Busiest holiday travel days after the holiday feast

More than 2.4 million passengers are expected to travel through Chicago’s airports for the Thanksgiving holiday travel period Wednesday through Monday, Nov. 30, according to a release from the city Department of Aviation.

The busiest travel day at Midway International Airport is projected to be Sunday, with more than 72,000 passengers expected. Monday will be the busiest day at O’Hare International with more than 200,000 passengers expected, according to Aviation.

Live musical entertainment will be showcased at both airports, with  holiday-themed jazz, classical, blues and international selections on Wednesday from 2 to 5 p.m. Performances at O’Hare will take place beyond the security checkpoints in each domestic terminal and in the Arrivals Level of International Terminal 5. Live music at Midway will take place in the Baggage Claim area.

The USO (United Service Organizations) at O’Hare will set up welcome tables in each domestic terminal on Wednesday and Friday to provide hospitality bags to active military personnel. The Midway USO center is located on the secure side of the airport and is easily accessible to military personnel and their families. The USO centers at both airports will remain open throughout the holiday period.

Among Aviation’s holiday travel tips is a reminder of the cell phone parking lots at both airports, where motorists can temporarily park for free until friends, family members or business associates are ready to be picked up curbside.

At O’Hare, the cell phone lot is located at Economy Parking Lot F. Exit I-190 at North Mannheim Road and follow the signs to Economy Parking Lot F/Cell Phone Lot. A billboard-size flight information display is located in the cell phone parking lot for the convenience of motorists picking up passengers. The screen displays real-time flight arrival info and is viewable from anywhere in the lot.

The Midway cell phone lot is located at 61st and Cicero, just south of the main entrance. Real-time parking availability info for O’Hare and Midway is posted on www.flychicago.com.

Motorists are reminded that curbside parking is prohibited and unattended and parked vehicles will be ticketed and towed.

The Transportation Security Administration operates “Family Lanes” at each security checkpoint at O’Hare to provide a better screening experience for families and individuals with medically necessary liquids. These lanes allow those unfamiliar with air travel procedures and travelers with special needs to go through security at their own pace.

At Midway, the TSA operates its “Diamond Self-Select” program, featuring separate lanes for Expert, Casual and Family travelers.

The TSA recommends travelers pack carry-on bags neatly to eliminate clutter; have ID and boarding pass out and ready before entering the checkpoint queue; and take coats and shoes off.