I need some advice on how to get to O'hare Airport next Saturday

[KLB]

Melensdad has good advice.

You might want to call the airline ahead of time about escorting them to the gate. I know you can if you are their parent. I would just make sure that there won't be an issue if you aren't. All they do is give you a bogus boarding pass to take through security.

WBBM radio is another good source for traffic. They have updates every 10 minutes. AM 780 and FM 105.9.

I would plan to start with 94 through the city and reroute if it is really busy. For the traffic reports on the radio, you will have to know the Highway names. The ones you really need to pay attention to are the Dan Ryan inbound and the Kennedy outbound. It is 94 all the way through the city to the airport.

If you take snacks, leave them in the car when you get to the airport.

 

[Gluemanz28]

Melensdad has good advice.

You might want to call the airline ahead of time about escorting them to the gate. I know you can if you are their parent. I would just make sure that there won't be an issue if you aren't. All they do is give you a bogus boarding pass to take through security.

WBBM radio is another good source for traffic. They have updates every 10 minutes. AM 780 and FM 105.9.

I would plan to start with 94 through the city and reroute if it is really busy. For the traffic reports on the radio, you will have to know the Highway names. The ones you really need to pay attention to are the Dan Ryan inbound and the Kennedy outbound. It is 94 all the way through the city to the airport.

If you take snacks, leave them in the car when you get to the airport.

Why leave the snacks in the car? You can bring snacks through security unless it's liquid.
I bring snacks all the time.

 

[melensdad]

...

I would plan to start with 94 through the city and reroute if it is really busy. For the traffic reports on the radio, you will have to know the Highway names. The ones you really need to pay attention to are the Dan Ryan inbound and the Kennedy outbound. It is 94 all the way through the city to the airport.

...

Just a CLARIFICATION, it is 94 through the city but you switch to 90 on the northside and take that to O'Hare. For anyone not familiar with the roads, its pretty well marked if you watch the signs on 94, as you get north the signs read something like: 90 to O'Hare. The 90 split off is right after Montrose Ave and you'll need to be in the LEFT lanes.

 

[mom45]

I believe if you take the bus, the kids would both ride free if they are under 16. I have done this with my kids and it was so much easier than dealing with traffic and tolls. I thought the fare was reasonable considering what gas, tolls, parking, etc. would have cost. The bus takes you right to the terminal you need to go to and drops you off at the door. I usually catch it at Michigan City (picks up at Marquette Mall at the tourism office). The drivers know the detours and such in the event of traffic backups and have always gotten us to the airport on time when we've used it.

 

[Gluemanz28]

My advice to Doug is don't try to be a titewad on this. You will thank me later.
Pay the parking fee as close as you can get. Park and help the kids get their luggage to the ticket counter where they should check all bags except a small carry on bag with books, iPad snacks, and etc.

Get a pass from the agent and take them to the gate. You will want to spend the money for a bottle of water once through security or buy a refillable bottle with a filter in it and fill it at a drinking fountain once you get past security.

Once the kids plane leaves then it's simple for the return to your vehicle and make your get away from Chicago for a week until you return to pick them up.

I would be be willing to wager if you don't follow this advice on the drop off you will on the pickup.

This is kind of trip is full of obstacles all on its own without adding any.

 

[Cameramonkey]

Airlines do issue gate passes, Just ask the counter people they will point out the right direction. It varies from airline to airline.

I have only dealt with United at T1 before, it didn't take much time at all.

Security checks have been improved a lot at o'hare, I flew out on the 12th, only took me 25 minutes. Well that can be different every time.

Yes, call the airline soon. Others have noted in my Googling that those vary by airline, but are often unreliable and a PITA to get. Unaccompanied minor is one of the few exceptions that will allow you to get the pass. MAKE SURE YOU LET THE AIRLINE KNOW YOU ARE NOT THE GUARDIAN BUT ONLY AN ESCORT. (when you call) Every website I checked specified parent, and I could see them saying "nope, not a parent, no pass for you!" So make sure you are extra early if you want that pass. My gut says allow an extra 15-20 to get it straightened out at the ticket counter.

Why leave the snacks in the car? You can bring snacks through security unless it's liquid.
I bring snacks all the time.

