Midway International Airport: Unlocking Tips, Tricks, & more

Chicago Midway International Airport is among the busiest airports in the United States and is rated as the Best U.S. Airport for business travelers. Chicago Midway Airport is the 2^nd largest airport in the Chicago Metropolitan Area and State of Illinois, and the IATA code for this airport is “MDW”. The MDW airport is located approximately 10 miles Southwest of Downtown Chicago and the Loop district, which is a 20-30-minute drive from the city to the airport. The MDW Airport spans more than 1 square mile (650+ acres), and this area encompasses 5 active runaways, midway terminals with 3 concourses, and Chicago Airport midway parking. Chicago Midway International Airport was opened in 1926, it remained the city’s leading airport till 1944, and then O’Hare International Airport took this spot. Over the decades, the MDW Airport went through many development and reconstruction programs, which made the airport a major attraction for business and domestic travelers. 

The brand-new main terminal of the airport features 3 concourses, 43 aircraft gates, larger baggage claim and ticketing areas, new gate hold room areas, and fancy Chicago restaurants. Chicago Midway International Airport operates several national and international airlines that offer flights to 70 different destinations locally and worldwide. The MDW Airport handles approximately 700+ flights daily, this Chicago airport is the base for Southwest Airlines and carries 90% (which is close to 18 million passengers) of the passengers at the airport annually. More than 1.6 million passengers monthly, and close to 20 million passengers annually pass through Midway Chicago Airport, and these stats make this airport among the top 30 busiest airports in the country.

Keep reading this article as your ultimate guide to Chicago Midway International Airport, and learn about the MDW airport building, airlines, airport lounges, hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, amenities, nearby attractions, and other airport services. We will also explore the Chicago Midway Airport limo and public transportation services, and other travel options to and from the airport.

 

Chicago Midway International Airport Airlines

Chicago Midway International Airport has 1 terminal which features 3 concourses A, B, and C, and each concourse serves several airlines to numerous destinations. Each concourse has Wi-Fi accessibility, lost and found service, restaurants, bars, shops, currency exchange services, ATMs, USO Center, travel assistance, business facilities, and other services and amenities. 

• Concourse A

Chicago Airport midway concourse features A1-A19 gates, and handles several airlines that fly to and from numerous local and international destinations. Chicago Midway airport concourse operates the following airlines:

• Frontier Airlines
• Northwest Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• Porter Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• Volaris Airline
• Allegiant Air

These airlines carry passengers to and from many destinations, some of these destinations are listed below:

• Toronto
• San Juan
• Guadalajara
• Morelia
• Leon/Guanajuato
• Aguascalientes
• Cancun
• Zacatecas
• Durango
• Atlanta
• Minneapolis
• Durham
• Detroit
• Denver
• Las Vegas
• Phoenix
• Orlando
• Philadelphia
• Miami
• Miami
• Dallas
• San Francisco

Many midway concourses a food places, bars, lounges, and shopping stores are popular among passengers and tourists. Concourse A also features tourist wheelchair accessibility, a kid's play area, lactation pods, visual paging, security checkpoint family lanes, and business facilities like laptop terminals, power stations, workstations with lap tables, and indoor SARA (Service Animal Relief Area).

• Concourse B

The Chicago Midway Airport Concourse B has B1-B26 gates, and it serves only Southwest Airlines which flies to 50 plus local and international destinations. Chicago Midway International Airport operates more than 5000 Southwest Airlines flights every month. Southwest Airlines carries passengers to and from Chicago Airport Midway concourse b to the following destinations:

• Punta Cana
• Montego Bay
• San Jose Cabo
• San Juan
• New York 
• Kansas City
• Dallas
• Washington
• Saint Louis
• Nashville
• Fort Myers
• Houston
• Seattle
• Austin 
• Omaha 
• Boston
• Cleveland
• San Diego
• San Antonio
• Salt Lake City
• Ontario
• San Jose
• El Paso
• Panama City

The Midway Airport Chicago concourse b food and shopping options are diverse, as the whole area is filled with fantastic restaurants, Bars, high-end stores, and gift shops. Concourse B also features currency exchanges, an information desk, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, elevators, external defibrillators, charging stations, and power-equipped chairs in waiting areas.

