Roberta Aguirre
Chicago is served by two main airports: O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. O'Hare is the primary international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, United States, located on the city's Northwest Side, approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district. Midway is a smaller airport that is a hub for Southwest Airlines. Both airports have received mixed reviews. O'Hare has been described as crazy and pure chaos, with issues including long wait times, delays, and an outdated international arrivals area. However, it is also considered the most connected airport in the US and the 5th most connected airport in the world as of 2024. Midway has been described as no-frills and cheap, with a less-than-desirable airport experience. However, it has also been praised for its yoga room and clean bathrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicago O'Hare International Airport | Pure chaos, security issues, long wait times, weather delays, crowded, inaccessible for disabled people |
| Chicago Midway Airport | Delayed flights, no-frills, cheap, undergoing renovation, limited food options, clean bathrooms |
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What You'll Learn
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport is the primary airport serving Chicago
- O'Hare has been described as pure chaos with long wait times and security issues
- O'Hare is the world's 4th busiest airport and has been ranked as one of the worst-performing airports in the US
- Chicago Midway Airport has a reputation for being no-frills and cheap
- Passengers have complained about long wait times and delays at Midway Airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is the primary airport serving Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD) is the primary international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, United States. Located on the city's Northwest Side, it is approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district. The airport is operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation and covers 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2).
O'Hare has a rich history, dating back to its origins as an airfield serving a Douglas manufacturing plant for C-54 military transports during World War II. It was renamed Orchard Field Airport in the mid-1940s and was initially reluctant to welcome airlines due to its inadequate runway infrastructure. However, with the arrival of jet airliners, O'Hare's larger runways became a necessity, and in July 1962, the last fixed-wing scheduled airline flight in Chicago moved from Midway to O'Hare, making it the world's busiest airport.
Today, O'Hare remains one of the busiest airports in the world. In 2019, it had 919,704 aircraft movements, averaging 2,520 per day, partly due to a large number of regional flights. O'Hare offers non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the globe, including North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the North Atlantic region. It is considered a major hub for United Airlines, American Airlines, and other carriers, providing convenient connections for passengers.
O'Hare has also gained recognition for its unique initiatives. In 2011, it became the first major airport to build an apiary on its property, hosting up to 75 hives and a million bees during the summer months. The apiary provides employment and beekeeping skills to ex-offenders, helping them reintegrate into the workforce. O'Hare has also undergone various improvements to enhance the passenger experience, including the construction of a people mover for easier terminal access and the development of a new parking garage.
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O'Hare has been described as pure chaos with long wait times and security issues
O'Hare International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, has often been the subject of discussion and review due to its chaotic nature. Travellers and Chicago locals alike have described the airport as a place of "pure chaos," with long wait times and security concerns being common themes in their accounts.
Passenger experiences at O'Hare are often marked by lengthy delays, with people reporting wait times of several hours just to get through security checks. The excessive wait times are attributed to a combination of factors, including staff shortages, inefficient processes, and the sheer volume of travellers passing through the airport. The situation is further exacerbated during peak travel seasons, such as holidays, when the number of passengers can overwhelm the airport's capacity.
In addition to the frustrating wait times, travellers have also raised concerns about security issues at O'Hare. Stories of long security lines with insufficient staff to handle the volume of people are common. This has, at times, resulted in a rushed and seemingly less thorough security process, causing worry among passengers about the effectiveness of security measures. Some have even reported instances of unauthorized individuals breaching secure areas, further emphasizing the perceived lack of security at the airport.
The chaotic nature of O'Hare has also been attributed to its complex layout and the challenges of navigating the airport. The vastness of the airport, with its multiple terminals and concourses, can be overwhelming for travellers, especially those with connecting flights or time constraints. This complexity adds to the sense of confusion and chaos, as passengers rush to find their gates or struggle to locate essential amenities within the airport.
Despite the negative reputation that O'Hare has gained, it is important to acknowledge that many of these issues are not unique to this airport but are challenges faced by major travel hubs across the globe. However, the impact of these problems is undoubtedly felt by travellers, leaving them with a sense of frustration and dissatisfaction. To improve the situation, authorities have implemented various measures, including investing in infrastructure upgrades, introducing new technologies to streamline processes, and increasing staff to reduce wait times and enhance security.
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O'Hare is the world's 4th busiest airport and has been ranked as one of the worst-performing airports in the US
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is the fourth busiest airport in the world, with non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the world. It is the primary international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, United States, located on the city's Northwest Side, approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district. The airport covers 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2) and is operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation.
O'Hare became famous during the jet age and was the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998. It still ranks as one of the busiest airports in the world, with 919,704 aircraft movements in 2019, averaging 2,520 per day, owing partly to a large number of regional flights.
Despite its status as one of the world's busiest airports, O'Hare has been ranked as one of the worst-performing airports in the United States. Official reports at the end of the 1990s ranked O'Hare as one of the worst due to the percentage of delayed flights. The airfield's runway layout has been identified as a contributing factor to delays and disruptions. The three pairs of angled runways, designed to facilitate takeoffs into the wind, have been deemed dangerous and inefficient due to intersecting paths.
The airport also experiences long wait times for security screening, with an average wait time of 27 minutes and a maximum wait time of around 61 minutes. These factors have contributed to O'Hare's reputation as a stressful and chaotic airport, with some passengers expressing their dissatisfaction and preference for alternative airports.
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Chicago Midway Airport has a reputation for being no-frills and cheap
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) has a reputation for being no-frills, cheap, and the "bus depot" of American airports. It is often overshadowed by its larger and more famous cousin, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
Chicago Midway Airport ranked last in a 2019 report on the best and worst airports in the US. The airport is known for its delays, with one passenger reporting a two-hour delay on their flight. The food options at the airport include a food court with Mexican food, pizza, Greek, sushi, and a Chicago hot dog joint. There is also a yoga room available for passengers to use while waiting for their flights.
In contrast to O'Hare, Midway is not a hub for multiple airlines. Southwest is the primary airline that flies into and out of Midway, with the exception of a few Delta flights, a Porter flight, an Ultimate Air Shuttle, and Volaris.
The Central Market food and retail space, which opened in 2023, is an example of Midway Airport's efforts to improve its facilities and enhance the passenger experience. Additionally, promotional banners at the airport advertise future renovation projects, including a concessions redevelopment program and expansions to the security checkpoint and garage.
While Chicago Midway Airport may have a reputation for being no-frills and cheap, it is important to note that all airports have their unique challenges and charms. The airport's focus on operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness may be reflected in its reputation, but it also serves as a vital transportation hub for many travelers.
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Passengers have complained about long wait times and delays at Midway Airport
Chicago's Midway Airport has been described as "no-frills, cheap and basically the bus depot of American airports". It has a reputation for delays, with one passenger reporting a two-hour hold-up. Another traveller, whose flight was delayed by 45 minutes, said they still preferred Midway Airport because "O'Hare is crazy".
Passengers have also complained about long wait times at Midway Airport. In 2025, Illinois was lagging behind other Midwestern states in terms of the number of Real IDs issued. With the deadline for obtaining a Real ID to fly domestically looming, lines at DMV facilities stretched for hours. This caused long wait times at Midway Airport, as passengers without Real IDs underwent time-consuming ID verification. The TSA recommended that passengers without Real IDs arrive at the airport early to ensure they had enough time to complete the necessary checks.
In addition to delays and long wait times, passengers have also criticised Midway Airport for its limited food options. One passenger described the food court as "dreary", with choices including Mexican food, pizza, Greek, sushi, and a Chicago hot dog stand. Another traveller commented that they had to wait 10 minutes for their food order to be ready.
Despite these complaints, some passengers still prefer Midway Airport over Chicago O'Hare International Airport, which has been described as "crazy" and "pure chaos". O'Hare has been ranked as one of the worst airports in the US, with issues including long wait times for security screening and an inefficient runway layout. The airport has also been criticised for its lack of seating, confusing baggage claim and re-check areas, and poor dining options.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is the primary international airport serving Chicago, Illinois.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport has been described as "pure chaos", with people citing issues with security and customs taking too long. It has also been called crazy and awful, with one source saying it does not deserve its title as "the best airport in the world". It has also been noted for its long wait times and frequent flight disruptions.
Chicago Midway International Airport is the other airport serving Chicago.
Chicago Midway International Airport has been described as "no-frills" and "cheap". It has a reputation for delays and has been ranked as the worst airport in the US. However, some passengers prefer Midway because O'Hare is "crazy".
People have suggested more space for seating and better waiting areas for families. They have also called for an overhaul of the ride-share system, better dining options, and improved accessibility for disabled people.
