Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) Guide: Airlines, Lounges, Parking, Shops & Security Tips

There is nothing easier than traveling into, out of, or throughout America than at Chicago Midway International Airport. MDW can be found approximately eleven miles southwest of downtown Chicago, at 5700 S. Cicero Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. Over twenty-two million people use MDW on an annual basis, and it is ranked number two in Chicago as well as in Illinois (with ORD, the primary Chicago airport, being number one; there, MDW will operate around 22 million passengers, whereas there are about 50-60 million passengers that pass through the doors of ORD annually.) With that said, O’Hare has international and legacy carriers and long-haul travelers whereas MDW has a lot of low-cost domestic and even business carriers. 

As well. Chicago Midway International Airport opened back in 1927 with the given name Chicago Municipal Airport. By 1948, more flight passengers were flying in and out of MDW than any other airport throughout the U.S. The name was changed in 1949. The airport took on its present-day name to honor the historic Battle of Midway of World War II. 

Airlines At Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)

There are many good, reputable airline companies that work to get travelers back and forth to, from, and through Midway, though it does come with an overbearing presence of discount airline operations. As a matter of fact, Southwest Airlines alone will account for the majority of traffic flying in and out of MDW. 

The following are current airlines providing flight options out of Chicago Midway Airport (MDW):

• Southwest Airlines

• Delta Air Lines

• Frontier Airlines

• Allegiant Air

• Avelo Airlines

• Porter Airlines

• Volaris

MDW’s concourses carry air travel by this general description: Concourse A handles most flights associated with Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and Volaris, and also provides a home for certain international operations. Concourse B, the largest and busiest of all the concourses at MDW, hosts the majority of Southwest Airlines departures and has a count of 23 gates. Concourse C, the smallest of the lot, is home to just three gates, C1, C2, and C3, and caters to limited airline service.

Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) Lounges

Travelers heading out from Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) have access to a pair of tranquil lounges, offering a welcome escape from the typical bustle of the passenger concourse.

The Club MDW

Located just past the security checkpoint, at the airside-located Central Market across from Gate B1, The Club MDW serves as Chicago Midway's flagship passenger lounge. Its inclusive policy means that no matter your airline or class of service, you’re welcomed here, making it one of America’s most accessible airport lounges. 

The Club MDW Offers:

• A selection of complimentary snacks and bites.

• High-speed Wi-Fi for working or streaming.

• A separate, tranquil space for those seeking a quieter atmosphere.

• Comfortable seating arrangements in a peaceful environment.

USO Lounge

Situated on the mezzanine level of Concourse C, the USO Lounge provides a free and designated sanctuary exclusively for active U.S. Service members and their immediate family members. Complementing this space on Concourse C’s mezzanine are a yoga room and a chapel, thoughtful additions to support the overall well-being and spiritual needs of travelers.

Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) Parking

Chicago Midway Airport offers a variety of convenient, on-site parking solutions to suit any travel requirement, from brief pick-ups and drop-offs to lengthy vacations. All parking charges are assessed based on the actual amount of time parked, and payment can be made with cash or any of the major credit card brands (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club) when exiting.

On-Site Parking Facilities at MDW

Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) provides several parking options available on-site to suit all of your travelling needs, from short drop-offs to long-term parking while away for an extended period.  Below are some of the parking options at MDW:

• Terminal Garage: Best for short-term needs or when convenience is the highest priority.

• Economy Parking: The go-to if you're parking for several days and looking to save money.

• Cell Phone Lot: A free convenience option for waiting to pick up passengers; no long-term parking is allowed here.

• EV Charging Stations: You’ll find these on the first level of the Economy Parking Garage.

• Motorcycle Parking: Motorcycles are welcome in all terminal garages at no charge and do not require a parking ticket.

Pro Tip: To save money and secure a parking space, especially during popular travel times like the summer, Thanksgiving holiday, and late December, book your airport parking in advance online or by phone, regardless of whether it’s on-site or off-site. 

Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) Shops and Dining Options

Though smaller than Chicago O'Hare, Midway Airport (MDW) still offers shoppers a substantial number of interesting boutiques, souvenirs, and foods. Midway is home to 33 eateries, cafes, and fast food spots in its terminal and 3 concourses and various retail shops, offering travellers time to browse and explore during their trip.

Shopping Options:

• Hudson News

• Chicago Sports

• InMotion

• Chicago Duty-Free

• Nuts on Clark

Dining options:

At MDW Central Market, which serves as a social hub and food destination, foodies have access to both popular and iconic Chicago eats and standard fast food:

• Garrett Popcorn Shops

• Connie’s Pizza

• Giordano’s Pizza

• Billy Goat Tavern

• Big Shoulders Coffee

• Dunkin’

The airport also features free Wi-Fi pre- and post-security for all passengers.

Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) Security Wait Times

Security at Midway Airport is operated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and is administered by a large central screening area located across the walkway over the concourses, between the main terminal building and the concourses. It’s open to passengers daily from 3:30 AM – 11:00 PM.

• Most busy times: Early mornings (between 5-9 AM) are often the busiest times at MDW, when security can take around 20-30 minutes, if the day is particularly busy. You’ll also notice higher crowds during the early morning’s first wave and late afternoon.

• Least busy times: Between 10 AM and 2 PM will see the quickest waits.

• Weekends & Holidays: The absolute busiest times to be at MDW and go through security are the weekends of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Memorial Day, and Fourth of July.

MDW TSA PreCheck: TSA PreCheck is offered at the central Midway checkpoint, open from 4:30 AM – 8:00 PM daily. You can typically get through security using a TSA PreCheck lane in 5 minutes or under as you no longer have to take off your shoes, remove your laptop, or follow stricter liquid/bag restrictions. If you travel via Midway frequently, it’s very worth it.

MDW CLEAR Lanes: CLEAR, a private security membership company, has biometric screening lanes located near the North checkpoint bridge at MDW. Members use finger scan and eye scan technology to bypass the TSA queues. You will still undergo TSA screening, but significantly reduce the wait times at the checkpoints, especially during high-volume periods in the morning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the IATA code for Chicago Midway Airport, and where is it located?

The IATA code for Chicago Midway International Airport is MDW. The airport is situated at 5700 S. Cicero Ave., Chicago, IL 60638, roughly 11 miles southwest of downtown Chicago.

2. Which airlines operate out of MDW Airport?

MDW is serviced by a range of carriers, including Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Air, Avelo Airlines, Porter Airlines, and Volaris.

3. How many terminals and concourses can I find at Midway Airport?

MDW has one central terminal that connects to three concourses, referred to as Concourse A (with 17 gates), Concourse B (with 23 gates), and Concourse C (with 3 gates).

4. What are my parking choices at Chicago Midway Airport?

Travelers can select from various parking solutions at MDW, including on-site parking, off-site parking, and even a complimentary Cell Phone Lot available at 61st Street and Cicero Avenue for those meeting arriving passengers. It's advisable to make a parking reservation in advance to get the best prices.

5. How does Chicago Midway Airport differ from O’Hare International Airport?

MDW and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) are the two major public airports in the city. Midway is the more compact of the two and mainly caters to Southwest Airlines and other low-cost carriers, primarily for domestic flights. O'Hare is one of the most frequented airports in the world, handling 50 to 60 million travelers each year, and acts as a hub for United Airlines and American Airlines.