CHICAGO — O’Hare International Airport reached a major milestone over the weekend, setting a new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) record for the most travelers screened in a single day, with nearly 114,000 passengers passing through security checkpoints on Sunday, June 22.
This record-breaking number not only marks a historic day for Chicago’s primary airport but also reflects a nationwide surge in summer travel, with the TSA reporting that Sunday was the busiest day in its history. Across the U.S., nearly 3.1 million passengers were screened at airports on that single day.
Seven of O’Hare’s Busiest Days Have Come This Summer
According to the TSA’s official statement, the June 22 record narrowly beat the previous O’Hare high of around 111,000 travelers, which was set just three days earlier, on Thursday, June 19. In fact, seven of the airport’s top 10 busiest days ever have occurred within the past five weeks — a clear indication that both domestic and international travel demand is soaring.
TSA Illinois Federal Security Director Jim Spriggs praised the performance of local agents, saying,
“On our busiest days, our officers remain laser-focused on delivering a safe and efficient screening experience to all passengers traveling through our airports.”
TSA Prepared for July 4th Travel Rush
With the Fourth of July holiday fast approaching, the TSA expects travel volume to remain high. The agency estimates it will screen over 18.5 million travelers nationwide between July 1 and July 7, with the single busiest day projected to be Sunday, July 6, when 2.9 million people are expected to fly.
Travelers departing from O’Hare or Midway are encouraged to:
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Arrive early to allow time for parking, baggage drop, and screening
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Bring a REAL ID or valid passport
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Pack smart to avoid delays caused by prohibited items
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Listen closely to TSA agents, as screening processes vary by location
With 94% of travelers now presenting acceptable forms of ID such as REAL ID or passports, the agency says screening is generally smooth — but delays may still occur during peak hours.
Chicago’s O’Hare Remains a Critical National Hub
Sunday’s record is not just a win for O’Hare, but a signal of rebounding confidence in air travel. As one of the busiest airports in the world, O’Hare plays a pivotal role in national mobility and commerce, especially as vacationers, business travelers, and international visitors return in full force post-pandemic.
With the previous record set in July 2019 now ranking third on O’Hare’s busiest days list, it’s clear that 2025 has ushered in a new era of air travel demand.
Have you experienced recent delays or crowd surges at O’Hare this summer? What tips do you have for navigating airport travel efficiently? Share your experience with us in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
