The length of air journey between Puerto Rico and Chicago is a key issue for vacationers planning journeys between these two locations. Usually, nonstop flights vary from roughly 4 to 5 hours. Connecting flights, which regularly contain a layover in one other metropolis, can considerably lengthen the general journey time.
Understanding typical journey durations is crucial for efficient journey planning. It permits vacationers to precisely estimate complete journey time, together with airport transfers and potential layovers, enabling higher time administration and extra real looking scheduling of actions. Traditionally, advances in aviation expertise have progressively decreased journey instances, facilitating simpler and extra frequent journey between distant places like Puerto Rico and Chicago.
Elements influencing the general length, akin to airline alternative, particular routes, and differences due to the season, will probably be mentioned additional on this article. Further subjects will embody suggestions for minimizing journey time, methods for managing layovers, and sources for locating probably the most environment friendly flight choices.
1. Nonstop Flights
Nonstop flights symbolize probably the most time-efficient choice for journey between Puerto Rico and Chicago. Eliminating intermediate landings considerably reduces total journey time, usually leading to a journey of roughly 4 to 5 hours. This direct routing contrasts sharply with connecting flights, which may add a number of hours to the whole journey time relying on the layover length and connecting airport. The supply of nonstop flights is a vital issue influencing the selection of airways and departure airports for vacationers prioritizing pace and comfort.
For instance, a nonstop flight departing from Luis Muoz Marn Worldwide Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and arriving at O’Hare Worldwide Airport (ORD) in Chicago may take roughly 4 hours and half-hour. Nevertheless, a connecting flight with a layover in Atlanta may lengthen the whole journey time to seven hours or extra, relying on the layover length. This distinction highlights the sensible significance of selecting a nonstop flight for time-sensitive journey.
Understanding the influence of nonstop flights on total journey time permits for simpler journey planning. Vacationers can reduce time spent in transit and maximize time obtainable for actions at their vacation spot. Whereas elements akin to airline schedules and pricing affect flight choice, the supply of nonstop service usually stays a major consideration for journeys between Puerto Rico and Chicago.
2. Connecting Flights
Connecting flights play a big position within the total journey time between Puerto Rico and Chicago. Whereas they could supply value benefits or elevated route availability in comparison with nonstop choices, connecting flights invariably lengthen the journey. This prolonged length outcomes from the extra time required for touchdown, deplaning, transferring to a connecting flight, boarding, and taking off once more. The layover length itself, which may differ from lower than an hour to a number of hours, contributes considerably to the general journey time. Subsequently, understanding the influence of connecting flights is crucial for correct journey planning.
For example, a traveler selecting a connecting flight from San Juan (SJU) to Chicago (ORD) with a layover in Miami (MIA) would possibly expertise a complete journey time of six to eight hours, and even longer. This contrasts with a typical nonstop flight length of round 4 to 5 hours. The layover in Miami, even when comparatively brief, provides time to the journey attributable to airport procedures and the connecting flight’s schedule. One other traveler choosing a connection by way of a distinct hub, akin to Atlanta (ATL) or Charlotte (CLT), would possibly encounter various layover durations and connecting flight schedules, additional affecting the general journey time.
Cautious consideration of connecting flight itineraries is essential for managing journey expectations and planning accordingly. Vacationers ought to assess the trade-offs between value financial savings, schedule flexibility, and the inevitable improve in journey time. Evaluating layover durations, connecting airport effectivity, and potential delays is crucial. Finally, an intensive understanding of the influence of connecting flights on total journey time empowers vacationers to make knowledgeable choices aligning with their particular person wants and priorities.
3. Airline Alternative
Airline alternative considerably influences the general journey expertise between Puerto Rico and Chicago, notably regarding flight length and schedule. Completely different airways function assorted routes, plane sorts, and schedules, impacting each the size and comfort of the journey. Choosing an airline requires cautious consideration of those elements to optimize the journey expertise.
