
Chicago's Midway Airport has been described as the worst airport in the US by The Points Guy, with reports of rude staff, a lack of public seating, and poor Uber signage. However, some passengers prefer Midway for its relaxed atmosphere and the low-cost airline Southwest, which operates from the airport. The area around the airport has been described as ugly, boring, and not the best-looking part of town, but many people have stayed in the area and never felt unsafe. The Orange Line train from the airport has been described as safe, with one user advising travellers concerned about safety to sit in the first car, where the driver is.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | The area around Midway Airport is generally considered safe, with some reports of sexual harassment. |
| Accommodation | There are several hotels near the airport, ranging from satisfactory motels to more upscale options. |
| Transportation | The airport is accessible by train (Orange Line), Uber, Lyft, and taxi. |
| Dining | There are restaurants and food courts inside the airport, as well as dining options in the surrounding area. |
| Aesthetics | The airport and surrounding area have been described as ugly and not well-maintained. |
| Activities | The area is considered tourist-friendly but lacking in attractions. |
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What You'll Learn

The area around Midway Airport is safe, but boring
The area around Chicago's Midway Airport is generally considered safe. However, some people have expressed concerns about the appearance of the area, describing it as "ugly" and "not the best-looking part of town." In addition, the surrounding neighborhood has been characterized as "tourist-friendly," suggesting that there might not be a lot of exciting activities or attractions for visitors. Nevertheless, there are a variety of hotels, restaurants, and other amenities that cater to travelers. The airport itself has been described as "old" and "rundown", but it is also praised for its calm and relaxed atmosphere, making it a preferred choice for some travelers over more hectic and confusing airports.
While the area may not be aesthetically pleasing, it offers convenience and functionality for those passing through or staying near the airport. The commercial area around Midway includes several hotels that are often used by travelers for overnight stays before or after their flights. These hotels provide free shuttles to and from the airport, making it a practical option for those with early or late flights.
In terms of safety, one source mentions that the Midway station and the Orange Line are considered safe, and the surrounding neighborhood of Garfield Ridge is described as nice and mostly consisting of sleepy residential middle-class homes. This is in contrast to other areas of Chicago, such as Hyde Park and the South Side, which are recommended to be avoided after dark. However, as with any big city, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take general safety precautions.
Overall, while the area around Midway Airport may not offer a wealth of exciting activities and has a somewhat lackluster appearance, it is generally regarded as a safe and convenient option for travelers. The airport itself provides a calm and relaxed environment, making it a preferable choice for some, especially when compared to larger and more chaotic airports.
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The airport itself is rundown and lacking seating
While opinions vary on the safety of the area surrounding Chicago's Midway Airport, the airport itself has been described as rundown and lacking seating. One traveller compared Midway to an old, rundown strip mall, with a dark, grey, diversion-less seating area. The airport has been criticised for its lack of public seating, with one concourse in particular being described as particularly grim.
However, it is worth noting that some travellers have expressed a preference for Midway over other airports in the area, citing its relatively calm atmosphere and the low-cost, friendly service provided by Southwest, the primary airline operating out of the airport.
Despite the negative reviews, Midway employees have expressed optimism about ongoing renovations, believing that they will improve passengers' perception of the airport. While Concourse A has been described as the nicest part of the airport, with a cleaner and more modern appearance, the overall impression of Midway is that it is a basic, no-frills airport that could benefit from additional seating and improvements to its facilities.
In terms of safety, the area around Midway has been described as "not the best-looking part of town", with a concentration of strip malls and not much to do for tourists. However, it is not considered particularly unsafe, and there are several hotels and restaurants in the area that cater to travellers. While some travellers have expressed hesitation about staying in the area, others have reported feeling comfortable and having no issues with safety.
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The Orange Line train is a safe travel option
The Orange Line train itself has been described as ''safe', with one source stating that it ''doesn't run through anywhere I'd consider dodgy''. The train passes through mostly ''sleepy residential middle-class neighbourhoods'', and one source notes that they have ''never had any problems'' when travelling on it. This is further supported by another source, who states that they have used the train to travel to night shifts and have ''never had a problem', except for an isolated incident involving a ''drunk dude''.
