2023-12-09 10:08:20
Conveniently situated in the center of the country, Chicago boasts two first-class airports that allow visitors to travel from almost anywhere. In 2022, Chicago O’Hare and Midway International Airports together handled more than 88 million passengers, and those numbers continue to grow as travel rebounds. # 1 REASON TO MEET IN CHICAGO? CONNECTIVITY In 2023, O’Hare took the titles of “#1 U.S. Domestic Megahub and #10 International Megahub,” as ranked by the Official Aviation Guide (OAG) Index. Chicago’s airports are hubs to three of the four largest carriers in the United States — American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. Four airlines offer dual services out of both O’Hare and Midway: Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Volaris. More than 45 passenger airlines provide nonstop service from Chicago to over 250 destinations worldwide, offering attendees their choice of carrier. NEW & COMING SOON AT O’HARE O’Hare International Airport (ORD) lies just 17 miles from downtown Chicago and is one of the most connected airport hubs in the country. 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 has improved the airport’s capacity, efficiency, and reliability in all weather conditions. O’Hare 21: A Vision Takes Flight Following the tremendous investments on the airfield, O’Hare 21 is the airport’s extensive capital investment in its terminals that will transform the hub into a 21st century global gateway. This long-term development plan is well underway, and a series of major capital projects are all aimed at one thing — elevating the customer experience while improving operational efficiencies. From the passenger terminal areas to the supporting infrastructure, this multi-billion dollar investment is setting a foundation for growth and international connectivity. 10 New Gates at Terminal 5 At approximately 350,000 square feet, the Terminal 5 expansion at O’Hare has added more lounge space, seating, restaurants, shops, and amenities. New Concourse M gates opened in 2022, increasing the number of gates from 21 to 31. Large bright windows offer stunning views, while open seating areas and plentiful charging stations provide comfort and convenience. The terminal expansion brings the total number of security checkpoint lanes to 13 and improves immigration facilities. A complete replacement to the Terminal 5 baggage handling system will also increase efficiency and capacity. Now Boarding: Delta from Terminal 5 In late 2022, Delta Air Lines relocated to the newly renovated Terminal 5 from its existing location in Terminal 2. The move enables Delta and its SkyTeam alliance partners to combine their domestic and international flights within the same terminal — making connections seamless. Passengers can experience a new level of comfort at the new Delta Sky Club. At 20,000 square feet, this is the largest premium passenger lounge that Delta offers outside of its hub airports. More Amenities, More Convenience Offering more than 300 concessions, O’Hare features outstanding dining options, ranging from iconic Chicago originals to favorite national food franchises. Visitors can also shop boutiques, national brands, and convenience vending kiosks throughout the four terminals. Amazon’s “Just Walk Out” technology is available at Hudson Nonstop in O’Hare’s Terminals 1 & 3. By inserting or tapping a credit card, passengers can enter the store, pick up their products, and quickly exit — avoiding checkout lines and traveling quickly on their way. Also new to the concessions lineup: one of the largest and most innovative airport automatic retail programs in the country. Over 80 new vending machines at O’Hare provide low-touch, 24/7 offerings that meet the evolving needs of travelers. Some are stocked with basic snacks, beverages, and travel essentials — while others sell everything from gourmet Sprinkles cupcakes and specialty popcorn, to Kylie® Cosmetics and LEGO®. O’Hare has also expanded the mobile ordering program powered by Servy beyond Terminal 5 to Terminals 1, 2, and 3, adding dozens of new options throughout the airport. Travelers can search, order, and pay for food, beverages, and retail products from their phones for pick-up or delivery. New Brands A mix of new food, beverage, and retail spots are making their way to both ends of the modernized Terminal 5. Opening in phases, the announced locations include: East Concourse • Butcher & the Burger • BLVD & Branch • Bar Siena • Six Points Market and Metropolis Coffee West Concourse • Publican Quality Bread • The Hampton Social • Farm2Air Market • Chick-fil-A • Protein Bar & Kitchen • Gallery ORD • The Dearborn Easy Connections via the ATS Train O’Hare is expansive but passengers can travel from point to point in less than 10 minutes aboard the new Airport Transit System (ATS). The new train opened in November 2021, adding new cars to its fleet and providing more efficient service for O’Hare passengers. The ATS is a fast, frequent, and convenient automated “people mover.” The driverless train system transports passengers between Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5, as well as the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), home to all rental cars. The upgraded ATS can accommodate twice as many passengers over the previous system. Future O’Hare Global Terminal At the forefront of O’Hare 21 are plans to redevelop the existing Terminal 2 into the