eXpect delaYs Travel Delay Blog

A new sit-down Italian restaurant comes to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Stefani's Tuscani Cafe opened in Terminal 1, concourse B and will serve travelers full service Italian cuisine, as well as breakfast, in either an elegant dining room or sidewalk cafe setting.

Full details about this new Chicago O'Hare airport restaurant are provided in the following press release issued by HMSHost on December 5, 2008: (See the full list of Chicago O'Hare Airport Terminal 1 Concourse B & C Restaurants and Bars)

O’HARE TRAVELERS WINE AND DINE AT STEFANI’S TUSCANY CAFÉ

CHICAGO – Phil Stefani’s line of Signature Restaurants has arrived at O’Hare International Airport with the opening of Stefani’s Tuscany Café in Terminal 1, Concourse B near Gate 18. O’Hare’s newest sit-down restaurant is a comfortable trattoria and bar serving northern Italian dining specialties including homemade pastas, gourmet pizzas and flavorful wines. “Stefani’s Tuscany Café offers our travelers a taste of Italy as well as a true Chicago dining experience,” said Aviation Commissioner Richard L. Rodriguez. “We are pleased to provide another Chicago tradition at O’Hare.”

From its roots on Taylor Street in the heart of Chicago's “Little Italy” neighborhood, to the many successful locations across the Chicago area, Stefani’s Tuscany Café has become the benchmark for high quality, full service Italian cuisine. HMSHost, a world leader in travel dining and shopping, brought the concept to the airport, with an emphasis on speed of service and convenience for travelers. Tuscany’s authentic Italian menu includes mouthwatering appetizers, hearty soups and salads, gourmet pizzas, homemade pastas, savory entrees and delicious desserts. The restaurant’s wide selection of wines and beverages are the perfect pair for any of the incredible dishes.

For passengers with early flights, Tuscany offers traditional breakfast options like omelets and French toast, and serves fresh Lavazza® coffee. “Phil Stefani is very excited to work with HMSHost and the Department of Aviation to bring Stefani's Tuscany Café to Chicago O'Hare International Airport. We look forward to serving Chicago travelers flying in and out of O’Hare,” said Steven Hartenstein, CEO and CFO, Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants.

The O’Hare Stefani’s Tuscany Café décor is based on the original restaurant on Taylor Street. The kitchen is open to an elegant dining room with warm mahogany wood. Wrought iron chandeliers and wall sconces, and terra-cotta floor tiles capture the look and feel of a trattoria in Italy’s Tuscany region. The restaurant’s sidewalk café, complete with umbrellas and flower planters, creates an experience similar to the hundreds of sidewalk cafes throughout Chicago in the summer months.

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Other Chicago O'Hare International Airport Terminal 1 Concourse B & C Airport Restaurants, Bars and Concessions

Stefani's joins other Terminal 1 (Both Concourse B & C) Chicago O'Hare airport restaurants, bars, fast-food places and concessions including: (Restaurant & Bar Descriptions are provided by the Chicago O'Hare International Airport Web Site and do not necessarily represent our personal opinions)

Berghoff Cafe - The Berghoff family operates one of the oldest restaurants in Chicago.  This bar and carvery at O'Hare offers hand-carved sandwiches, salads, pizza, and their Berghoff label beer along with a full complement of beer, wine and liquor.

Billy Goat Tavern and Grill - "Cheezburger! Cheezburger! Cheezburger! No Pepsi; Coke. No fries; cheeps." This infamous line from the Saturday Night Live skit is said to be inspired from the Billy Goat Tavern. Aside from just cheeseburgers, the menu also includes rib-eye steak sandwiches, a breakfast menu with ham and cheese omelets, and other delicious entrees.

Budweiser Bar - If you're looking for a place to unwind, stop by the Budweiser Bar for their selection of beer, wine and liquor

Cafe Zoot - If you are in a hurry and would like a delicious oven baked sandwich, check out Zoots.  They also feature quesadillas, ice cream, smoothies, Intelligentsia Fresh Roasted Coffees, and pastries. Great food and great service in a flash!