Another misunderstood policy. You CAN take a water bottle through the checkpoint; I just has to be empty. Once you are inside the secure area you can find a water fountain to fill it up. Many also have water bottle fillers too. When I fly I have a MIO juice squeezer and an empty water bottle. 3 trips to Austin and the worst hassle I got was "your bottle is empty, right?" .

 

[KLB]

I believe if you take the bus, the kids would both ride free if they are under 16. I have done this with my kids and it was so much easier than dealing with traffic and tolls. I thought the fare was reasonable considering what gas, tolls, parking, etc. would have cost. The bus takes you right to the terminal you need to go to and drops you off at the door. I usually catch it at Michigan City (picks up at Marquette Mall at the tourism office). The drivers know the detours and such in the event of traffic backups and have always gotten us to the airport on time when we've used it.

They actually go all the way out to South Bend. Looks like up to three children per adult are free.
https://web.coachusa.com/tristateunitedlimo/ss.ohareairport.asp

I will add another opinion. If you are not used to driving in Chicago or are not comfortable driving in a lot of traffic with aggressive drivers, take the bus. Drivers in Chicago are not ones to follow a lot of the rules of the road. Not as bad as driving in say Mexico, but they are some of the worst I have been around in the US.

 

[mom45]

They actually go all the way out to South Bend. Looks like up to three children per adult are free.
https://web.coachusa.com/tristateunitedlimo/ss.ohareairport.asp

I will add another opinion. If you are not used to driving in Chicago or are not comfortable driving in a lot of traffic with aggressive drivers, take the bus. Drivers in Chicago are not ones to follow a lot of the rules of the road. Not as bad as driving in say Mexico, but they are some of the worst I have been around in the US.

I couldn't remember where the buses start out. Michigan City is convenient for us and fairly safe for parking the car for the day.

 

[PistolBob]

Two airports I avoid at all costs. O'Hare and Liberty. Chicago and Newark are the twin buttholes of north america....I'll just drive.

 

[hoosierdoc]

I'll just chime in and say that this is a very big ask on the part of your friends. You're very kind to do this.

 

[Tactically Fat]

I hate to say it, but in today's day and age, you may also want to get some sort of "permission slip" from the parents that you are authorized to do the drop-off and pick-up. Especially if they're going to be cared for by the airlines as unaccompanied minors. Being able to show proof of being the appropriate person to pick them up may save you a lot of grief.

 

[KittySlayer]

I was thinking of Hwy 30 to 65 to 94 to 294. I will bring mucho quarters.

Do not take Hwy 30 all the way to I-65. Instead just before you get to Valpo take US-49 north to the Toll Road. Take a peek at a real map and it will make perfect sense. It adds one more nominal toll but avoids driving through Merriville.

Driving through Merriville on US 30 makes Coliseum Blvd. in front of Glenbrook at Christmas look like the Autobahn.

My advice to Doug is don't try to be a titewad on this. You will thank me later.

This is kind of trip is full of obstacles all on its own without adding any.

^^^THIS^^^

Let the kids be amazed as you navigate through the obstacles with ease because you are prepared. The parents ought to be reimbursing you anyway. That does not mean to go hog wild but rather spend the money to get the kids on their flight safely and to make the kids experience a good one.

 

[Libertarian01]

Yes the Oasis's are marked, they are pretty hard to miss as there are signs a few miles in advance. From the Indiana state line there are several of them. Chicago South Oasis, a few miles inside the IL state line is the first you get to. The 2nd will be the Hinsdale Oasis, its about 1/2 to the airport. Then just a couple miles south of the airport is the O'Hare Oasis. All 3 are buildings that are built over the top of the Tollroad, you can exit into their parking lots without paying a toll to get into them or get back onto the road. All 3 have food shops and public restrooms. Restrooms are usually kept very clean (at least at Hinsdale and O'Hare) Great bathroom breaks on the way home, especially if you encounter unanticipated traffic. All of them have Starbucks, McDonalds, Panda Express, Subway, etc. Our high school fencing team goes to Wisconsin & various towns on the far north side of Chicago nearly a dozen times a year, we typically stop at the Hinsdale Oasis and I've never seen the bathroom dirty/gross.


As for taking 94 through the city on mid-Saturday morning, its a reasonably safe bet if you want to avoid the toll fees. However I typically check the GPS live traffic reports and/or WBBM 780 AM Radio Station for traffic, they have traffic reports every 10 minutes or so.


