Chicago Midway Airport Guide

Exploring MDW: Chicago's Premier Air Travel Gateway

February 26, 2024

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is a significant airline transportation hub on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois. Opened in 1927, it’s grown into one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving more than 22 million travelers annually. Eight miles from downtown Chicago, Midway is an essential gateway for domestic and international flights.

Southwest Airlines is a dominant carrier, along with other major airlines such as Delta, Volaris, and Porter. The airport boasts a range of modern amenities, including diverse dining options, upscale shopping, and convenient parking options, such as The Parking Spot.

Private charter aircraft operate exclusively out of Concourse C, with three gates available.

Check out The Parking Spot's off-site parking facility! 

About MDW

Location and Address

The physical address of Chicago Midway International Airport is 5700 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638, and is readily accessible via GPS.

Mass Public Transportation to the Airport

Most travelers using public transportation to Chicago Midway International Airport use the Chicago Transit Authority’s “L” train or “Orange” Line. The Orange Line has multiple stations throughout the city, including Quincy, State/Lake, and Clark/Lake. MDW is the last stop on the Orange Line, where travelers can connect directly to their respective airline terminals.

MDW Updates and Initiatives

The City of Chicago launched the Midway Modernization Program, the largest of its kind for the airport in twenty years. This initiative included:

  • Security Checkpoint Expansion, designed to increase queuing area for travelers and minimize wait times.
  • Terminal Garage Enhancements, such as elevator modernization, installation of EV charging stations, installation of LED lighting and more.
  • Concessions Redevelopment, which expanded the concessions operations and provided new employment opportunities.

Complimentary Wi-Fi at Chicago Midway International Airport

Public Wi-Fi is free for visitors to MDW. Access the internet by following these simple steps:

  1. Navigate to your device settings and select “Wifi.”
  2. Select MDW’s network ID, which is Free_MDW_Wi_Fi.
  3. Enter your email address and check the box indicating that you accept the terms and conditions of use.
  4. You will then be connected.

Note that if you are in a premium lounge area, alternative free Wi-Fi connections may be available to you.

Services Inside MDW

Chicago Midway International Airport officials have gone out of their way to make travel as comfortable as possible for the millions of people passing through their airport daily. Whether you’re laying over or awaiting your flight departure, here are some of the available services inside MDW:

USO Center

The USO Center for active military personnel and their families provides a designated area for men, women and families of the Armed Forces to rest, eat, email and make calls before deployment or after overseas travel. USO Center amenities include:

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Complementary food and drinks
  • Movies and TV
  • Free reading materials
  • Calling cards
  • Comfortable bathrooms with changing stations
  • Copier and fax machine
  • Referrals
  • Travel information and support

For more information about how to access the USO Center at MDW, Armed Forces travelers may call (773) 582-5852

Yoga Room

The MDW Yoga room is a tranquil space in Concourse C for passengers to relax and recharge between flights through meditation and yoga practice. The room features a bamboo floor, live greenery, earth-tone wall colors, exercise mats, and secure lock-ups for storing personal belongings. Enjoy it daily from 6 AM to 10 PM.

Mother’s Room

Nursing or lactating mothers can find solace and privacy in the MDW Mother’s Room, located in Concourse C near Gate A5, right next to the Yoga Room. Lactation suite features include comfortable seating and a washing area with a sink.

Accessibility

MDW is committed to providing accessibility for the mobility-challenged and anyone else who needs additional support. This includes support for accessing the terminal from outside, navigating services within MDW, and more. For more information, dial 773-686-8040.

Banking

There are multiple ATMs and banking services within Midway International Airport. Seaway National Bank offers currency exchange services from its location in Concourse A. Over 200 currency conversions are available, such as yen, peso, euros, and much more. ATMs are located at various points in the airport. Fees may apply.

Mail

There are no mailboxes at MDW, but there are mail collection boxes available in each terminal. Contact an MDW at one of the information desks to find the nearest one to your location.

Curbside Check-in

MDW offers curbside check-in from the departure terminal.

Chapel

A tranquil chapel is located at the entrance to Concourse C, serving people of all faiths. Inside, weary travelers will find a respectful space to reflect and be at peace.