• Concourse C

Concourse C at Chicago Midway International Airport is very small compared to Concourse A & B, it only has 3 gates C1-C3. Concourse C operates a few local airlines like Frontier Airlines and Avelo Airlines that offer low-cost domestic flights. Concourse C features a USO lounge, yoga room, chapel, and Mother’s room on the mezzanine level, and also has a convenience store and 24/7 restaurant named “Farmer’s Fridge”.

 

Chicago Midway International Airport Lounges

Many travelers often make queries about Chicago Midway Airport lounges, but the MDW airport doesn’t have any passenger lounges yet.  MDW Airport does feature the USO (United Service Organization) Center at Concourse C, which is a relaxing place that offers diverse services to traveling active military personnel and their families. The Midway Airport lounge USO Center is like a “home away from home” that provides a comfortable place and complimentary amenities to armed forces men, women, and their families. 

USO Center features free internet access, public computers, printers, fax services, calling cards, and telephone services. The USO Center’s kitchen offers a complimentary snack bar, beverages like coffee and tea, and microwavable meals. The center also features entertainment options like reading materials, playing cards, television, and movies, an Xbox gaming system, and comfortable couches and recliners. USO Center Lounge also provides travel information and maps, luggage storage, and assistance in transportation. The USO Center operates daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

According to an announcement made by the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), the Chicago Midway International Airport will open its first passenger lounge in fall 2024. The lounge's name is “Club MDW” and it will be located at the intersection of concourses A and B. The Club MDW will span over 3,300 square feet of space, and the design of the lounge will be inspired by Chicago’s architectural history. Passengers of all airlines and classes of services will have access to the Club MDW, the lounge will offer a comfortable seating place, and complimentary food and beverage services. 

The Club MDW will be accessible through Priority Pass (the world’s largest independent airport lounge access program), and it will also be available for boarding pass-holding passengers for a day pass of $50. According to the CDA (Chicago Dept. of Aviation), the construction of the Club MDW has started already, which is great news for travelers who take a massive interest in Chicago Airport MDW lounges.

 

Chicago Midway International Airport Hotels

Chicago Midway International Airport is located in the Southern suburbs of the city, approximately 10 miles from downtown Chicago. There are plenty of world-class hotels near Midway Airport which are located in the proximity of the Downtown area. The numerous Chicago Airport midway hotels are located roughly a 5 to 10-minute drive from the actual airport building. The Chicago Midway Airport hotels offer luxury accommodations, world-class amenities, incredible waterfront or city views, diverse dining options, and exclusive services. Some of the finest hotels near Midway Airport Chicago are given below:

1. Hyatt Place Chicago/ Midway Airport Hotel

The Hyatt place Chicago midway airport hotel is located just one mile away from MDW Airport at 6550 S Cicero Ave, Chicago. Hyatt Place Chicago is the perfect accommodation option for business and leisure travelers, as the hotel provides stylish and fully equipped rooms and suites. The hotel also features a variety of dining options with a cleverly curated menu offering delicious meals in “The Breakfast Bar” and “The Placery Lounge”. The hotel also features:

• Indoor Pool
• Fitness Center
• Business Centers
• Meeting Rooms
• Wifi Access
• Grocery shop
• Gift Shop
• Airport shuttle

 

2. DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Midway Airport Hotel

The DoubleTree by Hilton Midway Airport Hotel is located one mile away from the MDW Airport at 6624 S Cicero Ave, Chicago. DoubleTree is a very relaxing airport hotel that offers comfortable accommodations in their cozy rooms and suites and delicious meal and beverages in “Coaches Sports Bar and Grill”. DoubleTree by Hilton Brands Midway Airport also features:

