Chicago’s Airports Set To Welcome Nearly 4.8 Million Travelers This Holiday Season

Chicago's Airports Set To Welcome Nearly 4.8 Million Travelers This Holiday Season

Passenger volumes expected to climb nearly 6% compared to 2024

CHICAGO - The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is preparing for a major holiday travel rush, with nearly 4.8 million passengers expected to travel through O'Hare and Midway International Airports between Friday, Dec. 19 and Monday, Jan. 5, based on airline projections. That total marks a nearly 6% increase over 2024's year-end holiday season.

"Chicago shines brightest during the holiday season, with world-class attractions, neighborhoods full of energy, and traditions that bring people together," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "Our team at O'Hare and Midway is once again rolling out the welcome mat to the greatest city in the world, and we look forward to making this a truly magical season for visitors and residents alike."

O'Hare is expected to welcome more than 4 million passengers over the next two and a half weeks, according to airline projections - an average of nearly 224,000 travelers per day and a 7.5% increase compared to the 2024 holiday season. The busiest day is projected to be Sunday, Dec. 20, when more than 263,000 passengers are expected to pass through O'Hare. New Year's Day is anticipated to be the lightest travel day at O'Hare, with approximately 191,000 travelers.

At Midway, airline projections show nearly 770,000 passengers are expected between today and Monday, Jan. 5, averaging about 42,000 travelers per day over the holiday season. The busiest day is projected to be Saturday, Dec. 27, when more than 48,000 passengers are expected to travel through the "busiest square mile in aviation." Christmas Day is anticipated to be the lightest travel day, with approximately 36,000 travelers.

"The holiday season transforms O'Hare and Midway into welcoming, festive gateways to Chicago, filled with vibrant decorations that reflect the spirit of the city," said CDA Commissioner Michael McMurray. "Our teams are proud to create an atmosphere that's warm, efficient, and unmistakably Chicago, helping travelers start and end their holiday journeys on a high note."

Visitors and residents are reminded of the following:

Holiday Decorations
During the holiday season, Chicago's airports transform into festive spaces that celebrate both the spirit of the season and the diversity of Chicago.

At Midway, visitors can expect to see concourse hallways lined with holiday trees, while large ornaments hang above guests' heads. O'Hare also features a variety of holiday displays, including in the K Concourse in Terminal 3, highlighted by two new 12-foot wreaths at each end of the Hall of Flags, along with garland and other ornaments.​

Both airports are also home to holiday trees decorated by cultural and historic organizations from across Chicago, including the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture, the Heritage Museum of Asian Art, and the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry, to name a few.

Airport Openings
Air France unveiled its lounge at O'Hare in October, with the new space debuting at Terminal 5. Operated by Global Lounge Network, the space spans more than 5,000 square feet, seats 105 guests and features workspaces and digital press access. French cuisine, champagne and wine are available at the lounge, which welcomes Air France Business and Flying Blue Elite Plus travelers, as well as eligible KLM travelers.

In October, Midway welcomed retailers Johnston & Murphy and Chicago Sports to Concourse B. Johnston & Murphy specializes in business casual clothing, while Chicago Sports features officially-licensed merchandise from the city's sports teams.

Traveling Safely with Families
The Family Lounge at O'Hare, located in Terminal 2, is a designated play area for toddlers and young children, equipped with device charging outlets for adults and stroller parking for those traveling with infants. O'Hare also has more than a dozen Mother's Room and Lactation Pod locations for nursing parents to care for their young children, privately and safely - a complete list is available at FlyChicago.com.

At Midway, there is both a Kids Play Area and a Lactation Pod near Gate A5 in Concourse A. Additionally, there is a Mother's Room in Concourse C, located next to the Yoga Room.

Live Entertainment
As travelers make their way through O'Hare and Midway during the holidays, both airports host an array of entertainment by musicians and other artists specializing in various genres. The entertainment lineup includes the following:

O'Hare

• Dec. 19 - Santa and Mrs. Claus, Terminals 1-3 (Various Areas), 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Dec. 22 - Holiday Carolers, Various Terminal Areas, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Dec. 22 - Santa and Mrs. Claus, Terminal 5 (Various Areas), 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Dec. 23 - Maurice Joshua (House Music DJ), Terminal 1 Bridge, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Dec. 23 - Lena Bandz (House Music DJ), Terminal 3 Rotunda, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Dec. 24 - Santa and Mrs. Claus,Terminals 1-3 (Various Areas), 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Dec. 24 - Cliff Towns (House Music DJ), Terminal 3 Rotunda, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Dec. 29 - Lugo Rosado (House Music DJ), Terminal 5 Performing Stage, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Dec. 31 - Lady D (House Music DJ), Terminal 1 Bridge, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  
  Midway

