Sears Tower wait?

Question

I know that they have timed entry now with advance purchase for specific times, but during peak times can the waits still be long?

Answer

The Skydeck at the Willis Tower (still lovingly called the Sears Tower by many locals!) does use timed-entry tickets, and those do help manage the flow. However, during peak visitor periods—summer, holidays, long weekends, and school breaks—you can still expect some waiting even with a reserved time.

Your timed entry mainly guarantees the time you may enter the security and elevator lines, but it does not guarantee how long you’ll wait to reach the elevators or the Skydeck itself. Crowds tend to bunch up around popular time slots, and security screening can add delays.

Here’s what you can generally expect, along with strategies to avoid long waits:

Typical waits during peak times: Even with timed entry, many visitors report 20–45 minutes from arrival to the elevators.
Very busy days: Lines can sometimes exceed an hour, especially midday.
Off-peak times: Early morning (first time slot) and late evening tend to have the shortest waits—sometimes as little as 5–15 minutes.

If avoiding long lines is a priority, you can consider some alternatives or upgrades:

Go early or late: First hour of the day or after 7:30pm often has the smallest crowds.
Weekdays are better: Tuesday–Thursday is usually the quietest.
Spring or fall: Non-holiday shoulder seasons have lighter traffic.
Fast Pass or VIP options: More expensive but significantly reduce wait times—especially helpful if you’re on a tight schedule.
Consider the John Hancock 360 Chicago as an alternative: Shorter waits, incredible views, and often a calmer experience overall.

In summary, yes—waits can still be long even with timed entry during peak periods, but planning your visit around time of day and day of the week can make a big difference. If you’re visiting during the busiest season and want a smooth experience, arriving early or choosing a Fast Pass is the most reliable strategy.

Sears Tower wait?

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