Chicago Style Hot Dogs

Chili's - Enjoy good food and a great atmosphere at Chili's where you can dine-in or carry-out your favorite meals.  Chili's offers their Big Mouth Burgers, Guiltless Grill, and their famous Baby Back Ribs.

Cinnabon - Known for their great service, complementary samples, and warm atmosphere, treat yourself to Cinnabon's warm cinnamon roll, a Mochalatta Chill, or a fresh copy of Seattle's Best Coffee anytime. 

Connie's Pizza

Corner Bakery - At the Corner Bakery, you'll find all sorts of delicious items, just like mom used to make.  From generous-sized sandwiches, to hot soups, and delicious desserts, no one will leave hungry!

Eli's Cheesecake - Created in the kitchen of Eli's restaurant, where superstars like Frank Sinatra, Sean Connery, and Liza Minelli came to dine, Eli's cheesecake has become a Chicago tradition and one of the best-selling cheesecakes in America.  You can buy one slice, or take home an entire cheesecake.

Flying Fare

Galileo's - Stop for a drink at Galileo's serving a fully array of beer, wine premium spirits and soft drinks.

Garrett Popcorn - Read more in the eXpect delaYs Blog story about Garrett Popcorn Shops.

Great American Bagel - Looking for a great place to grab a healthy breakfast for lunch?  Try the Great American Bagel for delicious fare. 

Jazz Bar - Come enjoy a comfortable atmosphere and a selection of beer, wine, and spirits at the Jazz Bar.

La Tapenade Mediterranean Cafe

Manchu Wok

McDonald's - This international hamburger chain is well known around the world for their affordable family fare of hamburgers, chicken, salads, and desserts.

Nuts on Clark

Quick Connection

Quizno's - Relax and enjoy delicious subs, salad, sandwiches, soft drinks and more!  You can ask for a  lunch or dinner to go and take it on your flight.

Reggio's Pizza - If you're looking for some great Chicago-style pizza, don't miss Reggio's!

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Salad Works - Voted "Best Greens at O'Hare International Airport" by Chicago Magazine.  Looking for a light, healthy meal? The Salad Works has everything you want for a delicious experience.

Smoothie King

Starbuck's Coffee - Have a great day with one of Starbucks coffee creations - prepared just the way you like it! Starbucks also offers other items to eat, ready to go. 

TCBY - Enjoy a frozen treat from The Country's Best Yogurt!  The hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily.  For more information call 773-686-8473.

The Grove - Looking for a snack? Come to The Grove for a wide selection of bulk candy, nuts and dried fruits.

Vosges Haut-Chocolat

Wings Bar

Wolfgang Puck - Critically acclaimed chef Wolfgang Puck brings fine dining to O'Hare International Airport.  The eclectic interior design and savory dishes are a treat for the eyes and palette

Sea-Tac Airport to feature local musicians and other entertainment for the 2008 holiday season

Seattle – Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac Airport) (SEA) – December 2008: (updated December 19, 2008) -- Seattle–Tacoma International Airport is launching a Music program for the holiday season as part of the Seattle City of Music Initiative. The Sea-Tac Airport music program will feature selected local musicians who will appear at the airport and play for travelers. All performers will have CD's of their music for sale, so if you like what you hear, you can take it with you.

The Seattle–Tacoma International Airport music program will kick off on December 16 with live piano performances in the Central Terminal beginning at 5 a.m. Performances are scheduled throughout the holiday season and will take place at various places throughout the Sea-Tac Airport.

A schedule of holiday events has been posted on the Sea-Tac website. In addition to music, other entertainment is scheduled, such as games, and visits by Santa, elves, and a Toy Soldier.