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Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights
Airways supply varied flight choices, together with nonstop and connecting routes. Nonstop flights, usually most well-liked for shorter journey instances, aren’t universally obtainable throughout all airways. Some airways would possibly primarily supply connecting flights, which introduce layovers and probably longer total journey durations. For instance, some airways might supply nonstop service from San Juan (SJU) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD), whereas others would possibly require a connection by way of a hub like Charlotte (CLT) or Atlanta (ATL), including a number of hours to the whole journey time.
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Plane Sort and Velocity
The kind of plane employed on a selected route influences the flight length. Completely different plane fashions have various cruising speeds, which instantly influence journey time. Whereas some airways would possibly make the most of sooner, newer plane, others would possibly function older fashions with decrease cruising speeds, resulting in barely longer flight instances. This variability, although seemingly minor, generally is a issue for time-sensitive vacationers.
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Scheduled Departure and Arrival Instances
Airways function various flight schedules all through the day, providing vacationers a variety of departure and arrival time choices. Nevertheless, these schedules instantly influence the general journey time perceived by the traveler. Early morning departures, whereas probably maximizing the day on the vacation spot, would possibly necessitate in a single day stays close to the departure airport. Purple-eye flights, although generally inconvenient, can reduce disruption to daytime actions. Contemplating particular person preferences and schedule constraints is crucial when choosing an airline primarily based on its departure and arrival instances.
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Baggage Insurance policies and Charges
Whereas in a roundabout way impacting flight time, baggage insurance policies affect total journey expertise and effectivity. Airways differ of their baggage allowances and related charges, impacting time spent at check-in and baggage declare. Stricter baggage insurance policies would possibly encourage vacationers to attenuate checked baggage, probably streamlining the airport course of, whereas extra beneficiant allowances may result in longer waits at baggage carousels. Understanding these insurance policies contributes to smoother journey logistics.
The selection of airline considerably shapes the journey expertise between Puerto Rico and Chicago. Contemplating elements like nonstop versus connecting routes, plane sort, scheduled instances, and baggage insurance policies permits vacationers to optimize their journey primarily based on particular person priorities. By understanding how airline selections affect flight length and total journey comfort, knowledgeable choices will be made, making certain a smoother and extra environment friendly journey expertise.
4. Time of Yr
Time of 12 months considerably impacts flight length and availability between Puerto Rico and Chicago. Seasonal journey patterns affect airline scheduling and pricing, affecting each the comfort and value of flights. Peak seasons, akin to main holidays and faculty breaks, usually expertise elevated demand, resulting in probably longer flight instances attributable to larger air visitors congestion and fewer obtainable nonstop choices. Conversely, the low season or shoulder seasons usually current shorter flight durations attributable to decreased demand and extra direct routing choices. Understanding these differences due to the season permits vacationers to anticipate potential challenges and plan accordingly.
For instance, in the course of the winter vacation season (December-January), flights from Puerto Rico to Chicago are sometimes booked to capability, and airways might add connecting flights to accommodate the elevated demand. This surge in passenger quantity can lead to longer journey instances attributable to potential delays in departure, arrival, and connections. In distinction, in the course of the shoulder seasons (spring and fall), airways might supply extra nonstop flights and decreased fares attributable to decrease demand. This lower in passenger quantity can translate to shorter journey instances, faster airport processing, and a probably extra seamless journey expertise. Summer season months additionally symbolize a peak journey interval attributable to college holidays, leading to comparable patterns of elevated demand and probably longer flight instances.
Successfully incorporating time of 12 months into journey planning is essential for securing optimum flight choices and managing journey expectations. Vacationers ought to anticipate potential challenges throughout peak seasons, akin to larger fares and longer journey instances, and take into account some great benefits of touring in the course of the low season or shoulder seasons. Recognizing the correlation between time of 12 months and flight length permits vacationers to make knowledgeable choices aligned with their particular person wants and priorities, finally contributing to a extra environment friendly and probably much less irritating journey expertise.
