Chicago Midway International Airport

Chicago Midway is not just a transport hub, but a true historical symbol of American aviation, often referred to as the "cosy neighbour" of the giant O'Hare. Located much closer to the city's business centre, this airport offers travellers a calmer and more homely atmosphere, eliminating long transfers and endless queues. It was here that life once bustled at the world's busiest airport, and today Midway serves as the ideal gateway for those wishing to immediately immerse themselves in the rhythm of Chicago or head off to sunny resorts.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

The main advantage of Midway is its compactness and location. It is situated just a 20-30 minute drive from the central district, The Loop, making it incredibly convenient for tourists wishing to save time on transfers. Unlike its "big brother", there is only one terminal here with three concourses, which significantly simplifies navigation and reduces the time spent on pre-flight formalities.

The airport is closely integrated into the urban transport system: the Orange Line metro station is connected to the terminal by a covered walkway, allowing you to reach the centre quickly and affordably. Additionally, Midway's gastronomic zone deserves special attention — many local Chicago brands are represented here, so you can try the famous pizza or hot dogs right before your flight.

Below you will find contact information for Midway International Airport (MDW) in Chicago. We recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date data before your trip.

• Official Website: www.flychicago.com/midway
• Information Service Phone: (773) 838-0600
• Address: 5700 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638, USA
• Email: For most enquiries, the airport suggests using the contact forms on the official website, as there is no public email for general questions.
• Social Media: You can follow news and updates on the airport's official social media pages, for example, on X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @fly2midway.
• Lost and Found Information: If your items were lost within the airport terminal, contact the Lost and Found office at (773) 838-0656. For issues related to checked luggage (loss, delay, damage), you must contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance and answers to general questions, you can call the main phone number or speak to staff at the information desks located in the terminal.

Midway Airport (MDW) is conveniently located just 18 kilometres southwest of the business centre of Chicago, making the journey there quick and accessible. There are several ways to reach the terminals, and the choice depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences.

Public Transport is the most economical and often the fastest method. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) system links the airport directly to the city. Orange Line ('L' train) trains depart from the station at the airport and travel to the central Loop district. The trip takes about 20-25 minutes. This is an ideal option to avoid city traffic jams. Additionally, several CTA bus routes also serve the airport, connecting it to various districts of the city and suburbs.

Taxis and Ridesharing (Uber, Lyft) offer a more comfortable "door-to-door" option. A taxi ride from the city centre to Midway usually takes between 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic and will cost approximately $30-40. Ridesharing services may be slightly cheaper. For boarding taxis and rideshare vehicles, there are designated zones at the airport located outside the baggage claim area.

If you prefer to travel by car, you can reach Midway Airport via the I-55 highway (Stevenson Expressway). Airport Parking offers several options: there are hourly and daily parking spaces located in covered garages next to the terminal, as well as more budget-friendly economy lots with shuttles to the terminal. For those picking up arriving passengers, a free "Cell Phone Lot" is provided where you can wait for a call from the passenger.

Overall, Midway compares favourably in terms of location with the larger O'Hare International Airport, as it is situated closer to the city centre. This makes it particularly convenient for business trips and short visits to the USA. Always check the traffic situation before setting off, especially during peak hours, to accurately calculate your travel time.

Midway Airport in Chicago features a simple structure that is convenient for passengers. It consists of one main terminal, which is divided into three passenger concourses (halls): A, B, and C. This layout makes navigation intuitively clear and fast, which is particularly appreciated by travellers.

All three concourses are connected to each other past the security checkpoint. This means you will not need shuttles or trains to transfer between gates — you can walk to any boarding gate. The airport layout is logical: in the centre lies the so-called "Central Market" — a large zone with numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants, from which paths diverge to the concourses. Concourse B is the largest and handles the majority of flights, while A and C are slightly smaller.

Departure and arrival zones are standardly separated by levels. The Upper Level is intended for departing passengers: airline check-in counters and security checkpoints are located here. The Lower Level is the arrivals area, where baggage claim belts and exits to ground transport, including taxis, shuttles, and the city 'L' train line, are situated.

The time required to complete procedures can vary greatly. On average, you should allow about 60-90 minutes for check-in and security. However, during morning and evening peak hours, as well as on holidays, queues can be significantly longer. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight departure.

For easy navigation, follow the signs to your concourse (A, B, or C) and gate number. Thanks to the terminal's compactness and the fact that all halls are under one roof, getting lost here is quite difficult. The central zone with the food court serves as an excellent landmark and a place to wait for your flight.

The history of Midway Airport is a true saga of ascents and descents in the world of aviation. Its story began in 1923 when it was founded as a simple airfield named Chicago Municipal Airport. Regular passenger services started in 1927, and within a few years, it became one of the most important aviation hubs in the USA.

By the 1930s, the airport earned the title of the busiest in the world and held it until the late 1950s. This was its golden era. A significant event in its history occurred in 1949 when the airport was renamed "Midway" in honour of the famous Battle of Midway in World War II, which was a turning point in the Pacific campaign.

