2021-05-17 02:34:59
Conveniently situated in the center of the country, Chicago boasts two first-class airports, allowing attendees to travel from almost anywhere. Chicago O’Hare and Midway International Airports comprise one of the most connected airport systems in the world. Our airports are hubs to three of the four largest carriers in the United States — American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. AIRPORT UPDATES On average, O’Hare and Midway together handled over 105 million passengers, nearly 1.2 million aircraft operations, and approximately 1.8 million metric tons of cargo in 2019. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 55 passenger airlines provided nonstop service from Chicago to 275 destinations worldwide. Airlines are gradually restoring capacity lost during 2020, remaining flexible with scheduling according to passenger demand and governmental restrictions. Even with the pandemic, carriers are investing in the Chicago market for the long term. This includes new air service such as Southwest Airlines expanding to O’Hare in 2021, in addition to its Midway hub. Get all the latest updates at flychicago.com. CHICAGO O’HARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT O’Hare International Airport (ORD) lies just 17 miles (27 km) from downtown Chicago and is one of the top most connected hubs in the country. Each terminal features outstanding dining options, from Chicago restaurants to your favorite national food franchises. Shop boutiques, national brands, and convenience kiosks. There are power stations located throughout the terminals and free WiFi in most public areas of the airport. Other features include public art displays, rooms for nursing mothers, and service animal relief areas. A New O’Hare is Taking Flight O’Hare 21 is a historic plan by the City of Chicago and its airline partners to transform O’Hare International Airport with new facilities and modern infrastructure. The centerpiece is an $8.5 billion investment that will expand the airport’s capacity and connectivity. Over the next decade, this program will deliver a new international terminal, provide 25% more gate frontage capacity, introduce a more streamlined passenger experience from curb to gate, and allow all three of the major airline alliances to co-locate within the same terminals. The commissioning of Runway 9C-27C in November 2020 marked the completion of the O’Hare Modernization Program’s final new runway. O’Hare now has eight runways — the most of any commercial airport in the United States. A newly completed Multimodal Facility further enhances the guest experience, with a 2.5 million-square-foot transportation facility that consolidates rental car operations, public parking, Metra rail, and regional buses in one centralized location — offering more convenience, reducing traffic, and improving air quality. Larger, more modern cars on the Airport Transit System (ATS) will provide passengers with a faster and more reliable journey. In addition, planning is underway for the modernization of the on-site Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport hotel, which will expand travelers’ direct access to accommodations and provide updated conference facilities. Future Global Terminal At the forefront of O’Hare 21, are plans to build a new O’Hare Global Terminal (OGT), Global Concourse, and two new satellite concourses. At 2.25 million square feet, O’Hare’s new Global Terminal will replace Terminal 2 — becoming one of the largest and most cutting-edge terminals in the nation — and feature an expansive light-filled arrivals hall with additional gates, concessions, and amenities; new baggage systems; and advanced security screening. This development will allow American Airlines and United Airlines, as well as their foreign-flag partners, to consolidate domestic and international operations to streamline the passenger experience. Terminal 5 Expansion At approximately 350,000 square feet, the Terminal 5 expansion will bring 10 new gates, plus increase passenger amenity space by 75% and premium lounge space by 70%. Delta Air Lines and their SkyTeam alliance partners will relocate here, consolidating operations within the same terminal. This will also make way for expanded checkpoints and an upgraded baggage handling system.. CHICAGO MIDWAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT A mere 10 miles (16 km) from downtown, Midway (MDW) is a premier point-to-point airport, offering leisure and business travel across the U.S. and Mexico. For those seeking value and convenience, Midway presently offers connections to more than 60 destinations — with airlines continually adjusting operations since the start of the pandemic. Three concourses are filled with a wide variety of restaurants and shops, along with amenities such as a room for nursing mothers in Concourse C, and a service animal relief room in Concourse A. The Midway Modernization Program (MMP) — the most significant capital improvement program at Midway in nearly 20 years — elevates the travel experience for passengers and is preparing the airport for future growth. New Dynamic Concessions Offerings The concessions expansion project calls for 70 new locations at Midway, increasing the total concessions area from about 40,000 square feet to more than 70,000 square feet. Several new local restaurants and shops have been added throughout the terminals and Central Market, and many more are coming as part of the ongoing MMP redevelopment. Iconic Chicago-area establishments that have locations at Midway include Billy Goat Tavern, Arami, and Harry Caray’s Shortstop. Security Checkpoint Expansion A new 80,000-square-foot security structure and expanded pedestrian bridge were completed in 2020. The new security pavilion provides new technology and a streamlined single checkpoint area seven times wider than the previous security hall. This development, combined with new TSA automated lanes, 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 upgrade to Midway’s terminal-adjacent parking facility brought new elevators, new lighting, and a new revenue control system. With these improvements, passengers will enjoy a cashier-less operation for payment. LOCAL FAVORITES Sample Chicago’s top local spots that have found a second home at O’Hare and Midway. → SWEET & SAVORY Perfect for on the go, Nuts on Clark (ORD Terminals 1, 2, 3, 5, and MDW Concourse A) and Garrett Popcorn Shops (ORD Terminals 1, 3, 5) have the best fresh-made treats. The Rainbow Cake at The Goddess and Grocer (ORD Terminal 5) is another colorful option. → REFRESHING BREWS From pale ale to pilsner, Goose Island Beer Company (ORD Terminals 1, 2) has you covered. Belly up to the bar at Harry Caray’s Shortstop (MDW Concourse A) and pair a cold draft with toasted ravioli. → INTERNATIONAL EATS DeCOLORES (MDW Concourse A) serves up traditional Mexican fare. Berghoff Café (ORD Terminal 1) offers a taste of Germany with its bratwurst and sauerkraut, along with a selection of freshly carved sandwiches. → 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). 4 FUN AIRPORT FACTS 1.O’Hare has historically been among the nation’s largest hot dog vendors, serving one million hot dogs a year. 2.Due to its compact size and shape, Midway is often called the “Busiest Square Mile in Aviation.” 3.O’Hare now has eight runways, the most of any commercial airport in the U.S. The newest Runway 9C-27C, is as wide as a 16-lane highway. 4 To prepare for winter weather, O’Hare has a deicing facility the size of 17 football fields that can service up to 20 aircraft at once. Take the ‘L’ train TAKE THE TRAIN TO & FROM THE AIRPORTS O’Hare 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. Midway 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. Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) transitchicago.com
©Chicago. View All Articles.