Latest news with #ChicagoO'HareInternationalAirport
Business Wire
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Arajet Announces Chicago O'Hare Route, Now Servicing Five Major U.S. Cities
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Arajet, the low-fare Dominican airline, today announced direct flights between Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) and Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), set to begin on November 15. The new city represents a significant expansion of Arajet's U.S. network, reinforcing the airline's commitment to establishing the Dominican Republic as the premier air hub of the Caribbean. One-way flights starting at $117 (USD) are on sale now at with promo code: 'HolaChicago.' 'Flying to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, one of the most important airports in the world, represents an exciting new chapter for Arajet as we increase our presence to a total of five key U.S. cities. This expansion opens the skies to Punta Cana by connecting U.S. travelers directly to one of the most desirable vacation spots in the Caribbean,' said Victor Pacheco, CEO and founder of Arajet. 'Our continued growth enables greater connectivity for both tourists and the Dominican diaspora while supporting tourism and economic opportunity across the region.' Establishing A Gateway in the Midwest The launch of service from Chicago O'Hare marks Arajet's first route in the Midwest, a key step in broadening the airline's reach beyond the Northeast and Southeast corridors. The area's sizable Latin population and strong demand for Caribbean travel make Chicago an important new market for Arajet's U.S. growth. The new nonstop route gives Midwestern travelers direct access to Punta Cana's beaches, resorts, and onward connections, without the need for layovers or added costs. Flights will be three days per week, departing every Monday, Tuesday and Saturday. With this new route, Arajet now offers direct service between the Dominican Republic and five major U.S. cities: Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York, and San Juan. The airline has grown rapidly since beginning U.S. ticket sales in February 2025. The addition of Chicago follows strong demand for the airline's recently launched Miami operations and Boston route, which have seen rapid ticket sales and multiple sold-out flights—a clear signal of growing appetite for affordable, direct access to warm-weather destinations. A top Dominican destination known globally for its pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and year-round sunshine, Punta Cana also serves as a strategic link in Arajet's broader network to seamlessly connect travelers to Arajet's 13 onward destinations across the Caribbean and Latin America. Travelers from Chicago will benefit from Arajet's fuel-efficient fleet, low-cost fares, and nonstop service to the heart of the Caribbean. "On behalf of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, I am proud to welcome Arajet's new service to Punta Cana at O'Hare International Airport," said CDA Acting Commissioner Tracey Payne. "This new route strengthens Chicago's global connections and offers travelers an escape to warm weather just ahead of the winter season. It also provides Chicagoans of Dominican descent with a convenient option to visit loved ones back home aboard their nation's flag carrier." Learn more about Arajet or book a flight at About Arajet Arajet is the flagship airline of the Dominican Republic. After beginning operations in 2022, it operates two bases, in Las Americas Airport in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana International Airport, with a new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft fleet. The airline provides safe and affordable travel to and between the Dominican Republic and various destinations in North, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean. For more information, visit
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Arajet Announces Chicago O'Hare Route, Now Servicing Five Major U.S. Cities
The airline's first Midwest route offers efficient and affordable travel to Punta Cana. SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, May 20, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Arajet, the low-fare Dominican airline, today announced direct flights between Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) and Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), set to begin on November 15. The new city represents a significant expansion of Arajet's U.S. network, reinforcing the airline's commitment to establishing the Dominican Republic as the premier air hub of the Caribbean. One-way flights starting at $117 (USD) are on sale now at with promo code: "HolaChicago." "Flying to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, one of the most important airports in the world, represents an exciting new chapter for Arajet as we increase our presence to a total of five key U.S. cities. This expansion opens the skies to Punta Cana by connecting U.S. travelers directly to one of the most desirable vacation spots in the Caribbean," said Victor Pacheco, CEO and founder of Arajet. "Our continued growth enables greater connectivity for both tourists and the Dominican diaspora while supporting tourism and economic opportunity across the region." Establishing A Gateway in the Midwest The launch of service from Chicago O'Hare marks Arajet's first route in the Midwest, a key step in broadening the airline's reach beyond the Northeast and Southeast corridors. The area's sizable Latin population and strong demand for Caribbean travel make Chicago an important new market for Arajet's U.S. growth. The new nonstop route gives Midwestern travelers direct access to Punta Cana's beaches, resorts, and onward connections, without the need for layovers or added costs. Flights will be three days per week, departing every Monday, Tuesday and Saturday. With this new route, Arajet now offers direct service between the Dominican Republic and five major U.S. cities: Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York, and San Juan. The airline has grown rapidly since beginning U.S. ticket sales in February 2025. The addition of Chicago follows strong demand for the airline's recently launched Miami operations and Boston route, which have seen rapid ticket sales and multiple sold-out flights—a clear signal of growing appetite for affordable, direct access to warm-weather destinations. A top Dominican destination known globally for its pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and year-round sunshine, Punta Cana also serves as a strategic link in Arajet's broader