Pet Relief Area

At the entrance to Concourse A is a small but perfect area for pets to relieve themselves before travel or during layovers. You’ll find the place outside of the baggage claim entrance, door 4.

Lost and Found

For lost and found help, MDW offers a selection of telephone numbers to call, depending on where the item was misplaced. Officials will work with you to reunite you with your valued item.

Why Fly Out of Chicago Midway International Airport?

Chicago Midway International Airport offers travelers tremendous benefits, especially compared to Chicago O’Hare.  MDW is a smaller airport than its largest competing airport. This size makes it much less intimidating for first-time flyers. Constructed on 840 acres, it also makes navigating much more manageable, with just one passenger terminal and three concourses. By comparison, O’Hare has four terminals and nine concourses sprawled over 7,600 acres. For simplicity of travel, Chicago Midway International Airport comes out on top.

The convenience of MDW can’t be overlooked, either. It’s only 12 miles from Chicago’s busy Loop district, making it ideal for business travelers. Getting there from the office is as easy as hopping on the Orange Line train from downtown and riding it to the end until you’re at the doors of MDW. This service helps travelers avoid Midway airport weather, which, in winter, can be severe. Of course, there are multiple train stations to access the Orange Line (“L”)  for airport-bound travelers originating from more residential parts of the city.

MDW is the operational base for Southwest Airlines, ferrying most of the airport’s travelers in and out of this Chicago hub. Other airlines with operations at MDW include Delta, Allegiant Air and more.

Hotels Near Midway Airport

When you need accommodation near MDW, choose from the following options at various prices to suit all kinds of options. Contact the hotels directly to learn more about their amenities, which may include complimentary breakfast, laundry service, swimming pools, business centers, and more:

Attractions Near MDW

If you’re traveling with family or looking for ways to occupy yourself on a layover or while waiting for your departure flight, here are some popular attractions near Chicago Midway International Airport.

You should also know that The Parking Spot offers certain deals and coupons for people traveling around Chicago, so check out the website to learn more.

  • Field Museum of Natural History is one of the largest history museums in the world with rare dinosaur skeletons, educational exhibits, and much more for adults and children of all ages.
  • Grant Park is a 319-acre urban park in the Loop district, perfect for walking, picnicking or getting fresh air between flights.
  • Willis Tower is a 1,451-foot skyscraper that was the world’s tallest building when it opened in 1973.
  • United Center is home to the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks.
  • The Chicago Museum of Science and Industry is located in Jackson Park and hosts nearly a million visitors annually.
  • McCormick Place is a convention space and indoor event area with six ballrooms and a 2.5-acre rooftop garden that’s the largest in the Midwest.
  • Soldier Field is a multipurpose stadium and site of the Special Olympics event in Chicago.

Shopping and Midway Airport Food and Dining

The following stores and food in Midway airport will add to your enjoyment and comfort:

Shopping:

  • Aero Mart, in Concourse C
  • Chicago News, in Concourse B
  • Chicago Sports, in Concourse B
  • EVOLVE by Hudson, in Central Market
  • FAO Schwartz, in Concourse A
  • MAC Cosmetics, in Central Market
  • Sarah’s Candies, in Concourse B

Dining:

There are many more dining opportunities and shopping destinations within Chicago Midway International Airport; too many to mention here. For detailed information about locations, please consult a Midway airport map.

Security at MDW

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.

Standard TSA travel guidelines to streamline airport security include:

  • Do not allow others to pack or handle your luggage
  • Review the list of prohibited travel items before travel
  • Have your boarding pass and ID in hand when approaching a TSA checkpoint
  • Be prepared to remove shoes, coats and bulky jewelry for inspection at TSA checkpoints
  • Carefully follow all TSA official’s instructions

Parking at Airports With The Parking Spot

The Parking Spot offers convenient, concierge-like parking for travelers at Chicago Midway. You can also reserve parking at one of our network partners at Chicago O'Hare or Milwaukee MKE. When you join The Parking Spot's loyalty program, the Spot Club, you can earn points for free parking, enjoy no reservation fees, and get easier entry and exit. And remember, the more you park, the more you save!

 

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