When you are traveling to and from Midway International Airport, it is a good idea to know about the airport and the amenities it offers. Whether it’s your holiday or a business trip, having general information and tips, especially when traveling alone or with a companion, can actually save you from experiencing troubled moments.
Our airport guide gives you all the essential insights that you, as a traveler, can make use of while journeying across places in any part of the globe.
- Brief Overview of Midway International Airport in Illinois, USA
- About Airport’s Terminal
- On-site and Off-site Parking Options
- Airlines Operating from Midway International Airport
- Facilities and Services Available at Midway International Airport
- Hotels On-site and Nearby Midway International Airport
- Ground Transport Options To and From Midway International Airport
Brief Overview of Midway International Airport in Illinois, USA
Situated at a distance of about 13 km (8 miles) in downtown Loop, south of Chicago city in the U.S. state of Illinois, lies the city’s main airport called Midway International Airport.
The airport is also called Midway Airport or simply Chicago Midway after being renamed from Chicago Municipal Airport. Its present name is, in fact, based on the historical Battle of Midway that took place in 1942 World War II between the USA and Japan.
IATA: MWD
Address:
5700 South Cicero Avenue
Chicago,
Illinois (IL) 60638
USA
Airport Contact: +1 (773) 838-0600
Operation Hours: Midway International Airport is open 24 hours. However, certain shops, food concessions, on-site accommodations, and public and private transport services may not offer services throughout the day and night. Also, services like airline check-in and baggage drop hours may vary with the flight schedule. Therefore, it is advised that you check with the airport.
About Airport’s Terminal
Midway Airport has a single, main terminal building consisting of three inter-connected concourses. These include Concourse A (17 gates), Concourse B (23 gates), and Concourse C (3 gates).
Travelers can easily find various amenities, such as information desks, lounges, ATMs, conference rooms for business travelers, newsagents, courtesy telephones, restaurants, restrooms, facilities for handicapped passengers, retail shopping outlets, ticket counters, baggage claim, and locker facilities, gift shops, transportation, car park and more at the airport.
On-site and Off-site Parking Options
Midway Airport Airport offers convenient and affordable parking options to travelers. Parking is available at the Terminal. One can choose from on-site parking options, off-site car parks, and garages that are located in the nearest proximity to the airport. These consist of an economy lot, a main garage lot, and short and long-term parking.
Valet Parking:
A Valet Parking service is also available at the airport. You also receive complimentary services, such as window cleaning and interior vacuuming, and luggage assistance.
Free parking at the airport is only offered for a limited period.
Airlines Operating from Midway International Airport
Midway Airport serves only a few domestic, international, government, and cargo airlines. Airlines that operate short and long-distance flights to and from the airport’s Terminal include:
Allegiant Air, Delta Airlines, Delta Connection, Porter Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Ultimate Air Shuttle, and Volaris.
Facilities and Services Available at Midway International Airport
Midway Airport in the city of Chicago offers various amenities to passengers to make their traveling experience worthwhile. The airport also offers a range of duty-free stores, food and beverage outlets, Wi-Fi and internet access, business services, and more.
Security Check-points
There are security checkpoints at the airport’s terminals. All passengers are required to pass through the security checkpoints.
Help Desk
When you are at Midway International airport and need help, there are information desks to assist you. Here, you can inquire about your flight or find other facilities you may get easily at the airport. They are open 24 hours and can be found at the airside and landside of the Terminal.
Wi-Fi and Mobile Charging Points
Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the terminals at the airport, in case you want to connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access the internet. Free Wi-Fi (connect to “Boingo Hotspot” or “_Free_MDW_Wi-Fi” networks) internet service is offered throughout all terminals with unlimited usage.
In addition to Wi-Fi internet access, mobile and laptop charging power outlets are also available at the airport, in case you need to charge your laptop and/or phone’s battery. Power outlets are available throughout the terminals.
Baggage Handling and Storage
Luggage Lockers:
Lockers and luggage storage facilities are available at the airport.
Luggage Wrapping:
Luggage wrapping service is not available at the airport.
Luggage Trolleys/Carts:
Luggage carts are available at the airport for free. These can be found throughout the terminal.
