Key Highlights
- Chicago Midway International (MDW) is the second-largest airport serving the City of Chicago and its metropolitan area.
- The airport is a major operating base for Southwest Airlines, which manages over 90% of the passenger traffic.
- MDW features a single-terminal design with three connected concourses: A, B, and C.
- All passengers pass through one large, centralized security checkpoint to access the gates.
- Convenient parking is available, including a multi-level parking garage directly connected to the terminals.
- Midway’s modernization has enhanced facilities for a smoother travel experience.
Introduction
Welcome to Chicago Midway International Airport! Located just 12 miles from the downtown Loop, MDW is a convenient and bustling hub for travelers. As the second-busiest airport in Chicago and the entire state of Illinois, it served more than 22 million passengers in 2023. Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, this guide will help you navigate Midway with ease, from its terminals and airlines to its amenities and ground transportation options.
Unpacking Midway Airport’s History
Chicago Midway International Airport boasts a rich history that mirrors the evolution of air travel itself. Before it became the hub we know today, it started as a small airfield and grew into the world’s busiest airport for a time. Its story is deeply connected to the growth of the City of Chicago, IL.
The airport was eventually named in honor of the pivotal Battle of Midway. Understanding its past helps appreciate its transformation into a modern travel facility. Let’s explore its municipal roots and journey to becoming a cornerstone of Chicago aviation.
From Municipal Beginnings to a Chicago Staple
Originally named Chicago Air Park, the airfield was built in 1923 on a 320-acre plot for airmail flights. The City of Chicago leased the airport in 1926 and renamed it Chicago Municipal Airport a year later. By 1932, it proudly claimed the title of “World’s Busiest” airport, a testament to its rapid growth.
Throughout the 1930s and 40s, Midway continued to expand, becoming the primary airport for Chicago. Its passenger numbers swelled, reaching 3.2 million by 1949, the same year it was renamed in honor of the Battle of Midway. This peak continued until 1959, when it served 10 million passengers.
However, the dawn of the jet age brought a shift. Midway’s runways were too short for the larger Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8 jetliners. As a result, Chicago directed larger jet flights to the newly opened O’Hare (originally Orchard Field, which is where the ‘hare’ comes from in O’Hare), and airline traffic at Midway dwindled significantly by the early 1960s.
Transformation into a Modern Travel Hub
The transformation of Chicago Midway International Airport began in the late 1960s. A reconstruction project in 1967 added three new concourses and 28 gates, attracting major airlines back to the airport. This revival was designed for the smaller, more efficient jets that could operate on its runways.
A major step in its modernization was the Midway Airport Terminal Development Program, announced in 1996. This massive public works project resulted in a new 900,000-square-foot terminal building in 2001, complete with spacious ticketing areas, a large food court, and easier gate access.
More recently, the Midway Modernization Program has brought further enhancements. This project widened the pedestrian bridge over Cicero Avenue to create a larger, more efficient security checkpoint with up to 17 lanes. This change reclaimed space inside the concourse area for an expanded food court, continuing the airport’s evolution into a truly modern hub.
Airlines and Destinations at Midway
When flying through Midway International Airport, you’ll find a focused but comprehensive selection of airlines. The airport is famously dominated by Southwest Airlines, which accounts for the vast majority of flights and makes MDW its largest hub.
In addition to Southwest, several other carriers offer routes to key destinations. These airlines provide a mix of domestic and international flights, connecting Chicago to cities across North America and Mexico. Let’s look at the major airlines you can fly and the popular routes they offer.
Major Airlines Operating Out of MDW
Southwest Airlines is the undisputed king at Midway, carrying over 91% of all passengers. This makes MDW a critical hub in its network, with hundreds of daily flights connecting Chicago to destinations across the country and beyond. If you’re flying from Midway, there’s a strong chance you’ll be on a Southwest plane.
Beyond Southwest, you have other great options. Frontier Airlines offers budget-friendly flights to popular destinations, while Delta Air Lines provides service to its major hubs. For international travel, Porter Airlines connects you to downtown Toronto, and Volaris offers extensive routes into Mexico.
