Chicago's bustling airports are gearing up for a hectic Memorial Day Weekend, as city officials expect a whopping 1.67 million passengers to travel through O'Hare and Midway International Airports from May 23 through May 28. This figure marks an 8.6% jump from last year's traffic during the same period, indicating a boost in travelers ready to kick-start their summer vacations.

According to a statement from the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), O'Hare is set to see more than 1.38 million people, while Midway anticipates over 294,000 passengers–numbers that surpass the previous year's by nearly 10% and 3.1%, respectively. "We are thrilled to kick off another beautiful summer...by welcoming more than 1.6 million people to our city’s world-class airports," said Mayor Brandon Johnson, encouraging visitors to delve into Chicago's cultural offerings. CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee echoed the enthusiasm, touting new air service options and recent investments to enhance the airports' capabilities.

Major improvements are in the works too, as highlighted by last month's groundbreaking of the $300 million ElevateT3 project, fueled by a chunk of President Joe Biden's infrastructure grant. Meanwhile, flight options are blooming with United Airlines initiating daily services to Athens and American Airlines resuming flights to Venice in June. Travelers can also pick from a broader array of destinations with ultra-low-cost carriers Spirit and Frontier ramping up their summer schedules.

Putting the focus on inclusivity, the CDA has partnered with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to help recognize non-visible disabilities, a nod to the millions that travel through Chicago with such challenges. The updated USO Center at Midway now stands ready to provide comforts to military members and their families, expanded to accommodate 30% more visitors, as per the Chicago Department of Aviation.

For the most up-to-date information on flights, parking, and amenities, travelers can hit FlyChicago.com. The site is equipped with every detail a passenger could need to sail smoothly through Chicago's airports and start their holiday without a hitch.