Performers interested in joining the program should e-mail Airport Concessions at concessions-business-development@portseattle.org. This seasonal entertainment is sponsored by the merchants of Pacific Marketplace at Sea-Tac Airport.
(originally posted December 6, 2008)

"The Berlin Airlift - A Legacy of Friendship" Exhibit on view at Sea-Tac Airport through December 31, 2008

Seattle - Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac, SEA) -- December 2008 -- This December, if your travels bring you to the Seattle - Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) you may want to check out the exhibit on the Berlin Airlift. The exhibit commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift. In 1948 the Soviets attempted to gain control of all of Berlin, which had been divided amongst the Soviet Union and the Allies after World War II, by cutting off all ground access to the city. President Harry S. Truman and his administration instituted the Berlin Airlift, which brought supplies to Berlin until 1949.

The exhibit consists of 60 photo panels and is located pre-security in the Main Terminal in the south end of the ticketing level, behind the SAS ticket counters, and next to the bank of elevators that serve the Airport Office Building, according to the Sea-Tac airport web site.

You can also learn A LOT more about the Berlin Airlift at the Truman Library website (http://www.trumanlibrary.org/whistlestop/study_collections/berlin_airlift/large/index.php)

You can also learn more about other diversions at Seattle - Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) in our Blog articles about the Sea-Tac Airport Ships in Bottles Exhibit and Sea-Tac Airport Holiday Season Live Music Program.

Airport children's play areas and other kids entertainment are available in many of the busiest US airports

If you are traveling with children, you likely would appreciate airport facilities to keep the kids entertained while you wait for your flight or during an airport layover. The good news is that many of the busiest US airports have children's play areas or other diversions to help keep the kids entertained and happy. We have compiled a list of the airport children's facilities and diversions available in the 10 busiest US airports to help you keep you kids happy and entertained during your next trip.*

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) Children's Play Areas

The play areas for small children near Gates A8 and A23 have recently been removed and no airport operated play areas are currently available.

The Atlanta airport has number of art exhibits, some of which may interest children, such as the dinosaur skeleton in the Atrium, stone sculptures on the transportation mall pedestrian corridor between concourses A and T, and youth art exhibits on concourses T, D and E. See the eXpect delaYs Blog article about Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport art for more details.

For additional information visit Fun On The Fly which lists activities outside of the airport, the Family Fun area which also lists kid-friendly airport stores and restaurants as well as the locations of airport family restrooms, and the Hartsfield Kids web site.

There is mention on the web of 2 entertainment areas for children provided by airlines at the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport:

--The first is Tran Land playland by AirTran Airways located on Concourse C gate #7 and/or across from the restrooms Gates #10-12. This is not open to the public and is only for unaccompanied minors flying on AirTran Airways.

--The second is Dusty Dens by Delta Airlines.  I am in the process of confirming that these exist anymore. These areas are located on Concourse A at gate #32, Concourse B at gate #23, and Concourse T on the 3rd floor next to the Delta breakroom. Rumor has it that Dusty Dens , likeTran Land, are for traveling unaccompanied minors, but it may be worth checking these out for yourself.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) Children's Play Areas

There is no children's play area, but the kids may enjoy the rocking chairs in the Atrium, or listening to someone playing the Atrium grand piano. There are also art exhibits around the airport, some of which may interest children, such as a half scale replica of the original Wright Flyer displayed on Concourse E.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) Children's Play Areas

Chicago O'Hare International Airport has two children's play and entertainment areas which are both entertaining as well as educational.
--One is the Kids on the Fly interactive exhibit on Terminal 2 which was designed by the Chicago Children's Museum and has a number of interactive exhibits, such as a control tower, cargo plane and helicopter.
--The second is the Play It Safe exhibit on Terminal 5 which is provided by the Chicago Fire Department and the Chicago Children's Museum. It is designed to allow kids to learn about and practice the proper responses to emergencies, and to learn about fire and safety.

Family restroms are available on Terminals 2 and 3.

The City of Chicago has a Kid's Corner web page which includes airport and aviation information and history, as well as information about Chicago O'Hare International Airport children's play areas.

Dallas - Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW) Children's Play Areas

DFW has 3 children's play areas.
--A McDonalds play area is located in Terminal D near Gate D30.
--There are 2 Pepsi Junior Flyers Clubs, which are aviation themed play areas for kids. They are located in Terminal B at Gate B12 and in Terminal C at Gate C14 and have models of runways, airplanes and control towers, among other things.

