Anticipated Traffic in Chicago during Memorial Day Weekend 2026: Increased Travelers at O’Hare and Midway Airports

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Memorial Day travel rush is expected to start Thursday.

Record-breaking travel is expected this weekend and this is also the first holiday travel period with the new Real ID requirement.

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TSA expects to screen about 18 million passengers between Thursday and next Wednesday over the Memorial Day travel period.

Nationwide, AAA predicts 45.1 million Americans will go somewhere, topping the record – set back in 2005.

Locally, between O’Hare and Midway airports, the Chicago Department of Aviation is anticipating more than 1.86 million travelers for the upcoming holiday period, representing a 5% increase compared to the previous year.

The Chicago Department of Aviation has designated Thursday as the busiest day at O’Hare airport, with a surge in traveler traffic expected. Conversely, Midway airport is projected to experience its peak volume of travelers on Monday during this holiday period.

With the Kennedy Expressway construction, officials urge people to take public transit to O’Hare.

Of course, arrive early as TSA also deals with the new REAL ID requirements.

This will likely be one of the first major tests – for the real ID requirements, so definitely remember your REAL ID or passport to fly.