Midway Airport Arrivals: Can You Enter This Way?

can you enter through arrivals at midway airport

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is located 11 miles (18 km) from downtown Chicago. The airport has one terminal with three concourses: A, B, and C. All arrivals, whether domestic or international, will disembark at one of these terminals. For domestic arrivals, passengers will proceed to baggage claim directly, while international passengers will first go through customs and immigration. The airport offers various transportation options, including taxis, rental cars, ride-sharing services, buses, and trains. For those driving, MDW has hourly, daily, and economy parking options available. The airport also provides free and unlimited WiFi access throughout the landside and airside areas.

Characteristics Values
Airport Name Chicago Midway International Airport
Airport Code MDW
Number of Concourses 3
Concourse Names A, B, and C
Airlines Using Concourse A Southwest Airlines
Airlines Using Concourse B and C All other airlines
Number of Gates in Concourse A 17
Number of Gates in Concourse B 23
Number of Gates in Concourse C 3
Facilities in Concourse C USO lounge, yoga room, and chapel
Facilities in Central Market Large seating area, shops, and restaurants
Number of Passengers Served Annually 22 million
Number of Destinations 58 domestic and 11 international
Transportation Options Taxis, rental cars, ride-sharing services, buses, trains, shuttles, and shared rides
Parking Options Hourly, daily, economy, and off-site parking
Charging Outlets Available throughout the airport in the form of workstations and built-in chair and table outlets
Smoking Areas Dedicated smoking areas outside the terminals

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International arrivals must go through customs and immigration

International arrivals at Midway Airport must go through customs and immigration. The specific processes and requirements may vary depending on the country and airport, but there are some general procedures to be aware of. Firstly, upon arrival, passengers will need to go through the immigration and passport control area. Most countries have separate lines for their own citizens or nationals, citizens of specific regions with which they have agreements, and non-immigrant visitors. This process usually only takes a few minutes, but lines can get long when several international flights arrive simultaneously.

During the flight, the flight attendant will typically distribute a Customs Declaration Form. This form will request details such as the flight's entry and exit points, the flight number, and any goods being brought into the country. It is essential to complete this form honestly and accurately, declaring any restricted or prohibited items. If needed, passengers can ask the flight attendant or their travelling companions for assistance in filling out the form.

After clearing immigration and collecting their baggage, travellers will proceed to the customs area. Customs officials are responsible for enforcing the country's laws and regulations regarding the import and export of goods, including animals, transports, foods, personal effects, and hazardous items. They may inspect luggage to ensure compliance with these policies. Some countries have strict rules about transferring soil, sand, or dirt to prevent the introduction of non-native organisms.

It is important to note that U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and citizens of select foreign nations may be eligible for expedited processing through programs like Global Entry and TSA Pre-check. These programs allow travellers to bypass the standard customs and immigration procedures and proceed directly to a U.S. Customs Officer for processing. Additionally, some countries offer enrolment on arrival programs, enabling travellers to complete their interviews during their admissibility inspection.

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Transport options from the airport include trains, buses, and rental cars

Chicago Midway Airport offers a range of transport options for travellers arriving at the airport. These include trains, buses, rental cars, and private vehicles.

The Chicago Transit Authority's Orange Line "L" train provides a convenient connection between the airport and the Loop in central Chicago. The train operates from early morning until after midnight, and fares can be purchased with cash or credit card at the ticket machines in the Midway Transportation Center.

For those who prefer bus travel, the Chicago Transit Authority's CTA bus lines also connect the airport with the Loop. These buses typically operate from 4:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on weekdays and offer extended hours on weekends. Fares can be paid directly on the bus with exact change or through Ventra accounts at the Midway Transportation Center.

Rental car services are available at Chicago Midway Airport, with complimentary shuttles departing every 15 minutes to and from the rental car facility close to the airport terminal. Pre-booking a rental car can offer significant savings for travellers.

Additionally, passengers can be picked up and dropped off curbside outside the Concourses by private vehicles. However, it is important to note that unattended vehicles will be ticketed and towed, and smoking is prohibited within the airport premises, except in designated areas outside the terminals.

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There are shops and eateries in the Central Market and all three Concourses

Midway Airport in Chicago offers a range of shops and eateries for travellers to enjoy. The Central Market, located at the intersection of Concourses A and B, is a vibrant hub offering a mix of new and established brands. This recently revamped market is part of the airport's $400 million Midway Modernization Program, showcasing their commitment to investing in diverse local businesses.

