Don't like people? Stay away from O'Hare, Midway this holiday week

More than 2.4 million people will pass through Midway and O'Hare international airports during the Thanksgiving holiday, officials estimate.

The Chicago Department of Aviation's latest travel projections show that the busiest day at O'Hare will be Monday, with more than 200,000 passengers going through the terminals.

The numbers reflect a dip from 2008 predictions when more than 2.5 million travelers were expected at both airports during the Thanksgiving season.

Midway will hit its peak this year on Sunday with 72,000 people anticipated.

The Department of Aviation will offer live music in the terminals on Wednesday to soothe harried travelers.

Travel experts are recommending fliers get to their respective airports two hours before flight time. Federal regulations for carry-on luggage requiring liquids, gels and aerosol products to be in containers three ounces or less are still in effect. Such items also must be placed in a one-quart clear plastic bag.

For people hitting the road this holiday, State Police are cautioning drivers that patrols will be out in full force to check that people are wearing seat belts.

The National Safety Council issued a warning Monday, advising drivers to stay sober and buckle up, noting that 484 people died in crashes during the 2008 Thanksgiving period.

The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority and Illinois Department of Transportation announced construction-related lane closures will be suspended wherever possible to accommodate holiday driving.

For more airport information, check out the Web sites tsa.gov and flychicago.com. For road conditions, visit gettingaroundillinois.com or illinoistollway.com.