airlines at midway airport
Midway International Airport (MDW) lies 13 miles southwest of Chicago’s downtown, offering a convenient alternative to O’Hare for commuters, business travelers and vacationers alike. If you’re planning a trip that starts or ends at Midway, knowing which airlines operate there—and what they bring to the table—is essential for making the most of your travel experience. Below you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the carriers that serve Midway, practical tips for booking, and a handy comparison table so you can quickly evaluate your options.
Airlines & Carriers at Midway
Midway’s 12 gates accommodate a mix of major, low‑cost, and seasonal airlines. Their service profiles vary in terms of destination reach, loyalty programs, and fare structures.
Major Carriers
| Airline | Hub(s) | Typical Destinations | Loyalty Program | Baggage Allowance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte (CLT) | 80+ cities in the US, 15 international airports | AAdvantage | 1 bag free (checked up to 50 lb) |
| United Airlines | Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Denver (DEN) | 140+ US cities + 30 international | MileagePlus | 1 bag free (checked up to 50 lb) |
| Delta Air Lines | Detroit (DTW), Seattle (SEA) | 130+ US cities + 30 international | SkyMiles | 1 bag free (checked up to 50 lb) |
Tip: Check the major carriers’ “early check‑in” options at Midway’s self‑service kiosks. Boarding the early 30‑minute window often guarantees a seat on your preferred aircraft without the rush of the regular board.
Low‑Cost Carriers
| Airline | Hub(s) | Typical Destinations | Loyalty Program | Baggage Allowance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines | Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN) | 70+ domestic routes, 45 international | Rapid Rewards | 2 free carry‑ons, no checked bags included |
| Frontier | Denver (DEN) | 40+ domestic | Frontier Rewards | 0 free bags; fees apply |
| Spirit | Chicago Midway (MDW) | 60+ domestic | Rewards™ | 0 free bags; incremental fees |
Insight: For budget travelers, Frontier and Spirit can be tempting, but beware of add‑on fees that may erode savings. Southwest’s “no‑change fee” is a significant advantage if you’re booking a tight itinerary.
Seasonal & Charter Operators
| Operator | Typical Season | Destination Highlights | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| JetBlue (charter) | Summer | New York, Orlando | Check for shorter availability periods |
| Alaska Airlines (charter) | Fall | Del Monte, Yellowstone | Often operate on a pick‑up & drop‑off basis |
| AeroMexico (charter) | Winter | Mexico City, Cancun | Seasonal demand spikes during holiday travel |
Example: During the Fourth of July weekend, you’ll often find charter flights from Midway to beach resorts in Florida. Booking 4‑6 weeks in advance can secure better fares.
Practical Tips for Flying Out of Midway
1. Booking Your Flight
| Strategy | Why It Helps | Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Use Midway‑exclusive promo codes | Many carriers run MDW‑specific discounts | Airline newsletters |
| Book directly via airline’s mobile app | Apps often deliver last‑minute price cuts | Airline app stores |
| Compare fares through FlightAware or Google Flights | Aggregates price history and predictions | Google Flights, FlightAware |
| Check the “price protection” feature | Refunds/credits if price drops after booking | Airline travel policy pages |
2. Navigating the Airport
| Facility | What to Expect | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Self‑Service Kiosks | 24/7 auto‑check‑in | Download the airline app to link ID for fast processing |
| Security Screening | 1 security line for 2013 and newer vehicles | Arrive 45 min early during peak hours |
| Parking | 1,956 free spaces (short‑term, free for 2 h) | The “Midway Rewards” program offers discounts for frequent travelers |
| Dining & Retail | 48 shops & 20 eateries | Grab a coffee at “Midway Roasters” before boarding |
3. Check‑In & Baggage
- Carry‑On Limit: Most airlines allow one large carry‑on (22×14×9 inches) plus a personal item.
- Checked Baggage: Domestic flights generally allow 1 or 2 free bags depending on fare class. International legs might require extra payment.
Insight: If you’re traveling between Midway and O’Hare, consider the Ultra-Quick Shuttle (free 7:15‑18:45 daily). It takes approximately 19 minutes, accounting for potential traffic.
4. Transportation to Midway
| Mode | Time (vs. O’Hare) | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Metra Airport Line (Blue Line) | 15 min to downtown | Free with a ticket |
| O’Hare Express Bus (100/900) | 20 min to downtown | $5 |
| Ride‑Share (Uber/Lyft) | 10‑15 min (depending on traffic) | $20‑$40 |
| Taxi | 12‑15 min | $20‑$30 |
Pro Tip: Take advantage of the Midway‑O’Hare shuttle running every 90‑minutes, getting double your travel experience between the two major Chicago hubs.
Choice Framework: Which Airline Is Right for You?
| Criteria | Major Carriers | Low‑Cost | Seasonal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Sensitivity | Moderate | Very | Variable |
| Frequent Flyer Status | Yes | No | Limited |
| Baggage Needs | Plenty | Few (carry‑on only) | Varies |
| Schedule Flexibility | Frequent, wide network | Frequent, shorter routes | Seasonal windows |
| Overall Experience | Comfortable with lounge access | Casual, no‑frills | Limited services |
Bottom line: If you’re traveling internationally, a major carrier is usually your best bet. For domestic leisure trips on a tight budget, low‑cost carriers excel—just budget for extra fees. Seasonal routes can be a great way to hit the beach or head for a winter getaway, but book early to avoid inflated prices.
Useful Resources & Links
- Midway International Airport – Official Site – Flight status, parking, amenities: https://midway.com
- American Airlines – American Airlines’ MDW page: https://www.aa.com/community/airport/airport/Chicago%20Midway
- United Airlines – MDW flights & services: https://www.united.com/en/ph/airport/midway-midway.html
- Delta Air Lines – Midway Hub: https://www.delta.com/us/en/airports/airport?airport=MDW
- Southwest Airlines – Cheap Flight Finder: https://www.southwest.com/
- Google Flights – MDW search: https://www.google.com/flights
- FlightAware – Live flight tracker: https://www.flightaware.com/
Final Thoughts
Midway International Airport may be smaller in scale compared to O’Hare, but its airline mix offers travelers a versatile range of options. Whether you’re jetting across the country, chasing an international getaway, or hopping on a charter to the Florida coast, understanding which carriers serve Midway and how they differ can help you secure the best fare, reduce hassle, and enjoy a smoother travel experience. Bon voyage!
