July 02--More than 1.6 million passengers will travel through Chicago's airports for the Fourth of July holiday travel period from Thursday through Tuesday, the Chicago Department of Aviation said Thursday.
In Chicago, the extended weekend includes not only the holiday but also the Grateful Dead reunion concerts over three days, which are expected to draw 70,000 fans each night to Soldier Field, many from out of town.
Over the six days, passenger projections by airlines have increased at O'Hare by 4.5 percent over last year, with an estimated 1.2 million passengers traveling through the airport. Monday is projected to be the busiest day at O'Hare, with an estimated 233,000 passengers.
At Midway, airlines anticipate a 4 percent increase in passenger volume compared with 2014, with more than 402,000 passengers expected. Its busiest day is expected to be Sunday, with more than 73,000 passengers.
American flags line the Hall of Flags in Terminal 3 at O'Hare for the holiday, and both airports will host live music entertainment in the terminals from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday. Midway will also offer complimentary lemonade on Thursday.
gkarp@tribpub.com
