Fourth of July weekend travel is underway, and Chicago's airports are expecting big crowds.

Nearly 2 million people are expected to pass through Chicago O'Hare and Midway airports over the holiday weekend, up 11% from 2024. American Airlines is running its largest July 4th operation this year, with more flights and seats out of O'Hare than ever before. 

Between last Friday and the Monday after the holiday, they will operate nearly 5,000 flights from O'Hare, or about 20% more than the same period in 2024. 

Sunday is expected to be the busiest day at both O'Hare and Midway airports. 

To help with the crowds, both United and American airlines at O'Hare are using new technology that tracks passengers who might miss their connections. If holding a flight won't disrupt the schedule, they'll wait, giving travelers a little extra time to make it.

"We want everybody to make their connection in some cases, American Airlines VP of Operations Ben Humphrey said. "We can't do that because of weather-related delays or mechanicals or things like that, and so when a plane comes in late, we basically juggle about 30 airplanes an hour, coming up with connections of one of those is late we have to make a decision."

American has already tested the technology at its hubs in Dallas and Charlotte, and said it has saved thousands of connections. 

At security, O'Hare is using facial recognition to identify international arrivals called enhanced passenger processing. It is meant to cut screening times from a minute to just 10 seconds.  

As the peak summer travel continues, American is ramping up operations with 5,000 flights over the course of 10 days, including the Fourth of July weekend. The airline added new nonstop destinations to Europe and coastal cities. 

"We're flying over 31,000 customers, and the timing of our connection tool couldn't come at a better time, and so we're making more connections for customers so they can make their weddings and their vacation plans and see their friends," Humphrey said. 

You will need your Real ID to fly. If your license or ID does not have a gold star in the corner, you'll need a passport or another acceptable form of identification to travel, like a Global Entry card or passport card. 

A reminder, with the holiday rush and ongoing Kennedy Expressway construction, getting to O'Hare could take extra time. 

Both airports are reminding people to plan ahead, whether you're parking there, taking a rideshare, or hopping on public transit. You can take the CTA Blue Line directly to O'Hare, and the CTA Orange Line to Midway. 

If you are traveling and need some entertainment, there will be live entertainment at both airports. Check out live music at Midway on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and at O'Hare on Thursday and Monday.

Can I get on a plane without a Real ID?

Travelers will not be kicked off their flight if they don't have a Real ID.

The Transportation Security Administration said if you don't have a Real ID or passport, you can still fly but you will have to submit to a more intense identity verification process that involves collecting personal information like your name and current address to confirm your identity.

Once your identity is confirmed, you will then have to go through enhanced screening at TSA checkpoints.

Other compliant forms of ID include a military identification card or a Trusted Traveler card from a program like Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST. A full list of acceptable IDs can be found on the TSA website.

If you don't have acceptable ID, won't cooperate with additional identity verification, or your identity can't be confirmed, you will not be able to enter a security checkpoint.

If your ID is non-compliant, you may also be pulled out to a separate area to complete your screening process.