Economy Parking - Chicago-Midway Int'l Airport

This is probably my second favorite airport. Listed on my love airport in Dallas. This place was clean. The staff were full of service and professionalism. It was easy to get around good Mabs. It’s a smaller airport so it’s pretty easy to get from one into the other. Nothing like O’Hare. -5 stars on O’Hare. Plus, I’ve got some fun Shops, Chapel, US, all booths for the military people, mom, pods, and many other features that I’ve not seen another airport. Including a how to practice CPR dummy that will train you how to do CPR while you’re waiting in the airport.

Chicago Midway is a larger airport, I would say medium to large size, with plenty of food options and a good a out of shopping Available while you wait.



However, if some flights get delayed you'll quickly notice how small it can get especially around the gates and other hot spot areas. Overall it was a decent experience not major complaints.

First time in and out of Midway and thought it was great. Easy to get in and out of and compact in size so also quick to get around. Lots of comfy places to sit. Awesome views of the city and lake right before landing and immediately after takeoff.

Super clean airport. Easy access to public transportation Orange line L is accessible near the baggage claim. Getting through security is a breeze. Concourse B has several food options, and Hudson News convenient stores. Everyone that we came into contact with was really friendly. They have done a lot of upgrades since the last time I was here.

PROS: Best connection to CTA trains of the two main Chicago airports. Abundant Chicago South Side graphic imagery provides the visitor an accurate glimpse of the city.

The only time I’ve ever been to Chicago is through Midway Airport. While I do wish there was still a McDonald’s, they are trying make it cater to Chicago as it might be your only experience.



There are a lot of places to sit and eat that are locally owned. There’s also lots of stores to find a great Chicago souvenir. This is the largest base for Southwest and the personnel are VERY friendly and helpful. This one lady was EXTREMELY helpful when I asked where my connecting gate was.



I was also SO impressed to see that the terminal looked exactly the same from the A&E reality series Airline.

I am a fan of the fact it’s only a few mins between gates even at their furthest. I see they too have a plane caught inside! Maybe open a giant bay door and it’ll find its way out? You can still find a place from the days of yore, before ye ole reconstruction began taking place, in the corner Irish pub Reilly’s Daughter. The rest will be new to us all in that food court. Otherwise still plenty of shopping, food options, and ways to spend time between flights.

The only time I’ve ever been to Chicago is through Midway Airport. While I do wish there was still a McDonald’s, they are trying make it cater to Chicago as it might be your only experience. There are a lot of places to sit and eat that are locally owned. There’s also lots of stores to find a great Chicago souvenir. This is the largest base for Southwest and the personnel are VERY friendly and hospitable. I was SO impressed to see that the terminal looked exactly the same from the A&E reality series Airline.

I had a long layover at Chicago Midway International Airport. The late night staff is so helpful with directions and information. All of the restaurants and stores were closed upon my arrival. This airport was so clean. The bathroom was clean and fully stocked with essentials. The bathroom stalls are unusually large. This is prefect for bringing in your luggage with you into a stall. The Agents at the desk were clear and precise with instructions. Walked all over the airport to locate a vending machines that sold water. All of them were down.

The only time I’ve ever been to Chicago is through Midway Airport. While I do wish there was still a McDonald’s, they are trying make it cater to Chicago as it might be your only experience. There are a lot of places to sit and eat as well as shop. This is the largest base for Southwest and the personnel are VERY friendly and hospitable. I was SO impressed to see that the terminal looked exactly the same from the A&E show Airline.

I love this airport so much. I’ve always had bad travel luck at O’Hare and find it much less stressful here. Yes, it’s further out and has fewer flight options, but worth considering if you can swing it.



Got through security here in less than 10 minutes at what I thought would be a busy time. Limited food options but there are a few things to choose from. The plane hanging from the ceiling is fun!

I recommend this airport for the individuals who don’t like huge airports with hundreds of terminals. The security checkpoints go by in a fair amount of time , outside of the normal busy seasons. The food selection is limited as an fyi so don’t expect too many spots. But overall it’s a pretty good airport.

In a spectacularly identifiable formation - a simple airport, with very typical position indicators - the interior, just a typical architectural formation of an airport terminal, without any variations of additions and features. The airport has one terminal and 3 waiting rooms of different formats

Late afternoon light streams through terminal windows as passengers cluster in Southwest's signature boarding groups. The airline has built a devoted following through affordable fares and an egalitarian spirit, yet its terminal experience reveals growing pains worthy of attention.



