My first Taxi Ride from O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD)

When I arrived at ORD last Monday morning, the airport was pretty busy. The waiting line for taxi was about 40 feet long. I wanted to go to Wheeling which is about 16 miles from the airport. The first cab I boarded did not know the direction and the meter kept running while he tried to figure out how to get there. I decided to request for a driver who knows the direction.

After another 10 minutes of waiting, I was directed to another airport cab but the driver did not know how to get to Wheeling either. I would be charged 150% the price shown on the meter.

The cab did not have an air-conditioner so you can imagine how hot, humid and noisy with the windows down and 2 persons (he and I) talking on the phone asking for directions after he lost his way. He grumbled all the way and I told him I would get down and get another cab.

So, how much did it cost me? $60 in fare and $1 in toll.

My 2 greatest mistakes are:
1) I assume that all cab drivers would know the way.
2) I did not print a map or driving directions to help him and me.

I am going to Chicago again next week and I am more prepared. Feel free to share your experience.