Jazmin Li
Chicago's Midway Airport has been described as the worst airport in the United States, with cramped seating areas, poor food, narrow concourses, tiny bathrooms, and short runways. It has also been ranked as the 5th most unreliable airport in the country, with frequent delays and cancellations. However, some passengers prefer Midway over other airports in the area due to its smaller size and relatively calmer atmosphere. Despite its issues, the airport is undergoing a renovation project that aims to improve the passenger experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Unreliable | Ranked 5th most unreliable airport in America, with an average delay of 13.9 minutes per flight and a cancellation rate of 2% |
| Poor facilities | Cramped seating, narrow concourses, tiny bathrooms, and small flight update boards |
| Bad food | Limited options, poor quality, and overpriced |
| Inconvenient transport | Issues with Uber pick-up, ongoing construction |
| Rude staff | Unfriendly and bored |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Poor facilities
Chicago Midway Airport has been described as "the worst major airport in the United States" by some customers. The airport has a reputation for poor facilities, unreliable flight schedules, and a lack of dining and entertainment options.
Customer reviews of Midway Airport often mention the airport's poor facilities. The airport has been described as "cramped," with narrow concourses, small bathrooms, and inadequate seating areas. The seating areas are reportedly dark and lacking in natural light, with little to no entertainment or diversions for passengers. The airport's signage has also been criticised as inadequate, making it difficult for passengers to navigate the airport.
The dining options at Midway Airport have also received poor reviews. Customers have complained about the limited variety of food available, with some describing the food court as "dreary." The quality of the food has also been called into question, with one customer stating that they had a "$20 hamburger and additional $2 for fries" that was not up to their expectations. The high prices of food and other items at the airport have been a common complaint, with one reviewer calling the prices "ridiculous."
In addition to the poor dining options, customers have also criticised the lack of shopping and entertainment options at Midway Airport. The airport reportedly lacks the lounges and other amenities found at larger airports, giving it a "rundown" feel. The airport has also been criticised for its lack of natural light and overall uninviting atmosphere.
While some passengers have expressed a preference for Midway Airport due to its smaller size and relatively calm atmosphere compared to larger airports, the consensus among reviewers is that the airport's facilities are in need of improvement. Many customers have called for a renovation or even a demolition and rebuild of the airport to address these issues.
The Azores' Main Airport: Everything You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Unreliable
Chicago Midway Airport has been described as unreliable due to frequent delays and cancellations. In 2022, it was reported to have the highest percentage of delayed flights compared to other airports, with nearly 38% of flights delayed between May and September.
A study in 2024 ranked Midway as the fifth most unreliable airport in America. The study assigned scores based on cancellation rates and average delay times. Midway scored 37.79/100, with an average delay of 13.9 minutes per flight and a cancellation rate of 2%.
While some passengers have expressed a preference for Midway due to its smaller size and relatively calm atmosphere, others have shared negative experiences related to delays. These delays can be attributed to various factors, including ongoing construction and issues with airlines and flight operations.
To mitigate the impact of delays, passengers are advised to arrive early, regularly check flight status, familiarise themselves with the terminal layout, and consider packing lightly to expedite baggage processing.
In addition to unreliable timings, Midway has also received criticism for its cramped seating areas, inadequate bathrooms, limited food options, and rude staff. However, some passengers have shared positive experiences with helpful TSA agents and optimistic employees who are hopeful for improvement through renovation projects.
Delhi Airport Metro: Operational Hours and Schedule Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Overpriced
Chicago Midway Airport has been described as the worst airport in the United States, with cramped seating, slow food service, narrow concourses, tiny bathrooms, and short runways that make for rough landings.
One of the most common complaints about Midway Airport is that it is overpriced. One customer review on SKYTRAX states that the airport has "super overpriced items in every kiosk" and that "the prices at this airport are downright ridiculous". The same reviewer also complains about the "bored, unfriendly staff".