The Southwest experience follows a predictable rhythm: passengers arrive hours early, gradually filling gate areas until they overflow into walkways. The open seating policy creates visible tension as travelers strategically position themselves near boarding posts labeled 1-60. These human clusters form and reform throughout the day, creating congestion in otherwise spacious concourses.



For a brand built on efficiency, these bottlenecks represent both challenge and opportunity. Moving walkways frequently stand still with passengers, defeating their purpose as express lanes. Southwest could implement virtual queuing through its mobile platform, potentially allowing travelers to queue digitally rather than physically lining up long before boarding.



The waiting spaces speak to Southwest's pragmatic approach—functional but spartan. Rows of identical seating units offer minimal comfort for extended waits, while power outlets remain precious commodities. This utilitarian approach increasingly conflicts with passenger expectations shaped by upgraded experiences elsewhere.



Most telling are the demographics throughout these spaces. Families with young children navigate narrow pathways, elderly travelers in wheelchairs position themselves near boarding areas, and business travelers attempt to create makeshift workspaces. The diversity of Southwest's passenger base highlights the challenge of serving multiple needs within standardized spaces.



Glimpses of higher-end offerings like "The Club MDW" lounge create striking contrasts with Southwest's democratic but basic accommodations. These premium spaces signal the industry's broader shift toward tiered experiences—a movement Southwest has largely resisted.



For an airline that revolutionized domestic travel through operational innovation, the next frontier may lie in reimagining these transitional spaces. Southwest could create micro-environments within gate areas catering to different needs without abandoning their egalitarian ethos.



The accessibility challenges throughout Southwest's terminals deserve particular attention. Long distances between gates, limited restrooms, and crowded walkways create obstacles for travelers with mobility restrictions. An aging passenger demographic will only amplify these concerns, suggesting investments in universal design principles could yield significant competitive advantage.



As dusk bathes Southwest aircraft in golden light, the airline faces a delicate balancing act: maintaining operational efficiency while evolving the passenger experience to meet changing expectations.



The solution likely lies not in mimicking legacy carriers but in applying Southwest's distinctive innovation to the terminal experience itself. By addressing congestion through technology, enhancing comfort through thoughtful design, and improving accessibility through inclusive planning, Southwest could transform what many view as necessary inconvenience into a signature strength.



For a brand built on breaking conventions, the next disruption might happen not in the skies but in the spaces where journeys begin—reclaiming the joy of travel from the moment passengers enter the terminal until they reach their destinations.



The blue and red livery of Southwest aircraft visible through terminal windows reminds travelers of the brand's strong identity. Inside, however, the passenger experience tells a more complex story—the gap between Southwest's operational excellence and its terminal accommodations represents the airline's next great challenge and opportunity.

I actually really enjoy flying in and out of Chicago Midway Airport! While I am an O’Hare fan, I really enjoy my visits here and both times I flew out of MDW I was flying down to Florida on Southwest, on a 5am flight in June 2023 (Fort Lauderdale) and March 2025 (Tampa). Both visits were fantastic, TSA is quick and easy, the Dunkin’ Donuts is nice and convenient for where our gate was, it’s a really easy airport to navigate for me! I enjoy my visits and it doesn’t deserve all the dislike it gets!

It might not be as good as O'Hare, but it functions better than most airports I've been to. There are several places to dine as well as vending machines that sell snacks, drinks, and even books. It is clean and there are many places to sit. There are a lot of bathrooms and water fountains. They are easy to find and the bathroom stalls are very private and somewhat spacious.

A no nonsense type of airport. Upon exiting the airplane we found our way to baggage very easily- not much walking.



Once we got our luggage we exited and the shuttle to take us to the car rental station was already outside.



Same thing when returning home. We found a good place to eat and wait for our airplane.



Bit airports overwhelm me but this airport is easy to find restroom, restaurants.



TSA was not busy and we passed in no time.

it was not a bad airport, but i will say that the lines at the shops and restaurant places were extremely long. other than that it was nice, i was pretty sick while i was there, so i mostly slept and no one bothered me. one other thing i have to say about this airport is that the seats were extremely hard to sleep in because they had bars separating them and were very narrow. the airport was pretty cool looking though and had cool paintings and this airplane thingy from the ceiling which was rad.

