Lois Larson
Chicago is conveniently located in the heart of the country and is served by two award-winning airports: Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport. Both airports are operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and have won awards for their plentiful amenities and streamlined experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Names of the airports | Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Chicago Midway International Airport |
| Number of runways | 8 total runways (O'Hare) |
| Awards | Favorite Airport in North America, Favorite Airport Shopping, Favorite Airport Dining (O'Hare), Best Family-Friendly Domestic Airport (Midway) |
| Amenities | Automated "people mover" (O'Hare), CLEAR touchless security screening, contactless mobile ordering, "Just Walk Out" technology |
| Dining options | Vosges Haut-Chocolat, Gene's Bistro, Billy Goat Tavern, Central Market, Garrett Popcorn Shops, The Orange Line, Sarah's Candies, Nuts on Clark, Cruz Blanca, Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless, Goose Island Beer Company, Harry Caray's Shortstop, Home Run Inn, Big City Chicken |
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What You'll Learn
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
The airport has received numerous accolades, including being named Favorite Airport in North America, Favorite Airport Shopping, and Favorite Airport Dining by Global Traveler's 2021 Trazee Awards. O'Hare's dining options range from local favorites like Vosges Haut-Chocolat and Gene's Bistro to well-known brands like Goose Island Beer Company. The airport also offers convenient services such as contactless mobile ordering and "Just Walk Out" technology, enhancing the overall travel experience.
In recent years, O'Hare has undergone significant modernization projects, including the construction of four new runways and the extension of two existing ones. The "O'Hare 21" project aims to further enhance the passenger experience, with a focus on redeveloping Terminal 2 into the O'Hare Global Terminal. These improvements are designed to increase capacity, efficiency, and reliability, ensuring that the airport can handle the millions of passengers who arrive each year.
With its convenient location, modern infrastructure, and wide range of amenities, Chicago O'Hare International Airport has established itself as a world-class aviation hub, connecting travelers to destinations around the globe and contributing to the vibrant economic and cultural life of Chicago.
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Chicago Midway International Airport
Chicago, located centrally in the US, has two first-class airports operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA). One of these is Chicago Midway International Airport, which was named the Best Family-Friendly Domestic Airport by Wherever's Wherever Awards.
The Midway Modernization Program, the most significant capital program at Midway in 20 years, has elevated the travel experience for visitors and is nearly complete. Over the last few years, more than 30 new restaurant and retail locations have opened, including Café Descartes, Gene's Bistro, and Billy Goat Tavern. A revamped Central Market and local favourite Garrett Popcorn Shops can be found near Gate B1, while The Orange Line, located near Gate B19, serves cocktails, seafood, burgers, and more. An 80,000-square-foot security pavilion opened in September 2020, featuring new technology and a wider, streamlined Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint. The checkpoint has 23 lanes, double the previous capacity, while maintaining the highest levels of security.
Some of the dining options at the airport include Harry Caray's Shortstop (MDW Concourse A), which serves cold drafts with toasted ravioli, and Home Run Inn (MDW Concourse B), which offers thin-crust pizza. Big City Chicken (MDW Concourse B) serves fried chicken sandwiches, while Sarah's Candies (MDW Concourse B) is known for its colourful treats.
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Amenities and awards
Chicago is served by two airports: O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. Both airports are operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA). While O'Hare is a busy, crowded airport with mixed reviews on cleanliness, it has won several awards for its amenities and overall experience. In 2021, Global Traveler's Trazee Awards named O'Hare the Favorite Airport in North America, Favorite Airport Shopping, and Favorite Airport Dining. The airport features a yoga room, an interfaith chapel, and unique dining options like Big City Chicken and Gene's Bistro. O'Hare also offers contactless mobile ordering, "Just Walk Out" technology, and CLEAR touchless security screening.
Midway International Airport has also received recognition, being named the Best Family-Friendly Domestic Airport by Wherever Family's Wherever Awards. This airport offers a seamless and convenient experience with the recent introduction of contactless mobile ordering and CLEAR touchless security screening.
O'Hare International Airport is a large airport with four terminals (1, 2, 3, and 5) and nine concourses. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected airside by pedestrian walkways, while Terminal 5, the international terminal, is separate and accessible via the Airport Transit System (ATS) train. O'Hare provides a range of amenities, including 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, and lockers. For those seeking comfort and privacy, there is a hotel outside Terminal 2, and several nearby hotels offer a free airport shuttle service.
