O'Hare Set For Busiest Fourth Of July Travel Period On Record

As America marks its 250th birthday, 1.95 million passengers are expected at Chicago's airports as holiday traffic rises 7% over 2025

CHICAGO - The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is preparing to welcome nearly 1.95 million passengers at O'Hare and Midway international airports from Wednesday, July 1, through Monday, July 6, as travelers take to the skies for the nation's 250th birthday celebration.

The holiday period is expected to be the busiest Fourth of July travel period in O'Hare International Airport's history, reinforcing Chicago's position as one of the world's leading aviation hubs. Combined passenger traffic at Chicago's airports is projected to increase 7% compared with the same holiday period in 2025.

"As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday, Chicago is proud to welcome millions of travelers to a city that has helped shape America's history, culture and future," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "This record-breaking holiday travel period reflects the strength of our airports and the enduring appeal of Chicago. Whether visitors are joining us to celebrate or connecting to destinations around the world, we are ready to welcome them with the energy, hospitality and spirit that make Chicago the greatest city in the world."

O'Hare is projected to serve more than 1.62 million passengers during the six-day holiday period, an 8.1% increase over the Fourth of July travel period in 2025. Last year's holiday traffic contributed to July 2025 becoming the busiest month in O'Hare's history, while this year's projected total would mark the airport's busiest Independence Day travel period on record.

Midway is expected to welcome more than 325,000 passengers, an increase of 1.5% compared with last year. Together, O'Hare and Midway are projected to serve nearly 1.95 million passengers - approximately 7% more than during the 2025 Independence Day travel period.

"Chicago's airports always step up during the summer for the many travelers coming through O'Hare and Midway," said CDA Commissioner Michael McMurray. "This summer will be no different, and we look forward to making the traveling experience a memorable one for passengers arriving to Chicago for this historic Independence Day weekend."

O'Hare's busiest day of the holiday travel period is expected to be Sunday, July 5, when more than 300,000 passengers are projected to pass through the airport - making it one of the busiest days in O'Hare's history. Midway's peak travel day is expected to be Monday, July 6, with nearly 60,000 passengers. Passenger volumes at both airports are forecast to be lowest on Independence Day itself, with approximately 229,000 passengers at O'Hare and 38,000 at Midway.

Visitors and residents who will be going through Chicago's airports are reminded of the following:

Arrive Early

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) advise that travelers may experience longer-than-usual wait times at security checkpoints given increased passenger projections. 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 check 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.

In support of this busy 4th of July and summer travel season, the TSA has mounted the PackSafe for Passengers campaign to help communicate the dangers of flying with hazardous materials or dangerous goods. The campaign's posters and messaging can be useful to passengers as they make their way through the check-in areas, terminals and other high-traffic areas of Chicago's airports. The Federal Aviation Administration, which oversees the TSA, has more information about PackSafe for Passengers on its website at faa.gov.

New Service at O'Hare, Midway

June was a busy month for new service at Chicago's airports, and more will follow later in the year.

Egyptian flag carrier EgyptAir began operating between O'Hare and Cairo International Airport on June 21. The route runs three times weekly on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, departing from O'Hare at 10:30 a.m. and arriving from Cairo at 5:15 a.m. The addition of EgyptAir to Chicago was preceded by the launch June 1 of daily service by Air Canada from O'Hare to Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport, followed by the launch June 2 of daily service by Volaris Airlines between Midway and San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

Philippine Airlines, the flag carrier of the Philippines, will begin operating at O'Hare Nov. 9 with a route between Chicago and Manila. Service will run three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with departures from O'Hare in the evening and arrivals from Manila in the afternoon.

O'Hare is the world's busiest airport, registering more than 860,000 combined takeoffs and landings in 2025, according to data compiled by Airports Council International World.

A New Parking Option at O'Hare

Travelers flying through O'Hare Terminal 5 - on international carriers as well as domestic airlines, including Delta and Southwest - have a new option for parking reservations in advance. The Terminal 5 Parking Garage (Lot D) offers advance booking for travelers parking at the facility. Learn more at FlyChicago.com.

Traveling Safely with Families

The Family Lounge in O'Hare's Terminal 2 is a designated play area for toddlers and young children, and is equipped with device charging outlets for adults and stroller parking for those traveling with infants. There are more than a dozen Mother's Room and Lactation Pod locations at O'Hare 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

During the Independence Day weekend, O'Hare and Midway will host live entertainment by musicians and other performers. The entertainment lineup includes the following:

O'Hare

• July 1- Uncle Sam costume character, Various terminals, 9 a.m. to noon
• July 1- Bear Williams (Old Town School of Folk Music), Terminal 1 bridge, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Midway

• July 1- Abraham Lincoln costume character, Various locations, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• July 2- Uncle Sam costume character, Various locations, 9 a.m. to noon

New Flag Displays at O'Hare

Both airports are fitted out with patriotic décor for the holiday weekend,

At O'Hare's Hall of Flags in Terminal 3 is currently decorated with American flags and decor commemorating the 4th of July holiday and the nation's 250th anniversary.

At Midway, red, white and blue bunting is hung around the terminal and across the bridge on Cicero Avenue, as well as a USA display near the outdoor flag memorial for America250.

Accessibility Resources

The CDA has sensory maps, instructional videos and other accessibility resources at both airports that are designed to make travel less overwhelming and more empowering for neurodivergent passengers and others 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. 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 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. These resources are complimented by the CDA's partnership with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard program to aid travelers with disabilities such as autism, post-traumatic stress disorder and hearing loss.

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

• Sensory maps
• Instructional videos: Arrivals / Departures

• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard program

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 the lot for Midway 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 3:30 a.m. on weekdays, 4 a.m. on Saturdays, and 4:30 a.m. on Sundays and holidays. (Orange Line service on all days ends at 1:05 a.m.) Both the Blue and Orange Lines offer frequent and fast service, avoiding curbside crowds and reducing congestion in the process. Go to the FlyChicago pages for O'Hare and Midway for more information.
• 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, and booking a reserved parking section ahead of time is recommended. To check the status of current parking availability (of surface lots and garages) before driving toward O'Hare and Midway, go to the following:

• O'Hare Parking Information
• Midway Parking Information

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 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 will need to use the TSA's ConfirmID program and pay a $45 fee prior to arriving at the airport. To learn more, visit: tsa.gov/ tsaconfirm-id.

To learn about applying for a Real ID in Illinois, go to the Illinois Secretary of State's Office's website: 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 these 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 to not 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.