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Press Release - Chicago Airport System
For Immediate Release:
September 1, 2004
Contact Information:
Annette Martinez
(773) 686-3700
THE CHICAGO AIRPORT SYSTEM WELCOMES TRAVELERS FOR A BUSY LABOR DAY HOLIDAY WEEKEND
Summer Travel Season Concludes at O’Hare and Midway International Airports
CHICAGO - September 1, 2004 - More than 1.5 million passengers are expected to travel through the Chicago Airport System as the summer vacation season culminates this Labor Day Weekend beginning Thursday, September 2 and continuing through Tuesday, September 7.
A daily average of nearly 211,000 travelers will pass through O'Hare International Airport, while a daily average of 51,000 travelers will pass through Midway International Airport. Friday, September 3 is projected to be the busiest day at both airports with nearly 240,000 passengers expected at O’Hare and nearly 65,000 passengers expected at Midway.
"Passenger volume at O’Hare and Midway continues to increase and is projected to surpass last year’s Labor Day weekend by nine percent," said Aviation Commissioner John A. Roberson. "We are working hard to ensure all passengers traveling for the Labor Day weekend will have a safe and pleasant journey as they travel through our airports," added Roberson.
Travelers should allow ample time for traveling to the airports, ticketing and checking baggage. It is suggested that all domestic and international departing passengers arrive at least two hours before their scheduled flight departure. Only ticketed passengers with government issued photo identification are allowed beyond the security screening checkpoints.
The Department of Aviation recommends using curbside check-in or
E-ticket kiosks to avoid lines at the ticket counters. These options are available on a limited basis at both O’Hare and Midway airports.
Travelers should check directly with their airlines to see if these timesaving options are available. Using either of these options, travelers may proceed directly to the security-screening checkpoint.
Travelers should remove all metal and electronic devices such as coins, pens, cell phones, cameras, and pagers prior to walking through the magnetometers. All laptop computers and cases must be X-rayed. Removing laptop computers from carrying cases before arriving to the screening checkpoint helps make security lines move more quickly. Check the Department of Aviation’s Web site, www.flychicago.com or the Transportation Security Administration Web site, www.tsa.gov for an suggested travel tips and an updated list of prohibited items.
The Children’s Multicultural Dance Festival will present performing arts groups showcasing the talent, neighborhoods and cultural diversity of the city to passengers traveling through Chicago’s airports. This exciting event will take place Friday, September 3 on five stages (four at O’Hare and one at Midway) from 2 to 5 pm.
Convenient public transportation options are available to both O’Hare and Midway. The CTA’s Blue Line to O’Hare and the Orange Line to Midway are convenient ways to get to the airports and the Loop while avoiding roadway congestion.
Unattended vehicles parked in front of terminal curb fronts will be ticketed and towed. Motorists are advised to park in the main parking garage at O’Hare when meeting or dropping off travelers. A special rate of $3.00 for the first three hours of parking will be in effect.
For information on parking rates and availability, motorists can call (773) 686-7530 for O’Hare, and (773) 838-0756 for Midway.
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