• Wifi Access
• Pool (indoor and accessible pool)
• Fitness Center
• Business Center
• Gift Shop
• Accessible services
• Airport Shuttle
• Environmentally sustainable operation

 

3. Hampton Inn Chicago-Midway Airport Hotel

The Hampton Inn Chicago Midway Airport Hotel is a very modern property located just 1.3 miles away from MDW Airport at S Cicero Ave, Chicago. The hotel offers world-class lodging services in its luxury family rooms and suites and complimentary breakfast. The Hampton Inn Midway Airport also features:

• Room Service
• Free Wifi
• Fitness Center
• Business Center 
• Meeting Rooms
• Child-friendly rooms
• Pet-friendly rooms
• Parking
• Complimentary airport shuttle
• Environmentally sustainable operation

 

4. Carlton Inn Midway Hotel

The Carlton Inn Midway Hotel is a 2-star property located just 2 miles away from MDW Airport at S Archer Ave, Chicago. The Carlton Inn Midway Hotel has comfortable rooms filled with modern amenities, the hotel also offers free continental breakfast to all guests. The Carlton hotel near Midway Airport Chicago also features:

• Wifi 
• Accessible rooms
• Pet-friendly services
• Business Center
• Fitness Center
• Laundry facilities
• Airport Shuttle
• Parking services

 

5. Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Midway Airport Hotel

The Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Midway Airport Hotel is a 3-star property located a mile from MDW Airport at S Cicero Ave, Bedford Park, Chicago. This Marriott near Midway airport offers apartment-style suites filled with luxurious amenities. The hotel also provides complimentary breakfasts, wifi, airport shuttle, and parking to their guest, so they can cherish the whole experience. The Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Midway Airport also features:

• Child-friendly rooms
• Pet-friendly property
• Wifi
• Kids’ activities
• Fitness center
• Outdoor sport court
• Business center
• Meeting rooms
• Parking
• Environmentally sustainable operation

 

Shopping at Chicago Midway International Airport

The Chicago Airport midway shopping is a must-thing for shopaholic travelers as the whole airport is filled with high-end stores, branded retail shops, and bookshops. The Midway Airport gift shops are usually fully occupied by passengers and so are all the other brand shops at Midway Airport. Concourse A and B features most of the Midway Airport stores, grocery shops, newsstands, kid’s shops, and accessories stores. Some of the top Midway Airport shops are given below:

 

Istore Stores

The istore is Apple authorized reseller and tech store, which is located at both Concourse A and Concourse B. The istore MDW stores open at 5:00 a.m. and close at 9:00 p.m. The Istore features cell phone accessory needs (charger, headphones, phone covers), music enjoyment, gaming, and more.

Hudson News Store

The Hudson News is a highly recognized convenience store that features a variety of reading materials (Books, newspapers, magazines), snacks, beverages, and other travel convenience items. The Hudson news airport MDW stores are located in both Concourse A and B.

Windy City News Store

The Windy City News is a travel essentials and convenience store featuring snacks, beverages, apparel, gifts, reading materials, and modern travel convenience items. The Windy City News store in Chicago Midway International Airport is located at Concourse A, and it opens at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. daily.

Ink by Hudson Store

The Ink by Hudson is a magical store that features a great selection of books, news, and magazines, including literature pieces by local artisans, and travel accessories. There are many Hudson airport stores at MDW, but Ink by Hudson at Concourse B is a must-visit place for travelers.