5. Day of the Week
Day of the week constitutes a notable issue influencing flight schedules and potential journey instances between Puerto Rico and Chicago. Airline scheduling usually displays various demand patterns throughout the week, impacting each the supply of flights and total journey length. Understanding these weekly fluctuations permits vacationers to anticipate potential scheduling variations and make extra knowledgeable selections.
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Weekday vs. Weekend Journey
Weekday flights, notably throughout enterprise journey peak instances, usually expertise larger demand, probably resulting in fuller flights and elevated competitors for seats. This heightened demand might affect airways to prioritize enterprise routes, generally impacting the supply of direct flights to leisure locations like Puerto Rico. Conversely, weekend flights would possibly supply elevated availability for leisure vacationers however may additionally expertise larger fares attributable to elevated demand. This distinction in demand patterns between weekdays and weekends can affect each the scheduling and length of flights.
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Particular Day Variations
Sure days of the week might expertise larger demand for journey in particular instructions. For instance, Friday evenings would possibly see elevated outbound visitors from Chicago to Puerto Rico as leisure vacationers begin weekend journeys, whereas Sunday evenings may witness larger return visitors as vacationers conclude their stays. These every day fluctuations can influence flight availability and probably affect flight durations attributable to air visitors congestion.
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Influence on Connecting Flights
The day of the week may affect the supply and length of connecting flights. Busier journey days would possibly restrict the supply of handy connecting flight choices, necessitating longer layovers or much less fascinating routing. Conversely, much less busy days would possibly supply a wider collection of connecting flight schedules, probably decreasing total journey time. Contemplating these variations when choosing connecting flights contributes to a extra environment friendly journey.
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Airline Scheduling Methods
Airways make use of dynamic scheduling methods, adjusting flight frequencies and instances primarily based on historic and projected demand. These changes can lead to variations in flight availability and length throughout totally different days of the week. Understanding these methods and anticipating potential scheduling shifts permits vacationers to make extra knowledgeable selections and handle journey expectations successfully.
Cautious consideration of the day of the week contributes to simpler journey planning between Puerto Rico and Chicago. Recognizing the influence of every day and weekly demand fluctuations on flight schedules and potential journey instances permits vacationers to anticipate potential challenges and optimize their itineraries. By understanding these patterns, vacationers could make knowledgeable selections that align with their particular person wants and preferences, contributing to a smoother and extra environment friendly journey expertise.
6. Airport (SJU, BQN)
Departure airport choice considerably impacts total journey time between Puerto Rico and Chicago. Whereas Luis Muoz Marn Worldwide Airport (SJU) in San Juan serves as the first worldwide gateway, Rafael Hernndez Airport (BQN) in Aguadilla offers another departure level. This alternative influences not solely flight availability but in addition potential connection necessities and total journey length. SJU, attributable to its larger visitors quantity, usually provides extra direct flights to main US cities, together with Chicago. This interprets to probably shorter journey instances, particularly for these in search of nonstop choices. Conversely, departing from BQN would possibly necessitate connecting flights, including to the general journey length. For instance, a direct flight from SJU to Chicago may take roughly 4 and a half hours, whereas a connecting flight from BQN would possibly lengthen the journey to 6 or extra hours, relying on the layover location and length.
Selecting between SJU and BQN necessitates evaluating the trade-offs between flight availability, value, and total journey time. Whereas SJU usually presents extra direct flight choices, BQN would possibly supply decrease fares, notably for connecting flights. Contemplating particular person journey priorities is crucial. Time-sensitive vacationers would possibly prioritize the shorter journey instances afforded by direct flights from SJU, even when at the next value. Conversely, budget-conscious vacationers would possibly go for connecting flights from BQN, accepting the elevated journey time in trade for potential value financial savings. Analyzing obtainable flight schedules and airline choices from each airports permits for knowledgeable decision-making aligned with particular person journey wants.
Cautious consideration of departure airport choice from Puerto Rico varieties a vital element of efficient journey planning to Chicago. Understanding the implications of selecting SJU versus BQN, contemplating elements akin to direct flight availability, potential connection necessities, and related journey instances, empowers vacationers to make knowledgeable choices optimizing their journey. This consciousness contributes to a smoother, extra environment friendly journey expertise aligned with particular person priorities and journey constraints.
