2024-01-06 08:44:06
Chicago sits conveniently in the center of the country and boasts two award-winning airports. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) lies just 17 miles from downtown Chicago and is one of the busiest hubs in the country. A mere 10 miles from downtown, Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is a premier point-to-point airport, offering leisure and business travel to nearly 80 destinations. WORLD-CLASS CONNECTIVITY In 2023, O’Hare took the titles of “#1 U.S. Domestic Megahub and #10 International Megahub,” according to Official Aviation Guide (OAG) — the global authority on air service information. Chicago’s airports are hubs to three of the four largest carriers in the United States — American Airlines, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines. More than 45 passenger airlines provide nonstop service from Chicago to over 250 destinations worldwide, offering visitors their choice of carrier. Four airlines offer flights out of both O’Hare and Midway: Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Volaris. This is the most exciting time for Chicago’s airports in 30 years — travel is rebounding and with the support of their partner airlines, the two airports are thinking big for the future. NEW AT O’HARE An ambitious plan to modernize the airfield was completed in 2021 and O’Hare now has eight total runways — the most of any commercial airport in the United States. This historic project (building four new runways, extending two existing runways and constructing two new Air Traffic Control towers) has improved capacity, efficiency and reliability in all weather conditions. Following the major investments on the airfield, O’Hare is pivoting to the next area of focus — its terminals. The “O’Hare 21” project is well underway and will enhance the experience from curb to gate for millions of passengers arriving each year. At the forefront are plans to redevelop Terminal 2 into the O’Hare Global Terminal and add two new satellite concourses. At 2.25 million square feet, this will more than double the space of today’s Terminal 2, replacing it with an expansive light-filled arrivals hall with additional gates, concessions and amenities, new baggage systems and advanced security screening. American Airlines, United Airlines and their alliance partners will be able to consolidate operations here, meaning easier domestic and international connections. 10 NEW GATES AT TERMINAL 5 At 350,000 square feet, the Terminal 5 extension at O’Hare now boasts 10 new gates, expanded seating, new restrooms and more amenities — from art installations to an interfaith room, with additional restaurants and shops coming in 2024. Large bright windows offer airfield views, while open seating areas, modern furniture and plentiful charging stations provide comfort and convenience. The expansion brings the total number of security checkpoint lanes to 13 and also improves immigration facilities. A NEW HOME FOR DELTA IN TERMINAL 5 Delta Air Lines has relocated from Terminal 2 to the newly renovated Terminal 5. The move enables Delta Air Lines and its SkyTeam partners to combine domestic and international flights within the same terminal — making connections quick and seamless. Passengers can also relax and recharge before flights at the new Delta Sky Club. At over 22,000 square feet, it is four times the size of the previous O’Hare location and the largest premium passenger lounge that Delta offers outside of its hub airports. NEW AT MIDWAY The Midway Modernization Program — the most significant capital program at Midway in 20 years — elevates the travel experience for visitors and is nearly complete, preparing the airport for future growth. SHOP, DRINK & DINE Over the last several years, more than 30 restaurant and retail locations have opened, including Café Descartes (specialty coffee drinks), Gene’s Bistro (crowd-pleasing salads and sandwiches) and Billy Goat Tavern (an undisputed Chicago landmark). The newest offerings? A revamped Central Market, local favorite Garrett Popcorn Shops near Gate B1, as well as cocktails, seafood, burgers and more at The Orange Line near Gate B19. DOUBLE THE CAPACITY An 80,000-square-foot security pavilion opened in September 2020, touting new technology and a wider, streamlined Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint. The checkpoint has 23 lanes that double previous capacity while maintaining the highest levels of security. Visitors will see reduced wait times during peak periods, with the TSA now able to process as many as 5,000 passengers per hour. Visit flychicago.com and follow @fly2ohare @fly2midway for more updates and travel tips. TAKE THE ‘L’ TRAIN TO & FROM THE AIRPORT • Best fare into town: Just $5 (including any transfers to other lines) • Fly direct to the Loop with fast, frequent service (under 45 minutes to downtown) O’HARE Catch the Chicago Transportation Authority (CTA) Blue Line at O’Hare Station, which directly connects to Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Use the Airport Transit System (ATS) to connect to Terminal 5. MIDWAY The Midway Station of the CTA Orange Line is located next to the airport terminal and connected by an enclosed walkway. CTA transitchicago.com LOCAL FAVORITES Sample Chicago’s top local spots at O’Hare and Midway Airports. SWEET & SAVORY For tasty travel souvenirs, Vosges Haut-Chocolat (ORD Terminals 1, 3) offers one-of-a-kind truffles and signature gift boxes. Sarah’s Candies (ORD Terminal 2 / MDW Concourse B) is another colorful option. At Nuts on Clark (ORD Terminals 1, 2, 3, 5 / MDW Concourse A) you can go sweet, savory or both! REFRESHING BREWS Pair a Cruz Blanca Mexican lager with award-winning sandwiches from Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless (ORD Terminals 1, 3, 5). From pale ale to pilsner, Goose Island Beer Company (ORD Terminals 1, 3) has you covered. Belly up to the bar at Harry Caray’s Shortstop (MDW Concourse A) and pair a cold draft with toasted ravioli. QUICK EATS Handhelds from fast-casual favorites, like thin crust pizza from Home Run Inn (MDW Concourse B) or a fried chicken sandwich from Big City Chicken (MDW Concourse B), are great on the go. Burger Federation (ORD Terminal 3) touts the “Best Burger in the City” with its Little Miss Figgy Burger. KIDS’ PICKS For your lil’ flyers, touch down at Woodgrain Neapolitan Pizzeria (MDW Concourse A) for a mini cheese pizzetta and fruit combo. Sports fans will find chicken fingers and “Pitcher’s Pasta” on the junior meals menu at Chicago Cubs Bar & Grill (ORD Terminal 3).
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