Porter Services:
Porter’s services are not available at the airport.
There is a Baggage Claim facility available at the airport. Make sure to check with your respective airline as to what carry-on items (and their size) are allowed.
Lounge and Business Conference Room
At Midway International Airport, passengers can use public lounges, VIP lounges, and business conference rooms, which may be available for free or paid in order to access these facilities.
A few lounges and business conference rooms that are available at the airport are:
USO Lounge:
The USO lounge or center is available to active military personnel and their families. It also offers courtesy meals, Wi-Fi, telephone, TV, copier, and fax, calling cards, reading materials, and restroom facilities. The lounge is located in Concourse C, to the right after clearing security. It is open from 9 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday.
McCormick Place:
Business travelers arriving at Midway Airport can also visit McCormick Place, which is the largest convention center in the U.S. It is located in downtown Loop.
Stores and Duty-Free Shopping
There are plenty of shops that can be easily found throughout the airport’s terminals and concourses. These shops sell a wide range of items, from children’s toys to fashion accessories for adults. You may also buy books, magazines, newspapers, etc., to help pass time during your stopover or flight delay.
Duty-Free stores are also available at the airport that sells all kinds of merchandise, including souvenirs.
Cafes, Bar, and Restaurants
Finding snack and beverage options should not be a problem as there are many local and popular nationwide food chains at Midway International Airport. These cafeterias and restaurants are located throughout the terminals and concourses, giving you the best options to eat and satisfy your pre-flight craving.
Food concessions are been operated throughout the airport with varying schedules. A wide variety of dining options are also available and can be found at both the landside and the airside. Options are open 24 hours in the Central Market, Airside. Dunkin’ Donuts, Gold Coast Dogs, and Pegasus On The Fly offer snacks and beverages.
Other Amenities Available at Midway International Airport
There are other amenities that are available to passengers at the airport. These include:
Chapel
There is a chapel located on Mezzanine Level, Concourse C, post-security above the triangle food court. The chapel also provides prayer books, rugs, and rosaries.
Mother’s Room
Mother’s Room is available to parents and guardians traveling with infants. These rooms are private and offer facilities that include lactation, comfortable seating, a sink, a wash area, and wall-mounted TV. It is located in Concourse C, right next to the Yoga Room.
Yoga Room
There is a yoga room where travelers can relax and meditate and spend some quiet time before or after the flight.
Cots
The airport provides cots on request, especially to stranded passengers whose flights have either been delayed or canceled due to bad weather.
Postal Services
There are mailboxes available at the airport, allowing passengers to drop their last-minute postcards and letters to their family, relatives, and friends.
Shoe Shine
Shoe Hospital offers shoe shine services at the airport, located in Concourse C, post-security.
ATM
ATMs are available at the airport. You can swipe your bank card and withdraw cash at the airport’s ATMs if you’re running low on cash or need to make cash payments at other services or stores. You can find ATMs located at the airside and landside areas of Terminals.
Currency Exchange
The currency used in Chicago is the United States Dollar (USD or $). Currency exchange services are available at the airport and are operated by Seaway National Bank. The facility is located in Concourse A. It is open from 7 am till 6 pm (Monday-Saturday) and 7 am till 1 pm on Sundays.
Banking Services
Banking facilities are available at the airport.
Hotels On-site and Nearby Midway International Airport
Finding accommodation on-site or nearby Midway International Airport should not be a problem for travelers as there are several hotels and resorts out there. Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, family, or children, you will find convenient and affordable places for a comfortable stay during your visit to Chicago in Illinois, USA.
A few hotels that are located on-site as well as near the airport are:
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago Midway Airport:
The hotel is located about 3 minutes from the airport. There is an airport shuttle service available free of cost. Their shuttles depart at a frequency of 20 minutes.
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Midway Airport:
The hotel is located about 3 minutes from the airport. Red Trolley operates a free shuttle transfer service to Midway Airport and the Midway Orange Line metro station.
Hampton Inn Chicago Midway Airport:
The hotel is located about 3 minutes from the airport. There is a 24-hour airport shuttle transfer service available free of cost.
