Spring Break Chicago Airport Guide
Quick Answer
Chicago spring break travel peaks mid-March through mid-April when schools are on break. O'Hare sees 15-20% more passengers during these weeks. Book airport transportation in advance - surge pricing on rideshares during peak travel can triple normal rates. Professional car services guarantee fixed rates regardless of demand.
When is Chicago Spring Break Rush?
Unlike holiday travel with specific peak days, spring break creates extended busy periods as schools have staggered vacation schedules:
- Week 1 (Early March): Some private schools and early break districts begin
- Week 2-3 (Mid-March): Chicago Public Schools, many Illinois districts, and college spring breaks overlap - PEAK PERIOD
- Week 4 (Late March): Big Ten universities and some suburban districts - still heavy
- Week 5 (Early April): Easter travelers and remaining school breaks - moderate to heavy
Family Travel Tips for Spring Break
Traveling with Kids
Families face unique challenges during spring break. Here's how to make it smoother:
- Arrive 3 hours early: Security lines are longer and moving through the airport with children takes more time
- Use TSA PreCheck: If you have it, kids under 12 can go through the PreCheck line with you
- Pack snacks: Airport food lines are long during spring break; bring enough to last until you get through security
- Charge all devices: Airport outlets are scarce during peak travel; arrive with full batteries
- Book transportation in advance: Don't wait in rideshare lines with tired kids - have a car waiting
Managing Luggage
Spring break travelers often carry more luggage for beach destinations. A professional car service means:
- No struggling to fit luggage in a rideshare - we have SUVs and vans for groups
- Door-to-door service so you're not hauling bags through the airport to public transit
- Help loading and unloading from professional chauffeurs
- Fixed pricing that includes all passengers and luggage - no surprise fees
College Student Spring Break
University of Chicago, Northwestern, DePaul, Loyola, and dozens of other Chicago-area schools release thousands of students for spring break simultaneously. Tips for students:
- Split a car service with roommates: Four students splitting a sedan is often cheaper than individual rideshares
- Book in advance: Rideshare surge pricing during spring break can be brutal - lock in a rate now
- Consider Midway: If your destination has Southwest flights, Midway is smaller and faster
- Early morning flights: Often cheaper and less crowded - schedule a pickup the night before
O'Hare vs Midway for Spring Break
| Factor | O'Hare | Midway |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Break Crowds | Very heavy (4 terminals) | Heavy (1 terminal) |
| Beach Destinations | Most airlines | Southwest dominated |
| Security Wait | 30-60+ minutes peak | 20-40 minutes peak |
| Parking Availability | Often full | Better availability |
| Car Service Speed | Pickup coordination important | Faster pickup |
Why Book Transportation in Advance?
Spring break travel challenges make professional car service essential:
- Fixed pricing: Rideshare surge can hit 3-4x normal rates during spring break - we guarantee our quote
- Flight monitoring: We track your flight and adjust if delayed - no charge for delays
- Guaranteed availability: No waiting 30+ minutes for a rideshare during peak arrival times
- Meet and greet: We'll be waiting at baggage claim with your name - no searching for your ride
- Professional drivers: Our chauffeurs know the best routes to avoid spring break traffic
Top Spring Break Destinations from Chicago
Our most popular spring break routes:
- Cancun/Cozumel: Direct flights from O'Hare, families and students
- Orlando: Family favorite with Disney and Universal
- Miami/Fort Lauderdale: Beach getaways and cruise departures
- Phoenix/Scottsdale: Baseball spring training and golf
- Las Vegas: Adults-only spring breaks and March Madness
- Caribbean Islands: International departures from O'Hare Terminal 5
Book Your Spring Break Transportation
Avoid the spring break surge pricing. Lock in your rate now.
Call (224) 801-3090