Millions expected to hit Chicago roads, airports for holiday travel, experts say
CHICAGO (CBS) — Millions of people are hitting the roads and taking to the skies in Chicago for holiday travel. More than 3.5 million passengers are expected to fly in and out of O'Hare and Midway international airports through the new year.
Airlines are projecting that Monday will be the busiest travel day at O'Hare, with over 240,000 passengers expected. Over a 14-day travel period that started on Friday and goes through Jan. 2, aviation officials say over 3 million passengers will travel through O'Hare—a 7.8% increase compared to last year.
At Midway, the busiest day is expected to be Sunday, Dec. 29, when about 51,000 people are expected to pass through the airport. Over 600,000 passengers will be welcomed in the two-week period, which they say is on par with 2023.
United Airlines said it is preparing for its busiest travel period on record—adding hundreds more flights each day.
And as anyone who booked flights this year knows, airfares are more expensive this year than last.
The Rupp family was prepared for a busy day at O'Hare Monday. They were set to spend Christmas at what some call the most magical place on earth.
"We're going to Disney World, and we're going to stay at the Dolphin Hotel," said son Camden Rupp.
Camden said he was "really excited about it." His mom was relieved at the state of the airport.
"It doesn't seem as bad as I would have thought. We were kind of up all night hoping that we would not be too late, and there would be no traffic and crowds, but everything seems to be OK," said Ashley Rupp. "Go with the flow. Absolutely bring the grandparents, and just, you know, make the most of it, and go at the pace of the slowest one in your party."
Meanwhile, Amy Johnson, who was headed to Jamaica with her family Sunday morning, said they gave themselves three hours before their flight just to be safe.
"Stressed, I just want to get there," Amy said jokingly.
Roads will also be busy. According to AAA, Illinoisans are expected to set a new record with more than 5.5 million people traveling the roads, with nearly 90% of holiday travelers driving to their destinations.
The good news overall is that gas prices are lower than last year.
The high number of travelers is being driven by economic growth and consumer spending as inflation levels off.
Travelers are advised to give themselves extra time to get through security as lines are expected to grow early in the morning.
