Traveling in flight comes with a number of policies and procedures to follow. Last-minute hassles are totally out of the picture as everything needs to be followed step-by-step till you board the flight. That’s how airports work! Treat this blog as a quick guide to understand all about Chicago Midway Airport.
About Chicago Midway International Airport
Midway International Airport is the second-busiest airport in Chicago and Illinois, after O’Hare International Airport. It serves both domestic flights and flights to more than international destinations. Midway serves as a major hub for Southwest Airlines. Approximately 22 million passengers passed through Midway in 2023, ranking it among the top 30 busiest airports in the country. Midway features three concourses with forty-three airplane gates: 17 gates in Concourse A, 23 gates in Concourse B, and 3 gates in Concourse C.
MDW Airport History
The Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) was opened in 1927. Initially named Chicago Municipal Airport, it was the city’s primary airport before the O’Hare International Airport was built. In 1949, the airport was renamed after the Battle of Midway during World War II after it became the world’s busiest airport by 1948. The small airfield was reconstructed, with the last terminal completed in 2021.
Where Is MDW Airport?
Midway Airport is located on the city’s Southwest Side, about 10 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. It offers a convenient option for travelers looking to avoid the busier O’Hare International Airport. Due to its location and size, Midway focuses on short-haul and regional flights, providing easy access to destinations across the U.S.
MDW Airport Map
A quick look at the Chicago Midway Airport map will help you locate the terminals and gates:
MDW Parking & Transportation
Travelers using Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) have access to a range of parking and transportation choices.
Parking at Midway Airport
- For quick trips or passenger pickups, the main garage provides hourly and daily parking.
- For those on longer trips, economy lots provide more affordable options.
- An extra inexpensive choice for longer visits is the daily parking that is available close to the economy lots.
- To guarantee a spot is available when they arrive, passengers can also reserve a spot in advance through reserved parking.
Transportation to and from Midway:
- The CTA Orange Line, which runs straight to the airport, is one of the available public transit choices. It offers a cheap and practical means to go to Chicago’s downtown and other suburbs. There are more public transportation options like Pace and Metra buses.
- Regional buses and airport shuttles provide transit to and from the suburbs and nearby states.
- For more convenient transportation, there are taxis, limousines, and ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft.
- Several rental vehicle companies operate out of Midway’s consolidated rental car facility for travelers wanting to drive.
Car Rental Services
Chicago Midway International Airport offers a variety of car rental options through its convenient Rental Car Facility. Free shuttles operate 24/7, every 15 minutes from and to the terminal and the Rental Car Facility. Rental companies available at Midway are:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Corporate Rent A Car
MDW Airport Hotels
Here is a list of hotels near Midway Airport Chicago:
- DoubleTree By Hilton Chicago Midway Airport
- Hampton Inn MDW Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Midway Airport
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites MDW Airport
- Chicago Marriott Midway
- Courtyard by Marriott Midway Airport
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Chicago Midway Airport
- Welcome Inn & Suites MDW Airport
- Miami Inn and Suites Chicago Midway Airport
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Midway Airport
MDW Airport Lounges
Midway International Airport (MDW) offers a few lounge options for travelers seeking a more comfortable and relaxing experience. Here are the main options:
The USO Lounge
The USO Lounge, located in Concourse C, is reserved for active military members and their families. Complimentary snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, TVs, and a quiet area are the perks for travelers visiting the USO lounge.
The Club MDW
Located at the Central Market in Concourse B, the Club MDW lounge is open to all travelers regardless of airline or class of service. Amenities include complimentary food, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a quiet zone. The lounge is accessible through a Priority Pass or a purchased pass.
MDW Airport Food and Dining
| Restaurant/Café | Location |
| BIG & little’s | Concourse A |
| Arami | Central Market |
| Billy Goat Tavern | Concourse A |
| Cielo Cantina | Central Market |
| Big Shoulders Coffee | Central Market |
| Nuts on Clark | Central Market |
| Gold Coast Dogs | Central Market |
| Einstein Bros. Bagels | Concourse B |
| Dunkin’ Donuts | Concourse A |
MDW Airport Amenities
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) offers various amenities to make traveler wait times less tiring. A Yoga Room is available for travelers to relax, meditate, or stretch before or after flights. Comfortable seating, high-speed Wi-Fi, quiet areas, and charging stations are available throughout the terminal to help passengers relax. While at Midway, passengers can also browse through various shops, including electronics stores, newsstands, and bookstores.
MDW Airport Art and Sculptures
Chicago Midway International Airport features several notable art pieces and sculptures:
- “Rara Avis” by Ralph Helmick and Stuart Schecter is a suspended sculpture of a cardinal made from hundreds of pewter aircraft elements.
- “Flight Forms” by Richard Hunt is an outdoor sculpture with wing-like parts, symbolizing movement and flight.
- Murals by Dawoud Bey and Kathleen Eaton reflect Chicago’s neighborhoods and iconic street scenes.
- Todd Slaughter’s “The Body of Lake Michigan” and Bob Thall’s photographic murals of the Chicago River are other art showcases for enthusiasts.
Things to See Near MDW Airport
There are several interesting things to see near Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW):
- Marquette Park: Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, this park features a golf course, sports fields, public art, and a monument to Lithuanian American aviators Steponas Darius and Stasys Girenas.