I came from New York to Chicago Midway International Airport for a trip to Chicago. The airport's services are excellent, it is very clean, and everything is available here. The management is very good, and my experience has been great. The staff is extremely polite and helpful, always ready to assist with any queries. The overall atmosphere of the airport is welcoming, making it a perfect start to my trip.

Midway Airport in Chicago surprised me with its unique charm. Midway offers a delightful surprise for history enthusiasts—a remarkable war memorial that adds a touch of significance to the travel experience. One of the main highlights is the SBD aircraft, a magnificent World War II-era dive-bomber, gracefully suspended from the airport's ceiling. This captivating display pays homage to the bravery and sacrifices of the past, while also showcasing the incredible engineering of the aircraft.. The sight of the SBD aircraft suspended from the ceiling took my breath away, reminding me of the bravery and sacrifices of the past.



One of the huge benefits of Midway is that it's less crowded, making it a breeze to catch your flight. No long lines or overwhelming crowds here. It's a refreshing change from the usual airport chaos.



The airport may not have an overwhelming number of amenities, but it has enough to meet your needs. The staff is friendly and helpful, creating a positive atmosphere.

I enjoy a layover here at Chicago Midway. Plenty to do on a long layover.

If your flights are tight on time it can be tricky. But airport has good signage.

But otherwise a nice selection of stores and restaurants.

Spacious walkways, luggage carts, plugs for charging, restrooms, drinking fountains. ATMS.

Staff is generally friendly.

It’s Christmas Day this trip.



Some of their gates could have more seating. It’s always clean and well lite. Giving an upbeat atmosphere on cloudy days.

Nice airport that is like Southwest's northern den. It's big, bright, and has moving walkways to make up for the long walking distances. I can tell that they did a wonderful job with the renovations. Security was also quick and smooth.

I was here for a layover between flights. Good amount of restrooms, well spaced and pretty clean. Many of the restaurants appear to be locally-owned, with a few chains thrown in for good measure. There is a tribute/memorial to the Battle of Midway, and a USO - though it was closed when I was there.

It’s a beautiful airport. MWD keeps on expending over time. Really enjoying the Club lounges inside the airport on concord B. Great foods and drinks.

From the moment you step here it's clear that this isn't just an airport – it's an experience. With its sprawling terminals and endless food options, you'll never be bored. But, fair warning: navigating the maze of gates can be a bit of a challenge, so give yourself some extra time. The food? A definite highlight – from local Chicago hot dogs to gourmet coffee, there's something for everyone. Plus, the art installations throughout the airport make it feel less like a travel hub and more like an unexpected cultural stop. Just remember, with O'Hare’s size and busy traffic, plan accordingly to avoid stress – it's a place where the journey begins well before you board your flight!

Large airport but clean and seemingly running smooth. I have never had to go through TSA here, but when I have layovers I never hear any complaining, nor do I see people rushing to get to their flights.



Lots of little places to stop and shop during a layover as well as a wide variety of eateries. Most of the seating I have seen has charging areas to keep your electronics going while you wait.



I haven't really had to deal with any of the staff, but everyone seems pretty pleasant as I watch them interact with others. Today is my longest layover yet here (5 hours) so I guess I will visit every nook and cranny by the time I leave. LOL



I didn't take pictures because I figure everyone else has probably already taken all the good shots. If I find something as I wander around this afternoon...



After wandering around for an hour or so, I discovered a lactation area, a pet relief area, a police station, a cannabis amnesty box (🤔🤷🏻‍♀️), and a yoga studio. Some of which is new to me in an airport. And, I saw a lady who was maybe some sort of royalty. 🤔🤷🏻‍♀️ She was dressed to the hilt and had some fancy luggage with her that some man was pushing for her. 🤷🏻‍♀️



All in all, it was an interesting and delightful afternoon.



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The airport was kinda busy. My layover was here on a Sunday. They offer a mass service in the chapel. They restaurants are ok. If you have a layover from 2 hours or more look at the map. Its expensive but hey what are airports for lol. I always enjoy Chicago. Hope this helps!!

A smaller airport that I’d definitely recommend trying to go to rather than O’Hare, which is far bigger and crowded. It’s easy to get around, and the line for security is fairly short. It’s also easy to get there, as the CTA Orange Line train provides service to this airport if you don’t have a ride.