As for bringing QUARTERS to pay for tolls, every toll plaza except the last one at the airport, has booths that are staffed by a human who will gladly make change for you. No need to break the kids piggy banks to bring a sack of quarters. Just bring enough for the last toll booth.


As for taking a minor directly to the gate, yes you can. I'm not sure how, but yes it is possible. We had our 15 year old Goddaughter meet us in Spain last year. Her mom took her to OHare, went with her all the way to the gate. There must be some sort of procedure that you need to follow to get through security, you should look into it in advance of arriving at the airport.

As to the oasis. I owe you a big "DUH!" Now I know what you are talking about. I've just never heard them called that. I think we referred to them as rest stops.

Thanks for the radio station. I'll be sure to listen.

Melensdad has good advice.

You might want to call the airline ahead of time about escorting them to the gate. I know you can if you are their parent. I would just make sure that there won't be an issue if you aren't. All they do is give you a bogus boarding pass to take through security.

WBBM radio is another good source for traffic. They have updates every 10 minutes. AM 780 and FM 105.9.

I would plan to start with 94 through the city and reroute if it is really busy. For the traffic reports on the radio, you will have to know the Highway names. The ones you really need to pay attention to are the Dan Ryan inbound and the Kennedy outbound. It is 94 all the way through the city to the airport.

If you take snacks, leave them in the car when you get to the airport.

Thanks. I plan to call Spirit this week. Their website says I am able to get the pass, but I'll talk to a human being and see what obstacles there may be to avoid issues.

Also thanks for the radio station.

I am not so concerned about the outbound. They have no set arrival time for home, but I will listen so thank you.

Just a CLARIFICATION, it is 94 through the city but you switch to 90 on the northside and take that to O'Hare. For anyone not familiar with the roads, its pretty well marked if you watch the signs on 94, as you get north the signs read something like: 90 to O'Hare. The 90 split off is right after Montrose Ave and you'll need to be in the LEFT lanes.

My advice to Doug is don't try to be a titewad on this. You will thank me later.
Pay the parking fee as close as you can get. Park and help the kids get their luggage to the ticket counter where they should check all bags except a small carry on bag with books, iPad snacks, and etc.

Get a pass from the agent and take them to the gate. You will want to spend the money for a bottle of water once through security or buy a refillable bottle with a filter in it and fill it at a drinking fountain once you get past security.

Once the kids plane leaves then it's simple for the return to your vehicle and make your get away from Chicago for a week until you return to pick them up.

I would be be willing to wager if you don't follow this advice on the drop off you will on the pickup.

This is kind of trip is full of obstacles all on its own without adding any.

I will watch for the signs. That is what started me asking on here. As I rarely get to Chicago (let alone O'hare) I'm not familiar with the visual ques, which is why I wanted to ask others before taking off.

Two airports I avoid at all costs. O'Hare and Liberty. Chicago and Newark are the twin buttholes of north america....I'll just drive.

I hear ya! I didn't pick the airport. I just drive.

I'll just chime in and say that this is a very big ask on the part of your friends. You're very kind to do this.

Thank you but to avoid any confusion I am not kind, I am mercenary! I am getting paid good money for driving on the 1st and 8th. It just goes to show how much money is saved flying out of Chicago rather than flying out of Fort Wayne.

Do not take Hwy 30 all the way to I-65. Instead just before you get to Valpo take US-49 north to the Toll Road. Take a peek at a real map and it will make perfect sense. It adds one more nominal toll but avoids driving through Merriville.

Driving through Merriville on US 30 makes Coliseum Blvd. in front of Glenbrook at Christmas look like the Autobahn.



^^^THIS^^^

Let the kids be amazed as you navigate through the obstacles with ease because you are prepared. The parents ought to be reimbursing you anyway. That does not mean to go hog wild but rather spend the money to get the kids on their flight safely and to make the kids experience a good one.

My route has changed to 49. Thank you. Don't pick on Coliseum, it never has any issues...

As stated above, I am being well paid for this. Kindof sad really that so much can be saved by simply driving < 4 hours.

-----------------------

One simple post has brought me excellent information and helped avoid potential land mines.

Now I just need to figure out a good Assyrian restaurant before heading home.

