Turkey Day Travel? Heidi's O'Hare Hot Spots

Heidi Barker, NBC5 Street Team (Video)

So, here’s what’s going to happen:

The media hype will scare you into arriving for your Thanksgiving flight 2 hours (or more) ahead of time. You will subsequently get through security and then seemingly have nothing to do for an hour til your flight boards. But, as a frequent flyer, I can tell you there are fun ways to kill some time at the airport. I am only mentioning my fave things to do in O’Hare’s Terminal 3 (American) as I tend to fly that airline most often.

First stop: The Back Rub Hub. This is a chair massage therapy center where you can get a tune-up on your neck and shoulders by licensed therapists. Whether you just have time for a 10-minute rub or can get a longer 30-minute session, this therapeutic “timeout” will relax and rejuvenate you before your flight. Of course, your muscles will tighten up again once you’re in that tiny airplane seat, but a little massage is better than none at all!

Second stop: Mrs. Field’s Cookies. As a certified chocoholic, I think it should be illegal to pass by a Mrs. Field’s without buying a cookie. My favorite: Milk Chocolate without Nuts. Have a long flight? Buy a variety of “nibblers” to munch on while you’re in the air. Share with your plane seatmates and you’ll have friends for life. (Hint: in addition to the cookies you see, there may be others that are fresh out of the oven! Just ask, “Hey do you happen to have anything warm right now?” and you may luck out.)

Third stop: Hudson’s Book Corner. Browse, or buy a magazine or a bestseller to read on your flight.

Fourth stop: Brookstone. So many gadgets, so little time! You’ll have fun exploring this store!

Final stop: Food Court. Note: Mrs. Field’s Cookies is near the front of the terminal, so you had to get dessert first. But in the food court, you’ll find your main grub, from Chinese to Pizza to Mexican to McDonald’s (btw, Mickie D’s new warm chocolate chip cookies rival that of Mrs. Field’s and are much cheaper!) Want to support Chi-town? Reggio’s Pizza is locally owned and operated. Take your food on the plane, because unless you’re in first class, they’re giving you jack to eat in coach.

Those are my favorite stops. What are your regular spots at O’Hare or Midway? Any helpful hints for your fellow travelers?

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

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