We have no explicit age requirement, but you must have a valid, U.S. government-issued ID to apply. All applicants will be background-checked by the Bensenville Police Department. Please note, once membership is confirmed, certain tours and events may have age requirements.

Children are able to participate under their parent’s membership. So long as they are accompanied by their parent member, they are free to spot as they please! They can join on as a member once they receive a state ID or driver’s license.

The tours typically last a full day. A bus driver will take us around the airport, visiting hangars, fire departments, aircraft, and other places important to airport operations. We have had guest speakers including firefighters, TSA and FBI agents, AAR group employees, and airport employees. And of course, you will have plenty of time to get out and take photos!

Note: per CDA guidelines, members must be at least 18 to attend O’Hare tours.

There is a new member entry fee that covers the initial background check and ID. This entry fee covers 2 years of membership. There is a 2-year renewal fee subsequent to the first two years of membership.

Visit our Join OAW page. Please follow all directions to apply for membership and submit your entry fee.

As an OAW member, use the contact information provided on your ID. In case of emergency call 9-1-1.

Yes, whenever you are at an O’Hare plane spotting location, you should have your ID and wear your vest if you own one.

OAW membership meetings are held bi-monthly (February, April, June, August, October, December.) The Board meets at least monthly to plan activities and prepare for membership meetings.

View our airport pages for common and approved spotting locations, but as always if you are out spotting and asked to move, be courteous, obey the instruction and report back to the group.

Yes! We have many out of state (non-Illinois) members with us.