O’Hare Global Terminal and O’Hare Global Concourse, along with the addition of two satellite concourses. At approximately 2 million square feet, the future terminal will dramatically improve both the first impressions and curb-to-gate travel experience for millions of passengers arriving each year. The new location will more than double the space of the current Terminal 2. The new terminal will include an expanded, light-filled arrivals hall with additional gates; 75% more space for concessions, lounges, and amenities; state-of-the-art baggage systems; and advanced technologies to improve security settings. This development will allow both American Airlines and United Airlines — as well as their international carrier partners — to consolidate domestic and international operations in what are currently only domestic terminals. As a result, the way that passengers make their connections will be greatly enhanced. NEW & NOTEWORTHY AT MIDWAY A mere 10 miles from downtown, Midway (MDW) is a premier point-to-point airport for leisure and business travel. Seven air carriers at Midway provide service to 90 destinations, including 11 international destinations in Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The Midway Modernization Program — the most significant capital program at Midway in more than 20 years —continues to prepare the airport for future growth. New Dynamic Offerings Passengers traveling through Midway can expect to see a completely revamped Central Market along with other amenities, including 70 new retail and dining spots, a children’s play area, and — opening this year — Midway’s very first airport lounge. Among those included in the mix of national brands and local flavors are: Garrett Popcorn Shops, Connie’s Pizza, Reilly’s Daughter, TUMI, MAC Cosmetics, Tallboy Taco, Billy Goat Tavern and Grill, Harry Caray’s Shortstop, The Orange Line, and more. Security Checkpoint Expansion A new 80,000-squarefoot security structure and expanded pedestrian bridge was completed in 2020. The security pavilion provides new technology and a streamlined single checkpoint area that is seven times wider than the previous security hall. This development, combined with new automated lanes from the Transportation Safety Administration, increases the hourly throughput of passengers from 2,500 to 5,000 per hour — doubling previous capacity while maintaining the highest levels of security. Terminal Garage Enhancements The upgrades to Midway’s connected garage brought improvements to the exit plaza, a new revenue control system for more efficient entry and exiting, new electric vehicle charging stations, elevator modernization, energy-efficient electric upgrades, and other infrastructure improvements. As part of the terminal parking structure enhancements, improvements in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) were implemented to the nearby Midway Kiss ‘n’ Ride depot, including a designated passenger loading and unloading zone, a raised accessible path, and new signage. These improvements were completed in 2021. O’HARE & MIDWAY TRANSPORTATION 101 No matter where travelers are coming from or going, a variety of transportation options and accessibility features make it easy to get to Chicago’s airports. Trains & Bus Shuttles Public transportation on Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) ‘L’ trains offers easy and economical travel. The CTA Blue Line — conveniently connected to Terminals 1, 2, and 3 — travels between O’Hare Station and the downtown Loop. Transfers from Terminal 5 are available on the ATS train. The CTA Orange Line travels between Midway Station and the downtown Loop. Located next to the airport terminal, it is connected by an enclosed walkway. Several airport shuttles, hotel shuttles, and regional buses service O’Hare and Midway, offering transportation for passengers in the city, suburbs, and surrounding states. Passengers can also utilize the Metra North Central Service train line via the O’Hare Transfer Station to downtown Union Station. The Metra rail station is located outside the northeast corner of the Multi-Modal Facility. Rental Cars The 2.5-million-square-foot Multi-Modal Facility is a state-of-the-art building that opened at O’Hare in 2018 and consolidates all rental cars. Eleven major rental car companies are located under one roof and easily accessible from the terminals via the ATS train. It is also a centralized location for Economy Parking (Lot F), Kiss ‘n’ Fly, suburban Pace buses, and Metra rail. Shuttle pick-up and dropoff to the facility operates 24/7 and is scheduled to run every 15 minutes. Taxi & Rideshare Pick-ups Rideshare companies Uber or Lyft are available at specific O’Hare and Midway locations. Taxis, as well as private transportation such as limos, all have dedicated pick-up locations immediately outside the baggage claim levels. Accessibility Spotlight Accessible drop-off areas equipped with curb ramps are provided throughout the arrival and departure vehicle loading areas. Restrooms, elevators, signage, restaurants, water fountains, and diaper changing facilities follow ADA Guidelines. Both airports also offer Service Animal Relief Areas inside and outside the terminals. In May 2022, the newest O’Hare location opened in Terminal 1 near Gate C10. Visit flychicago.com to learn more and follow @fly2ohare and @fly2midway for updates and travel tips.
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