7. Chicago Airport (ORD, MDW)
Arrival airport choice in Chicago considerably influences total journey time and logistical concerns for flights originating from Puerto Rico. Chicago provides two major airport choices: O’Hare Worldwide Airport (ORD) and Halfway Worldwide Airport (MDW). Understanding the distinctions between these airports, together with their respective places, floor transportation choices, and flight availability, is essential for optimizing journey plans and minimizing total journey time. Selecting the suitable arrival airport contributes to a extra seamless and environment friendly journey expertise.
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Airport Location and Floor Transportation
ORD, positioned farther from downtown Chicago, usually requires longer floor transportation instances in comparison with MDW. This distinction in proximity impacts total journey time, particularly when contemplating transfers to and from town middle. Vacationers arriving at ORD would possibly expertise longer commutes, influencing their alternative relying on their ultimate vacation spot throughout the Chicago metropolitan space. Conversely, MDW’s nearer proximity usually interprets to shorter floor transit instances, an element benefiting vacationers with locations close to the airport or these prioritizing faster entry to town.
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Flight Availability and Airline Choices
ORD, as a serious worldwide hub, usually provides a wider vary of flight choices and airways in comparison with MDW. This broader choice can affect flight availability, notably for vacationers in search of particular departure instances or airline preferences. Whereas MDW primarily serves home routes, ORD accommodates each home and worldwide flights, offering elevated flexibility for vacationers originating from varied places. This distinction impacts the selection of arrival airport primarily based on flight availability and airline preferences.
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Connecting Flight Choices
ORD’s intensive community of connecting flights provides benefits for vacationers requiring onward connections past Chicago. Its standing as a serious hub facilitates smoother transitions for connecting flights, probably decreasing layover instances and minimizing total journey length. Whereas MDW additionally provides connecting flight choices, the extra restricted community would possibly necessitate longer layovers or much less handy routing, probably impacting total journey time. This distinction influences airport choice for vacationers requiring onward connections past Chicago.
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Value Issues
Flights to ORD and MDW might exhibit value variations relying on the airline, time of 12 months, and reserving platform. Whereas ORD’s intensive competitors would possibly generally yield decrease fares, MDW’s deal with particular airways may additionally supply aggressive pricing. Contemplating each airfare and floor transportation prices is crucial for optimizing total journey bills. This value comparability contributes to knowledgeable decision-making, permitting vacationers to stability value concerns with journey time and comfort.
Cautious consideration of the arrival airport in Chicago performs a vital position in optimizing journey time and total journey expertise for flights originating from Puerto Rico. Evaluating elements akin to airport location, floor transportation choices, flight availability, connecting flight alternatives, and value concerns permits vacationers to make knowledgeable choices tailor-made to particular person wants and preferences. This strategic airport choice contributes to a extra environment friendly and seamless journey from Puerto Rico to Chicago, minimizing journey time and maximizing comfort.
8. Climate Circumstances
Climate situations symbolize a big issue influencing flight instances between Puerto Rico and Chicago. Antagonistic climate, each on the origin and vacation spot airports, in addition to alongside the flight path, can result in delays and elevated journey time. These weather-related disruptions can manifest in varied varieties, together with departure delays, flight diversions, and even cancellations. Understanding the influence of climate on flight schedules is essential for efficient journey planning and managing expectations.
For example, hurricane season in Puerto Rico (June 1st to November thirtieth) could cause important flight disruptions. Hurricanes and tropical storms can result in airport closures, flight cancellations, and substantial delays. Equally, winter storms in Chicago, characterised by heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, may disrupt airport operations, resulting in delays and potential flight diversions. Even much less extreme climate occasions, akin to thunderstorms or sturdy winds, can influence flight schedules. For instance, a thunderstorm alongside the flight path would possibly necessitate rerouting, including time to the general journey. Equally, sturdy winds at both departure or arrival airports can limit plane operations, resulting in floor delays and probably impacting scheduled departure and arrival instances.
