CHICAGO – The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) anticipates more than 3.36 million travelers at O’Hare and Midway International Airports between Thursday, March 20, and Monday, March 31, according to preliminary airline projections. This historically busy travel period includes the peak spring break vacation window for students across Chicago Public Schools. Overall, the total number of spring break travelers going through both airports is expected to be 4% higher than the same period in 2024.

“As a global hub, Chicago is proud to welcome millions of travelers each year, connecting them to the greatest city in the world and beyond,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “With the spring break travel season upon us, O’Hare and Midway are fully prepared to provide a seamless, efficient, and welcoming experience for all passengers.”

“Chicago’s airports are ready to welcome travelers this spring break with world-class amenities, dedicated staff, and enhanced services,” said Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee. “Whether passengers are departing, arriving, or connecting, they can expect a streamlined and enjoyable travel experience at O’Hare and Midway.”

O’Hare is expected to see a 7.1% increase in passengers from 2024’s spring break travel period. Friday, March 21, is projected to be O’Hare’s busiest day, with more than 279,000 passengers expected to pass through its terminals. Midway’s peak is anticipated on Saturday, March 29, with over 56,000 passengers projected.

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

Preventing Traffic Congestion

• 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 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, helping passengers avoid 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. 

Kennedy Expressway Construction – O’Hare

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

• Outbound reversible express lanes are closed, diverting all O’Hare traffic to local lanes.
• Expect significant delays, especially during peak hours. Travel time from downtown Chicago to O’Hare could range from one to two hours.
• To reduce congestion, passengers are strongly encouraged to use public transportation options, such as the CTA Blue Line and Metra.

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, the CDA opened a six-story parking garage last November, which more than doubles the number of overall available parking spaces at the terminal and 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 Parking 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 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. 

O’Hare Rideshares, Taxis and Limousines   

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

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

All rideshare providers can drop off 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 into 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 to FlyChicago.com.

Concessions Highlights

O’Hare continues to expand its dining options with recent openings, including Hinsdale-based Pronto Sandwiches in Terminal 1, alongside new locations for Home Run Inn Pizza and The Bronze Pizza. Passengers can also take advantage of mobile ordering through orderORD.com for a seamless dining experience throughout all four terminals.

New Business Lounge: LOT Polish Airlines

LOT Polish Airlines, the national carrier of Poland, debuted a new business lounge last December at O’Hare. The lounge provides a premium experience for LOT business-class travelers and Star Alliance Gold members, featuring Polish cuisine and modern amenities.

“As home to one of the world’s largest Polish populations, Chicago serves as a vital gateway for travelers connecting to Warsaw and Krakow,” said Commissioner Rhee shortly after its opening. “On behalf of Mayor Brandon Johnson, I thank LOT for choosing Chicago as the location for the airline’s first North American lounge.”

Traveling Safely with Families 

O’Hare offers a Family Lounge that provides a designated play area for toddlers and young children. The lounge features device 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 next to 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.

Live Entertainment

As travelers make their way through O’Hare and Midway during the season, they will be entertained by musicians and other artists specializing in a variety of genres. The lineup includes the following:

O’Hare                                                                            

Midway

General Information 

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 targeted 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.