Jazmin Li
Chicago is served by several airports, including O'Hare, Midway, Rockford International, South Bend International, and Gary/Chicago International Airport. O'Hare is Chicago's busiest airport, with multiple terminals and a wide range of domestic and international flights. It is also known for its delays and cancellations, so it's important to allow extra time when travelling through this airport. Midway is a smaller airport located on Chicago's south side, offering a smoother and easier flying experience with shorter wait times and easier navigation. Rockford International and South Bend International airports are located outside of Chicago, in Illinois and Indiana respectively, and may be more convenient for those renting a car. Gary/Chicago International Airport is a full-service airport located 25 miles from downtown Chicago, catering to private, corporate, commercial, and cargo aviation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicago Airports | O'Hare, Midway, Rockford International, South Bend International, Gary/Chicago International Airport |
| O'Hare Airport Location | North of Chicago |
| O'Hare Transport Options | Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line, Metra commuter train, regional and airport shuttle buses, cabs, ride-hailing services |
| O'Hare Reputation | Delays, cancellations, long walking distances, crowds, unpredictable weather delays, good for public transport |
| O'Hare Airlines | Major airlines, Air Canada, American, Delta, United, Southwest, budget airlines, Allegiant, OneJet, Alaska, Frontier |
| O'Hare Lounges | Delta Sky Club, Admirals Club, Flagship Lounge |
| Midway Airport Location | South of Chicago |
| Midway Transport Options | CTA Orange Line train, CTA buses, regional airport shuttle buses |
| Midway Reputation | Smaller, quicker, easier, shorter wait times, fewer problems, single terminal, three concourses |
| Midway Airlines | Southwest, Delta, American, United |
| Midway Lounges | The Club MDW |
| Rockford International Transport Options | Car rental |
| South Bend International Transport Options | South Shore Line Railroad |
| Gary/Chicago International Airport Location | 25 miles from downtown Chicago |
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What You'll Learn
- Chicago O'Hare Airport is the city's busiest airport, with five terminals and many international carriers
- Chicago Midway Airport is smaller and better for those headed to neighbourhoods south of the Loop
- Gary/Chicago International Airport is a full-service airport located 25 miles from downtown Chicago
- Real ID or another accepted form of identification is required for domestic air travel in the US
- Travellers can reach O'Hare Airport via the Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line and Metra commuter train
Chicago O'Hare Airport is the city's busiest airport, with five terminals and many international carriers
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is the city's busiest airport, with five terminals and many international carriers. It is located on the northwest side of Chicago, approximately 17 miles (27 km) from the Loop business district. O'Hare is a major hub for airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, offering non-stop flights to 249 destinations worldwide. The airport covers 7,627 acres of land and is known for its large number of regional flights, contributing to its reputation for delays and cancellations.
O'Hare has a long history, initially serving as a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters during World War II. The site was chosen for its easy access to the workforce of Chicago and its distance from enemy threats. The airfield, known as Douglas Airport, had four 5,500-foot runways. After the war, the airport transitioned to commercial use, becoming a fighter base for the Air Force during the Korean War. In 1945, the City of Chicago recognised the need for more airport capacity, and in 1946, they acquired the Orchard Field site, which would become O'Hare International Airport.
Today, O'Hare is a bustling airport with a variety of lounges and amenities. It is known for its crowds and unpredictable delays, but it also offers convenient public transportation options, including the Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line rail, available from Terminals 1, 2, and 3, and via a free shuttle from Terminal 5. Cabs charge a flat rate of around $40 to go downtown, while ride-hailing services can cost between $35 and $60. Travellers should plan for 45 minutes to an hour to get downtown due to rush hour traffic.
O'Hare is also known for its unique features, such as the brachiosaurus skeleton replica in Terminal One. The airport provides unlimited free Wi-Fi in all terminals and power stations throughout. Additionally, O'Hare has lounges like the Admirals Club and the Delta Sky Club, which offer various amenities and services to enhance the travel experience.
In conclusion, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, with its five terminals and numerous international carriers, is a vital transportation hub for the city of Chicago. Its history, amenities, and busy nature make it a notable airport, serving millions of passengers each year.
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Chicago Midway Airport is smaller and better for those headed to neighbourhoods south of the Loop
Chicago Midway Airport is located on the southwest side of Chicago, approximately 12 miles (19 km) from the city's Loop business district. It is closer to the city centre than O'Hare International Airport, which is located about 17 miles (27 km) away.
Midway Airport is smaller than O'Hare, with only a handful of airlines serving the airport, including Southwest and Delta. It is a key part of Southwest's network, with the airline operating the majority of flights out of Midway. The airport is also surrounded by buildings on all sides, which means it cannot expand, and its runways are too short to accommodate larger four-engine jetliners.
