Key Highlights
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Chicago Midway International Airport is just 10 miles from downtown Chicago, so it’s easy for people to get there.
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Midway Airport is a top spot for Southwest Airlines. The airport has many direct flights to different places in the country and even outside the US.
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Almost 21.5 million people use the airport every year. You can get to more than 89 nonstop destinations from here.
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Chicago Midway has been named the Best Family-Friendly Domestic Airport three years in a row, showing that people like their time here.
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You can get to and from the airport with no trouble. There are many ways to travel, like public transportation with the CTA.
Introduction
Welcome to your simple guide for Chicago Midway International Airport. If you fly for work or for fun, this airport is here to help you have a nice trip. Chicago Midway is closer to the center of the city than the other big airport and is liked by people because it is easy to use and not too large. Many say the way this airport is set up makes it fast to get around. In this guide, you will find all you need to know about chicago midway, like airlines, places you can fly to, food spots, and how to get to or from the airport. We want to help you make your time at chicago midway international easy and calm.
Overview of Chicago Midway International Airport
Chicago Midway International Airport is a key spot for travel in the City of Chicago. This place is known as the busiest square mile on earth for airlines. It connects Chicago with many places around the world. Every year, millions of people pass through here, and the airport focuses on making things easy and quick.
The size of Midway is easy to handle and it is close to downtown. This makes Chicago Midway a good choice for many people who fly. Below, you can get the area details of the airport and learn about its long history and what it means to the region.
Location, Address, and Contact Information
It is easy to get to Chicago Midway International Airport. The airport sits only 10 miles from the main downtown area of Chicago, so the trip is fast for people living in the city or coming to visit.
Here is the airport address:
Chicago Midway International Airport
5700 S Cicero Ave,
Chicago, IL 60638
If you would like to call the airport for general questions, you can use this phone number for the Chicago Department of Aviation: (773) 838-0600. It is helpful to keep this address and number with you when you plan your trip. This way, you can get to Midway international airport by car, rideshare, or GPS with no problems.
Historical Highlights and Importance
Chicago Midway has a long and special story. The airport has played a big part in flying in the United States. Chicago Midway was once called the world’s busiest square mile because so many planes came in and went out. This shows how good it is at handling flights and says a lot about how important it is.
The airport has seen a lot of big changes through the years. To meet what people need now, it got new concourses and other features. This means chicago midway keeps giving a good experience to every traveler. The city of chicago is proud to offer a great aviation system, and these updates show their promise to make it better.
The work to always make things better has made chicago midway a top spot for travel and has helped the city’s economy grow. Many people come through it every year, and the airport gives jobs to many. chicago midway helps the city of chicago, and the whole area, in ways that go beyond just flights.
Airlines and Destinations at Midway
Midway International Airport is a good place to start your trip if you want many choices. The airport is home to more than seven airlines. It gives you many ways to fly across North America and other places. If you want to fly for work or take a break, you will have many choices for direct flights.
Midway Airport tries to give travelers many good ways to go. You can get to main cities and fun vacation spots. You do not need to make many stops. Now, let’s see which big airlines are based at Midway and where you can fly with them.
Major Airlines That Operate and Their Key Routes
Chicago Midway is dominated by Southwest Airlines, which operates a massive hub here, offering the majority of direct flights to cities across the United States. While Southwest is the main carrier, other airlines, including Porter Airlines, also provide service from this convenient airport, expanding the available routes for travelers.
These airlines connect Chicago to dozens of destinations. You can easily find direct flights to major business and leisure hubs, making your travel planning simpler. Some popular routes showcase the airport’s extensive network.
Here are a few of the key routes available from Chicago Midway:
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Airline |
Popular Destinations |
|---|---|
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Southwest Airlines |
Denver, Las Vegas, Orlando, Atlanta, Phoenix |
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Porter Airlines |
Toronto |
Popular Domestic and International Destinations
From Chicago Midway International Airport, you can catch direct flights to more than 89 places. The airport connects you with big cities all across the United States, so it is great for both business and fun trips in the Midwest and other parts of the country. If you want to go to the East Coast, the West Coast, or somewhere else in the United States, there is likely a flight for you.
