MDW

Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) Flights & Information

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— MDW
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Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) Flight Information

Find helpful information about Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) to aid in your flight search on Cheapflights.

Airport code

MDW

Daily departures

1,498

Daily arrivals

1,379

Most popular destination

ATL (Atlanta)

Cheapest destination

AVL (Asheville)

Average flight price

$388
Average number of daily flights departing from MDW
Average number of daily flights to MDW
Average for round-trip flights in November 2024

Chicago Midway Airport Guide

Ramsey Qubein
octubre 1, 2024

Chicago Midway (MDW) is the city’s secondary airport, but it deserves to win first place for location. Unlike the much larger Chicago O’Hare, Midway is closer to the city center making it easier to reach. But, there’s a catch. One airline, Southwest Airlines, dominates Midway, and its network is not as vast as the global carriers that land at O’Hare. But, if Southwest is on your itinerary, then Midway is a bustling airport with a lot of destinations on its departure board. These tips will help you get through MDW, whether you are flying Southwest or one of its other airlines.

Destinations and airlines from MDW

Chicago Midway is primarily a domestic airport with flights mostly operated by Southwest. The airline operates a hub here where passengers can connect between its flights. Passengers can go to all corners of the U.S. from here on Southwest.

Several other airlines serve the airport, too, including Delta, plus low-fare carriers like Avelo, Allegiant and Frontier. Porter Airlines flies to Canada, and Mexican airline Volaris flies to several cities south of the border. Southwest also has some flights to Mexico.

The busiest destinations from MDW include Las Vegas, Phoenix, Atlanta, Denver and Orlando. Cancun is the most popular international destination.

When arriving from an international flight, you will park at Concourse A because this is the only area of the airport to have passenger immigration and customs facilities.

Airport layout

The airport takes up one square mile and is hemmed in by neighborhoods and city streets. It has no additional space to grow beyond its current borders.

There is one main terminal with three concourses made up of nearly four dozen gates. Southwest Airlines tails dominate the airfield, and the airline takes up some of Concourse A and all of Concourse B.

Passengers arrive at the terminal via a roadway that separates the check-in area from the concourses with departure gates. The airport has three levels with the top floor being for ticket counters.

After checking in for a flight, passengers go down one level for security and cross via an indoor bridge over the road below to reach the gates. This is the product of a completely new terminal that was built in 2000.

Since then, the bridge has been expanded to make it less congested, reduce security queues and make the passenger experience more pleasant. Moving walkways also help expedite traveler movement through the terminals.

Baggage claim, the parking garage and ground transportation are all on the lowest level.

Artwork at the airport

Local artists and designers often showcase their work in the terminals as part of Chicago’s public art program. Some of my favorites include the murals depicting scenes of the Chicago River winding through the Loop. In the ticketing area, there is a beautiful red, 3D sculpture meant to evoke the wonder of flight.

Even more spectacular is the 3D sculpture near the security checkpoint area depicting the topography and volume of Lake Michigan using real environmental data. It always mesmerizes me how deep and expansive the lake really is (and also how so many people passing beneath it do not know what it represents).

How to get to Chicago Midway

The easiest way to get there, and with minimal traffic, is via the city’s “L” train network, which has a station directly at the airport. This is one of the cheapest ways to reach the airport. I appreciate that the walk from the terminal to the station is well-marked.

The Orange Line’s last stop is Midway Airport, and it operates almost 24 hours a day taking travelers through southwest Chicago and eventually around the city’s central Loop. To reach the city center, the ride takes less than 30 minutes.

The CTA bus system has several routes that extend to the airport and take travelers to different corners of Chicago from the same station.

Beyond Chicago, there are several convenient bus routes that go to neighboring states. This includes reaching cities like Milwaukee as well as other destinations in Iowa, Indiana and Wisconsin. This airport has become an important center for travelers looking for low fares to and from the region.

Car rental offices are available via shuttle (be sure to factor in extra time), and rideshare, taxi and limo services all operate here. Those driving their own cars now have more choices given the newly opened parking decks. New electric charging stations are now in place.

