Contact Information:
Monique Bond
(773) 686-3700
(312) 839-3194 (pager)


THE CHICAGO AIRPORT SYSTEM WRAPS UP THE YEAR WITH COMPLIMENTARY GIFT WRAPPING FOR TRAVELERS

Santa Provides Holiday Treats and Cheer for Families and Children

CHICAGO - December 19, 2003 - Travelers continue to return to the skies as people make their way to family and friends during this extended holiday travel period. More than 3.3 million travelers will travel through Chicago’s airports during the fifteen-day period beginning Friday through the New Year. A daily average of 177,000 travelers are projected to pass through O’Hare, with 46,207 passengers projected to pass through Midway.

"The Department of Aviation and all of our partners are working hard to make the end of this traveling season safe and enjoyable," said Aviation Commissioner Thomas R. Walker. "We hope that our travelers will enjoy the festivities and cheer as they pass through Chicago’s airports."

This year, the Chicago Airport System will provide complimentary gift wrapping for ticketed passengers beyond the security checkpoint at both airports from 1:00-5:00 pm on Thursday, December 18, Friday, December 19, Monday, December 22 and Tuesday, December 23.

The Chicago Police Department is making arrangements for a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus at O’Hare from 6:00 am and 4:30 pm on Monday, December 22. Santa will be distributing bags in all terminals at O’Hare filled with cookies, Chicago Police Department coloring books, and police "flight wing" pins.

Travelers at O’Hare and Midway airports will also be treated to live entertainment between the hours of 1:00-5:00pm on Friday, December 19 and Tuesday, December 23. Entertainment will feature special appearances by Chicago jazz and blues bands, barbershop quartets and youth dance troupes presenting dance from the United States and around the world. Performance areas are located on the arrivals level near baggage claim at Midway and Terminals One, Three and Five at O’Hare.

Airport officials advise motorists and passengers to allow ample time for traveling to the airports, ticketing and checking baggage. It is suggested that all domestic and international departing passengers arrive at least two hours before their scheduled flight departure. Only passengers with government issued photo identification are allowed beyond the security screening checkpoints.

The Department of Aviation recommends using curbside check in or E-ticket kiosks to avoid long lines at the ticket counters. These options are available on a limited basis at both O’Hare and Midway airports. Check directly with your airline to see if these timesaving options are available. Using either of these options, travelers may proceed directly to the security screening checkpoint.

Remove all metal and electronic devices such as coins, pens, cell phones, cameras, and pagers prior to walking through the magnetometers. All laptop computers and cases must be X-rayed. Removing laptop computers from carrying cases before arriving to the screening checkpoint helps make security lines move more quickly. Check the Transportation Security Administration web site, www.tsa.gov for an updated list of prohibited items.

The Department of Aviation recommends use of its website, www.flychicago.com. Travelers will can obtain information about flight delays that are currently listed on the airport flight information display system (FIDS) monitors throughout the airport terminals. The airports, however, always advise travelers to check with the airlines for all information regarding flight status.

Convenient public transportation options are available to both O’Hare and Midway. The CTA’s Blue Line to O’Hare and the Orange Line to Midway are convenient ways to get to the airports and the Loop while avoiding roadway congestion. Unattended vehicles parked in front of terminal curb fronts will be ticketed and towed.

Special holiday parking rates, $2.00 for two hours, will be available at Midway on Monday, December 22 through Friday, January 2, 2004. Rates at O’Hare remain affordable at $3.00 for three hours. For information on parking rates and availability, motorists can call (773) 686-7530 for O’Hare, and (773) 838-0756 for Midway.