This is a Great small airport I flew with delta Connection from here in april to detroit And it was a quick and easy check in and TSA process Taking about 15 minutes it was easy to find our gate since there’s only 2 Delta gates But for dining it’s pretty limited

Midway International Airport (MDW) is Chicago’s second-largest airport, known for its efficient layout and convenient access to downtown. The airport primarily serves budget carriers, making it a popular choice for domestic travelers. Despite its smaller size compared to O’Hare, Midway offers a range of dining options, including local favorites like Garrett Popcorn and Potbelly Sandwich Shop.



Security lines at Midway are generally manageable, though they can become congested during peak hours. The airport’s compact design allows for quick navigation between terminals, but it can feel crowded during busy periods. Parking is relatively affordable, with various options available, including long-term and economy lots.



Public transportation to and from Midway is excellent, with the CTA Orange Line providing a direct connection to the city. The airport also features efficient baggage handling and friendly staff, contributing to a smooth travel experience. However, some travelers note that seating areas near the gates can be limited, especially during delays.



Overall, Midway International Airport offers a convenient, no-frills travel experience, particularly appealing to budget-conscious flyers. While it may lack the amenities of larger airports, its accessibility and efficiency make it a solid choice for those flying in and out of Chicago.

Airport is Small, comfy, and easy to navigate. Bartenders at the pizza place were great! Quick service. Big city chicken was worth the wait in my opinion. Skip the self serve kiosks though. It was this big dog’s first time flying and all the staff was so nice to him.

It is what it is! Good and bad days. We recently went to New Orleans and had a great experience. No problems even though it was right after Hurricane Ida for a Bachelorette Party. Well worth the time to do.

Having visited Midway dozens of times over the last decade or so exclusively by way of layovers, I've always been impressed. Without any hesitation, I can declare that Midway is my ideal midway travel point.



A large amount of varying and good-quality restaurants and other food establishments are present, in addition to numerous seating areas scattered throughout the terminal. With three main wings large in size, Midway features a simple floor plan that is easy to traverse while maintaining one's sense of location. Because of how distant sections are from one another, the moving walkways compensate this issue while also providing a quick alternative for those simply in a hurry.

Drop off and pick up are chaos, but other than that the rest of the airport experience is adequate. Luggage drop off and ticketing are typical, and security lines are standard. Once through into the main terminals, the food and shopping experiences are good. Easy to find places to charge cell phones and computers. Upon returning, luggage pick up is always backed up. However, this is no more than at other airports. Generally an easy in and out when traveling to/from Chicago and suburbs.

Flight got cancelled so I had to burn an extra 3 hours at the airport. I was very happy to discover they have a yoga room which allowed me to do a practice to use time and just relax. Thank you so much for having a yoga room, it is amazing!

Older than O’ hare; not as fancy, but everything runs smoothly. The Midway exhibit is a very nice touch, with detailed WW2 timeline and B2 bomber plant hanging from the ceiling! A decent food court with a variety of options. We flew Southwest Airlines and spent our time in the B terminal with a walk over to C during our layover; that’s where we saw the WW2 Midway display.

The only time I’ve ever been to Chicago is through Midway Airport. While I do wish there was still a McDonald’s, they are trying make it cater to Chicago as it might be your only experience. There are a lot of places to sit and eat that are locally owned. There’s also lots of stores to find a great Chicago souvenir. This is the largest base for Southwest and the personnel are VERY friendly and hospitable. I was SO impressed to see that the terminal looked exactly the same from the A&E show Airline.

As far as airports go, the Chicago Midway airport is a good one. Wide open areas, new renovations, a fair selection of restaurants, happy service folks.



This airport is also the hub for Southwest Airlines (unofficially ... since Southwest's real hub is in Dallas). Southwest definitely has had a positive impact on this airport. Lots of renovations, clean up and additions of restaurants in the last few years especially before COVID.



This airport is also a great alternative for O'Hare airport.

The only time I’ve ever been to Chicago is through Midway Airport. While I do wish there was still a McDonald’s, they are trying make it cater to Chicago as it might be your only experience. There are a lot of places to sit and eat that are locally owned. There’s also lots of stores to find a great Chicago souvenir. This is the largest base for Southwest and the personnel are VERY friendly and helpful. This one lady was EXTREMELY helpful when I asked where my connecting gate was. I was also SO impressed to see that the terminal looked exactly the same from the A&E reality series Airline.

A small, but very clean airport.

It can get very packed.

I love the bar style restaurants throughout the middle of the walkways, there’s a tiny little play area for small kids.

