O'Hare

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an654

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Long shot here, but I'm guessing there might be someone here who can help out. DS is flying into O'Hare in Chicago tonight. We usually fly out of Midway. I've never picked up anyone at O'Hare before. Does anyone know where I'm parking when I get there? We want to park and walk inside the terminal and wait on him. TIA.
 
Just head for your terminal and go for the short term parking lot. Cost a few dollars per hour on the average. Traffic might be heavy, so go early.
 
O’Hare gets a bad rap, but it’ll be well marked. Just follow the signs. Go around again if you miss them. Agree to park and head in. Best hug ever, especially if you are picking up a plebe 💙

Enjoy your Mid !
 
The “cell phone” lot is the place to wait (free w/ a porta potty). Many folks used to camp out on the side of the road after the exit (I-190) but the shoulder is blocked off now. Can’t do that anymore. My co-worker said even the cell phone lot was busy last Friday - so suggested parking closer to the exit so you don’t get blocked in. Not sure what time you are going but it will prob be a mess. I may or may not have asked my USMMA mid to meet me at “Departures” tonight. (Please no haters on this strategy 😬.). As mentioned above, just allow for plenty of time. Maybe I’ll see you there tonight 😂….
 
I just park in the “Cell Phone Lot” which is on the east side of Bessie Coleman Dr. and wait for my mids phone call after he’s claimed his luggage. I pick him up at the far end of the terminal because there’s more room to park for a few minutes. The “Cell Phone Lot” is free, has Port-a-Potties, and usually provides great views for those of us who are plane watchers.
 
O'Hare is big, and will be a zoon tonite. The moving pick up (ie. hanging in the cell phone lot and swinging by to snatch him) is going to be difficult (and Mom will miss her hug). If you want the more relaxed pick up, park in short term parking and arrange to meet somewhere in the airport (or the Hilton next door).
 
Old Navy BGO said:
O'Hare is big, and will be a zoon tonite. The moving pick up (ie. hanging in the cell phone lot and swinging by to snatch him) is going to be difficult (and Mom will miss her hug). If you want the more relaxed pick up, park in short term parking and arrange to meet somewhere in the airport (or the Hilton next door).
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This is really what is most realistic for us for this first time. The cell lot and curb pickup is just going to be too tough for this first time, and yes, if Mom misses her hug, I might be walking home.

I'm just going to head toward Terminal 1 and follow the signs to short term parking.

Thanks to all.
 
an654 said:
Thanks to you both. He is indeed a plebe. Miss him like crazy. Can't wait to see him.
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Do you know about getting a ‘gate pass’? Where you can accompany him to the gate upon departure? He can request that at the ticket counter for you to go and wait with him at departure. Mine enjoyed that the first year or two. After that? Not so much, and we did the drive by drop off 😬
 
an654 said:
This is really what is most realistic for us for this first time. The cell lot and curb pickup is just going to be too tough for this first time, and yes, if Mom misses her hug, I might be walking home.

I'm just going to head toward Terminal 1 and follow the signs to short term parking.

Thanks to all.
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Don’t forget the Kleenex for her allergies. Maybe yours, too. It really is the best 🥹
 
My students made me a sign for the first pickup at the airport for our then plebe, Christmas break. Covid plebe so well, all the things, well actually none of the things. My husband and DD walked into our little airport with me. Me carrying the sign my students made. Mind you my students had been my sons peers so they missed him too.

We waited at the bottom of the escalator near baggage claim. Of course he was not first off or even mid way. Passengers saw me and my sign and smiled. Said he’s coming!! He looks great!

I was an excited mess. So excited. In watching the video DD took I looked like a Jack in the box ducking to see who was next coming down the escalator. He was second to last off the flight.

168 days in between hugs. Worth every second of that wait. Hugs to all of those mamas and dads and siblings and loved ones waiting for that hug.

Perspective and adaptation. Fast forward these several years. DS at grad school. Just one state away but life happens. When he comes home for Christmas break it will have been 173 days between hugs. Military moms and dads and siblings adjust. We grow. We adapt. We treasure the time we have and the phone calls and FaceTime we get. We mature in this process. I will still be excited, but he will meet me at the curb and I’ll be so happy to have him home for the few days we get.
 
A cool little history fun fact. Chicago O'Hare is named for Eddie "Butch" O'Hare who was a Naval Aviator, flying ace (5 air to air kills), and MOH recipient. Midway is named for the Battle of Midway. Naval history is strong in Chicago!
 
Heatherg21 said:
My students made me a sign for the first pickup at the airport for our then plebe, Christmas break. Covid plebe so well, all the things, well actually none of the things. My husband and DD walked into our little airport with me. Me carrying the sign my students made. Mind you my students had been my sons peers so they missed him too.

We waited at the bottom of the escalator near baggage claim. Of course he was not first off or even mid way. Passengers saw me and my sign and smiled. Said he’s coming!! He looks great!

I was an excited mess. So excited. In watching the video DD took I looked like a Jack in the box ducking to see who was next coming down the escalator. He was second to last off the flight.

168 days in between hugs. Worth every second of that wait. Hugs to all of those mamas and dads and siblings and loved ones waiting for that hug.

Perspective and adaptation. Fast forward these several years. DS at grad school. Just one state away but life happens. When he comes home for Christmas break it will have been 173 days between hugs. Military moms and dads and siblings adjust. We grow. We adapt. We treasure the time we have and the phone calls and FaceTime we get. We mature in this process. I will still be excited, but he will meet me at the curb and I’ll be so happy to have him home for the few days we get.
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Post-deployment hugs are the best, right on the pier, oblivious to everyone except the face you’ve been waiting for.
 
Usnavy2019 said:
A cool little history fun fact. Chicago O'Hare is named for Eddie "Butch" O'Hare who was a Naval Aviator, flying ace (5 air to air kills), and MOH recipient. Midway is named for the Battle of Midway. Naval history is strong in Chicago!
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That’s cool - never knew that.

Right after WWI, Chicago built Grant Park Municipal Stadium. At the request of Chicago Gold Star Mothers, it was renamed Soldier Field shortly after.
 
A1Janitor said:
That’s cool - never knew that.

Right after WWI, Chicago built Grant Park Municipal Stadium. At the request of Chicago Gold Star Mothers, it was renamed Soldier Field shortly after.
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Wow, didn't know that! The ORD airport code stems from O'Hare's old name, Orchard Field.
 
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