Chicago Midway Airport MDW

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

Midway provides several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. If you are dropping off a passenger, you can use the designated curbside drop-off areas located outside of each terminal. However, please note that curbside parking is strictly prohibited and vehicles left unattended will be towed. Therefore, it is important to stay with your vehicle at all times while dropping off passengers.

If you are picking up a passenger, you can use the cell-phone waiting areas located near the airport. These areas are free of charge and provide a convenient place to wait for your arriving passenger. Once your passenger has collected their luggage, they can call you to let you know that they are ready to be picked up. You can then proceed to the designated pick-up area outside of the terminal to collect your passenger.

Please note that parking is not allowed in the cell-phone waiting areas and vehicles must be attended at all times. If you need to park your vehicle, you can use the airport's parking facilities located in each terminal. There are several parking options available including hourly parking, daily parking, and economy parking.

Overall, Chicago Midway Airport provides several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. It is important to follow the designated rules and regulations to ensure a safe and efficient experience for all travelers.

Parking Facilities & Options

Chicago Midway Airport offers a variety of parking options to suit the needs of all travelers. There are several parking lots and garages located near the airport terminals, including the Main Garage, Economy Garage, and Red, Blue, and Yellow parking lots. The Main Garage is located directly across from the terminal, while the Economy Garage is a short shuttle ride away.

If you're waiting to pick up a passenger, there are also cell phone waiting areas available. These areas are conveniently located near the airport and allow you to wait in your car until your passenger is ready to be picked up.

Handicapped parking is available in all parking areas, with designated spaces located near the terminal entrances and shuttle bus stops.

If you're looking for an economical parking option, off-airport parking is available nearby. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport and can be a cost-effective alternative to on-site parking.

Get details about MDW parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

MDW Airport offers a range of ground transportation options to help you get to your destination. If you're looking for a car rental, you'll find several major providers located at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.

If you prefer to take a taxi, you'll find designated drop-off areas outside of the terminal buildings. Fares are typically based on distance traveled, and you can expect to pay around $30-$40 to get to downtown Chicago.

Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available at the airport. Pickup areas are located outside of the terminal buildings, and there may be restrictions on where drivers can drop you off, so be sure to check with your driver before you get in the car.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, airport shuttles are available to take you to nearby hotels and other destinations. Pickup areas are located outside of the terminal buildings, and fares vary depending on your destination.

Finally, if you're looking to save money and don't mind taking public transportation, you can take the CTA Orange Line train from the airport to downtown Chicago. The train station is located just outside of the airport terminal, and fares are typically around $3 per person.

Airport Hotels

Traveling can be both exciting and exhausting, and having a comfortable place to rest near the airport can make a significant difference in your journey. From luxury accommodations to budget-friendly options, we provide an overview of some of the best hotels near the airport. Many of these hotels offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport, ensuring a seamless and stress-free travel experience. They are not only conveniently located near the airport but are also within easy reach of the city center. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, these hotels offer the convenience, comfort, and amenities you need to make your stay enjoyable and hassle-free. Ready to book now? View all Midway Airport Hotels.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Traveling through MDW Airport? You won't go hungry with the variety of dining options available. From classic Chicago hot dogs at Gold Coast Dogs to Mediterranean dishes at Pegasus on the Fly, there's something for everyone. And if you need to pick up some last-minute souvenirs or snacks, the airport has you covered with a range of shops and stores. Discover Chicago offers Chicago-themed gifts and souvenirs, while iStore has a variety of electronics and accessories. These are just a few examples of what you'll find at MDW.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at the airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, click here to navigate the options.

Passenger Services

Midway Airport is renowned for its outstanding passenger services that cater to a wide range of traveler needs. Whether you're traveling with children, have special needs, or require medical assistance, Midway Airport is equipped to ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience. Below are some of the services you can expect at Midway:

Wifi Access: Stay connected with complimentary wifi access available throughout the terminal buildings, allowing you to keep in touch with loved ones or catch up on work while waiting for your flight.

Lost and Found: Misplaced an item at the airport? Contact the lost and found department to report your lost item. The dedicated airport staff will endeavor to locate and return your item as swiftly as possible.

Children's Areas: Midway Airport features designated play areas for children in Concourse A and Concourse B, providing a fun and safe space for kids to play and expend energy before flights.

