2023-04-24 12:40:02
Conveniently situated in the center of the country, Chicago boasts two first-class airports — allowing visitors to travel from almost anywhere. In 2021, Chicago O’Hare and Midway International Airports together handled more than 69.9 million passengers, and those numbers continue to grow as travel rebounds. NONSTOP SERVICE FROM 250 CITIES AROUND THE WORLD In 2022, O’Hare took the title of “most connected airport in the world” for the first time since 2016, 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 between Chicago and over 250 cities worldwide, offering travelers their choice of airlines. 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 lanes 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 Air Lines 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 over 300 concessions, O’Hare features outstanding dining options, from iconic Chicago originals to favorite national food franchises. Visitors can also shop boutiques, national brands, and convenience kiosks throughout the four terminals. Amazon’s “Just Walk Out” technology is available at a new Hudson Nonstop in O’Hare’s Terminal 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®. New Chicago 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 prominently feature both national and Chicago-based brands: East Concourse • Butcher and the Burger • BLVD & Branch • Bar Siena • Six Points Market West Concourse • Sparrow Coffee • Hampton Social • FarmAir’s Market • Chick-fil-A Easy Connections via the ATS Train O’Hare is expansive but passengers can travel from point to point in less than 10 minutes riding aboard the airport train. In November 2021, O’Hare opened a new Airport Transit System (ATS) and added new train cars to its fleet. The ATS is a fast, frequent, and convenient automated “people mover” at O’Hare. 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 existing Terminal 2 into the O’Hare Global Terminal and O’Hare Global Concourse, along with the addition of two new satellite concourses. At approximately 2 million square feet, the future terminal will dramatically improve the first impressions and curb-to-gate travel experience for millions of passengers arriving each year. It will more than double the space of today’s Terminal 2, replacing it with an expanded, light-filled arrivals hall with additional gates; add 75% more space for concessions, lounges, and amenities; upgrade to state-of-the-art baggage systems; and implement advanced technologies to improve security screening. This development will allow both American Airlines and United Airlines — as well as their international airline partners — to consolidate domestic and international operations in what are currently only domestic terminals, greatly enhancing how passengers make their connections. 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 nearly 20 years — continues to prepare the airport for O’Hare Terminal 5 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 local restaurants and shops have been added throughout the terminals and Central Market. Chicago concepts include Billy Goat Tavern and Grill, Café Descartes, and Harry Caray’s Shortstop. The newest offerings to try are Tallboy Taco, Garrett Popcorn Shops, and The Orange Line. Security Checkpoint Expansion A new 80,000-square-foot 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 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. Visit flychicago.com to learn more and follow @fly2ohare and @fly2midway for updates and travel tips.
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