Midway Airport: Safe Haven Or Nighttime Danger?

Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) is a small, relatively calm airport that is much less hectic than other airports in the area. However, its location is considered by some to be a bit dangerous and not as safe as the Chicago O'Hare location. This can be a crucial factor for new visitors to Chicago who plan to take public transportation after their flight. The area around the airport is described as a very dreary, industrial area and dense bungalow blue-collar city. The airport itself has a reputation for being no-frills and cheap, with limited amenities and things to do. It is also known for flight delays and cancellations.

Chicago Midway Airport is located in a dreary, industrial area

Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) is located in a dreary, industrial area. The airport itself has been described as "no-frills" and "cheap", with a reputation for being the "bus depot of American airports". The airport is not known for its glamour or modernity, ranking last in a 2019 report of the Best and Worst Airports in the US.

The surrounding area is mostly industrial, with dense traffic and limited accessibility. While it is not considered the most unsafe area, it is not a desirable location for visitors, especially those with families. The neighbourhood has been described as "not pleasant to look at", and it can be challenging to navigate, with ongoing construction and a lack of clear signage.

The airport is served by several public transportation options, including bus and train services. However, the area surrounding the airport can be confusing for travellers, and it may be challenging to find one's way to the desired destination. The traffic in the area can also be heavy, which can add to the travel time.

For those seeking a more pleasant and convenient experience, it is recommended to consider staying in a different area, such as downtown Chicago or the Oakbrook/Downers Grove/Lombard neighbourhood. These areas offer better accessibility, a wider range of amenities, and more family-friendly options.

While Chicago Midway Airport may be a practical option for some travellers due to its proximity to the city, it is essential to be aware of the surrounding area's limitations and consider alternative locations for a more enjoyable and safer experience, especially when travelling with family.

The airport is served by nine CTA public bus routes

Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) is served by nine CTA public bus routes, connecting the airport to various destinations across Chicago. The airport is also served by PACE's suburban public bus system, with six bus routes serving the airport via the Midway Transportation Center. These include routes 379, 382, 383, 384, 385, and 390. Additionally, several regional bus companies provide transportation between Midway Airport and destinations in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Indiana.

For travellers looking to use public transportation, it is worth noting that the area surrounding Midway Airport has been described as "dreary" and "industrial". While the safety of the area may be a concern for some, it is important to consider the time of travel and the use of public transportation options.

The airport itself offers various amenities, including dining, retail, and service options. However, travellers have reported that landside sleeping is uncomfortable due to a lack of comfortable seating, noise, and bright lights. For those with early morning flights, it is important to note that passengers cannot cross between landside and airside once security closes for the night. Overall, airport staff and security have been reported to tolerate overnight sleepers, and airside areas are generally considered more comfortable.

The airport offers free unlimited WiFi

Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) offers free unlimited WiFi to its visitors. To connect to the WiFi, find the "Boingo Hotspot" or "_Free_MDW_Wi-Fi_" network, watch an ad, and you're good to go! This can be especially useful for passing the time, as amenities and things to do are limited at the airport.

Chicago Midway Airport is much smaller and less busy than O'Hare, with Southwest Airlines being the primary airline operating out of the airport. The airport has one main terminal and three interconnected concourses (A, B, and C). Concourse A is considered the nicest part of the airport, with Concourse C being the quietest and cleanest. If you're looking for a bite to eat, Concourse B offers a variety of options, including Pork Chop BBQ, Gold Coast Dogs, and Woodgrain Pizza. However, travellers have noted that the service tends to be slow and the food options are bland and boring.

In terms of safety, there have been no reports of safety issues within the airport. However, the surrounding area of the airport, Cicero/Bedford Park, has been described as not particularly safe, with high car theft rates. The airport itself is well-lit and secure, and airport staff are quite tolerant of overnight sleepers. If you're spending the night at the airport, it's recommended to stay near other travellers or close to security and to keep your valuables hidden.

There are no dedicated sleeping areas or quiet zones

Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) is a busy airport with a reputation for being no-frills and basic. It is not known for its comfort, and travellers report that landside sleeping is uncomfortable due to a lack of comfortable seating, bright lights, and noise. This is a problem for those with early morning flights, as passengers cannot cross between landside and airside once security closes for the night.

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet zones, or rest zones at Midway Airport. However, travellers have reported a few options for those looking to rest. Concourse A has couches suitable for sleeping near the food court, and Concourse C is considered the quietest and cleanest, although it does not have benches. There are a few metal benches just behind the TSA security checkpoint where the three concourses meet, which could be an option for those willing to lie down on a bench or the floor.

For those seeking uninterrupted sleep, there are nearby hotels that provide a free shuttle service to the airport. These include the Carlton Inn Midway, Chicago Marriott Midway, Doubletree by Hilton, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn, and Hyatt Place Chicago/Midway Airport.

While the airport staff seem tolerant of overnight sleepers, it is important to remember that sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It is recommended to take precautions such as knowing where the security office is, looking for video cameras, staying near other travellers or security, and hiding valuables.

The airport is known for its frequent flight cancellations

Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) is known for its frequent flight cancellations. The airport sees more than its fair share of cancellations due to bad weather, with snowstorms, ice, and tornadoes causing disruptions. While this makes the airport well-prepared for such events, it can be frustrating for travellers. When mass cancellations occur, cots are provided for stranded passengers, although these cannot be reserved in advance.

The airport's proximity to the city can be advantageous for those seeking quick domestic travel. However, its location is considered less safe than that of O'Hare Airport, which may be a concern for visitors to Chicago. The area surrounding Midway Airport is described as dreary and industrial, with high car theft rates.

The airport itself has a no-frills reputation, with limited amenities and uninspiring food options. The terminal is small, with three concourses (A, B, and C) that can be walked through in about 15 minutes. Concourse A is noted as the cleanest and most modern, while Concourse C is described as depressing and lacking diversions.

Travellers report that the airport staff and security are tolerant of overnight sleepers, although comfortable seating may be limited. Overall, Chicago Midway Airport is considered a calm and relatively stress-free airport compared to larger airports, but its delays and cancellations can be a source of frustration for travellers.

Frequently asked questions