Passenger amenities

For almost a century, the airport had no lounge for travelers. That is about to change with the arrival of a new lounge that will be accessible via Priority Pass or paying for a day pass for entry.

The smallest Concourse C may not have as many restaurants, bars and shops, but it does have a chapel and yoga room for those that need a quiet place to pray, relax or meditate.

Near gate A5, a kids play area is a great way for younger travelers to work off some energy before getting on their flight. If you want to keep them entertained during the flight, the FAO Schwarz toy store in Concourse A will certainly do the trick.

All of these amenities are part of a $70+ million overhaul of the airport that is increasing the restaurant, bar and shopping venues for travelers.

Dining options at MDW

Being so close to the city of Chicago, most travelers should satisfy their taste buds in the city center. But, if you did not have time to do so, there are some opportunities to chow down here before a flight.

My favorite stops include the fried chicken at Big City Chicken, which you will also find along Navy Pier, and the thin-crust, Chicago-style pies from Home Run Inn Pizza. They make the sausage in-house.

You also can’t go wrong at Tallboy Taco for its breakfast and all-day tacos, burrito bowls and cocktails.

Important advice

For now, Southwest (the largest airline at the airport) continues to operate an open seating model that gives passengers the chance to choose their own seat only when boarding the plane based on the type of ticket they have and time they checked in.

Not giving advance seat assignments means that travelers need to be at the gate to line up in their assigned order before boarding begins or they risk losing out on selecting their preferred seats. Long lines at food outlets in the airport could result in your being stuck in a middle seat if you are late for boarding.

Because of this, I recommend ordering food via the airport’s mobile system directly to your gate. It is fast and convenient, and the app asks for your flight’s departure time. If there is not enough time to get the food to you, it will not let you order. This means you can save your place in line at the gate while you wait for your food.

There are several outdoor smoking areas in the terminal (located after security). Spending too much time there could also delay your choosing the best seat on a Southwest flight.

Hotel options

There are several hotels that label themselves as Chicago Midway hotels, but given their city-center location, not all of them offer free shuttles. Pay close attention to which property you choose if you need a free ride to the hotel.

I like the Chicago Marriott Midway since it is the most convenient and full-service option within the area, and it offers a free shuttle from and to the airport.

MDW history

This is the former hub of American Trans Air (ATA), which operated flights around the country and to tropical destinations including Hawaii. The airline has since shut down. Another now defunct carrier, Midway Airlines, was headquartered here, and named itself after the airport.

Before O’Hare opened, this was the city’s primary airport. It was named for the Battle of Midway during World War II. Today, the entrance to Concourse A has the Battle of Midway Memorial, which details this key navy battle in a small museum.

The story of those who fought in the war as well as numerous displays with photographs and descriptions of what happened are part of the memorial. It also outlines the personal Chicago connections of those who fought in the battle.

Kids will be especially impressed with the restored bomber aircraft suspended from the ceiling.

Compare prices with O’Hare

Chicago’s two airports have different airline and destination profiles, but for some travelers, it can be worth comparing prices on sites like Kayak to see which airport is cheaper. If you are traveling long-haul internationally, Midway may not serve all of your needs.

If you find yourself flying into one Chicago airport and needing to transfer to the other, it is possible to use the Orange and Blue lines of the “L” train to get between them on a budget. But, be sure to allow more than an hour to get between the two (sometimes more).

This Cheapflights-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others. Find more perspectives in our user reviews below.

