Lois Larson
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is a major commercial airport on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving 22,050,489 passengers in 2023. The airport features a unique layout, with a road system running between the terminal and the secure area. MDW offers a range of amenities and services to enhance the travel experience, including a Yoga Room, comfortable seating, high-speed Wi-Fi, quiet areas, charging stations, and various shops and dining options. In terms of transportation, MDW provides convenient parking options and is accessible via public transit, such as the CTA Orange Line and buses. For travellers interested in the history of the airport, Midway was established in 1927 and served as Chicago's primary airport until the opening of O'Hare International Airport in 1944.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Chicago Midway International Airport |
| IATA | MDW |
| ICAO | KMDW |
| FAA LID | MDW |
| Location | Southwest side of Chicago, Illinois |
| Distance from Chicago Loop | 10-12 miles |
| Address | 5700 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638, US |
| Year Established | 1927 |
| Ranking | Second busiest airport in Chicago and Illinois |
| Number of Passengers (2023) | 22,050,489 |
| Base Airline | Southwest Airlines |
| Number of Aircraft Gates | 43 |
| Number of Concourses | 3 |
| Number of Runways | 4 |
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What You'll Learn
Chicago Midway International Airport (IATA: MDW)
The history of Midway Airport dates back to the early days of aviation. Originally named Chicago Air Park, the airport was established in 1923 on a 320-acre plot with a single cinder runway primarily for airmail flights. In 1927, the city of Chicago leased the airport, renaming it Chicago Municipal Airport. By 1928, the airport had expanded significantly, boasting twelve hangars and four runways capable of accommodating night operations. A major fire in 1930 destroyed several hangars and aircraft, but the airport quickly recovered, opening a new passenger terminal in 1931 and claiming the title of the "'World's Busiest' airport in 1932."
In the following decades, Midway Airport faced challenges due to its limited expansion capabilities. By the late 1950s, its runways were too short to safely handle larger jetliners, and Chicago jet flights were redirected to O'Hare International Airport. Despite this, Midway remained a significant aviation hub, serving as a base for Southwest Airlines, which carries over 90% of the airport's passengers today. The airport also underwent renovations and reconstructions over the years, adding new concourses, gates, and ticket counters to accommodate increasing air traffic.
Today, Chicago Midway International Airport offers a range of amenities and services for travellers. The airport features duty-free stores, boutique shops, dining outlets, and garment outlets. It also provides essential services such as currency exchange, banking, and a pet relief area. Additionally, travellers can take advantage of hourly and daily parking options and access free Wi-Fi throughout the airport. With its rich history, dynamic growth, and convenient location, Midway Airport continues to play a crucial role in Chicago's aviation landscape.
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Transport and parking
Midway International Airport in Chicago offers various parking options for travellers, with some lots located just a short shuttle ride away from the airport.
On-Site Parking
Midway Airport has drive-up parking facilities on-site. The airport's economy lot/garage is priced at $15 per day and includes a shuttle service that runs to the airport every 10 minutes.
Off-Site Parking
There are dozens of off-site parking lots around Midway Airport, offering competitive daily rates. These include Park 'N Fly at hotels, off-airport facilities, and independent parking services like Midway EZ Parking and The Parking Spot. Daily rates for off-site parking can range from $8.75 to $14 per day. Some services, like SpotHero, allow you to book and manage reservations through their app or website.
Shuttle Services
Many off-site parking lots provide free shuttle services to and from the airport. For example, Midway EZ Parking offers a free shuttle service that operates 24/7 and takes only 5-7 minutes to reach the MDW terminal. The Parking Spot also provides a free shuttle service to the terminal, operating around the clock.
Valet Parking
Some parking services, such as SpotHero, offer valet parking options in addition to self-parking. This can be a convenient choice if you want a seamless drop-off and pick-up experience at the airport.
Reservation and Payment
It is recommended to reserve your parking spot in advance, especially for on-site parking, to avoid lots reaching full capacity. Some services, like Midway EZ Parking, offer real-time online booking without prepayment, allowing you to pay at exit. Others may provide incentives for loyal customers or discounts for first-time parkers.
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Terminals and concourses
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is the second-largest airport in Chicago. It features a single terminal divided into three concourses: A, B, and C. The terminal has two levels, with ticketing on the upper level and baggage claim on the lower level. The terminal is connected to the parking garage, which has 6,300 spaces, and the Midway Metro Station is located behind the parking garage.
The three concourses are interconnected, making it easy for passengers to move between them. Concourse A has 17 gates and primarily serves airlines like Delta. Concourse B is the largest, with 23 gates, and is mainly used by Southwest Airlines. Concourse C is smaller, with only three gates, and handles traffic from various airlines.
The airport has a variety of dining and shopping options, with 33 restaurants, cafes, and fast-food counters located throughout the concourses, in the central market, and in the Concourse A food court. The central market also has a large seating area and shops. The airport also offers free Wi-Fi, lounges, charging stations, and information booths.
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Art and amenities
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is located on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois, and is the city's second-largest airport. The airport has a range of amenities and art installations for travellers to explore and enjoy.
Art
MDW has an interesting Public Art Program, with various art pieces exhibited on Concourses A, B, and C. Near gates 4A and 4B in Concourse A, travellers can find murals, paintings, and photos highlighting Chicago landmarks such as the Garfield Conservatory, Chicago River kayaking, and Navy Pier at night.
Amenities
MDW has a wide array of passenger amenities. The airport has ample parking facilities and offers a variety of car rental options at its rental car facility. Additionally, efficient taxi and ride-sharing services are available. MDW also has a diverse selection of dining options, retail stores, and lounge areas. Each concourse has restaurants, newsstands, convenience stores, and ATMs. Concourse A has Chicago Sports, iStore, and Ink by Hudson, while Concourse B features Discover Chicago. Concourse C houses Aeromart and is known for being quieter and less crowded, making it a calm environment to relax or work. MDW also provides free unlimited WiFi throughout the terminal and essential facilities for nursing mothers and active military personnel.
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Food and shopping
Chicago Midway Airport offers a variety of food and shopping options to meet travellers' demands and budgets.
Food and Beverages
There are several restaurants, cafes, and fast-food joints at the airport. America's Dog & Burger, Central Market, Arami, Big Bowl, Big City Chicken, Billy Goat Tavern & Grill, Camden Food Co., Dunkin' Donuts Express, and Einstein Bros Bagels are some of the many eateries available. For coffee lovers, there's Big Shoulders Coffee, and for those with a sweet tooth, there's also Sarah's Candies.
Shopping
The airport has a range of shops, including bookstores, gift shops, candy shops, boutiques, and duty-free stores. If you're looking for books or magazines, head to Hudson Booksellers or Southside News. For travel essentials and souvenirs, Southside News and EVOLVE by Hudson are good options. Hudson News & Gifts, Fannie May, and FAO Schwarz are also available for gifts and treats. For a mix of local souvenirs, clothes, and chocolates, check out Brookstone, Happy Socks, and Sunglass Hut at Concourse B.
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Frequently asked questions
The arrival gates at Midway Airport are spread across Concourse A, B, and C. The airport has a total of 43 gates, with facilities for international passengers.
To get to the departure gates, passengers need to enter through the front of the terminal and walk over the bridge to the departure concourses. Once past security, passengers will arrive in the central market, with Concourse A to the left, Concourse B straight ahead, and Concourse C to the right.
Concourse B has 23 gates, making it the concourse with the most gates.