Here is a quick look at the airlines serving MDW and some of their destinations:
| Airline | Sample Destinations |
|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines | Atlanta, Denver, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cancún, San Diego |
| Frontier Airlines | Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, Philadelphia, Phoenix |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul |
| Porter Airlines | Toronto–Billy Bishop |
| Volaris | Guadalajara, Morelia, Zacatecas |
| Allegiant Air | Asheville, Punta Gorda (FL), Savannah |
Popular Domestic and International Routes
From Midway, you can fly to a wide range of popular domestic cities. Among the busiest routes are sunny destinations like Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, as well as major metropolitan areas like Atlanta and Denver. Other highly traveled routes include Las Vegas, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, and Dallas–Love Field.
West Coast travel is also convenient, with frequent flights to hubs like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake City. Whether you are planning a vacation or a business trip, MDW offers nonstop service to many of America’s most-visited cities, primarily on Southwest and Frontier Airlines.
On the international front, Midway provides excellent connections, particularly to Mexico. Volaris and Southwest Airlines fly to popular vacation spots like Cancún and San José del Cabo. Additionally, Volaris serves several cities in the heart of Mexico, including Guadalajara and Morelia. For those heading north, Porter Airlines offers direct flights to Toronto, Canada.
Navigating Terminals and Concourses
Navigating Midway Airport is straightforward thanks to its intuitive layout. The airport consists of one main terminal building where you check in and handle baggage claim. From there, you’ll cross a pedestrian bridge to reach the secure side, which houses three concourses: A, B, and C.
Once you pass the security checkpoint, you have unrestricted access to all three concourses. This connected design means you can easily walk from Concourse A to Concourse B or C to enjoy all the dining, shopping, and amenities MDW has to offer without needing to be re-screened.
Terminal Layout Overview
Your journey at Midway begins in the main terminal building, which is organized across two levels. The upper level is dedicated to ticketing and airline check-in counters. After dropping off your bags, you’ll head toward the center of this level to access the security screening area.
The lower level serves as the baggage claim area, where you’ll collect your luggage upon arrival. This level also provides access to ground transportation, including taxis, rideshare services, and shuttles to the rental car center and parking lots.
Connecting the terminal to the gates is a wide pedestrian bridge that spans over Cicero Avenue. This bridge leads you directly to the airport’s single security checkpoint. Once you’re through, you’ll find yourself in the central market, a vibrant area with food and shops that acts as the entry point to each concourse.
Features of Concourses A, B, and C
After passing the security checkpoint, you can access all three of Midway’s concourses. Each one offers a unique set of gates and amenities. Concourse A is a hub for both domestic and international flights, featuring a food court and a pet relief area.
Concourse B is the largest of the three, primarily serving Southwest Airlines. Given its length, it is equipped with moving walkways to help you get to your gate faster. Concourse C is the smallest, but it houses some of the airport’s most unique amenities.
Here’s a quick summary of what each concourse holds:
- Concourse A: Contains 17 gates, a food court, several shops, and a pet relief station.
- Concourse B: Features 23 gates and a variety of retail and dining options.
- Concourse C: Has 3 gates and provides access to the USO Lounge, a yoga room, and a chapel.
Inter-terminal Connections and Tips
One of the best features of MDW is how easy it is to make connections. Since the airport has one terminal and all concourses are linked past security, you can walk between your flights without any hassle. This applies to all domestic connections.
If you are arriving on an international flight, you will need to clear customs and immigration before proceeding to your connecting flight. This will require you to go through security again. However, for domestic travelers, the entire secure area is one connected space.
Keep these tips in mind for a smooth experience:
- You can walk between Concourses A, B, and C freely, so feel free to explore shops or restaurants in a different concourse from your gate.
- Note that gates A4A and A4B are located down a separate, long walkway. Allow yourself some extra time to get there.
- The central market, located just past the pedestrian bridge and security, is a great place to eat or shop before heading to your gate.