Cheap flights to Chicago Midway Airport in November and December 2024

Find deals on flights to Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) in November and December 2024. Deals are based on recent searches Cheapflights users made over the past 12 months. Click “Pick Dates” to customize your flight criteria, and browse current flight deals from travel providers.
lun. 12/2310:13 pmATL - MDW
Nonstop2h 01mFrontier
vie. 1/32:35 pmMDW - ATL
Nonstop2h 09mFrontier
Deal found 11/20$72
mar. 12/176:45 amDFW - MDW
1 stop6h 24mFrontier
mié. 12/1812:10 pmMDW - DFW
Nonstop2h 53mFrontier
Deal found 11/20$95
vie. 12/134:33 pmBWI - MDW
Nonstop2h 04mFrontier
mié. 12/182:20 pmMDW - BWI
1 stop5h 30mFrontier
Deal found 11/20$101
jue. 12/511:19 amJFK - MDW
1 stop25h 22mFrontier
lun. 12/95:01 amMDW - JFK
1 stop28h 15mFrontier
Deal found 11/20$115
mié. 12/46:16 pmHOU - MDW
1 stop5h 57mFrontier
mié. 12/118:15 amMDW - HOU
1 stop9h 11mFrontier
Deal found 11/21$134
jue. 12/1210:59 pmLGA - MDW
1 stop26h 14mFrontier
lun. 12/169:57 pmMDW - LGA
1 stop17h 32mFrontier
Deal found 11/20$138
vie. 12/139:50 pmLGA - MDW
Nonstop2h 25mSouthwest
mié. 12/186:00 amMDW - LGA
Nonstop2h 05mSouthwest
Deal found 11/20$148
sáb. 12/76:00 amATL - MDW
2 stops30h 40mMultiple Airlines
lun. 12/94:27 pmMDW - ATL
1 stop6h 34mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 11/20$155
lun. 12/237:18 pmBWI - MDW
1 stop20h 53mMultiple Airlines
vie. 1/38:20 amMDW - BWI
Nonstop1h 52mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 11/20$156
mié. 12/2511:08 amLAX - MDW
1 stop10h 12mFrontier
mié. 1/110:27 pmMDW - LAX
1 stop12h 08mFrontier
Deal found 11/20$165
mar. 12/177:55 amBWI - MDW
Nonstop2h 05mSouthwest
mié. 12/187:20 amMDW - BWI
Nonstop1h 50mSouthwest
Deal found 11/19$170
jue. 12/126:00 amEWR - MDW
1 stop3h 58mDelta
mar. 1/76:00 amMDW - EWR
1 stop5h 10mDelta
Deal found 11/20$171

Round-trip flights to Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)

Find deals on round-trip flights to Chicago Midway Airport. Deals are based on recent searches made by Cheapflights users over the past 12 months. Click “Pick Dates” to customize your flight criteria, and browse current flight deals from travel providers.
lun. 1/610:13 pmATL - MDW
Nonstop2h 01mFrontier
vie. 1/1012:46 pmMDW - ATL
Nonstop2h 09mFrontier
Deal found 11/20$70
mié. 1/810:35 amBWI - MDW
Nonstop2h 10mSouthwest
sáb. 1/118:35 amMDW - BWI
Nonstop1h 45mSouthwest
Deal found 11/21$138
sáb. 12/76:00 amATL - MDW
2 stops30h 40mMultiple Airlines
lun. 12/94:27 pmMDW - ATL
1 stop6h 34mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 11/20$155
sáb. 1/111:00 pmEWR - MDW
1 stop4h 12mDelta
mié. 1/1510:19 amMDW - EWR
1 stop6h 18mDelta
Deal found 11/20$166
mar. 12/176:45 amDFW - MDW
1 stop6h 24mFrontier
mié. 12/1812:10 pmMDW - DFW
Nonstop2h 53mFrontier
Deal found 11/20$95
vie. 12/134:33 pmBWI - MDW
Nonstop2h 04mFrontier
mié. 12/182:20 pmMDW - BWI
1 stop5h 30mFrontier
Deal found 11/20$101
mié. 1/156:18 pmHOU - MDW
1 stop5h 55mFrontier
mié. 1/228:15 amMDW - HOU
1 stop9h 11mFrontier
Deal found 11/20$108
vie. 12/139:50 pmLGA - MDW
Nonstop2h 25mSouthwest
mié. 12/186:00 amMDW - LGA
Nonstop2h 05mSouthwest
Deal found 11/20$148
sáb. 1/1811:04 amJFK - MDW
1 stop29h 17mFrontier
lun. 1/207:15 amMDW - JFK
1 stop25h 50mFrontier
Deal found 11/20$114
lun. 12/237:18 pmBWI - MDW
1 stop20h 53mMultiple Airlines
vie. 1/38:20 amMDW - BWI
Nonstop1h 52mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 11/20$156
mié. 1/225:59 pmLGA - MDW
1 stop22h 14mFrontier
lun. 1/276:15 amMDW - LGA
1 stop7h 55mFrontier
Deal found 11/20$124
mar. 1/288:30 amLAX - MDW
Nonstop4h 05mSouthwest
sáb. 2/17:25 pmMDW - LAX
Nonstop4h 40mSouthwest
Deal found 11/20$170

