Contact Information:
Monique Bond
(773) 686-3700
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THE CHICAGO AIRPORT SYSTEM WELCOMES TRAVELERS FOR THE BUSY THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY TRAVEL PERIOD

Travelers are Urged to Allow Ample Time Prior to Flight Departure

CHICAGO - November 24, 2003 - The Chicago Airport System will welcome more than 1.4 million travelers at both O’Hare and Midway International Airports over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period.

The Department of Aviation is expecting a daily average of nearly 230, 000 passengers to pass through Chicago’s airports during the six-day period beginning on Wednesday, November 26th through Monday, December 1st . O’Hare’s busiest days project a daily average of 215,000, while a daily average of 50,000 are expected to pass through Midway. Sunday, November 30th, is projected to be the busiest day at both airports with almost 225,000 passengers expected at O’Hare and more than 70,000 at Midway.

"We welcome all travelers to Chicago’s airports as they make their way to friends and family this Thanksgiving holiday," said Aviation Commissioner Thomas R. Walker. "Nationally, airline traffic is up and the airlines are expecting full loads. The Department of Aviation and all of our partners at the airports are working hard to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience as they travel during this busy time of year."

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 prior to their scheduled flight departure. Only 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 long lines at the ticket counters. These options are available on a limited basis at both O’Hare and Midway airports. Check directly with your airline to see if these timesaving options are available. Using either of these options, travelers may proceed directly to the screening checkpoint.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends travelers follow three simple tips by placing all metal objects IN checked luggage; remove laptop computers OUT of cases; and take OFF coats and other heavy outer garments. These helpful tips can avoid travelers from going through a secondary screening process.

The Department of Aviation will also be testing real time flight information that can be accessed from the airport ‘s web site at www.flychicago.com. Travelers will be able to directly obtain information about flight delays that are currently listed on the airport flight information display system (FIDS) monitors throughout the airport terminals. The airports, however, always advise travelers to check with the airlines for all information regarding flight status.

Updated information on prohibited items and other time saving travel advice can also be found on the Transportation Security Agency’s web site, www.tsa.gov.

Midway International Airport has recently constructed and opened additional screening lanes. Fourteen lanes will be open at Midway’s security checkpoint in time for the busy holiday period. The moving sidewalk has been removed and replaced with new terrazzo flooring adding greater space for queuing.

Passengers traveling with medical equipment must have appropriate documentation from a physician or pharmacist.

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. For information on parking rates and availability, motorists can call (773) 686-7530 for O’Hare, and (773) 838-0756 for Midway.

Travelers at O’Hare and Midway airports will be treated to live entertainment between the hours of 11:00 am-5:00 pm on Wednesday, November 26th. Entertainment will feature special appearances by Chicago jazz and blues artists, school choral groups, holiday carolers, and youth dance troupes presenting dance from the United States and around the world. Performance stages are located on the arrivals level near baggage claim at Midway and Terminals One, Three and Five at O’Hare.