Information about these DFW Children's play areas and other airport services can be found at the DFW Services web page.

Denver International Airport (DEN) Children's Play Areas

An airport children's play area is located on Concourse B.

Musicians and Dancers will provide live entertainment in a variety of locations during the holiday season, until December 31, 2008. The schedule is available on the Denver International Airport Arts Home Page. Art exhibits are also present throughout the airport, and details can be found on the Arts page as well.

Although this diversion only lasts a minute or two, when you are riding the train between terminals,  have the kids look out the window at the thousands of little spinning propellers on the walls of the train tunnel.

Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) Children's Play Areas

This airport does not have a children's play area. Although a few postings on the web say that there is a play area at this airport provided by Southwest Airlines, my personal communication with customer service at this airport on October 13, 2008 confirms that no children's play area is present at this time. However, the development of a play area is currently under consideration. There is also a mention of game rooms on the second floor of the terminal on the airport's Terminals and Amenities page, but no further specifics are given.

Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) Children's Play Areas

A Kids Play Area is located in the D Gates area. The aviation-themed area features an interactive mini control tower and mock jet engine, as well as murals designed by students.

Although this area is outside of security, depending on how much time you have, you may consider visiting the Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum in the Esplanade area of Terminal 1 on level 2. Here you and the kids can learn about the history of aviation in Southern Nevada by viewing a short video presentation and looking at exhibits in over 30 display cases. Additional exhibits are located throughout the airport as well.

Art exhibits are also located throughout the airport.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Children's Play Areas

The LAX web site does not list any airport children's play areas and LAX community relations confirmed that there are none. There are occasional posts on the web about a Dusty's Den (Delta's play area), although details are not available on the LAX or Delta Airlines web sites so I assume these are a thing of the past, but it may be worth a look around the Delta gates if you are in the area.

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) Children's Play Areas

Philadelphia International Airport offers two educational airport children's play areas. The Aviation Play Station is located in Terminal D adjacent to Gate D-10 and Ready For Takeoff is located in Terminal A-East near Gate A-1. Both play areas features interactive displays specifically designed to introduce children to the exciting world of aviation. Hands-on items in Aviation Play Station include a jumbo-jet where children can get inside to be both passengers and crewmembers, and a smaller airplane featuring hand controls where children can activate a spinning propeller In Ready For Takeoff there is a control tower, jumbo jet and tug. For additional information, visit the PHL Kid's Corner web site.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) Children's Play Areas

There are a total of four airport children's play areas at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Members of the military, veterans and their families can use the Military and Veterans Hospitality Lounge in Terminal 2 before security on the second floor of the lobby, which includes a play area for children.
The three other airport children's play areas are located past security and are for anyone to use:
Terminal 2 in the Gates 1-13 concourse.
Terminal 3 in the South concourse.
Terminal 4 in the International concourse.

The Phoenix Airports also have an extensive art collection, with art distributed throughout the airport.

Additional Resources:

The Denver International Airport Web Site has detailed information for traveling with children, as well as information about children traveling alone.

Not one of the top 10 busiest airports, but worth noting:

Boston Logan Airport (BOS) has two airport children's play areas, called Kidport. They are located in Terminals A and C. The terminal A location is located at gate A18 and has a replica of the Logan airport control tower. The terminal C location has entertaining and educational hands on exhibits as well as two kid-friendly dining establishment.

We hope this information helps keep you and your children happy and entertained during your travels. Remember, if you eXpect delaYs, you can beat them!

*All information is as provided by the airport web sites and via personnel communication with airport representative. Please let us know if any of the information provided is incorrect.

US Airline Online Checked Baggage Fee Payment Options And Baggage Policies  (as of December 15, 2009)

Some information in this article is out of date as of July 2009. Please see the updated version of this article: Prepay Airline Checked Baggage Fees Online To Save Money - If You Can!