Flights departing from Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)

Find deals on round-trip flights from Chicago Midway Airport (MDW). Deals are based on recent searches made by Cheapflights users over the past 12 months. Click “Pick Dates” to customize your flight criteria, and browse current flight deals from travel providers.
mar. 1/145:24 pmMDW - ATL
Nonstop2h 13mFrontier
vie. 1/174:51 pmATL - MDW
Nonstop2h 02mFrontier
Deal found 11/20$67
lun. 1/68:20 amMDW - MIA
1 stop13h 47mMultiple Airlines
mié. 1/810:20 pmMIA - MDW
2 stops21h 17mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 11/20$154
mar. 1/79:34 amMDW - EWR
1 stop6h 26mDelta
sáb. 1/111:00 pmEWR - MDW
1 stop4h 12mDelta
Deal found 11/20$166
mar. 2/48:35 pmMDW - LAX
Nonstop4h 45mSouthwest
mié. 2/511:20 amLAX - MDW
Nonstop4h 00mSouthwest
Deal found 11/20$170
mié. 12/1812:10 pmMDW - DFW
Nonstop2h 53mFrontier
mié. 12/259:03 pmDFW - MDW
Nonstop2h 17mFrontier
Deal found 11/20$90
lun. 1/68:41 pmMDW - LAS
Nonstop4h 23mFrontier
jue. 1/96:11 amLAS - MDW
Nonstop3h 37mFrontier
Deal found 11/20$106
jue. 1/3012:43 pmMDW - JFK
1 stop16h 47mFrontier
lun. 2/311:00 amJFK - MDW
1 stop5h 43mFrontier
Deal found 11/20$108
mié. 2/128:12 amMDW - EWR
1 stop11h 58mFrontier
mar. 2/1810:10 pmEWR - MDW
1 stop9h 57mFrontier
Deal found 11/20$116
sáb. 2/87:25 pmMDW - PHX
Nonstop4h 00mSouthwest
mié. 2/126:40 pmPHX - MDW
Nonstop3h 10mSouthwest
Deal found 11/20$170
vie. 1/1712:51 pmMDW - EWR
1 stop24h 09mMultiple Airlines
vie. 1/3110:00 pmEWR - MDW
1 stop26h 29mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 11/20$171
mié. 1/228:15 amMDW - HOU
1 stop9h 11mFrontier
dom. 1/266:16 pmHOU - MDW
1 stop6h 01mFrontier
Deal found 11/20$118
mar. 12/316:00 amMDW - ATL
Nonstop1h 58mDelta
dom. 1/129:16 amATL - MDW
Nonstop1h 56mDelta
Deal found 11/20$177