• Dec. 22 - Matt Spitz (Elf Character), Various Areas, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Dec. 23 - Lugo Rosado (House Music DJ), Battle of Midway, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Dec. 23 - Holiday Characters, Various Areas, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Dec. 24 - Lena Bandz (House Music DJ), Battle of Midway, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Dec. 29 - Return2Soul (R&B, Jazz, Blues), Battle of Midway, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Dec. 31 - DJ Main Man Mega (House Music DJ), Battle of Midway, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Accessibility Resources
The CDA recently introduced sensory maps, instructional videos and other accessibility resources at O'Hare and Midway that are designed to make travel less overwhelming and more empowering for neurodivergent passengers and other individuals with sensory sensitivities.

The sensory maps highlight high- and low-sensory areas throughout the terminals - helping travelers plan their routes to accommodate their own needs and comfort - while the instructional videos demonstrate what to expect at different stages of the arrival and departure process at Chicago's airports. Other airport resources include sensory bags with such tools as fidgets, headphones and visual aids. Additionally, the CDA's social media channels feature step-by-step guides with visuals to prepare travelers for the airport experience.

The recent additions follow the CDA partnership with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard program to aid travelers with disabilities such as autism, PTSD and hearing loss.

Go to the following for more information on accessibility resources at Chicago's airports:

• Sensory maps: flychicago.com/sensory
• Instructional videos
• Arrivals: youtube.com/watch?v=PuuEXdYw6ak
• Departures: youtube.com/watch?v=Wpv6Bwgz6wM
• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard program: flychicago.com/sunflower

Preventing Traffic Congestion
Cell Phone Lots are free at both airports. Avoid circling the terminals and instead 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 CTA Blue Line offers 24/7 service to O'Hare, while the CTA Orange Line services Midway starting at 4 a.m. Both offer frequent and fast service, avoiding curbside crowds and reducing congestion in the process.
• Metra's North Central Service offers weekday service between Union Station in downtown Chicago and the O'Hare Transfer station adjacent to the MMF, with access to the ATS.
• Pace's Pulse Dempster Line offers direct service to O'Hare from Evanston, Skokie, Niles, Park Ridge and other suburbs.

Checking Updates on Parking Before You Leave
Economy Lots often reach capacity during holiday travel periods. Passengers should consider booking a parking spot ahead of time by visiting FlyChicago.com. To check the status of current lots before driving toward O'Hare and Midway, go to the following:

• O'Hare: FlyChicago.com/ORDparking
• Midway:FlyChicago.com/MDWparking

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 on the Mezzanine Level.

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
Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) is a biometric screening process at select airports for U.S. citizens returning from international destinations. EPP is administered by 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. More information about EPP can be found at: cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/enhanced-passenger-processing-epp.

Real ID
All travelers 18 and older who are flying domestically are now required by the TSA to have a Real ID, which is part of a driver's license or state-issued identification. A Real ID is denoted by a gold star located on the upper right-hand corner of a license or state identification.

Passengers without a Real ID or other acceptable form of identification could be directed to a separate line or face additional screening. Various alternatives to a Real ID are accepted by the TSA - for more information, visit: tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.

To learn about applying for a Real ID in Illinois, go to the Illinois Secretary of State's Office's website at: realid.ilsos.gov.

O'Hare Rideshares, Taxis and Limousines
Pickups at O'Hare for rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are centrally located outside in the upper-level departures section of Terminal 2 (between doors 2A and 2F) and Terminal 3 (between doors 3G and 3K). Passengers arriving at Terminals 1 or 5 must transfer to Terminals 2 or 3 aboard the ATS for rideshare pickups. Terminal wayfinding signage will direct passengers to designated pick-up areas, and ride-share apps will direct users to their closest pick-up zone.

All rideshare providers can drop off passengers at all terminals, which offer Black car pickups - including Black cars offered through the Uber and Lyft apps. Loading zones for rideshares can be found at the following locations:

• Zone A (Black) - Outside north of vestibule 2A
• Zone B (Blue) - Outside vestibule 2A
• Zone C (Orange) - Outside vestibule 2B
• Zone D (Green) - Outside vestibule 2E

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.

General Information
Travelers bound for Chicago's airports can make the most informed decisions about how to access any of the previously mentioned 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.

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