VISITING CHICAGO STARTS AT O’HARE AND MIDWAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS O’Hare International Airport Conveniently situated in the center of the country, VISITING Chicago starts at our two first-class airports, whether arriving from the east, west, north, or south. Chicago likes things in twos: two Major League Baseball teams, two major daily newspapers, and two international airports! There is nowhere else on earth like Chicago. From the moment you arrive at Chicago O’Hare or Midway International Airports (O’Hare and Midway), you will be connected to the Second City which is second to none. global travel industry, ranked O’Hare the #1 most connected airport in the U.S. and #7 worldwide in 2025. 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 O’Hare and Midway: Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Volaris. With more than 45 passenger airlines arriving in Chicago from more than 270 airports worldwide, it’s no wonder Chicago was voted the Best Big City in the U.S. nine years in a row by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025. gates, expanded seating, new restrooms, and more amenities — from art installations to an interfaith room, and a mix of local and national restaurants and retail shops including Bar Siena, The Hampton Social, and Chick-fil-A. 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. AIRLINE LOUNGES Whether arriving early at the airport or waiting for others to arrive in Chicago, travelers can work or relax in the various airline club lounges. Day passes can be purchased by nonmembers at most of the clubs. At O’Hare, the most recent lounges to open are the LOT Business Lounge and Air France Lounge in Terminal 5, which both feature areas for relaxation, work, and dining. The United Club in Terminal 1 is nearly twice the size of the previous United Club it replaced near Gate C16. With available seating for 400, there is no shortage of space for lounge-goers to work at individual tables, one-person desks, couches, lounge chairs, and coworking-style desks. American Airlines’ Admiral’s Club in Terminal 3 will also receive a refresh as part of the Terminal 3 development project. THE MIDWAY EXPERIENCE WORLD-CLASS CONNECTIVITY O’Hare lies just 17 miles from downtown Chicago and is one of the most connected airport hubs in the country. O’Hare has eight total runways — the most of any commercial airport in the United States. A mere 10 miles from downtown, Midway is a premier point-to-point airport for leisure and business travel. Connect with colleagues, family, and friends in Chicago. OAG, the leading data platform for the At Chicago’s Southwest Side airport, passengers are treated to a collection of Chicago favorites while enjoying an elevated travel experience, thanks to the Midway Modernization Program — the most significant capital program at Midway in nearly 20 years. SHOP, DRINK & DINE The redeveloped Central Market, located at the intersection of Concourses A and B, is 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 O’HARE EXPERIENCE This is an exciting time for Chicago’s airports. Major investments have been made at O’Hare to provide passengers with an experience fit for the global gateway that it is. TERMINAL 5 EXPANDED AND RENOVATED At 350,000 square feet, the Terminal 5 extension at O’Hare boasts 10 new 62 CHOOSECHICAGO.COM
Chicago Visitors Guide 2026: Page 62
