CDA expects more than 4.5 million passengers for Christmas and New Year holiday travel period

CHICAGO, 2016-Dec-22 — /Travel PR News/ — The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) expects more than 4.5 million passengers to travel through O’Hare and Midway International Airports for the Christmas and New Year holiday travel period beginning Tuesday, December 20 through Friday, January 6, 2016. Airlines anticipate an increase in passenger volume at both airports over the comparable travel period in 2015.

“We are very excited to host so many guests during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays,” said CDA Commissioner Ginger S. Evans. “All of our airport partners have joined with the CDA to ensure safe and happy travels for the millions of people visiting Chicago or on their way to be with family and friends.”

At O’Hare, passenger traffic is expected to increase by five percent, to more than 3.4 million passengers over the comparable period in 2015. Friday, December 23 is projected to be O’Hare’s busiest day with more than 210,000 passengers expected.

Airlines at Midway anticipate a nearly two percent increase in passenger volume compared to 2015, with more than 1.1 million passengers anticipated over the holiday period. The busiest day is also expected to be Friday, December 23 with more than 69,000 passengers.

Travelers are reminded to arrive at the airports two hours in advance of domestic flights and three hours in advance of international flights.

A new text messaging feature allows travelers to request and receive real-time taxicab wait times at O’Hare and Midway via text message. To receive a text message stating taxi wait times, passengers simply need to text the word taxi to (312) 883-8404 for O’Hare’s wait times or (312) 883-7969 for Midway’s wait times.

Live taxicab wait time, along with regular updates on traffic, weather and special alerts for the traveling public are posted on the CDA website, www.FlyChicago.com. The website also includes directions, pricing and links to transportation providers in the Chicagoland area.

The CDA reminds travelers that there are a wide range of transportation options available to and from the airports including the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), curbside shuttle services, limousines, and transportation network providers (commonly known as ridesharing).

Real-time parking availability information for both O’Hare and Midway is posted on www.flychicago.com.

New amenities at O’Hare include the Farmer’s Fridge, which dispenses fresh handcrafted salads and snacks in recycled jars for travelers on the go. The kiosk, made from locally reclaimed wood, is located in Terminal 2 on Concourse F.  And HMSHost introduced its Mobile Ala Cart, which delivers snacks and drinks to passengers in the three domestic terminals.

At Midway, complimentary hot cocoa will be offered to passengers on Friday, December 23.  Gift-wrapping services will be available at Midway through Friday, December 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A variety of musicians will provide seasonal music in all terminals at O’Hare and Midway between 1 and 4 p.m. through Thursday, December 22.​

SOURCE: Chicago Department of Aviation

The CDA Media Relations office number is (773) 686-3700. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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