Some US Airlines allow passengers to pay their checked luggage fees online, generally during online check-in, within 24 hours of their flight. This article lists those airlines that provide this option. In addition, since airline baggage fees and restrictions have become fairly complex and vary by airline and destination, we also have attempted to provide pertinent information and links to help you understand the airlines' policies to prevent unexpected charges and delays.

Most people who have traveled recently on a major US airline are aware of the checked baggage fees which virtually all major airlines have instituted this past year. All the major US airlines except Southwest (1st 2 bags free) and JetBlue (1st bag free) charge for both the first and second checked bags on domestic flights, and all the airlines add surcharges for exceeding weight and size limits.

In addition to first and second checked bags fees on domestic flights, all major US airlines charge for overweight and oversize bags and add a surcharge for a large number of bags, usually considered to be three or more. Policies, weights and fees vary by airline, and have been changing fairly regularly. Most airlines charge first and second bag fees on domestic flights (with "domestic" often also including Canada, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands), while most US airlines generally still allow one or two bags to be taken without additional charge (assuming that they do not exceed size and weight restrictions) on international flights which include travel from or to the US. The definition of international travel and policies also vary by airline. Many airlines only consider "international" to be Europe, Africa and Asia for the purposes of these fees. Also note that most airlines will not accept a piece of luggage over certain size and weight limits, even for a charge. Most airlines will also provide some exceptions to these fees for travelers who are elite members of their frequent flier programs, are flying first or business class, and sometimes for those flying full fare coach/economy. All major US airlines provide exceptions for active military personnel traveling to/from duty assignments (although the allowances may not be unlimited). Remember to adhere to baggage guidelines to avoid unexpected charges and delays, particularly if you have paid the checked baggage fees in advance.

The following is a list of the major US Airlines, links to their checked baggage policies and information on paying checked bag fees in advance online:

note: most airlines do not allow online check-in more than 24 hours or less than 90 minutes prior to departure

AirTran Airways: Checked baggage fees may be paid online during online check-in within 24 hours of your flight. (AirTran Airways checked baggage policies)

American Airlines: No online checked bag fee payment options are available. American Airlines Checked Baggage Policies & American Airlines Checked Bag Allowances and Fees )

Continental Airlines: Credit card information can be entered for checked bag fees during online check-in, but fees are not charged until bags are checked-in at the airport. (Continental Airlines Checked Baggage Policies)

Delta Airlines: Checked baggage fees may be paid within 24 hours of your flight during online check-in. (Delta Airlines Baggage Policies & Delta Airlines Excess Baggage (Oversize, overweight, excess number of bags) Allowances and Fees)

Frontier Airlines: No online checked bag fee payment options are available. (Frontier Airlines Checked Baggage Policies - Domestic & Frontier Airlines Checked Baggage Policies - International)

JetBlue: When checking in online, passengers can indicate how many bags they are checking, however the checked bag fee must be paid at the airport when checking the bags.  (JetBlue Checked Baggage Policies) note: the first checked bag is free on JetBlue

Northwest Airlines: No online checked bag fee payment options are available, however passengers who have checked in on line may use nwa.com Checked Luggage Kiosks (at select airports) to check bags in. (Northwest Airlines Checked Baggage Information)

Southwest Airlines: Southwest has no first or second check bag fee charge; fees are charged for 3 or more bags and are not payable online. Southwest Airlines Checked Baggage Policies )

United Airlines: Checked baggage fees for up to 5 bags can be paid within 24 hours of your flight via United Airlines Web Check-in Online (United Airlines Checked Baggage Policies for the US & Canada  – United Airlines Checked Baggage Policy for International Travel)

US Airways: No online checked bag fee payment options are available currently, as of May 2009. However, beginning July 9, 2009, you'll be able to pay for checked bags when you check in online – $15 for your first checked bag and $25 for your second. For customers who choose to pay for checked bags at the airport, there will be an additional $5 service fee. (US Airways Checked Baggage Policies)

Remember, if you eXpect delaYs, you can beat them, and paying your luggage fees online and being aware of luggage quantity, size and weight restrictions and additional fees will save you a significant amount of time, trouble and money.