Inside Chicago O’Hare (ORD) Airport
- May 12th 2009
Chicago O’ Hare Airport is one of the busiest in the US, with more than 70 million people a year passing through its terminal doors. If you’re going to fly through there, then it pays to know what’s on offer when it comes to flights, amenities and parking.
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Terminals And Airlines
O’Hare Airport uses four terminals, each with restaurants, shops, ATMs and business services. Most of the international carriers use Terminal 5, while other flights are routed through Terminals 1, 2 or 3. You can find the airport layout here (PDF).
Most domestic carriers and a wide range of international ones fly though O’Hare Airport. In general, the airline you travel with will determine your gate, though there are occasional exceptions. The normal boarding gates for airlines flying out of O’Hare are listed in this O’Hare airport guide.
Amenities
As well as the services listed above, O’Hare Airport has other useful amenities including:
- facilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including a visual paging system and accessible transport between terminals.
- Taxi service
- Wi-fi internet and several power workstations where passengers can recharge electronic devices free of charge.
- Touchscreen virtual concierges
Tags: Airport Parking, Attractions, chicago airport, chicago airport parking, chicago attractions, offsite airport parking, ord airport, ord airport parking
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Layover In Albany Airport (ALB)
- March 12th 2009
Albany International Airport (ALB) has come a long way since its origins as the first municipal landing site for planes on a polo field three miles north of the city. The airport played host to many of the most famous aviators of the early 20th century, including Charles Lindbergh. These days, it is a busy commercial airport, with around 180 arrivals and departures each day. We’ve already looked at attractions around JFK and LaGuardia, but what do you do on a layover in Albany?
State Capitol Staircase, Albany, NY
Exploring History
One of the best things to do in Albany is to explore the city’s history. As the oldest surviving European settlement from the original 13 colonies, it has a lot to explore. Options include the Georgian home of Revolutionary War general Philip Schuyler, which dates from 1761 and includes 18th century furniture and art. The Albany Institute of History and Art is another must see. It is one of the oldest museums in the US and was founded in 1791.
From Shakers To Slater
The Shakers played a major role in the area’s history, including providing some of the land that became part of the airport. The Shaker Heritage Society preserves this history and offers you the chance to visit America’s first Shaker settlement - a 770 acre site. Explore history from a different perspective by visiting the USS Slater, a refurbished Cannon Class destroyer escort. Also worth a look when it’s reopened is Cherry Hill, which houses a collection amassed by the Van Rensselaer and Rankin families over 176 years.
Tags: alb layover, albany, albany attractions, Attractions, new york, offsite airport parking
Cowgirls And Log Cabins - Layover In DFW Part 2
- January 20th 2009
Fort Worth has the only cowgirl museum in the world
In our last post we looked at things to do in Dallas when on a layover in Dallas Fort Worth Airport. But let’s not forget about the other major city near this airport - Fort Worth. It started life as an army outpost but is now a prosperous city, with large natural gas reserves underground. However you can still get a feel for its proud Western heritage with some of the attractions on offer.
Sundance Square
One place to get a feel for the city’s heritage is Sundance Square, where a modern shopping and entertainment complex is housed behind renovated storefronts that date from the turn of the 20th century. Great food and live performances are only some of the attractions, and you can also choose to tour the area in a horse drawn carriage or a trolley. Read more »
Tags: Attractions, dallas fort worth, dfw, fort worth attractions, offsite airport parking
Layover In Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
- January 15th 2009
Reunion Tower, a famous Dallas landmark
Whenever Dallas comes up in conversation, I visualize tall buildings, wide open spaces and that show - you know the one I mean. J R Ewing, played by Larry Hagman, is a legendary bad guy, and you can bet that somewhere in the world, someone is still watching his antics. But there’s so much more to this thriving metropolitan area than the part we’ve seen on TV. I set out to find out what you could visit while on a layover at Dallas Fort Worth Airport. DFW lies between Dallas and Fort Worth, two major Texan cities just over 30 miles apart. If you’re on a layover you can take your pick of things to do in either city.
Things To Do In Dallas
If you enjoy exploring marine life, as I do, then visit the Dallas World Aquarium. Located in the historic distric, the aquarium is housed in several refurbished old warehouses from the early 19th century, as well as some purpose built modern structures. This attraction offers an adventure from the time you walk through the door. The aquarium has species from around the world, while you can also unmask the secrets of the Orinoco and explore Borneo. There are regular talks on conservation issues as well as performances by a Mayan troupe.
Enjoy The Outdoors
Located in East Dallas near White Rock Lake, the Dallas Arboretum offers another way to enjoy nature. The 66 acre attractions features a range of gardens with different blooms, as well a Spanish mansion built in the style of the 1940s. There’s even a fitness trail for those who want to combine sightseeing with a workout. During the year, there are special events and concerts, so there’s always something to see. While you’re there, consider visiting White Rock Lake itself, for bird watching, horseback riding or a nine mile walk around the lake. Read more »
Tags: Attractions, dallas attractions, dfw, dfw parking, offsite airport parking
Layover In Miami International Airport (MIA)
- January 8th 2009
Partial aerial view of Miami
I first went to Miami more years ago than I care to remember. I’d landed my first job and was struggling to extricate myself from the penury of being a student. There was a deal on, and off I went. In those days I didn’t have to worry about Miami airport parking, as we traveled around by public transport or on foot. It was more of a shopping trip than a sightseeing one, but I made up for it on subsequent visits.
Miami International Airport (MIA) is a hub. It’s bursting with people and very busy. It’s among the world’s busiest international airports. If you have a layover in Miami, it’s probably better to escape the hubbub and take a short trip to a local attraction. Here are a few to choose from.
Racing And Sports
Less than three miles away from the airport is the 7,000 seater Flagler greyhound racing stadium, which is perfect for those who want a flutter. With a sports bar, daily races, a poker room and a weekend flea market, there’s something to do no matter which day of the week you land. Read more »
Tags: Attractions, layover in miami, MIA, miami, miami airport parking, miami attractions
