THE CHICAGO AIRPORT SYSTEM PREPARES PASSENGERS FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY TRAVEL
Holiday Travel Expected to be Busiest Since September 11th
CHICAGO - November 16, 2001 - The Chicago Airport System will welcome more than 1.2 million travelers at both O'Hare and Midway Airports over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. Travelers passing through Chicago's airports will notice differences from previous years as enhanced security measures are implemented nationwide.
"We welcome all travelers to Chicago's airports as they make their way to friends and family this holiday season," said Aviation Commissioner Thomas R. Walker. "Many will be traveling for the first time since September 11th. The Department of Aviation and all of our partners at the airports are working hard to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience as they travel during this period."
The Department of Aviation is expecting a daily average of over 167,000 passengers to pass through O'Hare International Airport, while a daily average of almost 42,000 travelers will pass through Midway Airport during the six day period beginning Wednesday, November 21st. Sunday, November 25th is projected to be the busiest day at both airports with just under 220,000 passengers expected at O'Hare and over 55,000 passengers expected at Midway.
Travelers should allow ample time for traveling to the airports. Additional time should be incorporated with the enhanced security measures at the screening checkpoints. It is suggested that all departing passengers arrive two to three hours before their scheduled flight departure.
Heightened security measures dictate that only ticketed passengers holding a boarding pass or e-ticket receipt and a government issued ID
will be allowed beyond the screening checkpoints and gate areas. Travelers should be advised to enter the screening checkpoints designated by the carrier reflected on the ticket.
The Department of Aviation suggests that persons meeting or dropping off passengers take advantage of special short term holiday rates that are in effect from Tuesday, November 20th through Monday, November 26th. At O'Hare, a special short term rate of $3.00 for the first three hours is available while at Midway the rate is $2.00 for the first two hours. For further parking information at O'Hare travelers can call (773) 686-7530. At Midway, travelers can call (773) 838-0756.
The Department of Aviation suggest that people meet travelers at the lower level baggage claim area. Temporary kiosks will be set up at the lower levels of both airports to provide light food and beverages for meeters and greeters. Airport Customer Service Representatives will also be available to provide assistance to travelers at Information Booths at all O'Hare terminals and at Midway Airport.
Vehicles will not be permitted to wait in front of terminals. To avoid recirculating the airport, designate in advance airline terminal and door locations while picking up travelers at the curbside. To limit curbside congestion, police will ticket or tow any unattended vehicles in observance of strict security restrictions.
Another option for travelers is to take advantage of the convenient public transportation available to both O'Hare and Midway. The CTA's Blue line to O'Hare and the Orange line to Midway are quick and easy ways to get to the airports and the Loop while avoiding roadway congestion.
Check the status of your flight with your airline before leaving for the airport. Airport information is available at the Department of Aviation Web site, www.chicagoairports.com, or by phone at (773) 686-2200 for O'Hare or (773) 838-0600 for Midway.