The train is also a convenient option for those travelling to and from Midway Airport, with one source noting that it is a ''safe'' way to get to the airport for a late-night flight. The train runs until 1 or 2 am, making it a reliable option for late arrivals or departures.
While personal safety is always a priority when travelling, it is worth noting that, as with any big city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. However, the Orange Line train appears to be a safe and practical choice for those looking to travel to and from Midway Airport and the surrounding areas.
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The area is tourist-friendly, with hotels and restaurants
The area around Chicago's Midway Airport is generally considered safe, with some sources even recommending it as a convenient location for tourists to stay. The area is described as "tourist-friendly", with plenty of hotels and restaurants catering to visitors. It is said to be particularly well-suited for those travelling on a budget, with several "satisfactory" motels offering free shuttles to the airport.
While the area may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, with one source calling it the "ugliest" part of Chicago, it is not considered unsafe. In fact, some travellers prefer Midway Airport to other airports in the region, such as O'Hare or Milwaukee, due to its relatively calm and less hectic atmosphere.
There are, however, some mixed reviews regarding the safety of the surrounding neighbourhoods after dark. While one source mentions that they have never felt unsafe staying in hotels near Midway, others advise against renting a car and driving around certain areas at night, such as Hyde Park and the South Side. It is recommended to exercise caution in these areas, as you would in any large city.
The Orange Line train, which runs until 1 or 2 am, is considered a safe option for transportation to and from the airport. The line passes through mostly residential middle-class neighbourhoods, and one traveller recommends sitting in the first car, where the driver is present, for added security.
In conclusion, while the area around Midway Airport may not offer much in terms of attractions, it is indeed tourist-friendly and generally safe. Travellers can take advantage of the convenient accommodations and dining options, while being mindful of their surroundings and taking necessary precautions, especially after dark.
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The airport is small and calm, but delays are possible
Chicago's Midway Airport is a small and relatively calm airport, with a general lack of urgency and a straightforward layout. However, it has been described as rundown and lacking in amenities. The airport is served primarily by Southwest Airlines, known for its low costs and friendly service, with a handful of flights from other airlines.
Passengers have reported long delays, with one source describing a dark and dreary seating area where they were forced to wait. The airport's ongoing renovation may help improve the passenger experience and perception of the airport. Despite the issues, some passengers prefer Midway due to its calm atmosphere and the absence of a maze of terminals.
The area around Midway Airport is generally safe, with one source describing it as "not an awful neighbourhood". It is considered tourist-friendly, with several hotels, restaurants, and motels in the vicinity. However, it may not be the best-looking part of town, described as "ugly" and "boring", with a concentration of strip malls.
If you are staying in the area, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, while the immediate area around the airport is safe, some nearby neighbourhoods, such as Hyde Park and the South Side, are not recommended for wandering around after dark. As with any big city, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings. Additionally, when using public transportation, it is generally recommended to ride in the first car of the train, as the presence of the driver may deter potential troublemakers.
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Frequently asked questions
The area around Chicago Midway International Airport is generally considered safe. However, some people have described the area as "ugly" and "boring", with not much to do for tourists. The airport itself has also been described as "old" and "rundown". Nevertheless, it is a calm airport with a small number of terminals, making it less hectic than other airports in the area.
Like any big city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings when visiting Midway Airport and the surrounding area. If you are taking public transportation, it is recommended to sit in the first car of the train, as this is where the driver is located, and people intending to do "shady" things may avoid this car.
The Orange Line train that runs from Midway Airport has been described as safe, passing through mostly sleepy residential middle-class neighbourhoods. However, some areas of Chicago that are further away from the airport, such as Hyde Park and the South Side, are reportedly less safe to wander around after dark.











































