Midway International Airport Chicago: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction to Midway International Airport: What Visitors Need to Know
Midway International Airport in Chicago is a storied gateway to one of America’s most dynamic cities, blending a rich aviation heritage with modern conveniences and cultural vibrancy. Since its opening as Chicago Municipal Airport in 1927, Midway quickly became the world’s busiest airport by the early 1930s, serving millions of passengers (wahsonline.com; Chicago Tribune). The airport’s resilience is a microcosm of Chicago’s own, reminiscent of landmarks like the Chicago Water Tower, which endured the Great Fire of 1871 (Chicago Water Tower).
While the rise of O’Hare International Airport brought challenges in the mid-20th century, Midway evolved, especially with the airline deregulation era, becoming a hub for low-cost carriers like Southwest Airlines. Significant terminal expansions and infrastructure improvements since the late 1990s have positioned Midway as a modern, efficient airport, welcoming nearly 20 million passengers annually (blog.lavishride.com; cityofchicagoinvestors.com).
Beyond efficient amenities, visitors enjoy immersive cultural experiences through public art installations that celebrate Chicago’s heritage (chicago.gov). The CTA Orange Line provides fast access to downtown, making Midway an ideal starting point for exploration.
This comprehensive guide details everything you need to know about Midway International Airport—operational hours, ticketing, travel tips, cultural highlights, and nearby attractions—ensuring a seamless and enriching visit (Midway Airport Official Website).
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Early Development and Growth (1920s–1940s)
- Postwar Expansion and Peak Years (1940s–1950s)
- Decline and Competition from O’Hare (1960s–1970s)
- Revival and the Rise of Low-Cost Carriers (1970s–1990s)
- Modernization and Infrastructure Improvements (2000s–Present)
- Cultural and Artistic Significance
- Economic and Strategic Importance
- Essential Visitor Information
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Visuals and Media Recommendations
- Conclusion
Midway International Airport Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Chicago Historical Sites: Complete Guide
Early Development and Growth (1920s–1940s)
Originally named Chicago Municipal Airport, Midway was established in 1927 on a one-square-mile tract near Cicero Avenue. The land was acquired from the Chicago Board of Education, and the airport’s first runway primarily served airmail (wahsonline.com). By 1928, the airport expanded to four runways and twelve hangars, enabling night operations (Chicago Tribune).
By the early 1930s, it had emerged as a leading aviation center, hosting several major airlines and claiming the title “busiest airport in the world” by 1932 with over 100,000 passengers annually (wahsonline.com). The original passenger terminal opened in 1931, and by 1941, further expansions solidified its prominence (Chicago Tribune).
Postwar Expansion and Peak Years (1940s–1950s)
Post-World War II, Midway rapidly expanded. The 1947–1948 terminal upgrade introduced the famed “Cloud Room” restaurant, and in 1949, it was renamed to honor the Battle of Midway (wahsonline.com; Simple Flying). By 1959, Midway reached its peak as the world’s busiest airport, serving 10 million passengers (wahsonline.com). Its accessibility attracted both domestic and international airlines.
Decline and Competition from O’Hare (1960s–1970s)
The rise of jet aircraft exposed Midway’s spatial limitations. The city’s development of O’Hare International Airport in 1955, with longer runways, led to a shift in airline traffic (wahsonline.com; Simple Flying). By the early 1960s, most airlines moved to O’Hare, and Midway’s passenger numbers plummeted (Simple Flying).
Revival and the Rise of Low-Cost Carriers (1970s–1990s)
The Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 enabled new low-cost carriers. Midway Airlines launched in 1979, followed by Southwest Airlines in 1985, igniting the airport’s revival (wahsonline.com; Simple Flying; Southwest50.com). By 2001, Southwest operated over 120 daily flights.
Modernization and Infrastructure Improvements (2000s–Present)
Midway’s Terminal Development Program, initiated in 1997, culminated in a new terminal with expanded ticketing, baggage claim, and 43 gates by 2001 (blog.lavishride.com). Today, the airport spans 840 acres with five runways and nearly 11,000 parking spaces (cityofchicagoinvestors.com).
Upgrades include runway reconfiguration, security enhancements, and noise abatement, all supporting increased passenger capacity (cityofchicagoinvestors.com).
Cultural and Artistic Significance
Midway’s terminals feature public art by noted artists, including Dawoud Bey’s “Chicago Couples,” Karl Wirsum’s “Tuskegee Airmen Commemorative,” Ralph Helmick and Stuart Schecter’s “Rara Avis,” and Todd Slaughter’s “The Body of Lake Michigan” (chicago.gov). These works reflect Chicago’s diversity, aviation history, and connection to the Great Lakes.
Economic and Strategic Importance
Midway is Chicago’s second-busiest airport and a top-30 U.S. airport, serving nearly 20 million passengers annually (blog.lavishride.com). Southwest Airlines dominates with about 90% of traffic, and the airport’s proximity to downtown makes it popular with both business and leisure travelers.
