O’Hare International Airport, American Airlines Welcome Parents And Children From Across Chicago For Ord Family Night

CHICAGO - More than three dozen families joined the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), American Airlines, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Lurie Children's Hospital on Tuesday evening for a behind-the-scenes tour of O'Hare International Airport.

The event marked the third "Family Night" hosted by CDA, an initiative designed to help families feel more confident navigating Chicago's airports - from finding concessions to understanding the security screening process before the day of travel.

"Navigating a busy airport with young children can be a challenge for even the most seasoned of travelers. Our Family Night initiative can help ease any concerns passengers may have while offering inside tips and information to make the journey a little more carefree," said CDA Commissioner Michael McMurray. "Chicago's airports are equipped with amenities and services to meet travelers' needs, including several designed specifically for families. And with Spring Break upon us, this is the perfect opportunity for families to familiarize themselves with those offerings ahead of their trip."

American Airlines donated an aircraft to support this event. The airline was ranked #1 for family travel by AirAdvisor for policies and perks like family seating, kid-friendly meals, free stroller check-in, in-flight entertainment, and pre-boarding options.

"As spring break quickly approaches, we are proud to join our partners at CDA to give families more confidence to travel - because knowing what to expect makes a real difference for customers," said American Airlines Vice President of ORD Operations Ben Humphrey. "As the #1 airline for family travel, this event is part of our commitment to our customers. Family Night helps parents and kids get acclimated to the airport experience so they feel prepared, supported and ready for their trip - and when they return, our Chicago team stands ready to care for them."

Local families began their evening with a brief orientation from the TSA. The session guided families through the security screening process, highlighting common parent concerns such as screening bottles and breast milk, and the use of strollers and other mobility devices. Next, the families were led through Terminals 2 and 3, where tour guides pointed out amenities and services, including lactation rooms and vending machines featuring travel essentials like diapers.

Representatives from American Airlines joined families in Terminal 3 for an airplane tour. American's Customer Care team members walked families through the boarding process, showed them how to secure children in airplane seats, and outlined products available on board to help with the discomfort children may experience from flying.

Lurie Children's Hospital coached families on installing car seats on the airplane, providing recommendations for height and weight requirements.

The group also stopped by the Family Lounge in Terminal 2 for a presentation led by Travelers Aid Chicago Director John Ishu and CDA ADA Compliance Officer Xochitl Rodriguez. Ishu outlined the services Travelers Aid offers and the emergency supplies on hand, like extra clothing, diapers, formula, and a breast pump. Rodriguez highlighted accessible amenities in the terminals, like family restrooms and the Hidden Disability Sunflower Program.

The CDA hosted its first two Family Nights last year at Midway International Airport in partnership with Southwest and Frontier Airlines. Department staff and airline partners are currently in conversations to host another Family Night later this year.

About the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA):

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) owns and operates one of the world's busiest airport systems, comprised of O'Hare and Midway International Airports. Chicago's airports offer service to more than 260 nonstop destinations worldwide, including 47 foreign countries combined. Together, Chicago's airports serve more than 105 million passengers each year and generate approximately $70 billion in annual economic activity for the region. The CDA is self-sustaining, using no local or state tax dollars for operations or capital improvements at either airport. For more information, visit www.flychicago.com.