Travel to other countries is easy too. There are direct flights to well-loved spots in Mexico and Canada, making your trip south for the sun or up north for a visit simple and quick. With the many options, chicago midway international is ready to help meet almost any travel need.
Some of the top places people fly to from midway international airport are:
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New York
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Los Angeles
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Fort Lauderdale
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San Diego
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Cancun, Mexico
Getting to and from Midway Airport
Getting to and from Midway Airport is easy because the airport is in a great spot. There are many ways to travel to this airport. Midway Airport is closer to downtown Chicago than O’Hare, so it’s a good choice if you want to save time. You can reach it by public transportation, your own car, or with a rideshare.
The City of Chicago wants people to have safe and quick ways to get to their flights or to where they need to go after they land. There are many good public transit routes you can use. There are also good spots for parking, and it is simple to use rideshare at this airport.
Public Transportation Options (CTA, Metra, Shuttle Services)
Using public transit is a smart and cheap way to get between downtown Chicago and Chicago Midway. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has a train that goes right from the airport to the center of chicago. You will skip city traffic if you take the CTA train.
The CTA’s ‘L’ trains are the main way people go around on public transport. The CTA Orange Line starts at midway and takes you straight into the downtown Loop. This ride is usually about 25 to 30 minutes. The CTA station is inside the airport and you can get there by following signs from the terminal.
Other ways to use public transit from chicago midway include:
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CTA Buses: Some bus routes stop at the airport and help people get to other parts of the city.
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Pace Buses: These are for the suburbs that are close to chicago. They connect to the airport too.
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Regional Shuttles: Some shuttles give rides to many parts of the city and other areas outside the airport.
This will help you move easily between downtown chicago and midway while using a way that is good for your time and your money.
Parking Facilities and Rideshare Pickup/Dropoff
If you want to drive to Midway Airport, you will see there are many places to park your car. These spots are made for many needs and budgets. At the airport, you get both short-term and long-term parking. All these parking areas are easy to get to. Some places are very close to the terminal, so you can walk there.
If you take a rideshare, such as Uber or Lyft, there are special areas set for both pickup and dropoff. This helps keep the traffic moving smoothly. Dropoffs are at the Departures level. Your driver will pick you up at the lower level by the Baggage Claim. Just follow the airport signs that say “Rideshare Pickup,” so you can find your driver fast.
Key things about parking and rideshare at midway airport:
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Terminal Garage: This one gives you parking by the hour or by the day. It is right next to the terminal.
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Daily Lots: These are not as close as the garage, but prices are a bit lower here.
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Economy Lots: These lots are the best if you want to save money on long-term parking. They have a free shuttle that takes you to and from the airport.
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Cell Phone Lot: This spot is free. You can wait in your car here when you are picking someone up who is landing at midway.
Midway is a busy spot, and these parking choices make your time at the airport much easier.
Amenities, Dining, and Traveler Services
Midway International Airport has many things to make your trip easier and more pleasant. When you get to the airport, you will find the things you need to relax. You can work here or keep your family busy before your flight. Chicago Midway is well known for being great for families.
If you want a quiet spot to work, a nice meal before you travel, or help with your bags, this airport gives you what you need. Here we will look at the different things you can use in the terminals, the lounges, and where you can eat at Chicago Midway.
Terminal Amenities, Lounges, Wi-Fi & Family Services
Midway International Airport gives you many of the services you will need on your trip. The whole airport has free Wi-Fi, so you can check email, watch shows, or get some work done when you wait for your flight. Just look for the “Boingo Hotspot” or “FlyChicago” network.
The airport is also a good spot for families. For three years, people have named it the Best Family-Friendly Domestic Airport. There is a mother’s room for nursing parents. You can also use the yoga room if you want some quiet time or need to stretch before you go on your flight.
Other important services for travelers at Midway International Airport are:
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Free Charging Stations: You will find these in the concourses. They let you keep your phone and other devices charged.
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Travelers Aid: This service helps people who need some information or support at the airport.
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Airport Lounges: These spaces are quiet and comfortable. Some travelers get access to them based on their ticket or status.
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Visitor Information Booths: Here, you can get help with airport directions or find out more about things to do in the area.
Restaurants, Cafés, and Food Courts Options
You will not go hungry at Midway Airport. There is a wide mix of places to eat that fit any taste and how much time you have. If you want coffee fast, a nice meal, or just a snack, you can find it at the airport food court or one of the concourses. That means you, he, or she will always find something that works.
