CHICAGO’S AIRPORTS Chicago leads the way when it comes to connectivity. The city is nestled conveniently in the center of the country and boasts two first-class airports. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) lies just 17 miles from downtown Chicago and is one of the busiest airport 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. There is no higher priority than the well-being of the traveling public and the airport community. The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), which operates both airports, is committed to providing travelers with safe and efficient facilities, while prepare for your trip through O’Hare or Midway. • A face covering is required in the airport • Keep 6 feet (2 meters) apart • Touch-free options available • Plastic shields for added safety • Increased cleaning in high-traffic areas of the O’Hare Modernization Program’s final new runway. O’Hare now has eight total runways — the most of any commercial airport in the U.S. In November 2021, O’Hare opened a new Airport Transit System (ATS). The ATS is a convenient, fast, and reliable automated “people mover” that transports passengers between Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5, as well as the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) for all rental cars. With ORD21, a new O’Hare is taking flight. The centerpiece of the historic O’Hare 21 plan is an $8.5 billion investment that will expand the airport’s capacity and connectivity with new facilities and modern infrastructure over the next decade. DESIGNING A NEW GLOBAL TERMINAL At 2.25 million square feet, O’Hare’s 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. TERMINAL 5 EXPANSION UNDERWAY Gate capacity will increase by 25% with 10 new gates, plus increase passenger amenity space by 75% and premium lounge space by 70%. This will also make way for expanded checkpoints and an upgraded baggage handling system. NEW AT MIDWAY The Midway Modernization Program (MMP) — the most significant capital program at Midway in nearly 20 years — elevates the travel experience for passengers and is preparing the airport for future growth. EAT, SHOP & RELAX Over the last three years, restaurant and retail openings included 30 brand-new locations, including Café Descartes (specialty coffee drinks), Gene’s Bistro (crowd-pleasing salads and sandwiches), and Billy Goat Tavern and Grill (an undisputed Chicago landmark). DOUBLE THE CAPACITY A new 80,000-square-foot security pavilion opened in September 2020, touting new technology and a wider, streamlined TSA checkpoint that doubles previous capacity while maintaining the highest levels of security. RECONNECTING CHICAGO TO THE WORLD AND THE WORLD TO CHICAGO O’Hare safety protocols offering best-in-class services and amenities. The CDA has worked closely with federal, state, and local agencies to ensure travelers and employees are healthy, comfortable, and safe at Chicago O’Hare and Midway. Visit flychicago.com/covid to learn more and contact your airline to learn what to expect on your flight. NEW AT O’HARE The commissioning of Runway 9C-27C in November 2020 marked the completion 5 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Chicago’s airports are well-prepared to adjust to travel conditions as they continue to evolve. Outstanding customer service teams are on-site, ready to help with a positive and safe travel experience. Here’s five things to know to TAKE THE TRAIN TO & FROM THE AIRPORT Take the ‘L’ train 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 60 choosechicago.com THIS PAGE: CDA; FACING PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: CDA; ABEL ARCINIEGA; CDA (2 PHOTOS)
Chicago Visitors Guide 2022: Page 60
