Let's Take a Day Trip

CHICAGO — Chicago O’Hare International Airport has recently made a notable change regarding its overnight parking options.

As of now, the airport no longer provides vouchers for Lot F parking during the early morning hours. Lot F is located at the Multi-Modal Facility, which also houses the rental car center. This parking lot is typically closed and inaccessible before 5 a.m., secured by a guard positioned at the entrance.

In the past, passengers arriving during these hours would ask for a voucher from the guard. The voucher allowed them to park in the Main Parking Garage, comprising Lots A, B, and C. They could park for a reduced economy rate of $22 per day. This rate is essentially half the cost of parking in the Main Garage.

This morning, I visited the airport and met a security guard. She told me she had no vouchers available. The airport has stopped giving them to passengers entirely. Instead, she directed me to Lot G for parking.

Although Lot G offers a lower parking rate of $15 per day, this change introduces a significant inconvenience for travelers. Those opting for Lot G must now wait for a shuttle bus. The shuttle bus will take them back to the Multi-Modal Facility. From there, they must transfer to the tram that services the terminals. This added travel time and the hassle of waiting for a shuttle can be particularly frustrating, especially with the onset of winter.

The prospect of waiting outside for a shuttle in cold weather is far from ideal for anyone arriving at the airport during those early hours. In summary, while Lot G offers a more affordable parking option, the lack of vouchers and the potential delay caused by waiting for shuttles may leave travelers feeling frustrated during their journeys.

My Opinion:

If what the guard stated this morning is correct, it would be a significant setback for O’Hare Airport. This situation would impact its overall efficiency. One key aspect that distinguishes this airport from others is its remarkable synchronization. This coordination enhances the travel experience for passengers. I particularly enjoyed the process of visiting Lot F. I would receive a parking voucher there. Then, I would make my way to the outdoor parking areas adjacent to the terminals. From there, it was just a short walk to Terminal 3, where American Airlines operates, making my journey seamless and stress-free.

As you may have noticed from my comments, I have a strong aversion to riding shuttle buses unnecessarily. O’Hare is equipped with a convenient tram service that transports passengers directly from Lot F to the terminals. This service allows travelers to bypass the discomfort of shuttle buses and enjoy a more direct and pleasant route to their departure gate. Given the efficiency of this tram system, it raises the question of why Lot F is currently closed. It seems counterintuitive to restrict access to an area that could enhance the passenger experience, so I’m left wondering what the rationale is behind the closure.