[CHICAGO, IL] In the early afternoon of June 19th, Mayor Brandon Johnson unveiled a new urine amnesty box at terminal 2 in Chicago O'hare airport. This innovative measure comes in response to several occurrences of passengers inadvertently leaving bags containing urine in their luggage. Additionally, the mayor revealed plans to install additional urine amnesty boxes in strategic locations within O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) airports in the upcoming weeks.

    Recognizing the significance of this initiative, other major cities, such as Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, and especially Paris, have also expressed their intentions to implement similar urine amnesty boxes at their respective airports. These specialized containers bear a distinctive green color and prominently feature the label "Piss Amnesty" on their front, distinguishing them from the cannabis amnesty boxes that have been in use since 2020. Notably, the urine amnesty boxes are slightly larger in size, as they are designed to accommodate up to 50 gallons of liquid, allowing for longer intervals between emptying. According to an O'Hare spokesperson, this ensures that the boxes will only require maintenance every few hours.

Piero Maddaleni/Windy City Herald

    The introduction of these urine amnesty boxes represents a valuable addition to the airport facilities, particularly in light of the recent surge in incidents involving spilled urine on American airplanes, which can be attributed to an influx of tourists from Western Europe. Startling statistics released by United Airlines reveal that one in every five flights departing from O'Hare has experienced delays as a direct consequence of urine spillage incidents. This figure marks a staggering 400% increase compared to the situation in 2019, where only one in twenty flights encountered such delays.

    By deploying the urine amnesty boxes, airport authorities aim to address this pressing issue and alleviate the challenges faced by both passengers and airline operators. The availability of these specialized containers ensures that individuals who inadvertently carry urine in their luggage can dispose of it safely and conveniently, without causing disruption or delays. This proactive measure not only enhances the overall passenger experience but also minimizes the impact on flight schedules and improves operational efficiency for airlines operating at O'Hare.

    As the program commences at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, the city sets an example for other airports nationwide and around the globe. By prioritizing the implementation of measures that address emerging challenges in air travel, Chicago demonstrates its commitment to providing a seamless and comfortable experience for travelers while promoting efficient airport operations. The introduction of urine amnesty boxes at O'Hare serves as a testament to the city's proactive approach to meeting the evolving needs of modern aviation, and it paves the way for similar initiatives at airports worldwide.