Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

MDW in 20 seconds

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) serves as the second-largest airport in the Chicago metropolitan area, offering a convenient alternative to the larger O'Hare International Airport. Valued for its proximity to the city center, Midway is a major point-to-point airport and a significant operational base for low-cost carriers, playing a key role in the region's air travel network.

5/10

Mixed

What travelers love

Smaller, Efficient Airport: Many travelers appreciate MDW's smaller size, which can lead to quicker navigation and less congestion compared to larger airports like O'Hare.
Quick Security (at times) and TSA PreCheck: Some travelers report fast security processing, particularly for TSA PreCheck users. Average security wait times are often reported between 15-34 minutes, with shorter waits during non-peak hours.
Convenient Public Transportation: The CTA Orange Line is frequently praised for providing easy, quick, and affordable access to downtown Chicago (The Loop).
On-site Parking Options: Parking services like MidwayParkRideFly and Midway Park Saver are generally reviewed positively for their safe lots, fast shuttle services, and reasonable pricing, with some offering continuous shuttles.

Common complaints

Limited and Overpriced Food Options: A significant and recurring complaint is the lack of variety, closure of many restaurants, and high prices for food and beverages. Many staple restaurants have been removed, with new options often receiving poor reviews.
Cleanliness and Facility Maintenance: Travelers frequently report issues with cleanliness, particularly in bathrooms, citing broken soap dispensers and a general lack of cleaning and sanitization. Some vending machines are also reported as non-operational.
Rude or Unhelpful Staff: Several reviews mention negative interactions with airport and TSA staff, describing them as rude or mismanaged, especially concerning ADA accessibility.
Cramped Seating and Lack of Amenities: Complaints include cramped seating areas, a lack of seating once through security, and few amenities. A new lounge, The Club MDW, is anticipated to open in Fall 2024, which aims to address some amenity gaps.
Inconsistent Security Wait Times: While sometimes quick, security lines can also be long and slow, even for TSA PreCheck, with some experiencing wait times up to 35 minutes during peak hours.

Bottom line: While Chicago Midway International Airport offers the advantage of a smaller footprint and excellent public transit connections to the city, recent traveler experiences highlight significant drawbacks in terms of food services, cleanliness, and staff attitudes, leading to a generally unsatisfactory impression for many.

AirportRoutes · updated Jan 17, 2026

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New & changed departures

53 changes to MDW's schedule in the last 90 days.

+53 net routes in 12 months

New route: MDW → Sioux Falls on the H25B. New route

First seen Nov 21, 2025 · detected Jul 6

NetJets Aviation begins MDW → Alexandria. New route