Sarah’s Candies Stories

The sarah’s Candies is a well-known confectionary store that features high-end confections, delicious candies, and mouthwatering treats. At Sarah’s candy, travelers can also find world-renowned brands of sweets like M&Ms, Hershey, Godiva, and Ferrero, and also some locally sourced candies and sweets. The Sarah Candy store is located at Concourse B near the B5 gate, and it remains open from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

 

Chicago Midway International Airport Restaurants

The dining experience at midway airport food stalls and restaurants is unmatched, and food aficionado’s passengers take full advantage of airport midway restaurants. The Chicago Airport midway food covers BBQs, quick service meals, dinners, lunch meals, breakfast sandwiches, kid’s meals, vegetarian options, ethnic cuisines, burgers, specialty coffee and beverages, and Chicago’s favorite meal. Some of the top Chicago Midway Airport restaurants at each concourse are listed below: 

• Concourse A restaurants

1. Arami 

Arami is a quick-service Japanese restaurant that features Chicago’s best sushi, sashimi, maki, and extensive sake and cocktail list.

2. Big Shoulders Coffee

Big Shoulders Coffee specializes in coffee bean roasting techniques and features specialty coffee, tea, and delicious sandwiches.

3. Billy Goat Tavern & Grill

Billy Goat Tavern is Chicago’s legendary bar and grill that features mouthwatering burgers, breakfast, and beers.

4. Cielo Cantina

Cielo Cantina is a famous full-service Mexican restaurant that features traditional dishes like tacos, burritos, specialty margaritas, and Mexican spirits.

5. Einstein Bros. Bagels

It’s a quick-service bagel shop serving salads, soups, sandwiches, big juicy bagels, and specialty coffee.

6. Farmer’s Fridge – Vending Machine

Farmer’s Fridge makes meals from scratch and delivers that meal and whole food to customers or vending machines.

7. Fuel Bar

It’s a quick-service bar that offers coffees, lattes, and baked goods, and also serves limited beer, wine, and cocktails.

8. Harry Caray’s Shortstop

Harry Carry features a sit-down service offering appetizers, entrees, desserts, snacks, breakfast, and a full-service bar.

9. Nuts on Clark

It’s a quick-service Chicago’s favorite place offering fresh caramel corn, cheese corn, kettle corn, and nut mixes.

10.  Reilly’s Daughter

It’s Chicago’s favorite pub that offers a kid's menu which includes sandwiches, salads, breakfast, and drinks.

11.  Woodgrain Neapolitan Pizza

It’s a quick-service place that features specialty pizza, snacks, and salads, hot and cold beverages.

 

• Concourse B restaurants

1. BIG & Little’s 

City’s favorite quick service place that offers comfort food which includes specialty tacos, kid’s meals, breakfast, beers, and wines.

2. Big City Chicken

Big City Chicken is a fast-casual restaurant that specializes in crispy fried chicken and also serves sandwiches, salads, and side dishes. 

3. Camden Food

It’s a quick-service place that offers healthy and whole food including fruits, salads, sandwiches, and vegetarian options.

4. Dunkin Express

It’s a world-famous casual-service place that offers specialty donuts, coffees, pastries, muffins, and other treats.

5. Home Run Inn

It’s Chicago’s favorite restaurant that features iconic thin-crust pizzas with fresh ingredients, kid’s meals, salads, breakfast, beers, cocktails, and wines.

6. Hubbard Inn

It’s Chicago’s favorite place that features salads, sandwiches, burgers, specialty cocktails, beers, and wines.

7. Porkchop BBQ

It’s a quick-service restaurant that offers Southern-style comfort food like BBQ chicken, rib racks, burgers, salads, and kid’s meals.

8. The Market

It’s a fast-casual service that features sandwiches, baked goods, snacks, hot beverages, and kid’s meals.

9. The Orange Line

It’s a sit-down restaurant that offers tacos, buffalo chicken macs, fries, soup, salads, and a variety of kid’s meals.

