<p>All of this is why my son is flying in from O’Hare on Tuesday evening instead of Wednesday. (Fortunately, he has no classes on Wednesdays. But I think he’d be doing it this way even if he did.)</p>
<p>Okay this conversation has me questioning my “hands off” approach for S2 to arrange campus to Ohare transportation himself for Wed before Thanksgiving flight home, and Sunday return to Chicago area.</p>
<p>He is just planning to take a cab from campus, suburban Elmhurst, to airport. Any better suggestions, other than asking fellow student w/car for a ride?? He is freshman and this is first trip home.</p>
<p>teriwtt - I agree. I always prefer Midway over OHare, but H’s family thinks Midway is “too far.” After 20+ years I’ve learned to pick my battles ;)</p>
<p>DonnaL - that would have been my preference, but as a first-year she was reluctant to ask her professors if they planned to cancel their Wednesday classes. it turns out now that one class is canceled and the other might be - the professor is going to tell them on Monday, which of course is of no use to anyone who is flying home and had to make arrangements months ago.</p>
<p>update: D does have a friend in Boston who has invited her for Thanksgiving if she gets stuck. I feel SO much better knowing that.</p>
<p>The Mom - I’ll let the Chicago experts advise you on this one, but with my D in Boston, I have advised her to get to the airport several hours ahead of flight time, to account for traffic getting into the airport and l-o-n-g security lines.</p>
<p>Let ALL of us who are traveling ANYWHERE for the T Day holiday don’t have to face what today’s travellers did. The computer system went down in Atlanta, which required flight plans to be entered manually, delaying traffic for hours. I’m sorry, they need a backup to the backup system. More than just belt and suspenders!</p>
<p>My daughter is coming in from O’Hare to Westchester airport (northern suburb NYC) but late Tuesday night. Her birthday (18th) is Wednesday so we were very happy that 2 out of 3 classes were canceled on Wednesday. She’s traveled all around the world but I’m more nervous about this because it’s Thanksgiving. Westchester cancels more frequently than LaGuardia or any of the other NYC airports but if it works it will save us a lot of time getting her in Weschester than anywhere else. Fingers crossed for everyone!</p>
<p>Oh - I would suggest carry on luggage if at all possible and advanced on-line check in. It will save lots of time I’m sure.</p>
<p>yes, definitely carry on luggage and on-line check in. I think D knows all that but I will definitely remind her.</p>
<p>FindAPlace - hearing that news earlier today made my heart sink. I’m sorry for everyone affected today, but better today than next Wednesday!</p>
<p>PRJ–if your daughter is needs a pre arranged ride right before Thanksgiving, I would call now and put your name on the list and put in her info/flight etc.</p>
<p>She might have to wait a while for a cab. I’ve had to wait a half an hour before at a really high peak time, it is mainly due to the traffic into the airport is very heavy. Also she needs to remember to go to the outside lane. The inside lane is for the regular cab queu. (I hope this makes sense.)</p>
<p>Also for those wanting cabs to Ohare, I would call this weekend to arrange a ride.
I usually use 303. Just google 303, chicago and taxi. Their website will pop up with the phone number for the location that you want. I also think that you can put the ride on a credit or debit card.</p>
<p>PRJ - our kids will be traveling the same route, only my daughter is coming in from Logan to O’Hare Tuesday evening. Sunday she will be flying out of Midway, though.</p>
<p>My 20-year-old experienced traveller D is connecting through O’Hare on Wednesday morning. (What were we thinking?) </p>
<p>Hope it is early enough in the day that flights are all right. So far, no snow predicted. Keeping my fingers crossed.</p>
<p>I really don’t have too much to add. I hate O’Hare compared to Midway, and try to avoid it in favor of Midway whenever possible. However, for those flying Southwest from Midway who do have baggage to check in, Chicago is one of the few places where you are required to have your bag(s) checked in 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure or they don’t guarantee them making the flight. </p>
<p>We learned this the hard way, but the list of airports this applies to is indeed in the e-mail they send to upon confirmation of flight, way down on the page.</p>
<p>Wishing all safe flights!</p>
<p>I second the recommendation for American Taxi. </p>
<p>It’s funny - if my H came and picked me up at the airport, I wouldn’t think it was sweet - I’d think, “What a waste of time!” I get picking people up at the airport, but not coming inside to get them (unless they were elderly, disabled, etc.). </p>
<p>Another option is to park at the O’Hare Hilton and just ask the person to walk over and meet you there, instead of waiting / circling.</p>
<p>Good luck to all!</p>
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<p>Just have him give himself PLENTY of time. I-294 northbound (to O’Hare) could be a parking lot.</p>
<p>Also, the tollway is still under construction. It is down to two lanes in certain areas.</p>
<p>Oh my…I just found this thread, and haven’t arranged anything about travel TO the airport. My son, a freshman at Northwestern, will be traveling from O’Hare to Westchester on Wednesday afternoon. 1:30-ish Eeks!!! I was just happy to have booked a nonstop ticket.</p>
<p>I have to find out how to take a NU shuttle, as mentioned in post #22. I hate having him so far away for these holidays. Such a nuisance to arrange all these travel plans. As a result, I’m totally encouraging my DS3, a HS senior, to consider colleges that are a car-ride away.</p>
<p>Any suggestions anyone? Anyone want to carpool? His plane returns @ 1:39pm on Sunday.</p>