CHICAGO — O’Hare International Airport saw a record-breaking surge in travelers on Sunday, with 114,000 passengers screened by TSA, setting a new single-day record amid the long Juneteenth holiday weekend.
Record-Breaking Weekend at O’Hare
The milestone comes as part of a massive travel wave tied to Juneteenth celebrations and the Summer Smash festival, making it one of the busiest weekends in O’Hare’s history. Just days earlier, on Thursday, the airport saw 111,000 travelers, making it the second busiest day ever, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
Nationally, TSA reported screening nearly 3.1 million individuals on Sunday — the highest daily total across the U.S. ever recorded.
Holiday Travel Surge Expected to Continue
With Fourth of July travel looming, federal officials anticipate the trend to continue. TSA expects to screen 18.5 million travelers nationwide during the first week of July, with July 6 forecasted as the next peak travel day, likely to hit 2.9 million passengers.
Travel Tips for Busy Flyers
TSA spokesperson Jessica Mayle advised travelers to arrive early, particularly during high-volume hours between 5–8 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. She urged passengers to “pack smart,” especially when it comes to liquids and personal items.
“We’re using all our tools — from canine screening teams to voluntary overtime — to make sure people get through quickly and safely,” Mayle added.
Busy Summer Ahead for Chicago Airports
The Chicago Department of Aviation forecasts a historic summer, with more than 17.8 million seats available for outgoing flights between June and August at both O’Hare and Midway. Officials say they’re well-prepared for the surge and emphasize the importance of arriving early.
Meanwhile, new Real ID requirements — which took effect May 7 — are already seeing strong compliance, with 94% of passengers presenting valid documentation such as Real ID or passports at checkpoints.
What Do You Think?
Did you travel through O’Hare this weekend? Was it smooth or chaotic? Share your airport stories with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — we want to hear from you!
