But on occasion, I get stuck in line behind someone who doesn’t know what he or she is doing. Perhaps she’s never been through airport security before, or he is trying to juggle the carry-ons of all his kids… it’s not their fault, but inexperienced travelers can disrupt the flow for everyone behind them. Midway Airport began a new security feature this week that is designed to reduce tension for novices and speed up the process for veteran trekkers.

New signs now direct passengers to one of three types of lines: a green circle for beginners, families, and travelers in need of special assistance; a blue square for “casual” travelers who are familiar with TSA procedures; and a black diamond for frequent business travelers. Passengers can pick the line that best fits their experience level, and security workers will also be present to direct them to the appropriate lane.

The idea is that lines will move faster for the “casual” and “business” lanes, while those in the “novice” line can receive the extra attention they may require without feeling pressured by those behind them. “Business” lanes are also easier on security personnel, as fewer people in those lanes attempt to bring prohibited items with them. The Transportation Security Administration has already tested this system at airports in Denver and Salt Lake City and is considering implementing the program in O’Hare as soon as this summer.

It may be a few weeks before the efficiency of this program can be appropriately evaluated, but several passengers are already enjoying it. Older travelers take their time without feeling rushed, while businesspeople kick off their shoes and organize their personal items in seconds.

What about you? Which line do you belong in?

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) polomex (1, 2, 3)

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

If you need a hotel that is a bit more budget-friendly, but you still want to be close to all the downtown lights and sights, take a look at this list. Here are 10 of the best hotels (in alphabetical order) within 5 miles (8 km) of Millennium Park whose lowest average rates are less than $150.^[1]

• The Allerton Hotel on Magnificent Mile
• Belden-Stratford Hotel
• Best Western River North
• Club Quarters, Central Loop
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown
• Hampton Inn and Suites – Chicago Downtown
• Holiday Inn Chicago – Mart Plaza
• Hotel Burnham
• Seneca Hotel & Suites
• Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers

And remember Millennium Park is just one of several free attractions here in Chicago!

Photo credit: (c/o SXC) Marcelo Moura

^[1] Hotels.com. Retrieved May 7, 2008.

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

This week, the b5media Travel & Culture Channel is celebrating a Theme Day, featuring the photogenic side of our blogs. With that in mind, I present a few fantastic photos of eight great places you can visit for free here in the Windy City.

8. Lincoln Park Zoo

7. Millennium Park

6. Tribune Tower

5. Oak Street Beach

4. Grant Park

3. Buckingham Fountain

2. Chicago Cultural Center

1. Garfield Park Conservatory

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) vicki wolkins, terren in Virginia, Giant Ginkgo, Zach Klein, jimfrazier, arch2452, Joslynan, Creativity+ Timothy K Hamilton, paulmcdee, puroticorico

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

If you’re scheduling a trip to Chicago and haven’t planned a trip to Millennium Park, you’re definitely missing out. The fact that it opened in July 2004 (not 2000) and was three times more expensive than anyone had planned just goes to show how much work went into this state-of-the-art attraction.

Oh sure, it may seem simple, comprised mostly of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Cloud Gate, and Crown Fountain. But each one of those features is nothing like anything you’ve seen before. This northern section of Grant Park is a showcase for postmodern architecture, featuring a bandshell with curving planes of stainless steel, a reflective “bean,” and two waterfall towers.

Once a collection of unattractive parking lots and railroad tracks, Millennium Park is now one of the most eye-catching public parks in the city. The Millennium Park Welcome Center is open seven days a week and offers park maps, free guided tours, and a wheelchair sign-out service. Downloadable maps and brochures are available at the Park’s website, as well as free audio tours.

Photo credit: Grant Park Music Festival Internet Press Kit, (c/o Flickr) Tojosan, David Paul Ohmer

Millennium Park Welcome Center: 201 E Randolph St; 312-742-1168
Fall & Winter
Daily: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Spring & Summer
Daily: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
24-hour underground parking (www.MillenniumGarages.com)
Public trans: Bus # 3, 4, X4, 6, 14, 20, X20, 26, 60, 124, 127, 143, 145, 147, 148, 151, 157
Red/Blue Line train (Washington)
Orange/Pink/Green/Purple/Brown Line train (Madison, Randolph)
Metra Electric/ South Shore Line (Randolph)
http://www.millenniumpark.org/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler