Sunday Crowds Cramp O'Hare

Officals monitor storm as crowds return from holiday

If you just got home from your Thanksgiving trip, we don't need to tell you that Sunday was Chicago aiports busiest travel day this year with nearly 223,000  passengers expected to pass through, according to the Department of Aviation.

“The Department of Aviation and all of our partners are working diligently to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience at O’Hare and Midway,”  Aviation Commissioner Richard Rodriguez said. “We will continue our commitment to provide first-class services and amenities, while creating a festive atmosphere for holiday travelers.”

Several new restaurants and shops have recently opened at O’Hare, including city favorites such as Garrett Popcorn, Nuts on Clark, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and The Grove, the release said.

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, United Service Organizations (USO) volunteers will provide goodie bags filled with snacks, bottled water and informational pamphlets to military personnel at welcome stations located just beyond security at O’Hare, the release said.

The USO operates facilities at O’Hare and Midway to provide servicemen and women, and their families with a place to relax, enjoy a meal, check e-mail, phone home and re-adjust to life before returning home or being deployed, according to the release.

The Chicago Airport System’s cell phone parking lots enable motorists to temporarily park free of charge until friends, family members or business associates have deplaned, collected baggage and are ready to be picked up curbside, the release said.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is opening “Family Lanes” at each security checkpoint at O’Hare this holiday season to provide a better screening experience for families and individuals with medically necessary liquids

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