Chicago Department Of Aviation, United Airlines Help Families Take Off With Confidence At O’Hare Family Day

B-Roll Available: https://youtu.be/u71q-dq1h8g

CHICAGO -- United Airlines and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) welcomed Chicago-area families to O'Hare International Airport today for O'Hare Family Day: Flying with Kids 101, a hands-on experience designed to help parents and children feel more comfortable and confident traveling together.

Working alongside the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the volunteer aid organization Traveler's Aid, United and CDA introduced families to each step of the airport journey, from checking in and navigating security to boarding an aircraft.

"Traveling with children can mean a little extra planning and a lot of questions, especially before a child's first flight," said CDA Commissioner Mike McMurray. "O'Hare Family Day gave families a chance to practice the airport experience together and take some of the uncertainty out of their next trip. We are grateful to United Airlines and our partners for helping make O'Hare a welcoming place for our youngest travelers and their families."

"We want families to feel confident and comfortable traveling through O'Hare, and events like today are a great way to experience the airport in a fun, relaxed setting," said Joe Mallia, United's Customer Service Director at O'Hare. "From family seating at no extra cost and preboarding for families with young children to Twilight Bag Drop and kid-friendly entertainment onboard, United is always looking for ways to make travel easier for families."

Participants completed a simulated flight check-in process, watched a TSA security demonstration and took a guided tour through O'Hare. The experience culminated in a boarding simulation aboard a United aircraft, giving children and their parents an opportunity to become familiar with boarding before their next flight.

Families also participated in car seat safety demonstrations provided by Lurie Children's Hospital and learned about family-friendly travel amenities available through United and O'Hare. The event featured a special appearance by Skye, the Chicago Sky's mascot. This was the fourth family-focused airport familiarization event hosted by CDA since last year, following similar events organized in partnership with American Airlines at O'Hare and Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines at Midway International Airport.