Chicago’s Airports Preparing To Welcome More Than 3.7 Million Travelers During Spring Break Travel Period

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is expecting more than 3.76 million passengers at O'Hare and Midway International Airports between Thursday, March 19 and Monday, March 30, based on airline projections.

The spring break period - historically one of the busiest travel times of the year - will take place over the next 12 days and includes the weeklong spring vacation for students in Chicago Public Schools. Overall, travel at both airports is expected to increase by more than 10% compared with the same period last year.

"As travelers make their way through Chicago for spring break, we are sharing in their excitement, as we anticipate a new season filled with activities throughout our city," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "We always rise to the occasion when it comes to welcoming travelers no matter the time of year, and we can't wait to make visitors and residents once again feel at home in the greatest city in the world."

O'Hare is expected to see a 13% increase in passenger traffic compared with spring break 2025. Thursday, March 19, is projected to be the airport's busiest travel day, with more than 296,000 passengers expected to pass through O'Hare.

Midway is projected to see a 1.4% increase in spring break travel compared with 2025. Friday, March 27, is expected to be Midway's busiest travel day, with more than 52,000 passengers anticipated at the airport.

"As home to one of the world's most important aviation systems and the nation's busiest airfield, we work nonstop to ensure that passengers at O'Hare and Midway International Airports have the most seamless, curb-to-gate experience of any airport in the world," said CDA Commissioner Michael McMurray. "This spring break season will be no different, and we look forward to providing the highest service and convenience to passengers coming through our airports."

Arrive 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 alongside ongoing staffing challenges for TSA and CBP related the partial federal government shutdown. The CDA is closely monitoring conditions, and airport customer service and security teams remain on-site to assist airport partners and travelers and to support safe and efficient airport operations.

The TSA and airlines continue to recommend arriving at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.

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.

Airport Openings at Midway

Gameway, an airport gaming lounge operator, opened its first Chicago location Feb. 19 in Concourse A at Midway. Passengers at the lounge can play the latest video games at reserved areas that have been sanitized and equipped with gaming PCs, as well as Xbox and PlayStation consoles.

Beloved Chicago sandwich shop Mr. Beef has also arrived at Midway, having opened a location March 3 near Gate B14. It is the first airport outpost for the River North establishment, which has been serving up Italian beef and Italian sausage sandwiches along with other fare since 1979.

In addition to new concessions, Midway is now home to a mural celebrating the 125-plus season history of the Chicago White Sox in the Windy City. Located along the walls of the CTA pedway area on Level 3 (across from the security checkpoint), South Side Pride is a vinyl artwork spanning more than 13,600 square feet and consists of memorable on-field moments in the team's history, which are complemented by iconic ballpark imagery and Chicago landmarks.

A New Parking Option at O'Hare

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

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

During the spring break travel period, both O'Hare and Midway will host an array of entertainment by musicians and other artists specializing in various genres. The entertainment lineup includes the following:

O'Hare

• March 19 - Half Gringa (Multi-Instrumentalist/Songwriter), Terminal 3-Rotunda, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• March 19- Emily Kuhn (Jazz Trumpetist), Terminal 1 near Gate B8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• March 20- Return2Soul (R&B, Jazz, Blues), Terminal 5 East Extension, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• March 20- Adrian Morris (Violinist), Terminal 1 Bridge, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• March 26- DJ Miggz, Terminal 1 Bridge, 11 a.m. 2 p.m.
• March 26 - Jimmy Bennington (Jazz), Terminal 3 Rotunda, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• March 27- Geordie Kelly (Jazz), Terminal 1 Bridge, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• March 27- Eric Noden (Acoustic Blues/Roots), Terminal 1 near Gate B8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Midway

• March 20 - DJ Lena Bandz, Battle of Midway, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• March 20 - Balloon Artist, Battle of Midway, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• March 27- Thaddeus Tukes (Vibraphonist/Pianist), Battle of Midway, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Accessibility Resources

The CDA has introduced 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 - 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 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 recent 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: com/sensory
• Instructional videos
• Arrivals: com/watch?v=PuuEXdYw6ak
• Departures: 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 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 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 reserved parking section ahead of time by visiting FlyChicago.com.

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 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 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 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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