Due to its smaller size and location, Midway Airport is a good option for those headed to neighbourhoods south of the Loop. It offers a quicker "in and out" experience, with shorter commute times and fewer crowds compared to O'Hare. The Chicago 'L' Orange Line connects Midway to the Loop, providing a convenient transportation option for travellers.
However, it's important to note that O'Hare serves as a major layover point for international flights and is one of the biggest domestic hubs for east-west connections. It offers a wider variety of lounges and is preferred by some travellers due to its extensive list of airlines and destinations.
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Gary/Chicago International Airport is a full-service airport located 25 miles from downtown Chicago
Chicago has several airports that serve the city. O'Hare (ORD) is one of the biggest domestic hubs for east-west connections and serves as a major layover point for international flights. It is well-known for its delays and cancellations. Midway (MDW) is another option, which is closer to downtown Chicago and is smaller than O'Hare. Rockford International (RFD) is located in South Bend, Indiana, about 84 miles from Chicago, and is a good option for those flying Allegiant or Direct Air and planning to rent a car.
The airport has seen several airlines come and go over the years, including Pan Am, Southeast Airlines, SkyValue Airlines, Skybus Airlines, and Hooters Air. In 2011, there were no scheduled passenger flights out of the airport, but charter airlines frequently flew casino guests to various destinations. In 2012, Allegiant Air began service to Orlando Sanford International Airport, but cancelled in 2013 due to low demand. In 2020, UPS Airlines added its express parcel services to the airport.
The airport has received support for expansion from the mayors of Gary and Chicago, with a proposal to turn it into Chicago's third major airport. Expansion plans include a new multi-level Intermodal Terminal combining passenger rail, passenger vehicles, and air travel. Gary/Chicago International Airport offers a convenient alternative to the larger and more congested airports in the region.
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Real ID or another accepted form of identification is required for domestic air travel in the US
Chicago is served by several airports, including O'Hare (ORD), Midway (MDW), Rockford International (RFD), and South Bend International (SBN). O'Hare is a major hub for international flights and east-west connections, while Midway is closer to downtown Chicago and serves a handful of airlines, including Southwest and Delta. Rockford International and South Bend International are also options, particularly if you plan on renting a car.
When flying out of Chicago or any other airport in the US, it's important to note that a Real ID or another accepted form of identification is required for domestic air travel. As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airport security checkpoints. This means that passengers must travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
REAL ID-compliant forms of identification include state-issued driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). A state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID) is also acceptable. For those without a REAL ID or passport, there will be a more intense identity verification process that involves collecting personal information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. Once your identity is confirmed, you will then have to go through enhanced screening at TSA checkpoints.
Other compliant forms of ID include a military identification card or a Trusted Traveler card from programs like Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST. It's important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change without notice, so travelers are encouraged to check the TSA website for the most up-to-date information before traveling. Additionally, TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration for the above-listed forms of identification.
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Travellers can reach O'Hare Airport via the Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line and Metra commuter train
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the biggest hubs for east-west connections and serves as a major layover point for international flights. It is also known for its delays and cancellations, so it is always a good idea to allow for extra time if you are booking a flight that connects at O'Hare.
If you are travelling to or from O'Hare, you can reach the airport via the Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line, which is available from Terminals 1, 2, or 3, or via a free airport shuttle from Terminal 5. The Blue Line is the cheapest option for travelling to and from the airport, with cabs charging a flat rate of around $40 to go downtown and ride-hailing services costing between $35 and $60. The Blue Line also offers a convenient way to get downtown, taking around 45 minutes to an hour, while travelling by car can take much longer due to rush hour traffic.
Another option for reaching O'Hare Airport is the Metra commuter train. This can be a good option if you are travelling during rush hour times, as you are likely to encounter heavy traffic on the way to the airport by car.
It is important to note that, as of May 7, there is a requirement to have a Real ID for domestic air travel in the US. If you do not have a Real ID, you may still be able to fly with a valid state-issued but non-compliant ID, but you will need to undergo an additional identity and security screening, so it is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least three hours early.
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Frequently asked questions
The two main international airports in Chicago are O'Hare and Midway. There is also a third international airport, Gary/Chicago International Airport, which is about 25 miles from downtown Chicago.
O'Hare is Chicago's busiest airport, with five terminals and many more domestic and international flights than Midway. It is also known for unpredictable weather delays and long walking distances. However, it has the benefit of a large food court and many shops. Midway is smaller, with a single terminal, and is known for smoother and easier flying experiences, with shorter wait times and easier navigation.
You can get to downtown Chicago from O'Hare in around 45 minutes to an hour by taking the CTA Blue Line rail, which is available from Terminals 1, 2 or 3. You can also take a cab or ride-hailing service, but this will be more expensive.
From Midway, you can get to downtown via the CTA Orange Line train, CTA buses, or regional airport shuttle buses.
You will need a Real ID or another accepted form of identification, such as a passport or military ID, to fly out of Chicago. If you do not have one of these, you will need to go through additional screening and provide personal information to confirm your identity.