Special-Needs Services: The airport offers a variety of services for travelers with special needs, including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and visual paging. Additionally, a TTY phone system is available for travelers who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Banking: Need to manage your finances before flying? Midway Airport provides convenient access to ATMs and currency exchange services located throughout the terminal buildings.

Medical Help: For travelers in need of medical assistance, a medical clinic is available in the Main Terminal. The clinic is staffed with medical professionals ready to provide necessary care.

Flight Status Info

When traveling by air, it's important to stay informed about the status of your flight. At Chicago Midway Airport, passengers can easily check their flight status using a variety of methods.

One of the most convenient ways to check flight status at the airport is by using the Flight Information Display System (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Passengers can also stay informed about their flight status by using their airline's mobile phone app. Many airlines offer apps that provide push notifications for departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes. In addition, passengers can choose to receive updates via text or email.

For those who prefer to check flight status online, the airport's website offers a Flight Tracker tool that provides real-time updates on flight departures and arrivals. Additionally, passengers can check the status of their flight departure at MDW by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

By staying informed about flight status, passengers can avoid unnecessary stress and make the most of their travel experience.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

When traveling through MDW Airport, it is recommended to arrive at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time. This will allow ample time for check-in, security, and any unexpected delays. The busiest times at the airport are typically during the morning and evening rush hours, so if possible, try to schedule your flight outside of these times to avoid long lines and wait times.

Getting to the Airport

The airport is conveniently located just 10 miles from downtown Chicago, making it easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transportation. If driving, be sure to check the airport's website for up-to-date parking information and rates. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available, and the airport is served by several public transportation options, including the Chicago Transit Authority's Orange Line.

Getting Oriented

When arriving at Midway Airport, it can be helpful to use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to get oriented and find your way around the airport. These maps provide detailed information on the airport's layout, including the location of gates, restaurants, shops, and other amenities. Additionally, the airport offers a variety of information kiosks and customer service representatives who can assist with any questions or concerns.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at Midway, be sure to arrive early and allow plenty of time for check-in and security. Additionally, be aware of any potential weather or traffic disruptions that may impact your travel plans, and check your flight status regularly for any updates or changes. If you do experience a delay, the airport offers a variety of amenities to help pass the time, including restaurants, shops, and free Wi-Fi.

Security Wait Times

At Chicago Midway Airport, TSA Security wait times can vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. During peak travel times, such as holidays and weekends, wait times can be longer than usual. It is recommended that passengers arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure time to allow for enough time to get through security. However, the airport does offer a helpful tool to check current TSA wait times, which can be found at check TSA Wait Times. By checking the wait times ahead of time, passengers can budget how much time they need to get to the airport and ensure a stress-free travel experience.

Airport Facts & Stats

MDW Airport is a major airport located in the United States, serving millions of passengers every year. The airport has a total of four terminals, including Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, and the Main Terminal.

On average, the airport handles around 70,000 passengers daily, with an average of 550 daily flights. The airport serves over 60 destinations, with the top five destinations being Atlanta, Baltimore, Denver, Las Vegas, and Orlando.

The airport is a hub for several airlines, including Southwest Airlines, which operates the most daily flights out of MDW. Other major airlines that use the airport as a hub include Delta Air Lines and Volaris.

Airport History

The airport, located in the city of Chicago, Illinois, has a rich history dating back to the 1920s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

• 1923: The airport opens as Chicago Air Park.
• 1927: The airport is renamed Chicago Municipal Airport.
• 1931: The airport is renamed Midway Airport in honor of the Battle of Midway during World War II.
• 1947: The airport becomes the world's busiest airport, handling over 10 million passengers annually.
• 1961: The airport's terminal building is expanded to accommodate the increasing number of passengers.
• 1982: The airport is privatized and becomes Midway Airlines' hub.
• 1993: The airport is sold to the City of Chicago and undergoes a major renovation.
• 2004: Southwest Airlines becomes the airport's largest carrier, accounting for over 80% of the airport's traffic.
• 2015: The airport completes a $75 million renovation, including upgrades to the terminal, parking garage, and airfield.
• 2020: The airport experiences a significant decrease in passenger traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite its ups and downs, Midway Airport remains an important transportation hub for the city of Chicago and the surrounding areas.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Chicago Midway International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

• IATA Code: MDW
• Airport Website
• Phone: +1 773-838-0600
• Email: Use the contact form on the airport website
• Mailing Address: Chicago Midway International Airport, 5700 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638, United States

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

Last updated: April 04, 2024