The Central Market boasts a variety of dining options, including popular chains and unique local favourites. Eateries like America's Dog & Burger, Big Bowl, Big City Chicken, and Billy Goat Tavern & Grill offer a range of culinary delights. For those with specific dietary needs, there are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-friendly options available throughout the Central Market and Concourses.

Concourse A is home to Beecher's Handmade Cheese, Big Shoulders Coffee, Cielo Cantina, and Einstein Bros. Bagels, among others. These establishments provide travellers with a variety of choices, from quick bites to leisurely dining experiences. Concourse A also offers convenient gate-side dining options, such as Arami at Gate A7 and Billy Goat Tavern & Grill at Gate A7.

Concourse B presents its own array of culinary delights, including BIG & little's, Camden Food Co., Dunkin' Donuts Express at Gate B19, and Farmer's Fridge. These eateries offer a mix of quick snacks and indulgent treats for travellers on the go. Concourse B also features convenient gate-side options, such as Dunkin' Donuts at Gate B19, ensuring travellers can grab a quick bite before boarding their flight.

Additionally, Concourse B offers a peaceful sanctuary in the form of a chapel, providing travellers with a quiet space to relax before or after their journey. However, it is important to note that this tranquil spot is not accessible for those arriving on international flights. Midway Airport ensures that travellers have a variety of options to choose from, catering to different tastes and dietary requirements, making the journey through the airport an enjoyable part of the overall travel experience.

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The airport has a total of 164 parking spaces, with hourly and daily parking available

Midway Airport, also known as Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), offers a range of parking options for travellers. The airport has a total of 164 parking spaces, with hourly and daily parking available. The parking facilities cater to different needs, including budget-friendly long-term parking and convenient short-term parking.

The Terminal Garage provides covered parking, protecting vehicles from the elements, and offers convenient access to the terminal for hourly and daily parking. Accessible parking spaces are available in all on-site parking facilities, including the Terminal Garage and Economy Parking. MDW also provides electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in select parking facilities. It is recommended to check the specific garage details for charging availability before parking.

For travellers seeking a more affordable option, the Economy Parking lot offers the most budget-friendly on-site long-term parking rates, starting at $15 per day. Off-site parking is also available, with competitive pricing starting at $12.99 per day, which includes a shuttle service to the terminal. Reservations for off-site parking can be made through the airport's website or a third-party website.

Additionally, MDW offers a Cell Phone Lot on Cicero Ave, providing a convenient and free option for drivers waiting for arriving passengers. This lot is located a few minutes' drive from the airport's main entrance, allowing greeters to stay in their vehicles until their party is ready for pickup. Out of the total 164 parking spaces, six are allocated to this Cell Phone Lot.

Whether travellers require short-term or long-term parking, Midway Airport provides a variety of choices to meet their needs. With hourly, daily, and long-term parking options, as well as accessible and electric vehicle accommodations, travellers can conveniently and efficiently utilise the airport's parking facilities.

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Passengers can reserve parking before arriving at the airport to guarantee a space

Midway International Airport in Chicago offers a range of parking options for passengers. The airport has a total of 164 parking spaces, with 6 of those in the Cell Phone Lot, a few minutes' drive from the airport's main entrance. This lot is free and drivers can wait here in their vehicles until their party is ready for pickup.

One offsite parking option is Midway SpeedPark, located less than 5 minutes from the airport terminal. They offer a premium SpeedPark service, similar to valet parking, where an attendant will assist with luggage and have the vehicle ready upon return. Their standard EcoPark service is a self-park option. Passengers who reserve parking with Midway SpeedPark will have access to their shuttle service, with the cost included in the parking estimate.

In addition to parking, Midway International Airport offers a range of other services and amenities for passengers. These include charging outlets throughout the airport, various dining options, and complimentary rental car shuttles. The Orange Line "L" train also runs between the airport and central Chicago, providing easy access to and from the city.

Frequently asked questions

There are several ways to get to Chicago Midway Airport. You can drive and park in one of the 164 parking spaces, take a taxi, use a shuttle service, or take public transportation such as the bus or train.

It is recommended that you arrive at the airport 90 minutes before your flight if you are checking bags, and 60 minutes if you are not.

Chicago Midway Airport has charging outlets throughout the airport, including at workstations, chairs, and tables. There are also shops and eateries catering to various dietary needs, a chapel, and a yoga room.

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