East Coast Storms Loom, But Travel At O'Hare Smooth Sailing So Far

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Storms out east have been snarling flights for many travelers ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, but for the most part, it's been smooth sailing for people using O'Hare International Airport on Wednesday.

Though there were long lines at security checkpoints, those lines were moving quickly, and so far the storms along the Eastern seaboard have had little effect at O'Hare.

Travelers, who were treated to free coffee and juice as they navigated lines at ticket counters and security checkpoints, were taking it all in stride, knowing the airport was going to be busy on the day before Thanksgiving.

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Art Donovan, from Darien, showed up 90 minutes early for his flight, but after seeing how quickly lines were moving, he realized he could have waited a little longer to get to O'Hare.

"I could have got another cup of coffee," he said.

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The American Airlines departure board showed almost no cancellations or delays, but some people looked to the East with trepidation.

In all, 1.9 million people were expected to fly through O'Hare and Midway International Airport over the long holiday weekend.

"Airlines are providing more amenities, better prices for tickets, and people are just getting out more," Chicago Department of Aviation spokeswoman Karen Pride said.

Pride said, despite how quickly lines were moving Wednesday afternoon, travelers should get to the airport two hours before their departure time for domestic flights, and three hours ahead of departure time for international flights.

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