May 21--If you'll be winging out of a Chicago airport this holiday weekend, expect a lot of company.
More than 1.6 million passengers will travel through O'Hare International Airport and Midway during the Memorial Day travel period, beginning Thursday and continuing through Tuesday, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation.
The holiday also kicks off the start to what's likely to be a busy summer travel season. Nationwide, 222 million passengers will take to the skies between June 1 and Aug. 31, up 4.5 percent over last year, beating the 2007 record, said Airlines for America, the industry's trade group.
A different study this week by MileCards.com showed over the past decade O'Hare is one of the worst major airports for summertime delays, while Midway is one of the best.
The Chicago airports and their vendors will be ready for the crowds, said Michael Boland, first deputy commissioner of the aviation department. "The increase in passenger volume for one of the world's busiest airport systems is a positive sign for the aviation industry and our region's economy," he said.
Passenger traffic at O'Hare is expected to reach 1.2 million, an increase of 1.5 percent over last year, while Midway is expected to see 380,000 passengers, a 5 percent increase.
Friday is expected to be the busiest travel day at both airports.
The airports will be decorated in red, white and blue and feature live blues and jazz bands on Friday afternoon in baggage-claim areas of both airports, the aviation department said.
Travelers to O'Hare should allow extra time to get to the airport because of several road construction projects in and around the airport, the aviation department said.
gkarp@tribpub.com