network to seamlessly connect travelers to Arajet's 13 onward destinations across the Caribbean and Latin America. Travelers from Chicago will benefit from Arajet's fuel-efficient fleet, low-cost fares, and nonstop service to the heart of the Caribbean. "On behalf of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, I am proud to welcome Arajet's new service to Punta Cana at O'Hare International Airport," said CDA Acting Commissioner Tracey Payne. "This new route strengthens Chicago's global connections and offers travelers an escape to warm weather just ahead of the winter season. It also provides Chicagoans of Dominican descent with a convenient option to visit loved ones back home aboard their nation's flag carrier." Learn more about Arajet or book a flight at About Arajet Arajet is the flagship airline of the Dominican Republic. After beginning operations in 2022, it operates two bases, in Las Americas Airport in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana International Airport, with a new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft fleet. The airline provides safe and affordable travel to and between the Dominican Republic and various destinations in North, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts U.S. Media Laura ShubelBIG FISH PR for Arajetarajet@ 617-713-3800 Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Left-Wing Pundit Claims Border Agents Stopped Him at Airport for 2-Hour Questioning About His Views on Trump and Gaza
Hasan Piker claimed on YouTube that he was 'detained' and questioned by U.S. border patrol agents at the Chicago O'Hare International Airport upon his return from a Mother's Day trip to France. Piker said the agents asked him questions about his stance on President Donald Trump and the Israeli war. The Turkish-American political commentator is a U.S. citizen who was born in New political commentator Hasan Piker is claiming that he was recently 'detained' at the airport and questioned by federal agents because of his political views — a story that's been met with swift denials from the Department of Homeland Security. Piker, 33, alleges in a YouTube video posted Monday, May 12, that he was pulled aside by border patrol agents at Chicago O'Hare International Airport as he returned to the United States from his family's Mother's Day trip in France. He says he was flagged down while getting scanned for Global Entry and moved into a 'detention center' at the airport. While there, Piker says he was interrogated by agents with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, who were 'cordial' in their approach and asked him simple questions about his job — where he streams games and talks about 'current events' — before eventually turning to his stance on President Donald Trump and the Israeli war. 'I'm sitting there and they're asking me about Trump,' Piker says in the video. 'They're asking me about Hamas, and he kept saying stuff like, 'Do you like Hamas? Like, do you support Hamas? Do you think Hamas is a resistance group?' ' Related: ICE Took a Trump Supporter's Wife as They Returned from Their Honeymoon. Still, He Says, 'I Don't Regret the Vote' Piker alleges that the agents 'kept asking over and over again' about his views on the Israel-Gaza war and he 'kept repeating' that he was 'on the side of civilians,' was a 'pacifist' and wanted the 'endless bloodshed to end.' He claimed that the agent was attempting to try to 'get me to say something like, 'Oh I support Hamas' or whatever is not allowed.' 'Like why is this denying me entry into the country of my birth?,' he questioned. 'This is my birthright. I'm an American citizen. You can't just stop me at the f------ border and be like, 'What's your opinion on Donald Trump?' ' Responding to Piker's story, a Department of Homeland Security official tells PEOPLE in a statement that the YouTube video "is nothing but lying for likes," adding that the claims 'that his political beliefs triggered the inspection are baseless.' 'Our officers are following the law, not agendas. Upon entering the country, this individual was referred for further inspection — a routine, lawful process that occurs daily, and can apply for any traveler," the statement continues. "Once his inspection was complete, he was promptly released.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Piker notes in the video that he was released, but suggests that the 'goal' with the interrogation was to 'put fear into people's hearts.' He also accuses the government of being 'unafraid' of using intimidation tactics because of a person's political views or 'speech.' 'Does this stop me from saying whatever the fuck I want to say? Of course not,' Piker says. 'Don't be ridiculous. But the reason why I wanted to talk about it was to give you more insight into what the government is doing, and to speak out against this sort of stuff.' Related: Donald Trump Says He'd Be 'Honored' to Deport Americans to El Salvador Prison: 'I'm All for It' In response to the video, Chip Gibbons — who is part of the Defending Rights & Dissent organization, which works to defend U.S. citizens' civil liberties — told The Guardian in a statement that they were "deeply disturbed" to learn of the news. 'We are deeply disturbed that CBP is stopping political commentators at the border to interrogate them about first amendment-protected activities. Such an abuse of power is an affront to press freedom," he wrote. Read the original article on People
Express Tribune
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Hasan Piker detained by ICE: Streamer details re-entry to US
Popular Twitch streamer and political commentator Hasan Piker, known online as HasanAbi, says he was detained and questioned by US border agents for nearly two hours at Chicago O'Hare International Airport on Sunday after returning from Paris. Piker, a U.S. citizen and prominent left-wing voice with over 2.8 million Twitch followers, said Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers took him aside despite his enrollment in Global Entry — a program designed to expedite entry for 'pre-approved, low-risk' travelers. He alleges agents questioned him extensively about his political views, opinion of President Donald Trump, and whether he had ties to foreign militant groups. 'They knew who I was and they were ready to receive me... and it wasn't a very warm welcome,' Piker said during a livestream on Monday. Twitch streamer Hasan Piker confirms that the Trump Administration has been monitoring him for some time. They detained him at the airport and asked him about his Twitch bans and his anti-Trump coverage.