Fourth of July Travelers Welcomed at Chicago's Airports

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) anticipates more than two million passengers will travel through Chicago's airports for the Fourth of July holiday travel period from June 30 through July 6.

Over the seven-day period, the passenger projections from airlines have increased at O'Hare by three percent over 2015. More than 1.5 million passengers are expected to travel through the airport during that period. Today is projected to be the busiest day at O'Hare, with nearly 250,000 passengers.

Airlines at Midway anticipate a four percent increase in passenger volume compared with 2015, with nearly 500,000 passengers expected over the holiday period. The busiest day at Midway is projected to be Friday, July 1 with more than 76,000 passengers.

"We are very pleased to welcome millions of travelers to Chicago's airports this holiday weekend," said CDA Commissioner Ginger S. Evans. "Our staff and airport partners are ready to help them have a safe and enjoyable travel experience."

Travelers Aid staff and volunteers at O'Hare will be stationed throughout each terminal over the holiday weekend.  The main office is located in Terminal 2 and is open from 8:30 a.m.to 9 p.m., Monday-Friday and from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.  Live entertainment will be featured at O'Hare on Friday, July 1 from 2 to 5 p.m.  

Air Carnival activities, which feature face painting, balloon sculpting, and stilt walkers in the terminals, continue today at Midway in the Main Food Court from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and tomorrow at O'Hare from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., when you can also meet Ronald McDonald near Gate H9. Anna, Elsa and Olaf from Disney's "Frozen" will make an appearance at ICE Dishes & Drinks near Gate L1 in Terminal 3 tomorrow from 3 to 4 p.m.

Volunteer airport ambassadors stationed at the information booths at Midway will provide assistance to passengers over the weekend. Live entertainment will be featured at Midway on Friday, July 1 from 2 to  5 p.m. in the baggage claim area. Airport ambassadors will offer complimentary lemonade to passengers on the same day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Families looking for a kid-friendly place to relax at O'Hare can visit the "Kids on the Fly" play area in Terminal 2. Travelers can visit the Yoga Room in the O'Hare Terminal 3 Rotunda, Mezzanine Level, above the entrance to G Concourse. A Yoga Room and Mothers' Room are available at Midway in the C Concourse.

The CDA's free cell phone waiting lots at O'Hare and Midway are available and allow motorists to temporarily park until friends, family members or business associates have deplaned, collected baggage and are ready to be picked up curbside. The O'Hare cell phone waiting lot is located on the west side of Bessie Coleman Drive in an area generally between Zemke Road to the north and I-190 to the south The Midway cell phone waiting lot is located at 61st Street and Cicero Avenue, just south of the main airport entrance.