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Thanksgiving Travel Surge: Chicago Airports Brace for Record Crowds
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Prepare for critically importent delays and large crowds this Thanksgiving, as Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport are anticipating their busiest travel season in history. Nearly two million passengers are expected to pass through both airports between Tuesday and Monday, december 1, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA).
Nationwide Travel Reaches New Heights
The anticipated surge comes as the Federal Aviation Management (FAA) has lifted flight restrictions implemented during the previous year’s government shutdown, which led to thousands of cancellations. Now, the FAA is preparing for its busiest Thanksgiving in 15 years, with over 360,000 flights scheduled nationwide and more than 17.8 million people projected to undergo security screening, as reported by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Chicago Airports Expect Record Numbers
O’Hare is projected to handle 1.63 million travelers during the seven-day Thanksgiving period – a 9.5% increase compared to 2024. A senior official with the CDA stated this is “likely the busiest Thanksgiving travel week in the airport’s 70-year history.” Midway is also anticipating a substantial increase,with nearly 350,000 passengers expected,representing a rise of over 1.5% from the previous year.
The CDA anticipates Sunday, november 30, to be the peak travel day at both airports. Travelers should be aware that increased passenger volume may result in longer-than-usual wait times at TSA security checkpoints.
Current Travel Disruptions
As of 6:45 a.m.Tuesday, November 26, FlyChicago.com reported 47 flight delays and nine cancellations at O’Hare. Midway Airport is experiencing 11 flight delays. Travelers can streamline their airport experience by adding their driver’s license or state ID to their Apple Wallet on iPhones for use at security checkpoints.
Road Travel Also Expected to Increase
For those opting to drive, AAA projects a 1.3 million increase in road travelers compared to last year, bringing the total number of motorists to at least 73 million. In Illinois alone,AAA predicts approximately 3.7 million people will travel by car this week. according to NBC 5 traffic reporter Kye Martin, the busiest times on Illinois roads will be between 12 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Tuesday, and 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
whether concerns loom
However, the Thanksgiving travel period isn’t without potential disruptions. A wind advisory is in effect overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday evening for northeastern Illinois and northwest Indiana, with wind gusts possibly reaching 50 miles per hour. The National Weather Service cautioned that these winds “will blow around unsecured objects, including holiday decorations,” and could led to downed tree limbs and power outages, making driving particularly challenging for high-profile vehicles.
Further complicating travel plans, a winter storm warning is in effect mid-week for northwestern Michigan, with the possibility of up to 12 inches of snow. Additionally, a potential storm system could bring three to six inches of snow to Illinois over the weekend.
