Spring break getaways up by 13% at O’Hare, but TSA workers ‘running on empty’
Spring break madness is beginning at O’Hare and Midway international airports with combined passenger traffic increasing by an average of about 10% compared to 2025, the Chicago Department of Aviation projected Thursday.
Over 3.76 million travelers are expected to flow through the two airports between Thursday and March 30, according to airline data.
O’Hare’s busiest day was Thursday, with more than 296,000 people estimated to have traversed its terminals. Passenger tallies are up 13% from last year.
Midway will experience a 1.4% bump in flyers over 2025, with March 27 expected to generate the most crowds.
Meanwhile, U.S. Transportation Security Administration agents continue to work without pay amid the partial government shutdown, and officials warn of lengthy waits for screening.
“The CDA is closely monitoring conditions, and airport customer service and security teams remain on-site to assist airport partners and travelers and to support safe and efficient airport operations,” city officials said.
Flyers are advised to arrive two hours ahead of domestic flight departures and three hours in advance for international departures.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has been unfunded since mid-February following a stalemate between Republicans and Democrats, who are seeking immigration enforcement reforms. The House and Senate are scheduled to take a two-week recess March 27.
The American Federation of Government Employees said about 47,000 TSA agents have worked without paychecks for over a month.
“Tens of thousands of families turning to food banks because Congress refuses to do its job is a national disgrace,” AFGE National President Everett Kelley said in a statement.
The U.S. Travel Association also weighed in. “Congress is leaving TSOs out in the cold for a second time in less than six months, gambling with aviation safety and security while millions of travelers depend on a workforce running on empty,” CEO Geoff Freeman said.