MDW - Chicago Midway International Airport (2024)

FAQs

How early should I arrive at MDW? ›

Arrive Early: While Midway Airport is known for its efficiency, it's always best to arrive at least 90 minutes before your domestic flight and two hours before international flights to allow ample time for check-in and security.

If you enjoy the thrill of travel surrounded by lots of activity and people, the bigger, busier O'Hare is a great way to go. If a quieter, casual pace is more your style, Midway is the better option.

Despite Midway's compact layout and efficient design, some savvy flyers have successfully made 45-55 minute connections at the airport, demonstrating its potential for tight layovers, although it is generally recommended to allow extra time for security and potential delays.

Current Average TSA Wait Time at MDW

Please expect to wait up to at least (34 mins) on average to go through secuirity checkpoints at MDW. This average wait time is based on the current time (Pacific Standard Time).

And it's located only 10 miles from Chicago's downtown business district. Greeting nearly 22MM annual travelers, MDW is home to the world's busiest square mile for incoming and departing airline flights.

Today, Midway is one of the busiest airports in the nation and the second-busiest airport both in the Chicago metropolitan area and the state of Illinois, serving 22,050,489 passengers in 2023.

Chicago Midway International Airport encompasses an area of approximately 840 acres, with the airfield comprising five runways, two of which serve airline operations, while the remaining runways serve general aviation.

Midway Is Convenient for Domestic Travel

It's closer to downtown, and limo service can get you from the Loop to Midway in just over 20 minutes (without traffic, of course). While Midway may not have the same range of international options, it offers many domestic flights and a more stress-free travel experience.

Chicago Midway International Airport is an airport in Chicago, Illinois, on the city's southwest side, justeight miles from the Loop. It is the second-largest passenger airport in the Chicago metropolitan area, as well as the state of Illinois.

I echo the recommendation for the 60 minute one; I would do that even if I were traveling solo. Midway is not that big, but there can be a pretty significant spread between Southwest gates. Good luck!

What is the shortest acceptable layover? ›

In most cases, a 30-minute layover for domestic flights and an hour for international flights is considered a minimum, or short, layover. It's common to worry that your layover is too short. And, unfortunately, there isn't an easy way of knowing if your layover will be long enough to make your connection.

It's enough time to make a connection, you can verify at OMA that your luggage will be tagged through to your final destination in Florida. You won't have to go back through security. 40 minutes is on the shorter end of connections though, so you'll want to head straight for the departure gate with minimal stops.

As a rule of thumb, you should try to arrive at Chicago Midway Airport two hours before you fly but check with the airline you're flying with.

When do I need to arrive at the airport for my Southwest Airlines (WN) flight? Suggested arrival time: 2 hours before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights. 3 hours before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US.

Checked Bags: Yes

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

Duration of Visit

With so much to see and do, we recommend spending at least 4 or 5 hours on board to maximize your Midway experience! Same-day re-entry is allowed; simply stop by the Visitors Information Center at the ship's exit.

When you're traveling within the United States, we make the suggestion to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure. For most airports, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time (airports requiring additional time are listed below, Go to footer note).

The officials at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW airport) work diligently to protect everyone's safety. TSA checkpoints operate from 3:30 AM to 11 PM, seven days a week. TSA Pre✓™ checkpoints are open from 4:30 am to 8:00 pm every day.

“In order to align with recent changes in state and federal guidelines, the Chicago Department of Aviation will no longer require masks at O'Hare and Midway International Airports,” officials said. Officials are still encouraging passengers to wear masks in airports, and to extend courtesy to those who decide to do so.