THE CHICAGO AIRPORT SYSTEM PREPARES FOR A BUSY THANKSGIVING
HOLIDAY TRAVEL PERIOD
CHICAGO - November 26, 2002 - More than 1.4 million passengers are expected to travel through Midway and O'Hare airports beginning Wednesday, November 27 through Monday, December 2, 2002. A daily average of 200,000 will pass through O'Hare and 45,000 are expected to pass through Midway during the six-day period. The busiest travel day is on Sunday with more than 230,000 travelers expected at O'Hare and over 50,000 at Midway.
"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. "The Department of Aviation and all of our partners at the airports are working to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience while traveling during this period."
The screening checkpoints at both Midway and O'Hare airports have been federalized under the federal government and passengers will experience new security measures as they travel through the nation's airports. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched a passenger awareness campaign, Prepare for Takeoff, to help prepare passengers with time saving tips at the screening checkpoints.
Information is available at the Department of Aviation's website, www.chicagosairports.com or the TSA's website at www.tsa.dot.gov. Travel tips and updates on prohibited items, carry-on limitations and travelers with special needs can also be found on these websites.
Travelers should allow ample time for traveling to the airports, ticketing and checking baggage. Domestic passengers should arrive an hour and a half prior to departure and international passengers should allow two hours in advance of a scheduled flight departure. Only ticketed passengers with government issued photo identification are permitted beyond the security screening checkpoints.
The Department of Aviation recommends using curbside check-in or
E-ticket kiosks 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 screening checkpoint. Travelers needing special assistance can make arrangements in advance with the airline.
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 to the airports and the Loop while avoiding roadway congestion. Security restrictions in place prohibit unattended vehicles in front of terminal curb fronts. Ticketing and towing will be enforced. 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 11:00am-7:00pm on Wednesday, November 27th. Entertainment will feature special appearances by the Radio City Music Hall Rocketts and the Brookfield Zoo Bear at O'Hare, as well as Jazz, Reggae, Pop, and Holiday Music on stages at both airports.
