Chicago's airports are bracing for a record-breaking rush of travelers this Thanksgiving week, with nearly two million passengers expected. The Chicago Department of Aviation reports a surge in activity, pinpointing O'Hare International Airport to handle the lion's share with more than 1.6 million people, marking a notable 10% increase from last year, according to CBS News Chicago.
The transportation flurry comes as American Airlines ramps up its operations, tacking on nearly 40% more flights out of O'Hare during the holiday period. Meanwhile, United Airlines, hailing from the Windy City itself, is set to transport an all-time high of 6.6 million passengers nationwide, as reported by CBS News Chicago. Both airports, and Sunday, in particular, are anticipated to see the brunt of the travel wave.
Compared to the previous year, the increase is not just in numbers but also indicative of the travel industry's rebound. As reported by NBC 5 Chicago, O'Hare Airport is on track for a historic week, potentially the busiest Thanksgiving travel period in its 70 years of existence.
Despite recent memories of air travel tumult during the longest government-imposed shutdown, travelers seem willing to brave the skies this Thanksgiving. The Chicago Department of Aviation has advised passengers to plan for extended wait times, notably for TSA screenings, due to the sheer volume of people passing through. As per CBS News Chicago, the majority of recent holdups have been due to wintry weather, rather than operational delays.
Road travelers are not exempt from the holiday bustle, as AAA predicts a hefty 1.3 million more motorists on the streets compared to last year, rounding up to about 3.7 million in Illinois alone. In light of this, drivers are encouraged to avoid peak times and exercise caution, especially with the National Weather Service warning of potential high winds and storm conditions in the Chicago area, as NBC 5 Chicago has noted.
Ongoing weather advisories signal challenges as gusty winds and possible heavy snowfall may complicate both air and ground travel plans. The holiday season is upon Chicago, with its inherent rush and bustling terminals, as travelers are set to navigate one of the busiest Thanksgiving periods seen in years.