The main food court in Chicago Midway is always busy. It has many well-known fast-food spots and some local Chicago favorites too. Outside the food court, there are lots of different cafes and small places spread out inside the terminals. You do not need to walk far to get something to eat or drink.
You can pick from:
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Full-service restaurants to enjoy a slow, calm meal
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Quick-service food courts with well-known national brands
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Cafes selling specialty coffee and sweet bites
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Bars with drinks and lighter snacks
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Grab-and-go markets for healthy food choices
These options give everyone at chicago midway something good to eat or drink, no matter what they like or how much time they have. So, next time you are at midway airport in chicago, you know you will get good food in a way that works for you.
Security, Check-In, and Airport Tips
Getting through check-in and security at Midway International Airport can be easy if you plan ahead. The airport has one main terminal, so you can go from the check-in counters to your gate without too much trouble. Still, it is smart to know the steps you have to take and give yourself enough time.
Using a few simple airport tips can really help make your travel better. You should be ready for the security check, and you need to know when to get there. This will help you feel calm and happy before your flight. Here is what you need to know to move through Chicago Midway without any trouble.
Check-In Procedures and Security Screening
The check-in at Midway Airport is made to be quick and easy. You can check in for your flight at your airline’s ticket counter. You can also use a self-service kiosk. Or, you can save time by checking in online up to 24 hours before your flight and print your boarding pass at home.
After you check in, you will go to the main security checkpoint. Have your boarding pass and a valid ID ready to show the TSA agent. To make things move faster, put all your liquids in a clear bag. Take out any big electronics from your carry-on bag.
You can follow these tips to make the security process at Midway smoother:
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Bring your liquids, gels, and sprays in a quart-sized bag.
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Wear shoes that are easy to take off and put on.
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Make sure your pockets are empty before you get to the front of the line.
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Think about joining TSA PreCheck to get through security faster on your next trips.
When to Arrive and Helpful Travel Tips
It’s a good idea to get to Midway Airport early if you want the start of your trip to be easy. If you have a flight inside the country, try to be at the airport at least 90 minutes to two hours before your plane leaves. If you are flying out of the country, come at least two to three hours early.
The time you wait can be different depending on the day, the time, and if it’s a holiday. By coming sooner, you have more room for things that could take longer at ticket stations or the security check. That way, you can reach your gate feel calm.
Here are some quick tips for your trip through the airport:
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Look at your flight online before you go to Midway Airport.
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Put your luggage on a scale at home, so you don’t pay too much if it’s overweight.
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Take a photo of where you parked, so you know where your car is.
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Get your airline’s app to get real-time news and use a digital boarding pass.
Conclusion
Chicago Midway International Airport is not just a place to pass through. It is your entry to the lively city of Chicago and more. With a long history, the airport has a lot to offer. You will find many things you need here and plenty of ways to get where you want to go. Midway International Airport makes sure your travel is easy and pleasant.
You can try tasty food or use the good public transport to get around. This airport is made for all kinds of people. When you plan your trip to the city of Chicago, think about when you will arrive. It is smart to know the check-in steps before you get there, so your travel goes well.
Are you set to start your next trip from Chicago Midway? You can always reach out for a free talk to help plan what you need for your travels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wi-Fi available at Chicago Midway International Airport?
Yes, you can use free Wi-Fi all over Chicago Midway International Airport. To get online, pick the “Boingo Hotspot” or “FlyChicago” network on your device. With this, you can talk to your family, friends, or work while at the airport. This is one of the good and simple traveler services at Chicago Midway.
What are the best food options inside Midway Airport?
Midway Airport has many different places to eat. You can get something fast or sit down for a meal or coffee. There is a central food court at the international airport. You also find restaurants and cafes in every part of the airport. If you want food from Chicago or something you know well, there are many choices at Midway.
How do I get from downtown Chicago to Midway using public transit?
The best way to go from downtown Chicago to Chicago Midway on public transit is by using the CTA ‘L’ train. The Orange Line takes you straight from the downtown Loop to the airport’s transit center. This way is not expensive. It usually takes 25 to 30 minutes to get there, and it is a good choice instead of driving.