Fans traveling through Chicago O'Hare and Midway International Airports this summer should keep the following tips in mind:
Arrive early
- Security: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may experience longer than usual wait times at security checkpoints during the busy weekend of the summer travel season, due to the influx of travelers.
- Construction: Visitors will find that construction continues at O'Hare, particularly in Terminal 5 and along sidewalks and roads in Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Although these projects create temporary disruptions to airport operations and can increase travel times, they are essential for expanding new facilities and modernizing infrastructure.
Taking the train to and from airports
- O'Hare: The CTA Blue Line train – conveniently connected to Terminals 1, 2 and 3 – runs between O'Hare Station, the Downtown Loop and surrounding neighborhoods. Connections from Terminal 5 are available via the airport's ATS rail shuttle.
- Midway: The CTA Orange Line train runs between Midway Station, the downtown Loop, and surrounding neighborhoods. Located next to the airport terminal, it is connected by an enclosed walkway.
Travel Safety Notes
- COVID-19 travel advice: Chicago remains at a “high” risk level for COVID-19, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health(CDPH). Although there is currently no requirement, CDPH strongly recommends wearing a mask in indoor public spaces.
- Face coverings: Current Federal Guidelines recommends that all employees and travelers ages 2 and older wear a properly fitted mask or respirator while in domestic transportation facilities, including airports.
New conveniences for families on the go
- Treatment rooms: New Mamava portable lactation cabins have been installed at both airports. Pods are self-contained spaces intentionally designed with easy-to-clean surfaces and app-enabled access to provide a comfortable, private option for breastfeeding or pumping. The pods complement the six mothers' rooms available at O'Hare and one at Midway.
- New vending machines: Travelers will also find one of the largest and most innovative airport concession sales programs in the country. Nine new suppliers offer cutting-edge, contactless, 24/7 offerings, ranging from healthy prepared foods and drinks to cosmetics, electronics and baby essentials, gourmet cupcakes, popcorn specialty and LEGOS®.
- Free activity book at the airport: Ask a volunteer at an information desk for a FREE Chicago Airports activity and coloring book. Draw, color and learn fun facts about O'Hare and Midway. You can also download a digital copy for your mobile phone or tablet at https://www.flychicago.com/jrflightcrew/.
- Family living room: Located in O'Hare Terminal 2 (near Gate F1), the Family Lounge offers a dedicated area for children to play. There are colorful seats as well as device charging points and, for those traveling with a baby, there is also stroller parking. Enjoy live performances at different times of the year featuring musicians, cartoonists and more.
Travelers to Chicago airports can make the most informed decisions about how to access the above airport services by visiting flychicago.com.
The website contains maps, real-time flight information, parking updates, taxi wait times, available concessions and other special alerts for the traveling public. The updated “My Flight” search page displays updates for specific flights as well as amenities located near the gate and other targeted travel resources.
