home to a mix of new and existing brands including EVOLVE by Hudson, Connie’s Pizza, and White Sox Bar & Grill. The airport now boasts nearly 70 concessions brands, and the expansion increased Midway’s total concessions area, nearly doubling the amount of shopping and dining options. THE CLUB MDW For the first time in the airport’s 96-year history, Midway offers a shared-use passenger lounge. The Club MDW opened in September 2024 and is conveniently located in the airport’s Central Market at the intersection of Concourses A and B. It is available for all travelers regardless of airline and class of service, and it offers complimentary food and beverage service to all patrons in an inviting, relaxing environment. The lounge is accessible through Priority Pass, the world’s largest airport lounge membership program. The design of the 3,300-square-foot club draws inspiration from Chicago’s rich architectural history, featuring high-contrast, monochromatic tones. The classic minimal geometry offers an elegant backdrop for the design, combining a wide range of materials, including metallic accents and plush upholstery that provide a warm and comforting guest experience. IMPROVED SECURITY EXPERIENCE An 80,000-square-foot security pavilion opened in September 2020, touting new technology and a wider, streamlined Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint. Visitors will experience reduced wait times during peak periods, with the TSA now able to process as many as 5,000 passengers per hour. to discreetly indicate that they have a nonvisible disability and may need additional assistance, understanding, or more time. Sunflower lanyards and basic information cards are available at all information desks at O’Hare and Midway. MOTHER’S ROOMS AND LACTATION PODS Eleven parent-friendly Mamava lactation pods are conveniently located at the airports to augment the Mother’s Rooms already in place. The pods are freestanding spaces intentionally designed with easy-to-clean surfaces and app-enabled access for a comfortable and private option to breastfeed or pump. VISUAL INTERPRETING THROUGH AIRA Passengers who are blind or have low vision can receive assistance with the help of the Aira app, which is free for users inside both airports. The app connects users with a trained visual interpreter, who will provide assistance from information conveyed by surroundings either from a camera view or what is shared on a screen. PASSENGER ASSISTANCE Travelers Aid Chicago at O’Hare and Volunteer Information Services at Midway are both programs that provide resources and information to passengers traveling through the airports. SERVICE ANIMAL RELIEF AREAS Interior and exterior service animal relief areas (SARAs) are available at both airports for passenger convenience. LOCAL FAVORITES Sample Chicago’s top local spots at O’Hare and Midway Airports. REFRESHING BREWS Pair a Cruz Blanca Mexican lager with award-winning sandwiches from Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless (ORD Terminals 1, 3, 5). From pale ale to pilsner, Goose Island Beer Company (ORD Terminals 1, 3) has you covered. Belly up to the bar at Harry Caray’s Shortstop (MDW Concourse A) and pair a cold draft with toasted ravioli. QUICK EATS Handhelds from fast-casual favorites, like a smash burger from The Hampton Social (ORD Terminal 5) or a buffalo chicken mac from The Orange Line (MDW Concourse B), are great on the go. Burger Federation (ORD Terminal 3) touts the “Best Burger in the City” with its Little Miss Figgy Burger. 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 meal menu at Chicago Cubs Bar & Grill (ORD Terminal 3). ACCESSIBILITY The CDA is focused on ensuring Chicago’s airports are fully accessible to all passengers. ACCESSIBLE DROP-OFF AREAS 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. CHANGING PLACES FACILITY The Changing Places Facility at O’Hare is a first-of-its-kind amenity, providing a restroom, shower, and other ADA features for disabled passengers. It is located in Terminal 2 near security checkpoint 5 (Gate F3). HIDDEN DISABILITIES SUNFLOWER PROGRAM The CDA partnered with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to offer additional support to travelers with invisible disabilities, such as autism, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and hearing loss. Lanyards, bracelets, hats, and other sunflower items with a green background and a sunflower enable individuals TAKE THE ‘L’ TRAIN TO & FROM THE AIRPORT • Best fare into town: Just $5 (including any transfers to other lines) • Fly direct to the Loop with fast, frequent service (under 45 minutes to downtown) O’HARE Catch the Chicago Transportation Authority (CTA) Blue Line at O’Hare Station, which directly connects to Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Use the Airport Transit System (ATS) to connect to Terminal 5. MIDWAY The Midway Station of the CTA Orange Line is located next to the airport terminal and connected by an enclosed walkway. CTA transitchicago.com 61
Chicago Visitors Guide 2025: Page 61