However, with the advent of the jet age in the late 1950s, Midway faced a serious problem. Its relatively short runways, hemmed in by the dense urban development of Chicago, could not accommodate the new large jet liners, such as the Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8. Major traffic began to shift to the newer, more spacious O'Hare Airport, and for a time, Midway became practically empty.

The revival of the airport began in the late 1970s with the deregulation of air travel and the arrival of budget airlines. The pioneer was Southwest Airlines, which made Midway its main hub in Chicago. This decision proved incredibly successful and gave the airport a second life. To match its new status, a massive reconstruction was carried out in the late 1990s and early 2000s: a new modern terminal and multi-level parking were built, and boarding gates were updated.

Interesting fact: despite all modernisations, the airport still retains its compactness and is known for its efficiency. Its history is a vivid example of how an infrastructure facility can adapt to changing technologies and economic conditions, regaining popularity and significance.

Midway International Airport in Chicago offers passengers a wide range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. Regardless of the purpose of your trip, you will find everything you need for a pleasant experience here.

For those who are hungry, the terminals feature numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries, offering both dishes from famous fast-food chains and more refined options. In the many shops, you can purchase souvenirs, press, electronics, or travel goods. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and special stations and sockets are provided in waiting areas for charging gadgets.

Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can utilise the services of VIP lounges, where one can relax or work in a quiet atmosphere. For financial matters, the airport has bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points. In case of necessity, one can visit the medical station for first aid.

The airport is well-equipped for travellers with special needs. For passengers with children, there are nursing rooms and play areas. The terminals are fully adapted for people with disabilities: there are ramps, lifts, and specially equipped restrooms. For those who need to stay near the airport, several hotels of various price categories are located in the immediate vicinity. Business travellers can make use of business centres and conference rooms for holding meetings or working.

Midway Airport offers passengers diverse dining options capable of satisfying any taste and budget. Here you will find both establishments of famous global chains and unique cafes reflecting the gastronomic flair of Chicago. Most restaurants and cafes are located in the "airside" zone, after passing security, allowing you to have a meal peacefully while waiting for your flight.

For those wishing to discover local cuisine, Midway is an excellent place. Without leaving the airport, you can try the famous Chicago deep-dish pizza at Giordano's or drop by the legendary Billy Goat Tavern, known for its cheeseburgers. It is also worth noting Harry Caray's Shortstop — a sports bar and restaurant where you can not only eat well but also immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city's baseball history. These establishments are ideal for a full lunch or dinner.

If you are short on time, there are plenty of options for a quick snack at your service. The airport has popular chains such as Potbelly Sandwich Shop, where excellent sandwiches are made to order, and coffee shops, including the local chain Big Shoulders Coffee. Such spots are a wonderful choice for grabbing food and drinks to take on board. They are situated throughout the Central Market and along Concourses A, B, and C.

The price range at the airport varies from moderate at fast-food points to higher at full-service restaurants. Most establishments open early in the morning and operate until late evening, aligning with flight schedules. However, it is recommended to check the opening hours of a specific restaurant in advance, especially if you have a very early or late flight.

Passengers with special dietary needs will also find suitable options. Many cafes offer vegetarian and gluten-free dishes — look for salads, bowls, and sandwiches with a choice of ingredients. Plant-based milk is always available in coffee shops. Regarding Halal food, choices may be limited, so it is best to clarify information directly at the establishments.

When planning a trip through Midway Airport in Chicago, use our tips to make your journey as comfortable as possible. This airport is smaller than O'Hare, but during peak hours it can be quite crowded, so preparation is helpful.

Arrival Time and Check-in: We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight departure. To save time, complete online check-in in advance and save your boarding pass on your phone. Baggage drop counters and security queues can be long, especially in the morning and evening hours.

Security Screening and Hand Luggage: To speed up the screening process, prepare your documents in advance, place large electronic devices in a separate bin, and remember the rule for liquids: containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a single transparent bag. If you have TSA PreCheck status, you will be able to pass through security via an expedited procedure. Ensure there are no prohibited items in your hand luggage, such as sharp objects or flammable substances.

Seat Selection and Transfers: Midway Airport is quite compact, making transfers relatively quick. Always check the number of your next boarding gate immediately upon arrival. Regarding seat selection on the plane, note that the main carrier at Midway is Southwest Airlines, which operates an open seating system. To secure a good seat, it is important to check in as early as possible.

Customs Control: Although Midway mainly serves domestic flights, there are international destinations as well. Upon arrival in the USA from another country, you will have to undergo standard customs and passport control procedures. Keep your passport, visa, and completed declaration ready. Be prepared to answer the officer's questions about the purpose of your trip and the duration of your stay.

Savings and Flight Delays: To save money, bring an empty water bottle and fill it after passing security, and also grab some light snacks. The most budget-friendly way to get to the city is to use the Orange Line metro (CTA Orange Line), the station of which is connected to the terminal. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative to clarify information and possible options. The airport has a food court, shops, and free Wi-Fi to help pass the waiting time.