The Chicago Department of Aviation says O’Hare and Midway are set to accommodate a surge of passengers over the extended Labor Day holiday. Travelers should expect heavier-than-usual crowds and plan a little extra time for check-in, security, and ground transport.
Holiday Window & Travel Pattern
The extended Labor Day travel window runs from Thursday to Tuesday, with the peak volume typically concentrated on Friday as residents and visitors head out to close the summer season.
- Expect elevated passenger flows through both airports throughout the weekend.
- Lines for check-in and security may be longer than usual during peak hours.
ORD Snapshot
O’Hare carries the bulk of the weekend’s demand, serving well over a million passengers during the period. Travelers should verify terminal, gate, and security wait times, and allow extra time for transfers.
MDW Snapshot
Midway’s holiday traffic also trends higher, with hundreds of thousands of travelers expected. As with ORD, give yourself buffer time for check-in and security, especially during the Friday rush.
