Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) — Complete Airport Guide 2026
Chicago, Illinois · ICAO KMDW
Southwest Airlines' original hub and Chicago's second airport, Midway is a compact single-terminal facility on the city's Southwest Side. The CTA Orange Line provides direct rail service to downtown Chicago.
MDW Airport Overview
Chicago Midway International Airport (IATA: MDW / ICAO: KMDW) is located in Chicago, Illinois. Southwest Airlines' original hub and Chicago's second airport, Midway is a compact single-terminal facility on the city's Southwest Side. The CTA Orange Line provides direct rail service to downtown Chicago.
Hub for: Southwest Airlines
flychicago.com/midway ↗ · Wikipedia ↗
💡 MDW Insider Tips
- Arrive early: Plan for at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international departures from MDW.
- Know your terminal: Use our Terminal Finder tool to look up your airline's terminal before you leave home.
- Hub airport: MDW is a hub for Southwest Airlines, so expect busy connecting traffic. If you're connecting, use the walkways to move between terminals.
- Check live conditions: Download the MyTSA app and check the FAA delay map before heading to the airport.
MDW TSA Security Wait Times
Typical security waits at MDW average about 11 minutes in standard screening. The quietest window is usually Tuesday around 11 PM and the busiest is Sunday around 6 AM. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally 60–80% faster.
Estimated wait right now
~2 min
TSA Checkpoint Locations at MDW
- Main Terminal (Concourses A, B, C): Central Checkpoint — TSA PreCheck available
MDW Terminals, Gates & Checkpoints — Complete Guide
Chicago Midway International Airport has 1 terminal area. Below is a detailed breakdown of each, including airlines, gates, security checkpoints, baggage claim locations, and dining. Always confirm your terminal with your airline.
Main Terminal (Concourses A, B, C)
Airlines at MDW — Terminal & Gate Directory
Chicago Midway International Airport is served by 4+ airlines. The table below shows which terminal and gates each airline uses. Gate assignments can change — confirm with your airline on the day of travel.
| Airline | Terminal | Gates |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest AirlinesHub | Main Terminal (Concourses A, B, C) | A1–A18, B1–B22, C1–C10 |
| Delta Air Lines | Main Terminal (Concourses A, B, C) | A1–A18, B1–B22, C1–C10 |
| Volaris | Main Terminal (Concourses A, B, C) | A1–A18, B1–B22, C1–C10 |
| Porter Airlines | Main Terminal (Concourses A, B, C) | A1–A18, B1–B22, C1–C10 |
Airline Guides
Read our detailed guides for airlines that serve MDW:
Where to Eat at MDW — Dining & Food Guide
Chicago Midway International Airport has 4+ dining options across its terminals, from quick-service restaurants to sit-down eateries and coffee shops. Here's a sampling of what's available:
Getting To & From MDW — Ground Transportation Guide
Here are all the ground transportation options for reaching Chicago from Chicago Midway International Airport:
- CTA Orange Line — elevated train to downtown Chicago Loop (~25 min)
- Pace bus — suburban bus routes
- Ride-share & taxi — Arrivals Level
MDW Parking Options, Rates & Tips
Here are the current parking options at Chicago Midway International Airport. Rates are subject to change — confirm on the official website ↗ before you travel.
Garage
Attached to terminal
Economy Lot
Shuttle service
MDW Layover Guide — What to Do During a Connection
If you have a layover at Chicago Midway International Airport, here's how to make the most of your time:
Short Layover (Under 2 Hours)
- Stay near your gate. Check departure boards for your next gate assignment — it may change.
- Grab a quick bite at one of the terminal restaurants. Popular options include Harry Caray's, Reilly's Daughter, Potbelly.
- Charge your devices at charging stations found throughout the terminals.
Long Layover (3+ Hours)
- Visit an airport lounge for a quieter space with complimentary food and drinks.
- Explore the terminals. Chicago Midway International Airport has shops, restaurants, and amenities across 1 terminal area.
- Use free Wi-Fi to catch up on work or entertainment — most U.S. airports offer complimentary wireless internet.
MDW Map & Location
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are TSA wait times at MDW?
Typical TSA security wait times at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) average around 11 minutes in standard screening, but they swing widely by time of day. The lines are usually shortest tuesday around 11 pm and longest sunday around 6 am. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally much faster. See the full hour-by-hour breakdown on our MDW TSA wait times page.
How early should I arrive at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)?
As a general rule, arrive about 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight from MDW. Add extra buffer during early-morning and Friday/Sunday peaks, when security lines at MDW are at their busiest, or if you are checking bags.
What airlines fly out of MDW?
MDW is served by carriers including Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Volaris, Porter Airlines. Chicago Midway International Airport is a hub for Southwest Airlines.
How many terminals does MDW have?
Chicago Midway International Airport has a single terminal area: Main Terminal (Concourses A, B, C). Always confirm your terminal with your airline before traveling.
How do I get from MDW to downtown Chicago?
Popular ways to reach downtown Chicago from Chicago Midway International Airport include CTA Orange Line; Pace bus; Ride-share & taxi. Travel times vary with traffic and time of day.
Does MDW have TSA PreCheck and CLEAR?
Chicago Midway International Airport offers TSA PreCheck expedited screening, and most large U.S. hubs like MDW also have CLEAR lanes. PreCheck lets eligible travelers keep on shoes, belts, and light jackets and leave laptops and compliant liquids in their bags.
Where can I eat at MDW?
Chicago Midway International Airport offers a variety of dining options across its terminals. Popular spots include Harry Caray's, Reilly's Daughter. Options range from fast food to sit-down restaurants and coffee shops.
Where is MDW located?
Chicago Midway International Airport is in Chicago, Illinois (IL). Its IATA code is MDW and its ICAO code is KMDW. See the embedded Google Map on this page for exact location and driving directions.