 

Things to do near Chicago Midway International Airport

MDW Airport is located in the suburbs of the city, but there are numerous exciting activities and things to do near Midway Airport. All the exploratory things to do midway airport places are nearby of the airport building just a few minutes away. Following are some of the things to do near Midway Airport Chicago:

1. Chicago Aerial Tours: it’s an exciting 1-hour long airplane and helicopter tour of Chicago City.
2. National Museum of Mexican Art: the museum features 3,600 years of incredible Mexican creative arts and culture.
3. Brookfield Zoo: this incredible 235-acre zoo features 3,000+ animal of 511 different species, and aspire to connect people with wildlife and nature.
4. Lagunitas Taproom: it’s a lovely place offering beer brewing spectacle, beer tasting, snacks, a retail store, and live music.
5. Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture: it’s a must-see destination that showcases Lithuanian history, culture, and achievements. The museum features rare books, folk arts, amber, maps, medieval armor, and other historical artifacts. 
6. Galloping Ghost: it’s the largest video game arcade in the country with 885+ games, and offers an exclusive gaming experience.
7. Lagunitas Brewing Company: this place offers the beer brewing experience, beer tasting, and musical events.
8. SeatGeek Stadium: it’s a must-see soccer stadium that also features world-class concerts and electrifying sporting events. 
9. Vault Escape Room: it’s a live-action entertainment experience of solving puzzles and riddles with your group.
10.  Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn: its must-see destination for families that features hands-on play, kids exhibitions, and play-based education.

 

Chicago Midway International Airport Transportation

The Chicago Midway Airport transportation is very asserted, as there are numerous transportation services available for passengers to and from the airport. Travelers can easily find Midway Airport shuttles & buses and also private Midway Airport car service in Chicago.  There is an optimal balance of public ground transportation and private ground transportation to and from the Midway Airport. Let’s take a look at both the public shuttle to Midway Airport and private airport transportation in Chicago’s City.

Public Ground Transportation at Chicago Midway International Airport

MDW Airport features a vast network of public ground transportation ranging from public trains to midway airport taxi. The CDA Orange Line Trains offers economical ride to midway airports, and ride-sharing cabs & vans also provide their airport transfer services. Numerous airport shuttles, regional buses & coaches, rental cars, and airport midway taxi services are also reasonable options for passengers. MDW Airport also offers a variety of parking options from hourly and daily parking to economical parking for long stays. 

Private Ground Transportation at Chicago Midway International Airport

Besides public transportation, the options of private chauffeur service, Chicago black car service, and midway airport limo service are accessible to passengers at MDW Airport. The Midway Airport limo services are famous for their exclusivity, reliability, comfort, and uniqueness. Travelers love to hire personal driver limo services or private chauffeurs to experience the luxury airport transfers in style. Chicago city features many top private midway airport car service providers just as LavishRide which provides high-class airport chauffeur services in exclusive fleets. Private car services also feature luxury amenities, complimentary waiting time, flight status services, baggage assistance, and impeccable traveling experience. 

 

Additional Useful Information about Chicago Midway International Airport

Here is some additional information about MDW Airport that might be useful for travelers:

• MDW Airport takes safety and security very seriously, TSA handles all the security checkpoints at each terminal. Be ready to take off shoes, outerwear, jewelry, and accessories during the TSA Checkpoint.
• TSA Checkpoint and TSA PreCheck hours are mentioned on the official website, check out the peak hours to avoid any distress.
• Passengers should also explore the FAA Pack Safe initiatives to learn about what is allowed on aircraft and also check the TSA prohibited items list.
• Explore the TSA PreCheck Program to experience faster and more efficient screening at MDW Airport
• For international travelers, there are services like Global Entry and Automated Passport Control that will help them to skip long lines.
• International travelers must learn and comply with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations.
• MDW Airport has information booths that offer travel guides and other assistance to all passengers.
• MDW airport also features parking, a kid’s area, ATMs, foreign currency exchange services, charging stations, a mother’s room, a yoga room, a prayer area, water refill services, shoe cleaning services, and a travel guide.

 

Share your feedback about our ultimate guide to Chicago Midway International Airport, and also tell us about your experience at MDW Airport. We would love to hear your insights and useful tips regarding visiting MDW Airport. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey.