CHICAGO – O’Hare and Midway International Airports are expected to see more than 1.86 million travelers over Memorial Day weekend, marking an approximately 5% increase from last year’s holiday period, according to airline projections released today by the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA). The travel surge is anticipated from Thursday, May 22 through Tuesday, May 27.

 

“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,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Memorial Day is traditionally the kickoff to summer in Chicago, and we look forward to showing travelers just how wonderful our city is during this time of year.”

 

At O’Hare, airlines anticipate more than 1.58 million passengers — up 6.9% from Memorial Day weekend 2024. Midway is expected to welcome over 282,000 travelers. The busiest day at O’Hare is projected to be Thursday, May 22, while Midway is expected to see its highest volume of travelers on Monday, May 26.

 

“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,” said CDA Acting Commissioner Tracey H. Payne. “Memorial Day weekend is an opportunity to make travelers feel right at home at O’Hare and Midway.” 

 

Visitors and residents traveling through Chicago’s airports are reminded of the following valuable information:

 

Cell Phone Lots are free at both airports. Avoid circling the terminals—use the designated waiting areas until arriving passengers are ready for pickup. The O’Hare Cell Phone Lot is at 560 N. Bessie Coleman Drive, and Midway’s is at West 61st Street and South Cicero Avenue.  

 

Kiss n’ Fly drop-offs allow for quicker curbside access. At Midway, drop-off is at West 59th Street and South Kilpatrick Avenue, a short walk from the terminals. O’Hare passengers can be dropped at the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) at 10255 W. Zemke Blvd., and board the Airport Transit System (ATS) for a quick ride to all terminals.  

 

Public transit is also a hassle-free alternative:

 

 

The Illinois Department of Transportation is completing the final phase of the Kennedy Expressway reconstruction project, set to conclude by late 2025. Drivers should be aware of the following:

 

Checking Updates on Parking Before You Leave 

To check the status of parking lots before leaving for the airport, go to FlyChicago.com.  

 

Economy Lots often reach capacity during busy holiday travel periods. Passengers should consider booking a parking spot ahead of time by visiting FlyChicago.com to review the lot status and set advance parking reservations for both O’Hare and Midway.

 

At O’Hare’s Terminal 5, a six-story parking garage serves both domestic and international travelers. Drivers can wait for arriving passengers in the Cell Phone Lot or park in hourly parking in the Main Garage and ride the ATS to Terminal 5.  

 

At Midway, the Terminal Parking Garage has short-term and long-term parking options available.

Arriving Early

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may experience longer than usual wait times at security checkpoints given the influx of travelers. Real-time updates for O’Hare TSA checkpoints are available at FlyChicago.com.  

 

At O’Hare, CLEAR Lanes and enrollment options are available in Terminal 5 for PreCheck-eligible travelers and standard security. CLEAR Lanes are also available at O’Hare Terminals 1 and 2, as well as at Midway. 

 

To expedite the screening process, travelers should consult TSA guidelines to ensure there are no prohibited items in their carry-on or checked baggage, and that all foods are packed in accordance with the TSA’s rules regarding liquids. 

 

 

Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) is a new, biometric screening process at select airports for U.S. citizens returning from international destinations. EPP is administered by the CBP at O’Hare, which uses the CBP’s Traveler Verification Service to identify travelers, confirm citizenship and screen for any enforcement concerns. By using a touchless process of biometrics, a traveler’s arrival is automatically confirmed without officer interaction.

 

EPP works in the following ways:

 

Benefits to O’Hare passengers also include:

 

 

All travelers 18 and older who are flying domestically are required by the TSA to have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or state-issued identification, or another acceptable form of ID. An Illinois Real ID is denoted by a gold star located on the upper right-hand corner of a license or state identification. The following alternatives to a Real ID are also accepted, according to the TSA’s website:

 

For more information about applying for a Real ID in Illinois, go to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office’s website at realid.ilsos.gov. Passengers without a Real ID or other acceptable form of identification could be directed to a separate line or face additional screening.

 

Pickups at O’Hare for rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are located in a designated area in the Upper Level Departures section of Terminal 2—between Terminals 1 and 3.

 

Passengers arriving into Terminal 5 must transfer to Terminal 2 aboard the ATS for rideshare pickups.

 

All rideshare providers may drop off at any terminal. Black car pickups — including those requested via the Uber and Lyft apps — are available at designated loading zones at each terminal. Loading zones for rideshares can be found at the following locations:

 

Taxis to Chicago and the suburbs are available outside the baggage claim areas at the Lower Level curb front at each terminal. All travelers are advised to use the designated taxi stands to ensure they have a licensed driver. Travelers are also advised not to accept rides from drivers outside the cab stand or on the departure level of the terminal roadways.

 

Additionally, limousines are available for city and suburban destinations. Contact your company of choice near the ride boards to make reservations. For more information about rideshares, taxis and limousines, visit FlyChicago.com.

 

 

O’Hare expanded its dining options in Terminal 1 in March with the openings of Hinsdale-based Pronto Sandwiches and The Bronze Pizza, as well as a new airport location for Home Run Inn Pizza (which also operates a concession in Terminal 2). Passengers can additionally take advantage of mobile ordering through orderORD.com for a seamless dining experience throughout all four terminals.

 

 

Travelers making their way through O’Hare and Midway during the holiday weekend will be treated to entertainment and events, including the following:

 

 

 

O’Hare offers a Family Lounge, which is a designated play area for toddlers and young children. The lounge features charging outlets and stroller parking. 

 

Parents will also find several locations at both airports to care for, or nurse, their young children safely and privately. At Midway, a Mother’s Room is in Concourse C near the airport’s Yoga Room, and a Lactation Pod is available near Gate A5 in Concourse A.

 

O’Hare provides more than a dozen Mother’s Room and Lactation Pod locations. The complete list of locations is available at FlyChicago.com.

 

Travelers bound for Chicago’s airports can make the most informed decisions about how to access any of the above airport services by visiting FlyChicago.com. The website contains real-time information about flights, parking updates, taxicab wait times, available concession businesses and other special alerts for the traveling public. The “My Flight” search page shows specific flight updates, amenities near the flight gate, as well as other travel resources. 

 

Note that access to airport terminals at O’Hare and Midway is restricted at all times to ticketed passengers, those assisting passengers, badged employees and others with legitimate airport business.