CHICAGO, May 25, 2012 - The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is ready to welcome 1.5 million passengers at O'Hare and Midway International Airports over the Memorial Day travel period that began yesterday and continues through Tuesday, May 29.

Chicago's airports anticipate nearly 1.5 million in combined overall passenger volume during this year's six-day Memorial Day weekend holiday travel period, an increase of 2.8 percent compared with the same period in 2011.

At O'Hare, passenger traffic is expected to increase 2.5 percent to about 1.04 million passengers over the comparable period in 2011.

Midway anticipates a 3.5 percent increase in passenger volume for the six-day travel period compared with 2011, with more than 444,000 passengers expected over the holiday period.

"We're very excited to welcome travelers who will visit Chicago or make flight connections through O'Hare and Midway this Memorial Day weekend," said CDA Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino. "Along with our airport partners, we're ready to provide as safe, efficient and friendly environment for at both airports."

Special Holiday Activities

At O'Hare, there will be local military school performances today in all terminals including the International Terminal from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also, the USO Jazz Band will play in Terminal 2 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

At Midway, Airport Ambassadors will be at the airport today and Tuesday, May 29 to greet travelers. Midway will also have musical entertainment today from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Concessions at both airports will distribute to customers small, flag-bearing memorabilia.

USO of Illinois

The USO of Illinois Centers at both O'Hare and Midway will be open to all military personnel and their families. The O'Hare USO Center is located in Terminal 2 on the mezzanine level.  The USO at O'Hare also operates a Canteen in Terminal 3. The Midway USO Center is located in Concourse C.

The USO will also staff tables at both airports to provide free bottled water and information on USO services. At O'Hare, the USO will set up tables in Terminals 1, 2 and 3 past security checkpoints today from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Monday, May 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At Midway, the USO will host a table today and Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. post-security at the Information Booth in the Food Court.