Ground Transport Options To and From Midway International Airport
Getting to and from Midway International Airport should not be much of a hassle as you will find transport options. You can quickly find a convenient mode of transportation to meet your travel needs. There are several ground transportation options available to travelers that make visiting nearby places and other places of interest very convenient, quick, and affordable.
Many travelers often find shuttle services to be very favorable as it saves them plenty of time when getting to hotels and/or airports. Free shuttle buses provide travelers with easy connectivity. Also, there may be a few hotels in the city and adjoining areas that provide free or on-demand shuttle services to and from the airport.
Additionally, you may also book pre-arranged rides that offer services to and from the Midway International airport, which can also be scheduled as per your needs. You can usually find their kiosks or counters/stands located either at the terminal’s entrance or exit area. These may also contain information on the companies that are permitted to render such services at the airport.
Airport Shuttle Service
There is a shuttle transfer service available to passengers within the airport. Go Airport Express offers door-to-door shared rides or exclusive ride services from and to the airport, the Chicago metropolitan area, and the Chicago O’Hare Airport. These shuttles are serviced daily from 6 am to 11:30 pm. Shuttles depart at a frequency of 15 minutes from Arrivals, Lower Level, outside of Door 3 on the inside lane. Wheelchair-accessible shuttles are also available for travelers with disabilities. However, an advanced reservation is suggested.
Hotel Shuttle Service
Few hotels in the city may offer free or paid shuttle services to their guests. These include Carlton Inn Midway, Courtyard Chicago Midway Airport, Fairfield Inn Chicago Midway Airport, Hampton Inn Chicago-Midway Airport, Hilton Chicago/Oak Lawn, Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Midway Airport, Holiday Inn Express Chicago-Midway Airport, Hyatt Place Chicago Midway Airport, Marriott Chicago Midway, Residence Inn Chicago Midway and Sleep Inn Midway Airport.
Bus Service
Public bus transportation services are available for the commute. It is both affordable and convenient and can get you to places in no time. There are a total of nine CTA public buses that serve Midway Airport and adjoining areas of the City of Chicago. PACE’s suburban public bus system serves the Chicago area and the airport via the Midway Transportation Center bus routes 379, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, and 390.
Midway Airport is also served by several regional bus companies. Their buses transport passengers between Midway Airport and many destinations in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Indiana.
Amtrak Connection
You can travel to Amtrak from the airport via subway or taxi. A taxi ride takes about 15 minutes. Also, you can take the subway from the Midway Transportation Center which is located adjacent to the airport. Take the Orange Line to LaSalle, then change to the Blue Line towards Forest Park, exit at Clinton Station, and walk ten minutes to Union Station. The total travel time is about 45 minutes.
Train and Metro Services
Midway International Airport is connected via train and metro lines for commuting. The CTA Orange Line train serves between Midway Airport-Orange Line station (connected to the east side of the terminal via a covered walkway) and downtown Chicago. A one-way trip is approximately 25 minutes.
Limousine Service
Limousines are available for hire at the airport.
Taxi Service
Taxis are available, if you need a ride to a hotel or want to go sightseeing. Taxi stands can be found on the lower levels of the terminal, curbside.
Car Hire Service
You can hire a car at Midway International Airport if you are in the mood to cruise around places in the city. There are several companies that offer cars on hire/rent at the airport. The rental car agencies or companies have their counters/stands located on-site in the ground transportation area.
The companies or agencies that offer car hire/rental services at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Corporate Rent-A-Car, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.
There is also a free shuttle service operating between the Rental Car facility and the airport. Shuttles are available at Arrivals, Lower Level, front curb near Door 2.
App-Based Ride-Sharing Service
Aside from several transport options that are available to travelers from and to Midway International Airport, app-based ride-sharing services are also offered.
Conclusion
The City of Chicago in the U.S. state of Illinois offers many attractions to visitors. A few such places include The Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, 360 Chicago Observation Deck, Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, Field Museum, Wrigley Field, Chicago Riverwalk, The Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park Zoo, Starved Rock State Park, Galena town and more.
Traveling to and from Midway International Airport in Chicago will certainly give you a pleasant experience. And, if you plan on staying here for a while, you will find lots of attractions to enjoy your holidays.