Flights to Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) departing soon

Find deals on flights to Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) leaving in the next seven days. Deals are based on recent searches made by Cheapflights users over the past 12 months. Click “Pick Dates” to customize your flight criteria, and browse current flight deals from travel providers.
jue. 11/287:35 pmDFW - MDW
Nonstop2h 24mFrontier
vie. 12/64:27 pmMDW - DFW
1 stop7h 32mFrontier
Deal found 11/20$113
jue. 11/2810:18 pmATL - MDW
Nonstop1h 57mFrontier
vie. 11/296:05 amMDW - ATL
Nonstop2h 08mFrontier
Deal found 11/19$114
vie. 11/294:00 pmBWI - MDW
Nonstop2h 01mFrontier
vie. 12/612:51 pmMDW - BWI
Nonstop1h 52mFrontier
Deal found 11/20$166
jue. 11/283:20 pmBWI - MDW
Nonstop2h 05mSouthwest
sáb. 12/75:55 pmMDW - BWI
Nonstop1h 50mSouthwest
Deal found 11/20$240
mié. 11/275:03 pmATL - MDW
Nonstop1h 51mDelta
mar. 12/312:43 pmMDW - ATL
Nonstop1h 54mDelta
Deal found 11/19$247
jue. 11/286:00 amBWI - MDW
1 stop3h 50mDelta
mar. 12/39:31 amMDW - BWI
1 stop6h 09mDelta
Deal found 11/19$257
mié. 11/2710:16 amHOU - MDW
1 stop7h 38mDelta
mié. 12/46:00 amMDW - HOU
1 stop6h 17mDelta
Deal found 11/21$286
mié. 11/2710:50 amSEA - MDW
1 stop9h 09mFrontier
vie. 11/297:00 amMDW - SEA
1 stop26h 41mFrontier
Deal found 11/20$287
mar. 11/2610:59 amLGA - MDW
1 stop7h 13mFrontier
mié. 11/279:48 pmMDW - LGA
1 stop18h 12mFrontier
Deal found 11/20$302
mié. 11/277:15 amLGA - MDW
1 stop6h 45mSouthwest
jue. 11/2810:25 amMDW - LGA
Nonstop2h 05mSouthwest
Deal found 11/20$308
mar. 11/269:11 amSFO - MDW
1 stop10h 48mFrontier
jue. 12/512:43 pmMDW - SFO
1 stop7h 17mFrontier
Deal found 11/20$318
lun. 11/256:00 amEWR - MDW
1 stop3h 50mDelta
jue. 11/2811:59 amMDW - EWR
1 stop5h 01mDelta
Deal found 11/20$332

Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) flight status

Find the status of flights flying to and from Chicago Midway Airport (MDW). Search by flight number or origin/destination and date/time to find the specific flight(s) you’re interested in.
Utilize the flight tracker to see the current status of flights flying to and from Chicago Midway Airport.
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sáb. 11/23
5:00 am

Reviews of airlines servicing Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)

Read reviews of airlines servicing Chicago Midway Airport (MDW). Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to or from Chicago Midway Airport (MDW). Reviews last updated noviembre 21, 2024.
8.1
Very good
5,015 reviews

Entertainment

7.7

Crew

8.7

Boarding

8.2

Overall

8.1

Comfort

8.1

Food

7.2

Reviews

1 / 10

Great service throughout our flight. Easy boarding with early bird check in

8.1
Very good
5,015 reviews
8.1
Very good
5,015 reviews

Entertainment

7.7

Crew

8.7

Boarding

8.2

Overall

8.1

Comfort

8.1

Food

7.2

Reviews

1 / 10

Great service throughout our flight. Easy boarding with early bird check in

8.0
Very good
8,758 reviews
8.1
Very good
5,015 reviews

Entertainment

7.7

Crew

8.7

Boarding

8.2

Overall

8.1

Comfort

8.1

Food

7.2

Reviews

1 / 10

Great service throughout our flight. Easy boarding with early bird check in

7.8
Good
286 reviews
8.1
Very good
5,015 reviews

Entertainment

7.7

Crew

8.7

Boarding

8.2

Overall

8.1

Comfort

8.1

Food

7.2

Reviews

1 / 10

Great service throughout our flight. Easy boarding with early bird check in

7.8
Good
389 reviews
8.1
Very good
5,015 reviews

Entertainment

7.7

Crew

8.7

Boarding

8.2

Overall

8.1

Comfort

8.1

Food

7.2

Reviews

1 / 10

Great service throughout our flight. Easy boarding with early bird check in

Avelo Airlines
7.5
Good
74 reviews
8.1
Very good
5,015 reviews

Entertainment

7.7

Crew

8.7

Boarding

8.2

Overall

8.1

Comfort

8.1

Food

7.2

Reviews

1 / 10

Great service throughout our flight. Easy boarding with early bird check in

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