- Bedford Park: A relaxed area known for its restaurants and businesses, including the Wintrust Sports Complex.
- Wrigley Field: A must-see for sports fans, home to the Chicago Cubs.
- Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture: A museum celebrating Lithuanian heritage and culture.
- Chicago Portage National Historic Site: A historical landmark commemorating the early explorers and the city’s beginnings.
- SeatGeek Stadium: A local venue for sports and entertainment events.
MDW Airport Fun Areas for Kids
Chicago Midway International Airport offers several fun areas and amenities for kids:
- Kids Play Area: Located near Gate A5, this area provides a safe, carpeted space for children to play, along with cushy seating for parents. It’s conveniently located near two Nuts on Clark popcorn machines and the FAO Schwarz toy store.
- Mother’s Room: Situated in Concourse C next to the Yoga Room, this tranquil room provides nursing mothers with a private, comfortable space featuring seating, a sink, and a wash area.
- Lactation Pods: For mothers needing a private space to nurse or pump, there are pods located at Gate A5 in Concourse A.
- Kid-Friendly Restaurants: Many airport restaurants offer highchairs, kid’s menus, and fantastic views of the airfield to keep kids entertained while dining.
- Security Checkpoint Family Lanes: These lanes allow families with children or those needing extra time to pass through security at a relaxed pace.
Accessibility in MDW Airport
MDW airport provides an Accessibility Guide to help navigate its facilities. The Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights outlines the rights of passengers requiring assistance. All ADA accommodations, including medical assistance, wheelchair service, and arrangements for service animals, must be coordinated with individual airlines. Additionally, TSA accommodations for security screening can be arranged through TSA Cares.
Security at MDW Airport
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) manages all security checkpoints located in each terminal, providing important information on hours of operation and security procedures. To facilitate ease of travel, services such as Global Entry and Automated Passport Control enable international passengers to bypass long lines for expedited entry. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has developed the Pack Safe initiative to educate travelers on what items are permitted on aircraft.
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck at Chicago Midway International Airport allows low-risk travelers, including U.S. Armed Forces service members, to enjoy faster and more efficient security screening. The TSA checkpoints operate daily from 3:30 am to 11:00 pm, while TSA PreCheck is available from 4:30 am to 8:00 pm.
MDW TSA Wait Time
The average wait time at MDW airport is 34 minutes. Check the TSA schedule below:
| AM timings | PM timings | ||
| 4 am – 5 am | 7.7 mins | 11 am – 12 pm | 19.3 mins |
| 5 am – 6 am | 28.4 mins | 12 pm – 1 pm | 22 mins |
| 6 am – 7 am | 19.1 mins | 1 pm – 2 pm | 32.1 mins |
| 7 am – 8 am | 27.8 mins | 2 pm – 3 pm | 31.1 mins |
| 8 am – 9 am | 19 mins | 3 pm – 4 pm | 14.6 mins |
| 9 am – 10 am | 12.9 mins | 4 pm – 5 pm | 8.7 mins |
| 10 am – 11 am | 21.7 mins | 5 pm – 6 pm | 10.8 mins |
| 11 pm – 12 am | 34.1 mins | 6 pm – 7 pm | 22.6 mins |
| 7 pm – 8 pm | 3.4 mins | ||
| 8 pm – 9 pm | 4.8 mins | ||
| 9 pm – 10 pm | 19.5 mins | ||
| 10 pm – 11 pm | 34.1 mins | ||
Global Entry
There are no global entry kiosks available at the MDW airport.
Mobile Passport
Chicago Midway International Airport serves as a biometric location for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), allowing eligible travelers to use the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app to expedite their entry into the United States. To utilize the MPC app, users can download it for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, create a profile with legal credentials, and select their mode of entry. After enrolling in the app, travelers can present their passports to a CBP officer to finalize the inspection. The MPC app is available to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 visitors, and returning Visa Waiver Program travelers with approved ESTA.
CLEAR
CLEAR at Midway Airport is available for CLEAR Plus members, which provides expedited entry at over 50 airports nationwide. The CLEAR Lane and enrollment area at Midway operates daily from 4:00 am to 8:00 pm located at the Main Terminal. The lane is located on the Mezzanine Level near the North security checkpoint bridge. There is a CLEAR Lane for both standard security & TSA PreCheck®-eligible travelers.
Wi-Fi and Charging Stations at MDW
Chicago Midway International Airport travelers can gain access to complimentary WiFi, which is available throughout its terminals. Charging stations are available for them to keep their devices powered. Apart from the general areas, business centers also provide WiFi provide a space for passengers to work on the go.
MDW Airport FAQs
How big is Chicago Midway Airport?
With a mere square mile of land area, Chicago Midway Airport handles more than 20 million people a year.
How to go from Midway Airport to Chicago’s downtown?
To go to downtown Chicago from MDW Airport, you can take a cab or Uber, or you can use one of the CTA’s trains, buses, and private shuttles.
Which airlines operate out of Chicago’s Midway Airport?
Chicago Midway Airport serves the following airlines: Porter Airlines, Southwest Airlines, North Country Sky Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Volaris Airlines.
Who can I contact regarding U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Midway?
Contact 773- 948-6330 for general information.
