What Airlines fly into the Midway – Several major airlines fly into Midway International Airport, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines. Additionally, several regional carriers offer service to Midway on a seasonal basis, including Allegiant Airlines and Sun Country Airlines. Check with your preferred airline for the most up-to-date flight information.
Is Midway or O’Hare better to fly into?
Midway Airport – Compared to O’Hare, Midway is a much smaller international airport, and it only carries a few airlines. Midway generally operates Southwest Airlines flights and it is much smaller and less busy than O’Hare. The advantage of traveling through Midway is that it is much closer to the city.
It can take 15 to 25 minutes from Midway to downtown, as the distance is shorter and the traffic surrounding this airport is much lighter. Overall, due to its size and location Midway can be the more efficient and fast choice for those quick, domestic business travelers who are looking to be in and out, and who do not require many airport amenities.
If you plan on taking a public vehicle expect to pay around $45 from Midway to downtown. On the downside, Midway’s location is seen as a bit dangerous and not as safe as the O’Hare location. This can be a very important factor for those new Chicago visitors and those who plan to take public transportation after their flight.
Which airport is best to land in Chicago?
Distance to downtown and transportation options – Downtown Chicago stretches north and south, roughly split in half by the Chicago River. O’Hare is located northwest of the city, Midway to the southwest. To measure the distance from each airport into the city, we chose as a central destination the famous Cloud Gate sculpture in Millennium Park, also known as “the Bean.” It is two blocks south of the river and within walking distance of Navy Pier, the museum campus and the shops of the Magnificent Mile. The Bean at Millennium Park in Chicago. (Photo by Joel Lerner/Xinhua/Getty) Here’s how the two airports stack up:
| Getting downtown | O’Hare (ORD) | Midway (MDW) |
|---|---|---|
| Distance (by car) | 18 miles | 12.5 miles |
| Time (by car) | 35-60 minutes | 25-40 minutes |
| Estimated Uber cost | $35 | $28 |
| Public transit | CTA Blue Line | CTA Orange Line |
Chicago O’Hare is 18 miles from the Bean by car, while Midway is about 12.5 miles away. (Image courtesy of Google Maps) If you plan on driving, keep in mind that Interstate 90 (the Kennedy Expressway) often gets very congested around O’Hare. Since there are multiple terminals, it might take you five to 10 minutes just to get in and out of the airport area itself. And if your flight lands during rush hour, you might find yourself fighting traffic in and out of the city. With no traffic, you should be able to reach downtown in about 35 minutes, though in my experience you should budget more time — likely 45 minutes to an hour. An UberX should cost about $35 normally, or you can take the Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line rail connection all the way between O’Hare and downtown. Travel time is about 50 minutes to an hour, depending on the time of day.
Sign up for our daily newsletter Midway, on the other hand, is about 25 minutes from downtown and generally less prone to traffic delays than O’Hare (although if you’re traveling on a Sunday when the Chicago Bears are playing at Soldier Field, nearby Interstate 55 that runs past the field en route to the airport can get backed up). Midway also has its own CTA station with the Orange Line headed downtown. Or you can get an Uber for approximately $28. Midway is not in the best neighborhood in Chicago, so you’ll want to make sure you know where you’re going when you land. Winner: No matter how you plan on getting to the city from the airport, Midway comes out ahead: less traffic, shorter drives, cheaper Ubers and even less time spent on the train. Of course, that is if you’re headed to downtown Chicago. Travelers to the suburbs or other Chicago neighborhoods may calculate the math differently. Those headed to Chicago’s popular north side neighborhood of Wrigleyville, for example, may find O’Hare to be more convenient – even if the traffic adds an unwanted headache when getting to or from the airport.Does Southwest still fly out of Midway?
Traveling from Midway. – Southwest Airlines is proud to serve Chicago Midway International Airport. Boarding a Southwest flight departing Midway is a snap—just hop on the “L” train! The Orange Line will take you directly to the airport, the first stop on your adventure beyond the Second City.
Of course, long-term parking and calling a car are always options, too. A world-class city like Chicago has something for everyone and pockets of cultures from around the globe, but it doesn’t have everything. Ocean views? Not one, though Lake Michigan is lovely. Mountain peaks? The only heights you’ll find among the flat terrain of this Midwestern hub are skyscrapers.
Dry desert heat is of course unheard of—that lovely lake sure does make it plenty humid in the summertime. There’s so much world out there to explore beyond the Chicagoland area, and Southwest can take you there. And since Chicago Midway International Airport is a Southwest Airlines hub, many of those flights out of Chi-Town are direct! It’s time for a change of scenery.
