CHICAGO AIRPORTS PREPARE FOR EXTENDED HOLIDAY TRAVEL PERIOD
New Baggage Screening Security Changes at Chicago's Airports Expected for Travelers
CHICAGO -- December 20, 2002 -- Holiday travel continues at Chicago's airports with Saturday, December 21 and January 2, 2003 being the busiest.
A daily average of 200,000 passengers will travel through O'Hare, with over 50,000 travelers passing through Midway airport by the New Year The busiest day at both airports is projected to be Saturday, December 21 with more than 207,000 travelers passing through O'Hare and 56,000 at Midway. The beginning of the New Year will also be busy on Thursday, January 2, 2003 with more than 180,000 travelers at O'Hare and over 50,000 at Midway.
"Travelers will begin to see changes after December 31 at the airports with new equipment being installed and new Transportation Security Administration screening procedures in place," said Aviation Commissioner Thomas R. Walker. "Travelers would be wise to allow additional time for the new enhanced security measures at the ticket counters," he added.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is required to screen all checked luggage. Chicago's airports will seem different to the traveling public with added explosives detection machines, additional checkpoints and reconfigured ticket counters to accommodate trace detection methods. Curbside check-in will continue and travelers should check with the airline for any changes in procedures.
Travelers should continue to be mindful of the prohibited items permitted through the federalized checkpoints. The TSA has launched a passenger awareness campaign, Prepare for Takeoff, to help travelers with time saving tips. Information is available at the Department of Aviation's website, www.chicagoairports.com or the TSA's website at www.tsa.dot.gov.
Only ticketed passengers with a boarding pass, e-ticket receipt and government issued ID will be permitted beyond the federalized screening checkpoints.
It is recommended that travelers check flight status with the airlines prior to arriving at the airport. All departing passengers should allow enough time prior to their scheduled flight departure, an hour and a half for domestic flights and two hours for international. Check with the airlines for recommended time arrivals.
Motorists are encouraged to park at the airport parking facilities. No vehicle parking or waiting is permitted at the terminal curbfronts. Violators will be ticketed and towed. Holiday rates are being offered and will remain permanent after the New Year with the new rate change. At Midway, rates are $2.00 for two hours and at O'Hare rates are $3.00 for three hours in the main parking garages. For airport information contact (773) 686-2200 for O'Hare, or (773) 838-0600 for Midway.
The UIC Medical Center at O'Hare will be giving the gift of complimentary flu shots to passengers on Monday, December 23. Airline and airport employees will be offered special holiday discounts for flu shots.
Live entertainment will also be provided at Chicago's airports beginning Friday, December 20. Phyllis Silhan will grace the Midway terminals with her traditional holiday piano tunes through the New Year. At O'Hare, a variety of musical bands including Tribus Futuras, Perrian Jordan, Roots Rock Society and Eric Allen will perform on the lower level of the airport terminals. Strolling Santa and Baron the Bear will add cheer to the festivities.