Security, Customs, and Pre-Flight Procedures
Getting through security at Midway is a centralized process. The airport has one large security checkpoint that all passengers use to access the gates. This checkpoint is equipped to handle a high volume of travelers and includes dedicated lanes for programs like TSA PreCheck.
For those arriving from other countries, Midway offers customs and immigration services to ensure a smooth entry into the U.S. Below, we’ll cover what to expect during your TSA screening, how customs works, and the accessibility options available to all travelers.
TSA Screening and Wait Times
The main security checkpoint at Midway is located just across the pedestrian bridge from the ticketing area and is open daily from 3:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thanks to the Midway Modernization Program, this screening area was significantly expanded, allowing for more lanes and a more organized queuing process to reduce wait times.
To speed up your journey, MDW offers TSA PreCheck lanes, which are typically open from 4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. If you’re enrolled in this program, you can enjoy a faster screening experience. However, there is no TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center at the airport itself.
Wait times can vary depending on the day and time of your flight, so it’s always wise to arrive early. It’s recommended to get to the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours for an international one, especially if you’re traveling to a popular destination like Fort Lauderdale during a peak season.
Customs and Immigration Services
For international travelers arriving at Midway, the airport is well-equipped to handle customs and immigration procedures. The Federal Inspection Service facility, located in Concourse A, was opened in 2002, marking the return of international service to MDW after a 40-year absence.
To make your entry into the United States faster, Midway participates in two key programs. The airport has kiosks for Global Entry, allowing pre-approved, low-risk travelers to enjoy expedited clearance. While there is no Global Entry Enrollment Center at MDW, the closest one is located about 10 miles away in Chicago.
Additionally, the airport offers Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks. This service is available to U.S. and Canadian passport holders, allowing you to submit your customs declaration and biographic information electronically instead of filling out a paper form. This helps streamline the entire immigration process.
Security Accessibility for Travelers With Disabilities
Midway Airport is committed to providing a secure and accessible experience for all travelers, including those with disabilities. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers specific assistance to passengers who may need extra help during the security screening process.
You can request assistance by contacting the TSA Cares helpline at least 72 hours before your flight. This service helps coordinate support for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, and other special circumstances to ensure they can navigate the security checkpoint with respect and ease.
The airport’s design, including the modernized security bridge and accessible parking facilities with wheelchair-friendly shuttles, ensures that navigating to and through the security area is as seamless as possible. Always feel free to ask a TSA officer or airport staff member for assistance if you need it.
Amenities and Traveler Services
Midway Airport offers a variety of amenities and services designed to make your travel day more comfortable and convenient. Whether you need to stay connected with free Wi-Fi, power up your devices at a charging station, or require assistance from an information desk, MDW has you covered.
Should you misplace an item during your travels, the airport provides clear guidance for its Lost and Found services. Let’s explore the digital amenities, passenger assistance options, and accessibility features available to you at Midway.
Wi-Fi, Charging Stations, and Digital Information
Staying connected at Midway is simple. The airport offers free Wi-Fi service throughout its terminals and concourses. To connect, just select the appropriate network on your device and watch a brief advertisement to gain access.
You’ll also find plenty of opportunities to charge your electronics before your flight. Workstations with AC outlets are scattered throughout the airport, and many seating areas have built-in charging ports, so you can power up your phone, tablet, or laptop while you wait.
For any questions or guidance, you can rely on the airport’s resources.
- Free Wi-Fi: Connect to “Boingo Hotspot” or “_Free_MDW_Wi-Fi” for internet access.
- Charging Stations: Located at workstations and in seating areas across all concourses.
- Information Desks: Available in the terminal to provide assistance and directions.
Lost and Found, Information Desks, and Assistance
Misplacing an item can be stressful, but Midway makes it easy to track it down. Who you need to contact depends on where you think you lost it. For items left at ticket counters, gate areas, or on an aircraft, you should contact your airline directly.
For items misplaced in the public areas of the terminal, such as restrooms or the baggage claim, you can reach out to the Midway Communication Center. The airport also has dedicated contacts for items lost at the security checkpoint, in concession areas, or in the parking lots.