- Take a break from the hustle and bustle of big-city life (or trade Second City vibes for the buzz of another metropolis) with a flight on Southwest Airlines.
- Whether you choose an oceanside getaway, a desert retreat, or to disappear into another walk of life entirely, Southwest can take you there from Chicago Midway International Airport.
Discover all your destination and flight options and rack up those Rapid Rewards ® points when you fly. Know your booking process will be straightforward from flight selection to checkout to boarding. Learn more about what makes the Southwest ® Experience different.
Is Ord bigger than MDW?
With incredible architecture, renowned museums, delicious food (hello, deep dish pizza!), and the impressive Lake Michigan, Chicago offers a perfect American city break. But before you plan your getaway or book a stay at one of the city’s fabulous hotels, you’ll need to book your flights.
There are two major Chicago airports — O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the country, with dozens of airlines flying to and from its four terminals. By comparison, Midway is much smaller, with just one main terminal with three concourses.
Plus, it has about a fifth of the flights. If you’re planning to travel to or from a destination abroad, O’Hare is most likely where you’ll go, although Midway does offer some international flights. (Note that some flight schedules have temporarily changed due to the coronavirus pandemic, so certain airlines might not be currently offering flights to and from these airports.) Both airports are easily accessible via public transportation and currently offer COVID-19 testing (PCR and rapid antigen tests) to travelers for a fee.
Is Midway easier than O Hare?
Midway Is Convenient for Domestic Travel – 
While still a busy airport by any standard, Midway is much less busy than O’Hare (it doesn’t even crack the top 50 internationally). It’s closer to downtown, and limo service can get you from the Loop to Midway in just over 20 minutes (without traffic, of course).
While Midway may not have the same range of international options, it offers many domestic flights and a more stress-free travel experience. Further, Southwest Airlines, a popular choice for low-cost domestic travel, only operates flights out of Midway. Whether you’re traveling through or, go with limo service from Echo Limousine.
Our customers love us, and we’re sure you will too. Book now for your next trip. : Midway vs. O’Hare: Travel Pros & Cons for Each Airport
Was Midway Airport ever closed?
Deregulation Arrives and Midway Soars Again: 1978-1990s –
Deregulation made the biggest contribution to the aviation industry since the Wright Brothers, by opening the market to smaller airlines and discount fares. 1979 brought the arrival of the first airline created following deregulation – Midway Airlines. Using Chicago as its hub, Midway Airlines began service to Kansas City, Detroit, and Cleveland. In 1980, Northwest Airlines returned to Midway with flights to Minneapolis. Mayor Jane Byrne announced a $200 million development plan for Midway Airport in 1981. In 1982, the city purchased Midway Airport from the Board of Education for $16 million. Southwest Airlines began service from Midway to St. Louis with seven flights a day in 1985. In 1987, Midway celebrated its 60th anniversary. United Airlines returned in 1987, and in 1988, U.S. Airways spread its wings at Midway. In 1991, Midway Airlines declared bankruptcy and later in the year the airport ceased operations. At the time, Midway Airlines represented 72 percent of traffic coming through the airport. Many said the bankruptcy would mark Midway Airport’s demise. But the City of Chicago knew better. Thanks to increased service by Southwest Airlines, Midway Airport was quickly on the road to recovery. Its easy-to-reach location and manageable concourses quickly attracted other low-cost airlines. 1992 heralded the arrival of America West and Continental. In 1992, Southwest Airlines signed a significant contract with the City of Chicago, increasing the use of the southwest side facility. By 1998, Southwest Airlines operated 102 flights a day. Today, Chicago is home to a reservation center, pilot and flight crew base, and maintenance facility for Southwest Airlines. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) began rapid transit Orange Line rail service to Midway in 1993, making the commute to the airport fast, easy and inexpensive, and helping reinforce Midway’s presence as Chicago’s close-in and convenient airport.
Why is Chicago called Midway?
Midway” is a reference to the Midway Plaisance, a long, green swath of boulevard space bordering the southern end of the campus between 59th and 60th Streets and running from Washington Park to Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side.
Does Delta fly out of Midway or O Hare?
We’re excited to welcome you to our new home in Terminal 5 (T5) of ORD. Save time from curb to gate with the latest digital enhancements to your check-in experience. Once in the concourse, relax and enjoy more modern, spacious gate areas and elevated dining options.