Regards,

Doug

 

[melensdad]

Just a CLARIFICATION, it is 94 through the city but you switch to 90 on the northside and take that to O'Hare. For anyone not familiar with the roads, its pretty well marked if you watch the signs on 94, as you get north the signs read something like: 90 to O'Hare. The 90 split off is right after Montrose Ave and you'll need to be in the LEFT lanes.

I will watch for the signs. That is what started me asking on here. As I rarely get to Chicago (let alone O'hare) I'm not familiar with the visual ques, which is why I wanted to ask others before taking off.

FWIW, since you said you rarely get to O'Hare or even Chicago, it would be my recommendation that you avoid the potential grief of the city and simply take 294 around the city. It idiot proof. No split offs. Yes you pay tolls, but that is a small price to pay given the simplicity and the fact that you have far less risk of getting stuck in traffic or construction. Just get on 294 after you cross into Illinois and then exit at the airport. Plus the bonus of having places for the kids to get a clean bathroom stop.

I'm heading up to O'Hare on Tuesday evening. If there is any new construction or anything that you need to know about on 294 I will report back on Wednesday.

 

[melensdad]

294 is clear from the starting point near the state line all the way to O'Hare. No constructional all.

I would recommend taking 294.

While my GPS with live traffic updates was showing "green" all the way up 294 it was showing several long stretches of "red" and "yellow" areas on 94 and 90.

 

[Libertarian01]

294 is clear from the starting point near the state line all the way to O'Hare. No constructional all.

I would recommend taking 294.

While my GPS with live traffic updates was showing "green" all the way up 294 it was showing several long stretches of "red" and "yellow" areas on 94 and 90.

Thanks!

I need to arrive there by 1330 our time (1230 Chicago time).

Google says about 3H16M drive time. I am adding to that 2H15M to give 45M for drive issues and 1H30M to arrive early.

Do you think that should be enough or should I push the depart time earlier? I plan to leave Ft. Wayne at 0800 hours local.

Thanks,

Doug

Edit: My new route is 30 to 49 to 90 to 94 to 294 to O'hare. Is this the best?

 

[SEIndSAM]

Thanks!

I need to arrive there by 1330 our time (1230 Chicago time).

Google says about 3H16M drive time. I am adding to that 2H15M to give 45M for drive issues and 1H30M to arrive early.

Do you think that should be enough or should I push the depart time earlier? I plan to leave Ft. Wayne at 0800 hours local.

Thanks,

Doug

Edit: My new route is 30 to 49 to 90 to 94 to 294 to O'hare. Is this the best?

From Ft Wayne, that is the route I would take...

 

[Reverend Dreed]

I know this is of no help to you but I had to spout off a bit. I was born in Chicago many many years ago, the last time I went there was in 1969. I never left anything there worth going back for.

 

[melensdad]

Thanks!

I need to arrive there by 1330 our time (1230 Chicago time).

Google says about 3H16M drive time. I am adding to that 2H15M to give 45M for drive issues and 1H30M to arrive early.

Do you think that should be enough or should I push the depart time earlier? I plan to leave Ft. Wayne at 0800 hours local.

Thanks,

Doug

Edit: My new route is 30 to 49 to 90 to 94 to 294 to O'hare. Is this the best?

From the timing standpoint I think you should be good.

As for the route, I rarely get to the Ft Wayne area anymore so I'll leave that to your discretion and to others opinions as to taking Rt 30 to 49 to 90???

I believe you mean to 80?

I drive that area pretty regularly. If I recall correctly it is called '80' east of the interchange where it meets up with 94 and its called '80/90' west of that same point. Not sure if it is referred to as '90' east of that point.

In any case, we are still talking about the same stretch of asphalt roadway. So yes, 49 north to the 80/90. The west on 80/90 to 94. Its an odd interchange to get onto 94 from that roadway so watch the signs. I was on there about a month and a half ago and there was a bit of roadwork so watch the signs if the roadwork is still in progress?

If you want to avoid a toll, you can take 49 north to 94 and then go west on 94. Its probably the same travel time since you don't have to stop at the toll booths if you take 94.

 

[mom45]

If you are going to end up on 94 anyway, just take 49 all the way there instead of getting on the toll road. It is only a few miles farther up the road and the traffic isn't much different.