Another review on the same site mentions that a hamburger costs $20 and an additional $2 for fries. The reviewer also expresses disappointment with the quality of the food, stating that they have had better fast-food burgers.
In addition to the high prices, customers have also complained about the limited food options available at the airport. One reviewer on The Points Guy mentions that the food court offered Mexican food, pizza, Greek, sushi, and a Chicago hot dog joint. However, they found the food court to be "dreary" and were not impressed with the options.
The high prices and limited food choices at Midway Airport have contributed to negative customer experiences and have been a significant source of dissatisfaction for travellers passing through the airport.
Nassau's Lynden Pindling: Bahamas' Main Airport Gateway
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Bad food
Chicago's Midway Airport has been ranked as the worst airport in the US by The Points Guy in 2019, with its food options described as "bland and boring". Several travellers have complained about the food, with some advising future travellers to bring their own food. The airport's restaurants include Gold Coast Dogs, Pork Chop BBQ, Woodgrain Pizza, and a food court. While the airport has tried to upgrade its food options by bringing in popular local restaurants, it seems that these changes have not been well-received.
In 2017, Midway Airport introduced multiple new vendors as part of a $75 million renovation project, many of which have local ties. Some of the new additions include Arami Sushi, Hubbard Inn, and Tallboy Taco. Despite these efforts, the airport still seems to struggle with providing quality food options.
One reviewer mentioned that the restaurants at the airport lacked customer service, with a suggestion for the airport authorities to request these restaurants to open late and have more food available. Another reviewer mentioned that the food options had poor reviews, and even the $20 hamburger and $2 fries they eventually settled for did not meet their expectations.
The limited space available for expansion at Midway Airport, being situated in the middle of a densely populated residential neighbourhood, poses a challenge for enhancing the traveller experience. However, the Midway Modernization Program, a $400 million project that includes bringing in more than 70 new concessions and amenities, is expected to address these issues.
Despite the ongoing efforts to improve the airport's food options, Midway Airport continues to be known for its subpar culinary offerings, contributing to its reputation as one of the worst airports in the US.
Munich's Airports: A Tale of Two Travel Hubs
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Rude staff
Chicago Midway Airport has been described by some as the worst airport in the United States. One of the reasons for this is the rude staff.
One passenger review describes the TSA Precheck staff as "beyond rude". The passenger was asked to put their wallet through the security belt separately and to take off their boots. The same reviewer also complains about the ground transportation staff, saying that the "nice and considerate bus drivers have been traded in for aggressive, rude tip hustlers who need to handle everyone's bag".
Another review mentions the "rude attitude" of the staff, who showed a lack of understanding when the reviewer was unable to stand in line. The reviewer also complains about the "bored, unfriendly staff" and mentions that items in the kiosks are overpriced.
While some passengers have praised the airport for its calm atmosphere and low costs, others have criticized the staff for being unfriendly and providing poor service.
In addition to rude staff, Chicago Midway Airport has been criticized for cramped seating areas, slow and overpriced food, narrow concourses, small bathrooms, short runways, and a lack of flight update boards. The airport has also been ranked as one of the most unreliable airports in the United States, with a high percentage of delayed and cancelled flights.
Sleeping at Vancouver Airport: A Guide to Catching Zzz's
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Midway airport has been ranked as the 5th most unreliable airport in America, with an average delay of 13.9 minutes per flight and a cancellation rate of 2%.
Facilities at Midway airport have been described as cramped, with narrow concourses, tiny bathrooms, and very few walking escalators. The food has received poor reviews, and the airport is undergoing a renovation project to improve passenger experience.
Staff at Midway airport have been described as rude and unfriendly, with some passengers reporting that they received a rude attitude from employees. However, other passengers have praised the staff for their helpfulness and friendliness.
Some passengers prefer Midway airport because it is less hectic and chaotic than other airports in the area. It has been described as a small, relatively calm airport with low costs and friendly service.