Integrating climate forecasts into journey planning is essential for mitigating potential disruptions. Monitoring climate patterns in each Puerto Rico and Chicago earlier than and through journey permits vacationers to anticipate potential delays and regulate plans accordingly. Checking flight standing updates instantly with airways offers real-time info concerning weather-related delays and cancellations. Constructing buffer time into journey itineraries, particularly in periods of doubtless antagonistic climate, offers flexibility and minimizes the influence of sudden delays. Recognizing the dynamic nature of climate patterns and their potential influence on flight instances empowers vacationers to make knowledgeable choices and navigate potential disruptions successfully.
9. Air Visitors Management
Air visitors management (ATC) performs a vital position in figuring out flight instances between Puerto Rico and Chicago. ATC manages the move of plane, making certain secure separation and environment friendly utilization of airspace. Its procedures instantly influence flight durations, notably in periods of excessive visitors quantity or antagonistic climate situations. Understanding the affect of ATC on flight instances is crucial for managing journey expectations and planning accordingly.
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Floor Delays and Departure Sequencing
ATC manages plane motion on the bottom, together with taxiing and departure sequencing. During times of excessive visitors quantity or runway congestion, plane would possibly expertise floor delays, impacting scheduled departure instances and probably growing total flight length. For instance, throughout peak journey seasons or inclement climate, ATC would possibly implement floor holds, delaying plane departures and lengthening the time spent on the tarmac earlier than takeoff. These floor delays contribute to the general flight time and may have an effect on connecting flight schedules.
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Airspace Administration and Routing
ATC dictates flight paths and altitudes, optimizing airspace utilization and sustaining secure separation between plane. These routing choices can affect flight durations. For example, in periods of heavy air visitors, ATC would possibly direct plane alongside much less direct routes to keep away from congestion, including time to the general journey. Conversely, throughout lighter visitors durations, extra direct routing is likely to be doable, probably decreasing flight instances. Climate situations additionally affect ATC routing choices. Storms or sturdy winds would possibly necessitate rerouting, including time to the flight and impacting arrival instances.
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Holding Patterns and Arrival Sequencing
ATC manages the arrival move of plane into vacation spot airports. During times of excessive visitors or antagonistic climate on the vacation spot, plane is likely to be positioned in holding patterns, circling in designated airspace till cleared for touchdown. These holding patterns add time to the general flight length and may considerably influence arrival instances. ATC additionally manages the sequencing of arriving plane, prioritizing landings primarily based on varied elements, together with gas ranges and proximity to the airport. This sequencing course of can introduce delays, impacting scheduled arrival instances.
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Communication and Coordination
Efficient communication and coordination between ATC and flight crews are important for secure and environment friendly air journey. ATC offers pilots with real-time info concerning climate situations, air visitors congestion, and different related elements impacting flight operations. Clear communication permits pilots to adapt to altering situations and make knowledgeable choices concerning flight path and pace changes. This ongoing communication and coordination between ATC and flight crews contribute to the general security and effectivity of air journey, influencing flight instances and making certain easy operations.
Air visitors management considerably influences flight instances between Puerto Rico and Chicago. ATC procedures, together with floor delay administration, airspace routing, arrival sequencing, and communication with flight crews, instantly influence flight durations. Understanding the position of ATC and anticipating potential delays attributable to visitors quantity or climate situations permits vacationers to handle expectations successfully and plan accordingly, contributing to a smoother and extra knowledgeable journey expertise.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries concerning flight durations between Puerto Rico and Chicago, offering concise and informative responses.
Query 1: What’s the typical flight time for a nonstop flight between Puerto Rico and Chicago?
Nonstop flights usually vary from 4 to 5 hours.
Query 2: How do connecting flights influence total journey time?
Connecting flights add time attributable to layovers, probably extending the whole journey time by a number of hours relying on the connection metropolis and layover length.
Query 3: Which airports in Puerto Rico and Chicago serve these routes?
