Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

Common Complaints

• Limited and Poor Quality Food Options: A significant and consistent complaint revolves around the severe lack of diverse, good quality, and reasonably priced food and beverage choices, with many restaurants closing early or having bad service and out-of-stock items.
• Outdated and Cramped Facilities: Travelers frequently describe the terminal as having cramped seating areas, narrow concourses, and small, often unclean bathrooms.
• Cleanliness Issues: Some reviews highlight a perceived lack of cleanliness throughout the airport, with non-functional hand sanitizer and towel machines.
• Rude Staff: Instances of rude behavior have been reported concerning both TSA PreCheck staff and airport parking shuttle drivers.
• Long Security Lines (Non-PreCheck): While TSA PreCheck is efficient, standard security lines can be "absurdly long," sometimes taking an hour or more. The airport also lacks the CLEAR expedited security option.
• Aggressive Parking Shuttle Drivers: Some travelers have experienced aggressive and rude behavior from drivers operating parking shuttles.
• High Prices: Beyond food, some travelers have noted inflated prices for basic items within the airport.

Overall, Chicago Midway International Airport is often chosen for its convenience and accessibility to the city, especially by those flying with Southwest Airlines, its dominant carrier. However, travelers should manage expectations regarding modern amenities, food variety, and comfort, as recent experiences suggest a decline in several key areas. Planning for potential long waits if not using expedited security and considering off-site parking options with different shuttle services might improve the experience.