areas at each terminal.

O'Hare was recognized with an award for Favorite Airport Dining by Trazee Travel magazine this August. New concessions have been introduced including Veteran Roasters and Brown Sugar Bakery in Terminal 3.

For families traveling with children, facilities such as Family Lounges and Mother’s Rooms are available across both airports.

Live entertainment featuring various artists will be present throughout both airports during this festive period. Holiday decorations include themed trees representing diverse cultural organizations in Chicagoland displayed prominently at terminals.

Travelers can access real-time updates on security wait times through FlyChicago.com where comprehensive information on flights and airport services is also available.

Access to airport terminals remains restricted to ticketed passengers or those assisting them along with authorized personnel only.