Chicago airports will be busy this week as travelers fly to see loved ones for the holidays. So whether you have time to kill before takeoff or are facing an unexpected delay, here’s what to do at O’Hare and Midway airports.
O’Hare Airport
- 🪷 Go to the yoga room for a quick stretch at the Terminal 3 Rotunda.
- 💪 Grab a day pass to squeeze in a workout, swim, or sauna session at the connecting Hilton’s Athletic Club.
- 🛝 Bring the kids to the family lounge in Terminal 2 to let off some steam and to occasionally catch some live entertainment.
- 🖼️ Search for art, including several large commissions in Terminal 5.
- 🛐 Head to the interfaith chapel for mass and worship — including holiday services.
- 🥪 Get a pre-flight meal — cheap flights guru Scott Keyes swears by Rick Bayless’ Tortas Frontera. (I can attest — the chorizo breakfast torta is solid before a red-eye takeoff.)
There are Tortas Frontera locations in Terminals 1, 3, and 5 — they're always packed. (Emmi Mack / Hey Chicago)
Midway Airport
- 📖 Learn about the World War II Battle of Midway, which the airport was named after, near the entrance to Concourse A.
- 🪷 The South Side airport also has a yoga room, located in Concourse C, for travelers to unwind.
- 🍽️ For food, I have a hot take: the Billy Goat Tavern in Midway serves better burgers than any other location in the city. I don't know why.
- 🛐 Midway also has an interfaith chapel with similar offerings as O’Hare.
- 🛋️ Club MDW, the official Midway lounge, is now open to all travelers. Entrance costs $60.
Best of luck to everyone flying over the holidays!
