Comprehensive Guide to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Introduction
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) serves as a vital aviation hub in the United States, offering a blend of rich history, modern facilities, and strategic importance. Located approximately 10 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, Midway is the city's second-largest airport, providing a convenient alternative to O'Hare International Airport. This guide delves into the intricate details of MDW, encompassing its history, terminal layout, amenities, transportation options, and more, ensuring travelers have a comprehensive understanding of what to expect when navigating through this bustling airport.
Historical Overview
Established in 1927, Chicago Midway International Airport was originally known as Chicago Municipal Airport. By 1929, it had ascended to the title of the world's busiest airport, a testament to Chicago's burgeoning aviation industry. In 1949, the airport was renamed Midway in honor of the Battle of Midway, a pivotal World War II conflict. Throughout the decades, MDW has undergone numerous expansions and renovations, evolving to meet the demands of modern air travel while preserving its historical significance.
Location and Accessibility
Strategically positioned at 5700 S. Cicero Ave., Chicago, IL 60638, Midway Airport is easily accessible from various parts of the city and its suburbs. Its proximity to downtown Chicago makes it a preferred choice for travelers seeking convenience. The airport is well-connected via major highways and public transportation systems, ensuring seamless ingress and egress for passengers.
Terminal Layout and Facilities
Midway Airport encompasses a single terminal building, ingeniously designed to facilitate efficient passenger movement. This terminal is segmented into three concourses: A, B, and C.
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Concourse A: Comprising 17 gates (A1-A3, A4A, A4B, A5, A7, A9-A12, A14-A19), Concourse A serves airlines such as Delta Air Lines, Porter Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Volaris. Travelers will find a variety of dining and retail options, ensuring a comfortable pre-flight experience.
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Concourse B: Home to 23 gates (B1-B3, B5, B7-B12, B14-B26), this concourse is predominantly utilized by Southwest Airlines. It boasts an array of amenities, including eateries, shops, and passenger services, catering to the needs of domestic travelers.
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Concourse C: The smallest of the three, Concourse C houses 3 gates (C1-C3) and serves airlines such as Avelo Airlines and Frontier Airlines. Despite its size, it offers essential services and amenities to ensure passenger comfort.
The terminal's design ensures that passengers can traverse between concourses without the need to re-clear security, streamlining the connection process. Additionally, the terminal features a range of services, including free Wi-Fi, charging stations, family restrooms, and pet relief areas, catering to diverse traveler needs.
Airlines and Destinations
Chicago Midway International Airport serves as a hub for several major airlines, offering flights to numerous domestic and international destinations.
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Southwest Airlines: As the dominant carrier at MDW, Southwest operates flights to a multitude of destinations across the United States, including Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, and Orlando.
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Delta Air Lines: Provides services to key hubs such as Atlanta and Minneapolis, facilitating both business and leisure travel.
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Frontier Airlines: Offers budget-friendly options to various destinations, including Denver and Orlando.
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Volaris: Connects passengers to international destinations in Mexico, catering to the diverse demographic of Chicago.
The airport's comprehensive flight network ensures that travelers have a plethora of options, whether they're embarking on domestic journeys or international adventures.
Ground Transportation
Midway Airport is well-equipped with a variety of ground transportation options, ensuring passengers can seamlessly transition to their next destination.
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Public Transit: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers the Orange Line train service, directly connecting Midway to downtown Chicago. The station is conveniently located adjacent to the airport terminal, providing a cost-effective and efficient mode of transport.
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Buses: Several CTA bus routes serve the airport, connecting passengers to various parts of the city and suburbs.
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Taxis and Rideshares: Designated zones for taxis, Uber, and Lyft are located outside the terminal, offering flexible transportation choices for travelers.
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Car Rentals: Major car rental companies operate on-site, with shuttle services transporting passengers to rental facilities.
Parking Facilities
For those driving to the airport, Midway offers a range of parking options to accommodate different needs.
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Hourly Parking: Ideal for short visits, this lot is located adjacent to the terminal, offering convenience for quick trips.
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Daily Parking: Situated within walking distance of the terminal, it caters to travelers requiring parking for extended periods.
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Economy Parking: Budget-friendly options are available a short shuttle ride away from the terminal, providing cost-effective solutions for long-term parking.
Real-time parking availability and reservation options can be accessed through the airport's official website, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Amenities and Services
Midway International Airport is committed to enhancing the passenger experience by offering a plethora of amenities and services.
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Dining: A diverse selection of restaurants and cafes are scattered throughout the terminal, catering to various culinary preferences. From quick bites to sit-down meals, travelers can indulge in local Chicago flavors or international cuisines.
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Shopping: Retail outlets offer a range of products, including travel essentials, electronics, apparel, and souvenirs, allowing passengers to shop at theirleisure.
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Free Wi-Fi & Charging Stations: MDW offers complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, ensuring passengers can stay connected while waiting for their flights. Numerous charging stations are available near seating areas, allowing travelers to recharge their devices before departure.
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Business Services: For business travelers, Midway provides quiet seating areas and work-friendly environmentsin the terminal. While there is no dedicated business lounge, Southwest Airlines passengers with A-List Preferred status can enjoy priority services.
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Family-Friendly Amenities: MDW is family-friendly, offering stroller rentals, family restrooms, and kids' play areas. Parents traveling with infants can utilize private nursing rooms, ensuring a comfortable experience.