Flights usually function from Luis Muoz Marn Worldwide Airport (SJU) in San Juan or Rafael Hernndez Airport (BQN) in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, to both O’Hare Worldwide Airport (ORD) or Halfway Worldwide Airport (MDW) in Chicago.
Query 4: How does the time of 12 months have an effect on flight length?
Peak journey seasons, akin to holidays and faculty breaks, can expertise elevated air visitors, probably resulting in longer flight instances and extra frequent delays.
Query 5: What position does airline alternative play in flight length?
Completely different airways make the most of varied plane sorts and routes, impacting flight instances. Some airways supply nonstop service, whereas others would possibly require connections.
Query 6: The place can vacationers discover probably the most up-to-date info on flight schedules and durations?
Checking instantly with airways or respected on-line journey businesses offers probably the most present flight info, together with scheduled instances and potential delays.
Understanding these elements contributes to simpler journey planning and a smoother journey between Puerto Rico and Chicago.
For additional particulars and particular flight info, seek the advice of airline web sites or on-line journey businesses.
Ideas for Optimizing Puerto Rico to Chicago Flight Time
Minimizing journey time requires cautious planning and consideration of a number of elements. The following pointers supply steerage for optimizing journey between Puerto Rico and Chicago.
Tip 1: Ebook Nonstop Flights At any time when Attainable: Nonstop flights remove the time spent throughout layovers, considerably decreasing total journey length. Prioritizing nonstop choices streamlines the journey.
Tip 2: Think about Departure and Arrival Airports Rigorously: Choosing probably the most handy airports in each Puerto Rico (SJU or BQN) and Chicago (ORD or MDW) can reduce complete journey time, together with floor transportation. Consider airport places relative to ultimate locations and take into account potential connection necessities.
Tip 3: Journey Throughout Off-Peak Seasons: Touring throughout much less busy durations, such because the shoulder seasons (spring and fall), can scale back the probability of delays and probably supply shorter flight instances attributable to decrease air visitors quantity. Flexibility in journey dates permits for probably extra environment friendly journey.
Tip 4: Be Conscious of Day of Week Journey Patterns: Sure days of the week expertise larger journey demand. Contemplating these patterns permits for extra strategic flight choice, probably minimizing journey time and avoiding peak journey durations.
Tip 5: Monitor Climate Forecasts and Flight Standing: Climate situations considerably influence flight schedules. Staying knowledgeable about potential climate disruptions permits for proactive changes to journey plans and mitigates the influence of delays.
Tip 6: Examine Airline Schedules and Plane Varieties: Completely different airways make the most of various plane and routes. Researching airline choices permits for collection of sooner plane and extra direct routes, probably decreasing total journey time.
Tip 7: Make the most of Flight Comparability Web sites and Instruments: These sources present complete flight choices, permitting vacationers to match schedules, costs, and airways to establish probably the most time-efficient itineraries.
Implementing these methods helps reduce journey time and ensures a extra environment friendly journey between Puerto Rico and Chicago. Cautious planning contributes considerably to a smoother and extra predictable journey expertise.
By understanding and making use of the following pointers, vacationers can optimize their itineraries and maximize time spent at their vacation spot. This proactive method contributes to a extra gratifying and environment friendly journey expertise.
Conclusion
Air journey length between Puerto Rico and Chicago represents a vital issue influencing journey planning. This evaluation has explored key determinants of flight time, together with nonstop versus connecting flight choices, airline selections, departure and arrival airport picks (SJU, BQN, ORD, MDW), differences due to the season, day-of-week journey patterns, climate situations, and air visitors management procedures. Every aspect contributes to the general journey expertise, affecting each the length and effectivity of journeys between these two locations.
Efficient journey planning necessitates a complete understanding of those elements. Strategic decision-making, knowledgeable by consciousness of those variables, empowers vacationers to optimize itineraries, reduce journey time, and handle potential disruptions. This knowledgeable method contributes to a smoother, extra predictable, and finally extra satisfying journey expertise between Puerto Rico and Chicago.