Here’s a quick guide on who to call for lost and found assistance:
- In Public Areas: Midway Communication Center at 773-838-0656.
- At Security: TSA at 773-498-1308.
- In a Shop/Restaurant: Midway Concessions Guest Services at 888-813-4568.
Accessibility Services for All Passengers
Midway Airport is dedicated to ensuring a comfortable journey for all passengers, offering a wide range of accessibility services. From parking to navigating the terminal, the facilities are designed to accommodate travelers with disabilities and other special needs.
Accessible parking spaces are available in the terminal garage, daily lot, and economy lots. All airport shuttle buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and tie-downs, ensuring seamless transport to and from the terminal. The terminal itself features accessible restrooms, elevators, and ramps throughout.
Passengers can also request wheelchair assistance directly from their airline, which can be arranged in advance or upon arrival at the airport. These services ensure that everyone can navigate the airport with dignity and ease, from the curb to the gate.
Family, Pets, and Special Needs Resources
Traveling with family, pets, or special needs requires a little extra planning, and Midway Airport provides resources to help. The airport offers dedicated facilities for nursing mothers, relief areas for pets, and quiet spaces for prayer or reflection.
These amenities are designed to make the travel experience less stressful for everyone. Whether you need a private space for your baby, a spot for your furry friend to stretch its legs, or a moment of peace before your flight, MDW has thoughtful accommodations.
Children’s Play Areas and Baby Facilities
If you’re traveling with children, it’s important to know what facilities are available. While Midway Airport does not currently have a dedicated children’s play area, families can find ample seating and space to relax in the central market and throughout the concourses.
For parents traveling with infants, Midway provides important baby facilities. A Mother’s Room is available for nursing or pumping in a private, comfortable setting. This amenity ensures that mothers have a quiet and clean space away from the hustle and bustle of the main terminal.
You can find the Mother’s Room located in Concourse C, near the Yoga Room. This convenient location allows easy access for parents who need to care for their little ones before a flight.
Traveling With Animals—Pet Relief and Services
Midway Airport understands that pets are part of the family, and it provides designated areas for them to relieve themselves. These pet relief areas are available both before and after security, offering convenience for all animal companions.
Whether your pet needs a break before you check in or after a long flight, you can find a space for them. Remember to always check with your airline, such as Porter or Southwest, for their specific policies and services regarding traveling with animals.
MDW has two pet relief areas:
- Pre-security: Located outside the terminal building on the lower level, at the north end.
- Post-security: Situated in the Concourse A concessions area, on the way to gate A4A.
Prayer Rooms and Quiet Spaces
For travelers seeking a moment of peace or a place for spiritual reflection, Midway Airport offers dedicated quiet spaces. These rooms provide a serene environment away from the busy concourses, accessible to all passengers.
A chapel is located on the mezzanine level of Concourse C. This interfaith space is available for prayer or quiet contemplation. To accommodate various needs, the chapel provides prayer books, rugs, and rosaries for passenger use.
In addition to the chapel, Midway also features a Yoga Room. Located in Concourse C, this space offers another tranquil option for travelers to stretch, meditate, or simply relax before their flight. Both facilities underscore the airport’s commitment to passenger well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive at Midway Airport before my flight?
For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the terminal at least two hours before your departure. For international flights, plan to arrive three hours early. This allows ample time for check-in, baggage drop, and passing through the TSA security checkpoint, as screening wait times can fluctuate.
Is Midway Airport accessible for travelers with disabilities?
Yes, Midway Airport (MDW) is fully accessible. It offers a range of services, including accessible parking, wheelchair-friendly shuttles, and accessible facilities throughout the terminal. Passengers with a disability can also request wheelchair assistance and other support from their airline to ensure a smooth travel experience.
What parking options are available at Midway Airport?
Midway Airport provides several parking options. The main parking garage offers hourly and daily parking with direct access to the MDW terminal. For more affordable long-term rates, travelers can use the daily lot or the two economy lots, which are connected by free shuttles. A cell phone lot is also available.