Essential Visitor Information
Visiting Hours and Ticketing
Midway Airport operates 24/7 for flights. Terminal amenities and shops generally open from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Flight tickets can be purchased online via airline websites or at airport counters. For information on special events or tours, consult the Midway Airport website.
Guided Tours and Special Events
Guided tours are not offered regularly, but special art tours and events may be available. Check the airport’s website and city cultural calendars for updates.
Travel Tips
- Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic, and 3 hours before international flights.
- Security wait times vary; early morning and late evening are often less busy.
- The CTA Orange Line connects the airport to downtown in about 20–30 minutes.
- Use the airport’s app or website for real-time updates and maps.
Accessibility
Midway is fully accessible, offering wheelchair services, accessible restrooms, family security lanes, lactation pods, and service animal relief areas. For assistance, contact your airline or airport services ahead of your visit.
Transportation
- CTA Orange Line: Connects Midway to downtown Chicago.
- Shuttles and Taxis: Readily available outside the terminal.
- Ride-Sharing: Designated pick-up zones for Uber and Lyft.
- Parking: Nearly 11,000 spaces across garages and economy lots (cityofchicagoinvestors.com).
Shopping and Dining
Midway offers a range of local and national dining and shopping options. Enjoy an Apple-authorized iStore, Hudson News, and a variety of eateries.
Nearby Attractions and Hotels
Midway’s southwest location provides fast access to downtown Chicago’s museums, theaters, and parks. Numerous hotels within a 5–10 minute drive cater to travelers.
Dining, Shopping, Accommodation, and Exploring Chicago from MDW
Dining Options
Midway’s recent $75 million renovation brought a wide array of dining options, many with Chicago flair (Eater Chicago):
- Sit-down: Hubbard Inn (European-inspired), Reilly’s Daughter (Irish pub), White Sox Bar & Grill.
- Quick Bites: America’s Dog & Burger, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, Big & Little’s, Big Bowl, Big City Chicken, Tallboy Taco.
- Coffee and Bars: Big Shoulders Coffee; bars at Reilly’s Daughter and Hubbard Inn.
Check the Midway Partnership restaurant directory for current hours and menus.
Shopping
Shops at MDW include newsstands, Chicago-themed gift shops, and duty-free stores for international travelers. All are within a 10-minute walk from any gate.
Accommodation
Numerous hotels are located within 2 kilometers of the airport, often with free 24-hour shuttle service (Booking.com):
- Hampton Inn Chicago-Midway Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Chicago/Midway Airport
- DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Midway Airport
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago-Midway Airport
- Chicago Marriott Midway
- Hyatt Place Chicago Midway Airport
- Extended Stay America Suites - Chicago - Midway
Budget options such as Skylark Motel and Carlton Inn Midway are also available.
Transportation
- CTA Orange Line: Direct 25-minute ride to the Loop.
- Buses and Shuttles: Available from baggage claim.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Fares to downtown range from $18–$30.
- Car Rentals: Accessible via free shuttle from arrivals.
Note: There is no luggage storage at MDW; downtown hotels and third-party providers offer this service.
Exploring Chicago
The Orange Line delivers you to downtown for easy access to Millennium Park, the Art Institute, Museum Campus, and diverse neighborhoods like Chinatown and Pilsen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are Midway International Airport’s operating hours?
A: Flight operations are 24/7; most terminal services run 5:00 AM–11:00 PM.
Q: How do I purchase tickets?
A: Through airline websites or at airport ticket counters.
Q: Transportation options from Midway?
A: CTA Orange Line, shuttles, taxis, rideshares, and car rentals.
Q: Is Midway accessible?
A: Yes, with comprehensive accessibility features.
Q: Luggage storage available?
A: No, but options exist downtown.
Visuals and Media Recommendations
Enhance your experience with interactive maps and virtual tours on the official Midway Airport website. Use optimized images with descriptive alt text for accessibility and SEO, such as “Midway International Airport visiting hours” and “Chicago historical sites at Midway Airport.”
Summary and Final Tips
Midway International Airport epitomizes Chicago’s adaptability and cultural richness. From its pioneering days to its present role as a low-cost carrier hub, Midway provides modern amenities, thoughtful public art, and seamless access to the city’s many attractions (wahsonline.com; Simple Flying). Its strategic location and robust transportation options make it an ideal entry point for visitors.
Whether you’re arriving, departing, or exploring Chicago’s storied past, Midway offers convenience, accessibility, and a taste of the city’s vibrant character. For real-time updates and travel tips, download the Audiala app and explore related resources (Midway Airport Official Website).
References
- Midway International Airport History – WahsOnline
- Midway International Airport Historical Pictures – Chicago Tribune
- Midway Airlines and Airport Revival History – Simple Flying
- Midway Airport Modernization and Operations – Blog Lavish Ride
- Midway Airport Bonds and Infrastructure – City of Chicago Investors
- Midway Airport Public Art Collection – City of Chicago
- Midway International Airport Official Website
- Chicago Water Tower Official Site
- Eater Chicago – Midway Dining Guide
- Midway Partnership Restaurant Directory
- Booking.com – Midway Hotels