However, it is worth noting that finding a comfortable place to rest within the airport can be challenging due to the armrests on most gate seating. While the airport is open 24 hours, travellers seeking an overnight stay may prefer the quiet and comfort of a hotel, especially with reports of a growing homeless population at the airport as of February 2023.
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Airport modernisation
Chicago is home to two award-winning airports: Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport. Both airports have undergone significant modernisation programmes in recent years, with improvements to infrastructure, amenities, and security.
The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) has overseen an ambitious plan to modernise O'Hare International Airport, including the construction of four new runways, the extension of two existing runways, and the building of two new Air Traffic Control towers. These improvements have enhanced the airport's capacity, efficiency, and reliability, solidifying its position as a leading commercial airport in the United States.
The "O'Hare 21" project is the next phase of modernisation, focusing on enhancing the passenger experience from curb to gate. This includes redeveloping Terminal 2 into the O'Hare Global Terminal and adding two new satellite concourses. With these updates, the airport aims to accommodate the millions of passengers who arrive each year more efficiently and comfortably.
Chicago Midway International Airport has also undergone a significant transformation with the Midway Modernization Program, the most substantial capital program at Midway in 20 years. This program has elevated the travel experience with the addition of new restaurants and retail locations, including Café Descartes, Gene's Bistro, and Billy Goat Tavern. A new security pavilion opened in 2020, featuring new technology and a streamlined Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint with increased capacity, ensuring that security measures are both efficient and rigorous.
Both airports have embraced technological advancements to streamline the security screening process. The implementation of CLEAR touchless security screening, which utilises biometrics for identification, enhances both security and convenience for travellers. Additionally, Midway International Airport introduced an automated "people mover," the ATS, which efficiently transports passengers to and from terminals and various transportation facilities, further improving the overall airport experience.
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Dining and retail
Chicago is served by two major airports: O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). While both airports offer dining and retail options, the variety and extent of these options differ between the two.
O'Hare International Airport is known for its extensive dining and retail offerings. The airport features a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars that cater to different tastes and budgets. Passengers can find everything from fast-food chains and grab-and-go options to full-service restaurants and upscale dining establishments. Some popular choices include deep-dish pizza joints, showcasing Chicago's famous culinary specialty, as well as steakhouses and seafood restaurants. For those looking for a quick bite or a cup of coffee, there are numerous cafes and bakeries located throughout the airport's terminals.
In addition to dining, O'Hare also boasts an impressive array of retail shops. Passengers can browse through duty-free stores offering cosmetics, spirits, and tobacco products. Fashion and accessory boutiques feature prominent brands, while specialty shops sell everything from electronics and books to local souvenirs and Chicago-themed gifts. The airport also hosts pop-up stores and seasonal markets, offering unique and limited-time shopping experiences.
Midway International Airport, while smaller in size, also provides dining and retail options for travelers. The airport has a good selection of restaurants and cafes, including popular fast-food chains, coffee shops, and sit-down restaurants. Midway also showcases some of Chicago's iconic food options, such as hot dog stands and pizzerias. For passengers looking for a quick snack or a meal on the go, there are grab-and-go options available as well.
Retail-wise, Midway offers a mix of convenience stores, newsstands, and gift shops. Passengers can find last-minute travel essentials, magazines, and books, as well as Chicago-themed souvenirs and local crafts. The airport also features a few specialty retailers, including electronics and accessory stores. While Midway's shopping options are more limited compared to O'Hare, they still provide a decent variety for travelers looking to pass the time or pick up a memento of their trip.
Both airports often feature live music and performance art, showcasing Chicago's vibrant cultural scene. These performances add to the overall experience of travelers passing through the city's airports. It is always a good idea to check the airports' websites for any new dining and retail offerings, as well as for information on any current promotions or events that might be taking place during your visit.
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Frequently asked questions
The two airports in Chicago are Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport has a variety of dining options, including Vosges Haut-Chocolat, Sarah's Candies, Nuts on Clark, Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless, and Goose Island Beer Company.
Chicago Midway International Airport offers dining options such as Harry Caray's Shortstop, Home Run Inn, Big City Chicken, and Billy Goat Tavern.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport features the ATS, a fast and reliable automated "people mover" that transports passengers between terminals and other areas. The airport also boasts an impressive eight runways, the most of any commercial airport in the United States.