Many food court areas that give you a lot of options.

Only real issue is the bathrooms often have long lines- both men and women’s- as they’re rather small. Had to wait 10+ minutes for a men’s stall, which is highly unusual.

Happy Fourth of July from MDW , We always enjoys Chicago Midway, Especially picking up my favorite popcorn at Garretts. They have soooo...... many good places to eat, nice and easy to maneuver through the airport. They even have an emergency CPR Hands on unit. Love it!!

At one time, Midway was actually the main international airport in Chicago. While most people naturally think of O’Hare when they think of Chicago airports, Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) shouldn’t be overlooked, especially because of its convenience to Chicago.



MDW is several miles closer to downtown Chicago, located southwest of Chicago, and about 20 minutes away via the Orange Line rapid transit line. We took the orange line to Our Hotel (near Grant Park).



It's a relatively small international airport with just one main terminal with 40-plus gates that are predominantly spread between two main concourses. Southwest is the main airline that flies in and out of MDW,

Plenty of eating options (None at Concourse C)- it’s all at Concourse B, like HVAC Pub, Billy Goat Tavern, Porkchop, Tabo Sushi, and many more.



It has a selection of typical airport shops, such as Hudson Booksellers, but also shops for Chicago products and gifts like Chicago Sports, Chicago Market, and Discover Chicago.



While coming from the Train station to the terminal - you will pass through a gallery with pictures of Veterans. I stopped for 10 minutes and their stories were so heart-touching- " How war changed their life"



If you have some time to kill, visit this part.

Way better than going through O'Hare but it's alittle further commute to get to the city.

If your flight gets massively delayed head to one of the bars and enjoy a beverage and make friends.

There are a lot of food choices, but not everyone one is worth eating at.

it was not a bad airport, but i will say that the lines at the shops and restaurant places were extremely long. other than that it was nice, i was pretty sick while i was there, so i mostly slept and no one bothered me. one other thing i have to say about this airport is that the seats were extremely hard to sleep in because they had bars separating them and were very narrow. the airport was pretty cool looking though and had cool paintings, statues, and this airplane thingy from the ceiling which was rad.

I love this airport! So good the fact that there is so little walking to everywhere! Nice mall, quick security, and super clean!perfect!

A great airport for Southwest Airlines a lot better than O’Hare. The staff were great, the airport was clean, plenty of restaurants , and easy to locate the gate. We just stayed in the B concourse since we had a connection flight and it was great. Plenty of power outlets and seating as well. If you are flying Southwest, Chicago Midway is the way to go!

Small airport in southwest Chicago. Mainly services southwest airlines. Parking can be an issue here. Pick up and drop offs are easier but they won't let you wait much.

Midway is a clean airport that is easy to navigate. My flight was delayed which happens but there’s nothing to really do while here. It starts to get crowded once a lot of flights get delayed people forming lines blocking everywhere to walk. On the plus side getting to midway is easy with the train.

Traveling to many cities across the United States, I’ve found that Chicago is my absolute favorite. It offers a perfect balance of modern innovations and classic charm. The food scene is exceptional, with a diverse range of options to satisfy any palate. There's no shortage of things to do and see, from stunning architecture and museums to beautiful parks and lakeside views. The city is vibrant and full of life, and the public transportation system makes it easy to navigate. And of course, the weather in the summer is fantastic!

This is more of a relaxing airport than o’hare! Not too big and crazy busy! Yes it can get crowded with many people. The gates aren’t too far to walk too. Everyone seems nice that I have talked too. The bathrooms are pretty clean and even the sitting areas. I do like how they have a nice bar and restaurant in the middle and pretty decent size!

This is a very busy, but efficient airport. I had some really good Chicago style food, heard a live band, got Garretts popcorn and enjoyed the sights while waiting for my late flight (no fault of the airport or airline). They even had postcards that I got for my children.

Rundown old airport. But it's efficient and gets the job do e. The frontier employees should. Be fired seeing they v they never show up. What's the point of having a company that no now works at and no customer can ever find adequate service. The Security at this airport is rude and not helpful to the general public. The con irse is incredibly small.

While still on the smaller side the Midway airport has upped its game since I’d last been there. More shops and restaurants although the ones I tried weren’t great, it was still nice to see some new options. As for the airport itself it was clean and still hand some unique seating and mini history museum. The terminal seating/carpet could use some updating/cleaning but otherwise it was good.