Located in the heart of the country, Chicago is a convenient destination from almost anywhere in the world. Each year, tens of millions of passengers travel through the city’s two major international airports thanks to thousands of daily inbound and outbound flights to cities around the globe.
O’Hare and Midway International Airports both offer a variety of accommodations to help travelers with disabilities get to and from Chicago safely and comfortably, including accessible parking, restrooms, service animal areas, and special accommodations during security. Learn more about the accessibility resources and amenities at Chicago’s airports.
Accessibility at O’Hare International Airport
O’Hare International Airport is one of the most connected airports in the world, with daily direct flights to more than 170 domestic and 65 international destinations. Located on Chicago’s northwest side, O’Hare is easily accessible from the city’s downtown core. Discover accessibility resources and programs at O’Hare Airport that are making the airport experience accessible for all travelers.
Getting to and from the airport
O’Hare offers more than 250 accessible parking spaces throughout its parking facilities. Accessible drop-off areas with curb ramps are located throughout the arrival and departure areas.
The CTA Blue Line train provides service between downtown Chicago and O’Hare. The O’Hare station has an elevator to take passengers to and from the platform.
ADA Paratransit Service, arranged through PACE, has curbside access at the terminals to support passengers who cannot use public transit.
- Chicago WAV taxis are available at each taxi stand on the lower level, just outside of baggage claim. WAV taxis are licensed by the City of Chicago and offer accessible transportation for wheelchair users.
- Rideshare WAVs (such as UberWAV and LyftWAV) can also be requested and pick up at the lower level of each terminal.
Learn more about getting to and from O’Hare.
TSA screening
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers assistance to travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or those who might need special accommodations during the security screening process. Request TSA accommodations.
Getting around the airport
The Airport Transit System is fully ADA compliant, including station platforms and train cars. All parking shuttle buses kneel when requested and have wheelchair securement areas. All passenger levels of the terminal are accessible via elevator. All elevator button panels have Braille and raised numerals. Each airline offers wheelchair assistance to passengers with mobility impairments.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program is designed to support people with disabilities that may not be immediately visible, such as autism, dementia, mental health issues, or learning difficulties. People can choose to wear a lanyard bearing a sunflower logo as a subtle way of letting others know that they have a hidden disability and may require additional support, assistance, or a bit more time. Find out more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program.
Restrooms
All restrooms in the airport have wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Located in Terminal 2, the fully accessible Companion Plus Restroom facility features an adult changing table, motorized lift, roll-in shower, accessible toilet, and sink. It is designed to meet the needs of travelers with disabilities who require assistance and provides privacy and space for caregivers.
Service animals
The airport offers interior and exterior service animal relief areas, before and after security. They are accessible at all times. All service animal arrangements must be made with your airline.
Lactation rooms
Located in each terminal, lactation pods and Mother’s Rooms offer a tranquil and private space for traveling mothers to breastfeed or use a breast pump. Each space is open 24/7 and features comfortable seating, a sink, electrical outlets, a diaper changing surface, and is ADA compliant.
Self-service repair stations
Located next to the information desks in every terminal, these first-of-their-kind stations feature a mounted air compressor, tool kit, and wheelchair charging unit to support travelers with mobility devices
Learn more in the O’Hare Airport accessibility guide. For comments and complaints concerning ADA/accessibility services and facilities at O’Hare, contact the airport’s ADA Coordinator at 773-894-3728 or ORD_ADAcoordinator@cityofchicago.org. Keep in mind that all ADA accommodations including medical accommodations, wheelchair assistance/service, and service animal arrangements must be made with your airline.
Explore more: Discover innovative accessibility resources and attractions throughout Chicago.
Accessibility at Midway International Airport
Located just 20 minutes from downtown Chicago, Midway International Airport boasts a recently modernized terminal building featuring beloved local restaurants, a larger and more streamlined TSA checkpoint, and an elevated travel experience for visitors. The airport offers non-stop service to 80 U.S. cities and 11 international locations. Explore the accessible amenities and accommodations available throughout Midway Airport.
Getting to and from the airport: Midway offers more than 164 accessible parking spaces throughout its parking facilities. Accessible drop-off areas with curb ramps are located throughout the arrival and departure areas. The CTA Orange Line train provides service between downtown Chicago and Midway. The Midway station is equipped with an elevator to take passengers to and from the platform.
ADA Paratransit Service, arranged through PACE, has curbside access at the terminals to support passengers who cannot use public transit.
- Chicago WAV taxis are available at each taxi stand on the lower level, just outside of baggage claim. WAV taxis are licensed by the City of Chicago and offer accessible transportation for wheelchair users.
- Rideshare WAVs (such as UberWAV and LyftWAV) can also be requested and pick up at the lower level of each terminal.
Learn more about getting to and from Midway Airport.
TSA screening
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers assistance to travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or those who might need special accommodations during the security screening process. Request TSA accommodations.
Getting around the airport
All passenger levels of the airport complex are accessible via elevator. All elevators are equipped with Braille and raised numerals. Each airline offers wheelchair assistance to passengers with mobility impairments.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program is designed to support people with disabilities that may not be immediately visible, such as autism, dementia, mental health issues, or learning difficulties. People can choose to wear a lanyard bearing a sunflower logo as a subtle way of letting others know that they have a hidden disability and may require additional support, assistance, or a bit more time. Find out more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program.
Restrooms
All restrooms in the airport have wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Service animals
The airport offers outdoor and indoor service animal relief areas. All service animal arrangements must be made with your airline.
Lactation room
This room offers a tranquil and private space for mothers who are breastfeeding or pumping. It features comfortable seating along with a sink and wash area.
Self-service repair station
Located in the baggage claim area near the Chicago Police Department information desk, this first-of-its-kind station features a mounted air compressor, tool kit, and wheelchair charging unit to support travelers with mobility devices.
Visual paging
Midway International Airport offers a visual paging system to enhance communication for travelers who are deaf or hard of hearing. Real-time paging messages are displayed on monitors located throughout the terminal, providing important flight and airport information. To request a page, please contact the Airport Communications Center at (773) 838-0660.
Learn more in the Midway Airport accessibility guide. For comments and complaints concerning ADA/accessibility services and facilities at Midway, contact the airport’s ADA Coordinator at 773-894-3728 or MDW_ADAcoordinator@cityofchicago.org. Keep in mind that all ADA accommodations including medical accommodations, wheelchair assistance/service, and service animal arrangements must be made with your airline.
