Ruth Haines
Chicago has two airports: O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. Both airports have their pros and cons, and which one is better depends on the traveller's needs. O'Hare has been named the best airport in North America by Global Traveler for 20 consecutive years, but Midway is considered better for domestic travel as it is easier to get to and from, has better food, and is less prone to traffic delays.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best airport for holiday travel | Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) |
| Worst airport for holiday travel | Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) |
| Best airport for domestic travel | Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) |
| Top ranking for flight connectivity in North America | Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) |
| Best airport dining | Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) |
| Cheaper Ubers | Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) |
| Shorter commute | Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) |
| Less prone to traffic delays | Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) |
| Closer to downtown | Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) |
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What You'll Learn
Chicago O'Hare vs Chicago Midway
Chicago is served by two airports: O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). Both airports cater to different needs, and depending on your requirements, one may be better suited to you than the other.
O'Hare is one of the largest and busiest airports in North America, serving as a major hub for United and American Airlines. It is located in the far northwest of the city. The airport offers a wide range of restaurants, lounges, and stores for travellers to enjoy during layovers. O'Hare is also ideal for those seeking international flights, with carriers flying to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. However, its sprawling size can lead to long taxi times and random delays. Additionally, it is important to consider the traffic when travelling to and from O'Hare, as it is located further away from downtown Chicago.
Midway, on the other hand, is a smaller airport that primarily serves domestic travellers. It is located in the southwest of Chicago and offers more convenient access to the city centre, with shorter commute times. Midway is also less prone to traffic delays and has cheaper ride-hailing services. However, it has fewer flights and may not be as safe as O'Hare's location.
For those seeking international flights or a wider range of amenities, O'Hare may be the preferred choice. However, for domestic travel or quick business trips, Midway's convenience and efficiency could be more advantageous. It is also worth noting that Southwest Airlines flyers will find the best selection of flights at Midway, while American Airlines and United Airlines passengers will mostly fly through O'Hare.
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Chicago O'Hare's awards
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the best-connected airports in the world, with non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the globe. It is the primary international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, United States. The airport is located approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district. O'Hare has a long history, dating back to World War II when it served as a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters.
O'Hare has been recognised with several awards and accolades over the years. In 2024, O'Hare was ranked as the ninth-best airport for the holiday season out of the 50 biggest airports in the country. During the period examined, it had 21,186 on-time flights, resulting in an impressive 84.6% on-time performance rate. This ranking considered factors such as on-time departures, delays, and cancellations during the busy holiday travel season.
O'Hare has also been recognised as one of the busiest airports in the world by the Airports Council International rankings. In 2019, it recorded 919,704 aircraft movements, averaging 2,520 per day, which was the highest in the world. This high volume of traffic is attributed in part to the large number of regional flights that utilise the airport.
In addition to its operational excellence, O'Hare has also received awards for its architecture and construction. In 2019, the City of Chicago awarded a lead architect contract to Studio ORD for the O'Hare 21 expansion program, an $8.5 billion project aimed at transforming the airport with new facilities and modern infrastructure. Three Construction Manager at-Risk (CMAR) contracts were also awarded to ensure timely and budget-conscious execution of complex projects, including the Terminal 5 expansion and the new Satellite Terminal 2.
While Chicago Midway International Airport is preferred by some travellers for domestic travel due to its convenience and shorter security wait times, O'Hare's extensive flight connections, historical significance, and ongoing improvements solidify its reputation as one of the leading airports in Chicago and worldwide.
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Chicago Midway for domestic travel
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is a great option for domestic travel. It is geographically closer to downtown Chicago and offers more convenient access to the city, with shorter commute times and less traffic congestion. Midway is also served by the Orange Line, which provides a direct connection to the city centre, and it is generally easier to get dropped off at and picked up from.
Midway is a key part of Southwest Airlines' network, which operates the majority of flights out of the airport. Delta Air Lines, which has a smaller presence at O'Hare, also operates from Midway. However, it is worth noting that there are fewer flights available at Midway, and some travellers to other Chicago neighbourhoods or the suburbs may prefer O'Hare.
For those travelling by car, Midway is easier to access, with shorter drives and cheaper ride-share options. The airport is located near Interstate 55, which can get backed up on Sundays when the Chicago Bears play at Soldier Field. However, it is still generally less prone to traffic delays than O'Hare, where you are likely to encounter rush-hour traffic most mornings and evenings.
While O'Hare has been consistently ranked as the best airport in North America by luxury travel magazine Global Traveller, Midway offers a more low-key experience. With fewer people, travellers report fewer problems and an easier, more pleasant airport experience. Security lines are shorter, and some travellers report better food options.
However, it is worth noting that during the busy holiday season, Midway has been ranked among the worst airports for delays and cancellations. Travellers during this time may prefer O'Hare, which has been recognised for its on-time performance.
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Chicago O'Hare's international carriers
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the busiest airports in the world and is considered the most well-connected airport in the US. It is located on the city's northwest side, approximately 17 miles (27 km) from the Loop business district. O'Hare is known for its high volume of regional flights and is easily accessible by airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago "L", or taxi.
O'Hare International Airport has a vast network of international carriers. The airport serves as a hub for both American and United Airlines, with expansion plans in place to accommodate their respective Oneworld and Star Alliance partner carriers. This will eliminate the need for transfers to Terminal 5, enhancing the airport's capacity for international operations.
In addition to American and United, other major carriers at O'Hare include:
- Delta Air Lines
- Southwest Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Alaska Airlines
These carriers offer a range of domestic and international destinations, connecting Chicago to various regions worldwide.
When it comes to choosing the best airport in Chicago, opinions vary. Some travellers prefer Chicago Midway Airport for domestic travel due to its convenience and shorter security wait times. However, O'Hare's extensive flight options, efficient operations, and accessibility contribute to its reputation as one of the top airports for international travel during busy holiday seasons.
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Chicago Midway's convenience
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is a convenient airport for several reasons. Firstly, it is geographically closer to downtown Chicago, making it a more convenient access point to the city. This is especially true if you are travelling on a weekday, as the route to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) passes by Soldier Field, where the Chicago Bears play, and can cause heavy traffic. Midway is also easier to get dropped off at, and it takes less time to get through security.
Midway is also more convenient for those flying domestically within the US, as it is a key part of Southwest Airlines' network, which operates the majority of flights out of the airport. Delta Air Lines also operates out of Midway, whereas at O'Hare, they have a relatively small presence. However, if you are flying internationally, you will likely end up at O'Hare, as it caters to a host of international carriers.
Midway is also more convenient for GA flights, and has the Orange Line, which can take you downtown without having to drive in Chicago.
However, it is worth noting that Chicago Midway was ranked as the third-worst airport in the country in terms of delays and cancellations during the 2023 holiday season. In contrast, O'Hare was ranked ninth among the best airports for the holiday season.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicago's airports are O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW).
Chicago O'Hare International Airport was ranked ninth among the best airports for the holiday season.
Midway International Airport is considered the superior airport for domestic travel.
Midway International Airport is geographically closer to downtown Chicago.
Midway International Airport offers more convenient access to the city but has fewer flights.
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