💀 — Hasanabi productions (meme account) (@HasanabiProd) May 12, 2025 Piker described the interaction as cordial but invasive, detailing questions related to Hamas, the Houthis, and Hezbollah, as well as his stance on Israel's war in Gaza. He said he responded by affirming that he does not support any terrorist organization, and expressed his general opposition to war. 'Every time he asked a leading question about Hamas, I kept saying: the US State Department recognizes Hamas as a terrorist organization,' Piker said. According to Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, Piker's detention was 'a routine, lawful process', not influenced by political views. 'Our officers are following the law, not agendas,' she stated. However, Piker believes his detainment was politically motivated, especially in light of the Trump administration's increasing scrutiny of critics and pro-Palestinian voices. The incident follows similar reports involving green-card holders and US citizens who have expressed views critical of US foreign policy or Trump's governance. During questioning, Piker said he was asked about his public stance on Trump, to which he replied: 'I don't like Trump. It's protected by the First Amendment. He said he'd end the wars. He hasn't.' Following his release, Piker said he was given a document with instructions to file a redress complaint through the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program. Legal experts and civil rights advocates have raised concerns about growing reports of political profiling at US ports of entry. As Trump's second term sees heightened immigration enforcement and expanded surveillance powers, activists warn that freedom of expression may face renewed threats. Piker, who continues to stream regularly and comment on global politics, said he does not intend to stop voicing his opinions: 'I'm going to use the privilege that I have to try and see what they're doing. Because I'm an American citizen — this is my birthright.' the dhs response is so funny cus they're not even disputing that it happened, they're omitting the insane questions that were asked, & instead claiming that i wasn't targeted for my political beliefs. why'd y'all ask me about trump, israel, houthis, hamas and my twitch bans then? — hasanabi (@hasanthehun) May 13, 2025
Newsweek
05-05-2025
- Newsweek
Real ID: 5 States Where Your Driver's License Meets Requirements
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. If you have an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), also called an Enhanced ID, from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York or Vermont you do not need to apply for a Real ID. The Context Starting May 7, 2025, standard driver's licenses will no longer be accepted for boarding domestic flights or accessing federal facilities. Travelers aged 18 and older will need a Real ID-compliant license or another form of federally recognized ID, such as a passport. The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, was designed to enhance security by establishing a standardized identification system across all 50 states. While the law was initially set to take effect in 2007, its implementation has been delayed multiple times. What To Know Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont are essentially exempt from the new rule as they provide the option to opt for an EDL instead. While Real IDs display a star-shaped emblem in the right-hand corner, EDLs display the image of a U.S. flag in the right-hand corner or the word "enhanced" at the top of the card, CBS News reports. A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) spokesperson previously told Newsweek: "In addition to REAL ID-compliant cards marked with a star, TSA will continue to accept Enhanced Driver's Licensees (EDLs). EDLs are state-issued enhanced driver's licenses that provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship when crossing the U.S. border. EDLs are available in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington." As of April 2025, approximately 81 percent of travelers at airport security checkpoints presented a Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport, according to TSA figures. Multiple Americans reported having issues with getting appointments for Real ID applications and called for an extension to the deadline. A U.S. Department of Homeland Security "Real ID" compliant driver's license sign outside the TSA checkpoint at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Wednesday, Apr. 23, 2025 in Chicago. A U.S. Department of Homeland Security "Real ID" compliant driver's license sign outside the TSA checkpoint at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Wednesday, Apr. 23, 2025 in Chicago. AP Applications for Real IDs will still be accepted after the deadline. In the meantime, other forms of identification will be required. Authorities have advised people without Real ID to arrive at airports three hours before their flight to verify their ID, and warned that they risk being turned away. Acceptable alternatives to a Real ID include a state-issued enhanced driver's license, U.S. passport or passport card, DHS-trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry or Nexus), U.S. Department of Defense ID, Veteran Health Identification Card, U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential, or ID from a federally recognized tribal nation. Foreign government-issued passports, permanent resident cards, border crossing cards, and Canadian provincial driver's licenses are also valid. What People Are Saying A TSA spokesperson said: "Noncompliant marked cards have no star and include language such as, 'Not for REAL ID purposes' or 'Not for Federal ID.' 'Legacy' non-compliant cards are licenses or IDs issued prior to a state beginning to issue REAL ID-compliant cards and have neither a star nor non-compliant language. Temporary state-issued documents are not accepted at all airport checkpoints, so passengers will need to arrive at the airport with an acceptable form of ID, such as a passport. "To avoid delays at airport checkpoints, travelers flying on or after May 7 will need to arrive with their state-issued REAL ID or an acceptable form of ID from this list." TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in January: "Identity verification is foundational to security. I urge those who use a driver's license or state-issued identity card as their primary form of identification to access federal facilities or board commercial passenger aircraft, to ensure these credentials are REAL ID-compliant What Happens Next If your current license is not Real ID-compliant, you'll need to make an appointment with your local office and bring your current form of ID.
