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How early should I get to Midway?

Larger airports, such as O'Hare and Midway in Chicago, ask that passengers arrive at least 90 minutes prior to departure especially if a traveler needs to go to the check-in counter for any reason (i.e., check baggage, etc.).



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The general guidance is to arrive at Chicago Midway at least two hours before scheduled departure for a shorthaul flight and three hours before departure for a longhaul flight.

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Current Average TSA Wait Time at MDW This average wait time is based on the current time (Pacific Standard Time). Please expect to wait up to at least (16 mins) on average to go through security checkpoints at MDW.

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2. Navigation: Midway is a smaller airport, which enables the airport to provide a simple navigation experience. Midway only has three gates: A, B, and C. O'Hare is a bigger airport with a larger area to navigate.

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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).

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The busiest times of day at Midway are between 5 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., on weekdays, as evidenced by the length lines at security gates.

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The average price for this trip is $60. Open the Uber app and input MDW in the “Where to?” box. The price estimate for each ride option will appear; scroll to see what's available. Prices will vary based on time of day and how many riders are making requests.

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Fares are based on traffic conditions, but an average fare from Midway to downtown Chicago is $35-40. For current fare information, please check the City of Chicago taxi passenger information website.

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If you enjoy the thrill of travel surrounded by lots of activity and people, the bigger, busier O'Hare is a great way to go. If a quieter, casual pace is more your style, Midway is the better option.

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Chicago Midway Airport's Concourse A serves Frontier Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Porter Airlines, Delta Airlines and Air Tran. It contains gates A1-A19.

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Midway has 43 aircraft gates on three concourses. Concourse A has 17 gates.

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Current Average TSA Wait Time at MDW This average wait time is based on the current time (Pacific Standard Time). Please expect to wait up to at least (16 mins) on average to go through security checkpoints at MDW.

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Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight. That said, there are many factors to consider that will help you decide how much time you should budget for at the airport.

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When you're traveling within the United States, we make the suggestion to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure. For most airports, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time (airports requiring additional time are listed below, Go to footer note).

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When you're traveling within the United States, we make the suggestion to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure. For most airports, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time (airports requiring additional time are listed below, Go to footer note).

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Yes it is safe. As always, common sense prevails when you are in a city but the Orange line from the airport is safe and fine.

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The Orange Line provides rapid transit train service between Midway Airport and downtown (Loop), and provides service to Chicago's Southwest Side.

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Midway Airport to Downtown Chicago: Driving Distance Driving from Midway Airport to Downtown Chicago takes slightly less time than riding public transit, depending on the route you take: 28 Minutes (11.2 Miles): Get on 1-55 N/Stevenson Expressway from S Cicero Avenue. Take exit 293A from I-55 N/Stevenson Expressway.

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Free shuttle buses run every 10-15 minutes to and from each economy parking location and the main Midway terminal building.

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The distance between Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) is 16 miles. The road distance is 21.9 miles.

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If you take Uber and Lyft, you've probably realized some higher fares and longer wait times. Across the Chicago area, viewers have reported extreme price surges during all hours of the day. Some receipts sent to NBC 5 show a more than $50 price tag for a 2.5-mile ride.

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