Memorial Day weekend: Chicago airports prepare for busy travel days

CHICAGO - It may not feel like summer outside, but things were heating up at O'Hare International Airport on Thursday.

Believe it or not, Thursday was supposed to be the busiest day at O'Hare over the next few days.

Approximately 1.5 million people are expected to pass through both of Chicago's airports between Thursday and Tuesday.

"Those projections are up nine percent over last year," said Karen Pride with the Chicago Department of Aviation.

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With all these travelers, the Chicago Department of Aviation is recommending a few things — like utilizing cellphone lots and taking public transportation.

If you haven't traveled since the pandemic, here is some advice.

"People who haven’t traveled in a while especially need to go to our website flychicago.com and they can get real-time information about delays and cancelations, as well as parking. That’s gonna be a premium since it's going to be a very busy weekend," said Pride.

Over at Chicago’s other major airport, Midway, Friday is expected to be their busiest day — up 20 percent compared to last year.