TRAVELERS RETURN TO THE SKIES FOR THE LAUNCH OF THE SUMMER TRAVEL SEASON
Chicago's Airports Prepare for the Memorial Holiday Travel Period
CHICAGO -- May 22, 2002 -- More than 1.5 million passengers are expected to travel through the Chicago Airport System this Memorial Day Weekend beginning Thursday, May 23rd and continuing through Tuesday, May 28th.
A daily average of more than 174,000 travelers will pass through O'Hare International Airport, while a daily average of over 47,000 travelers will pass through Midway Airport each day. Friday is projected to be the busiest travel day at both airports.
"Travelers are gradually returning to the skies," said Aviation Commissioner Thomas R. Walker. "The number of passengers traveling through O'Hare is down from the previous year, but showing a slow, steady rebound with each passing month. Passenger volume at Midway continues to increase and is fast approaching last year's near record levels, " Walker added.
Travelers should allow ample time for traveling to the airports, ticketing and checking baggage. It is suggested that domestic travelers allow
1 ½ to 2 hours prior to scheduled flight departure, and international travelers allow 2 hours prior to scheduled flight departure. Travelers are advised to inquire with the airline for more specific information on flight schedules. Only passengers with government issued photo identification are permitted beyond the security screening checkpoints.
For those passengers needing special assistance, meeters and greeters can obtain an escort pass by coordinating in advance with the airlines.
The Department of Aviation recommends using curbside check-in or
E-ticket kiosk services to avoid long lines at the ticket counters. These options are available on a limited basis at both O'Hare and Midway airports. Check directly with your airline to see if these timesaving options are available. Using either of these options, travelers may proceed directly to the security screening checkpoint.
Remove all metal and electronic devices such as coins, pens, cell phones, cameras, and pagers prior to walking through the magnetometers. All laptop computers and cases must be X-rayed. Removing laptop computers from carrying cases before proceeding through the magnetometer helps make security lines move more quickly. Check the Department of Aviation's web site, www.chicagoairports.com or the US DOT web site, www.tsa.dot.gov/workingwithtsa/travel.htm for an updated list of prohibited items.
Passengers traveling with medical equipment must have appropriate documentation from a physician or a pharmacist.
Convenient public transportation options are available to both O'Hare and Midway. The CTA's Blue Line to O'Hare and the Orange Line to Midway are convenient ways to get between airports and the Loop while avoiding roadway congestion. Unattended vehicles parked in front of terminal curb fronts will be ticketed and towed. For information on parking rates and availability, motorists can call (773) 686-7530 for O'Hare, and (773) 838-0756 for Midway.
Travelers at O'Hare and Midway airports will be treated to live entertainment between the hours of 3:00pm-7:00pm on Thursday, May 23rd and Friday, May 24th. Entertainment on both days will be performed by local senior citizens taking part in the Encore Program, part of City of Chicago's Department of Aging Senior Initiative. Traditional jazz , classical, dixieland and folk selections will be featured throughout the Midway and O'Hare terminals.
