What O'Hare's got if you're stuck there

Unless you have a fear of flying, you've experienced airport purgatory.

You know the drill -- dragging through horrid weather to the airport, herded like cattle through security, panic when you think you've lost your boarding pass, and then, finally, making it to your gate to settle into a nice plastic chair that's no more comfortable than a sidewalk.

All of this to find your flight was overbooked, you were bumped, rebooked to the next flight that was delayed, and now canceled.

But don't lose your cool about having to spend hours -- and perhaps even the night -- at O'Hare International Airport. Beep took a two-hour tour to find ideas to keep fliers occupied and entertained, rather than ending up banned from boarding like some of those on the reality show "Airline."

To find a bit of inner peace, look just outside security at Terminal 2, hiding behind an inconspicuous door and up a few flights of stairs, and you'll find the O'Hare Airport Interfaith Chapel.

"A place to bow your head in prayer while lifting up your heart and spirit," as the chapel's flier says, as well as appealing for your flight not to migrate from delayed to canceled.

Open 24 hours, the chapel offers daily services, Islamic Juma' ablution facilities with rugs, spiritual counsel and worship materials.

Next to the chapel is another quiet retreat, the USO, which is for retired and active military personnel and their family members.

This area provides Internet connections, a TV with sitting area, a concession stand offering coffee and meals, reading materials and a relaxed environment.

If you've got children in tow, check out the "Kids on the Fly" exhibit in the mail hall just past security in Terminal 2.

Established in 1996, the enclosed, secured play area is updated annually to keep it lively, interesting and current with safety standards. Benches along the walls offer tired parents a chance to rest.

If you're in the mood to roam the terminals, check out the scenery. You may not think of the airport as an art museum, but a program called "After School Matters" donates pieces to spruce up the airport.

The rotunda in Terminal 3 offers a colorful mural titled "Wings."

The neighboring hallway displays several paintings with placards depicting historical Chicago and the scenes' significance.

The benches you plop down on are all adorned with animated scenes. There are artful pieces in all three terminals.

If you're feeling a bit cut off from the world, stop by Terminal 3's "Accenture Interactive Network." The innovative touch-screen allows up to four people to access news, sports, weather and other features with picture and audio on a ceiling-high screen so techies can get their fix.

Don't start whining when all that wandering has produced sore limbs.

If it is before 9 p.m., head over to Terminal 3 and hit up the "The Back Rub Hub." Between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday, you can get a back rub. It's $15 for 10 minutes to $35 for 30 minutes.

If you're hungry, you've got plenty of choices at O'Hare. "Macaroni Grill" in Terminal 3 and La Tapenade Mediterranean Cafe in Terminal 1 are newcomers at the airport, but there are also plenty of standard bars and grills.

Information booths have full concession lists. Hint: If you are going to be spending the night in the airport, ask the attendant to inform the concession stands. A lot of them will stay open late or overnight.

With the winter and holidays in full swing, O'Hare is providing seasonal amenities.

Get a flu shot courtesy of University of Illinois Medical Center at one of its many mobile stations or at the medical center in the main hall.

You can catch a live performance such as the ballet "Velveteen Rabbit" performed by the Midwest Dance Collective.

Fliers can't bring wrapped packages through security, but they can get free gift wrapping Dec. 19, 20 and 21.

And if none of the above rings your bell, here's a novel idea: Pick up a book from Hudson Booksellers and read.