(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Fourth of July holiday is bringing more than 1.7 million people through Chicago’s airports through Monday, with Wednesday projected to be the busiest day of all.
Pro wrestler Toa Liona took the red-eye from San Francisco so he could be here for a match. He shared his tips on how to get through the airport on busy holidays — without having to throw elbows.
“Neck pillow,” he said. “Always focus on your logistics when it comes to time or pickup, leave, you know, things like that. Every little minute counts.”
Chicago Aviation Department Spokeswoman Karen Pride said 267,000 passengers are projected to come through O’Hare, with 60,000 travelers expected at Midway.
“[Wednesday] is projected to be the busiest day at both airports by the airlines,” she said.
Among Wednesday’s travelers was Evelyn Whitfield, of Plainfield. She was taking her family to Turks and Caicos and, hopefully, away from Hurricane Beryl.
“I have not been watching,” she said. “Only hoping that all is well.”
Julian Mendez, of Hoffman Estates, was also leaving for a warm family vacation to Hawaii.
“Well, Hawaii was where we celebrated our honeymoon, so we’ve been going there every five years or so … ever since we got married,” he said.
Pride said those who haven’t been to O’Hare in a while may notice some changes.
“Construction at all four of the terminals at O’Hare, however none of the construction is anticipated to impede any flight operations or terminal operations for passengers,” Prie said.
Airlines in Chicago were expecting to see 12% more passengers than they did over the holiday in 2023.
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