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Pet Relief Areas: If you're traveling with a pet, MDW provides dedicated pet relief areas both inside and outsidethe terminal. These areas are equipped with waste disposal bags and artificial grass for pets.
Hotels Near Chicago Midway International Airport
For travelers with early morning flights, layovers, or overnight stays, there are several hotels near MDW that offer free airport shuttles and comfortable accommodations.
Top Hotels Near MDW:
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Chicago Marriott Midway ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Distance: 1 mile from the airport
- Free shuttle service to and from MDW
- Fitness center, indoor pool, and on-site restaurant
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Hampton Inn by Hilton Chicago Midway Airport ⭐⭐⭐
- Distance: 1.2 miles
- Complimentary hot breakfast
- 24/7 airport shuttle service
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Hyatt Place Chicago Midway Airport ⭐⭐⭐
- Distance: 1.5 miles
- Spacious suites with workstations
- On-site dining and bar
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Holiday Inn Express Midway Airport ⭐⭐⭐
- Distance: 1.3 miles
- Free breakfast and free Wi-Fi
- Business center and fitness center
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Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Midway ⭐⭐⭐
- Distance: 1.5 miles
- Affordable rates and comfortable rooms
- Convenient location near major highways
💡 TIP: If you're booking a hotel near MDW, check for park and fly packages, which include parking and free airport shuttle services.
Midway Airport Travel Tips & Hacks
✔ Arrive Early: While MDW is smaller than O’Hare Airport (ORD), security lines can still be long during peak hours. Arrive 90 minutes before domestic flights and 2 hours before international flights.
✔ Use the MDW TSA PreCheck Lane: If you’re a TSA PreCheck member, you can use the dedicated security lane, saving time during peak hours.
✔ Check the Real-Time Flight Status: Visit the MDW website or use your airline’s app to check for any delays, gate changes, or cancellations before leaving for the airport.
✔ Take Public Transit Instead of Driving: The Orange Line CTA Train is the fastest way to get from downtown Chicago to Midway Airport, especially during rush hour when traffic is heavy.
✔ Download the FlyChicago App: The FlyChicago app provides real-time airport updates, dining options, and parking availability for both MDW and O’Hare airports.
✔ Take Advantage of Free Wi-Fi: MDW offers free high-speed Wi-Fi, allowing you to stream content, work, or browse the web before your flight.
✔ Avoid Peak Hours for Shorter Lines: The busiest times at MDW are early morning (5 AM - 8 AM) and late afternoon (3 PM - 6 PM). If possible, book flights outside of these peak hours to avoid long lines at security checkpoints.
✔ Use Rideshare for Quick Pickups: Instead of waiting for taxis, use Uber or Lyft, which have designated pickup areas outside baggage claim.
✔ Park in Economy Lots for Cheaper Rates: If you’re driving to MDW, the Economy Parking Lot offers the best long-term parking rates, with free shuttle service to the terminal.
✔ Try Local Chicago Eats at the Airport: Instead of eating at fast-food chains, grab a bite at Gold Coast Dogs, Connie’s Pizza, or Garrett Popcorn to get a taste of iconic Chicago flavors before your flight.
Things to Do Near Chicago Midway International Airport
If you have a long layover or extra time before your flight, explore some of the top attractions near Midway Airport:
✔ Downtown Chicago (The Loop) – Take the CTA Orange Line for a quick 30-minute train ride to Chicago’s downtown, where you can visit the Willis Tower, Millennium Park, and The Art Institute of Chicago.
✔ Ford City Mall – Located just 2 miles from MDW, this shopping center has major retail stores, restaurants, and a movie theater.
✔ Brookfield Zoo – One of the best zoos in the country, featuring 450+ species and a beautiful nature park, just 10 miles west of MDW.
✔ Guaranteed Rate Field – If you’re a baseball fan, catch a Chicago White Sox game at their home stadium, which is just 20 minutes from MDW.
✔ Chicago Riverwalk – Take a relaxing walk along the scenic river, filled with restaurants, bars, and boat tours in downtown Chicago.
✔ Shedd Aquarium & The Field Museum – Perfect for families, these world-class museums are located near Lake Michigan and are only 30 minutes from Midway Airport.
💡 TIP: If you have 4+ hours to spare, take the Orange Line CTA train to downtown Chicago for sightseeing and return at least 90 minutes before your flight.
Why Choose Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)?
✔ Closer to downtown Chicago than O’Hare (only 10 miles away)
✔ Fast security screening compared to ORD
✔ Direct access to the CTA Orange Line train for cheap, fast transportation
✔ More budget-friendly flights, especially for Southwest Airlines passengers
✔ Smaller, more manageable terminal layout
✔ Great food and local Chicago-style dining options
If you’re looking for a stress-free alternative to O’Hare International Airport (ORD), then Chicago Midway Airport is the best choice for business travelers, tourists, and families flying in and out of Chicago.
Final Thoughts on Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Chicago Midway International Airport is one of the most efficient, traveler-friendly airports in the U.S., offering shorter wait times, excellent amenities, and direct access to downtown Chicago.
With great public transit connections, affordable flights, and a smooth security process, MDW is the best airport option for travelers looking to avoid the crowds of O’Hare. Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, Midway provides a convenient and reliable airport experience for millions of passengers each year.
