CONTENTS FEATURES RESOURCES CHICAGO O’HARE & MIDWAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS 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 Skyline view at Midway International Airport 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. 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. 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 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 60 choosechicago.com PATRICK L. PYSZKA, SAMUEL SOTELO-AVILA, ©CITY OF CHICAGO
Chicago Visitors Guide 2024: Page 60
