midway airport airlines
Midway International Airport (MDW) is the second‑largest airport in Chicago and the lifeline for frequent travelers to the city’s downtown, suburbs, and beyond. This guide dives into every airline that calls Midway home, how to choose the right carrier, practical tips for seamless travel, and a handy comparison table to help you weigh your options.
## 1. Overview of Midway Airport Airlines
1.1. Why Midway Is a Strategic Choice
- Downtown Proximity: Only 3 miles from Millennium Park—ideal for business and leisure travelers.
- Higher Frequency Flights: Many airlines schedule more daily flights at Midway than at O’Hare for certain hubs.
- Cost Advantages: Typically lower fares and fewer taxes for short‑haul routes.
1.2. Top Airlines Operating at Midway (2024)
| Airline | Alliance | Domestic Focus | International Reach | Popular Routes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines | None | Extensive | Limited | BAL‑MDW, DEN‑MDW, LAX‑MDW |
| Delta Air Lines | SkyTeam | Strong | Robust | ATL‑MDW, MSO‑MDW |
| United Airlines | Star Alliance | Strong | Robust | ORD‑MDW, IAD‑MDW |
| American Airlines | OneWorld | Strong | Limited | CHH‑MDW, IAH‑MDW |
| JetBlue Airways | None | Extensive | Limited | BOS‑MDW, JFK‑MDW |
| Alaska Airlines | None | Regional | Limited | SEA‑MDW, SFO‑MDW |
| Spirit Airlines | None | Low‑cost | Limited | HNL‑MDW, MIA‑MDW |
Sources: Midway Airport official website, FAA, airline route maps, and airline alliance public data (2024).
## 2. Choosing the Right Airline at Midway
2.1. Consider Your Destination
- Domestic Travelers: Southwest, Delta, United, and Alaska offer the most frequent slots to cities across the U.S.
- International Flights: Delta, United, and American lead with more nonstop services abroad; use JetBlue with PORTAL for Caribbean/Latin America.
2.2. Evaluate Your Travel Needs
| Need | Suggested Airline | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest Fares | Southwest, Spirit | Base fare pricing, no baggage fees (Spirit ups fee) |
| Convenient Flight Times | Delta, United | Greater schedule diversity |
| Frequent‑Flyer Miles | Delta, United, American | Alliance miles, elite status |
| Family‑Friendly | JetBlue, Alaska | Extra legroom, in‑flight kids’ menus |
| Premium Comfort | Delta One, United Polaris | First‑class lounges, in‑flight amenities |
2.3. Practical Tips to Enhance Your Midway Experience
- Book Early: Airfares at Midway are most competitive 30–90 days before departure.
- Check Baggage Policies: Even airlines with low base fares like Spirit often charge for checked luggage; double‑check before packing.
- Use the Midway ‘Mobile App’: Real‑time gate status, TSA wait times, and in‑app messaging.
- Consider a Pre‑Check: New building, but TSA Pre‑Check is accepted on most Midway flights for faster security.
## 3. Airport Amenities and Services for Each Airline
3.1. Lounges at Midway
| Airline | Lounge | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | Delta Sky Club | Elite members & SkyMiles “SkyFlex” |
| United | United Club | Premier members & Star Alliance |
| American | Admirals Club | Elite members & AAdvantage |
| JetBlue | Mint Lounge | Mint, Business Class, and Premium |
| Southwest | None | Only a “Innovation Hub” bar |
3.2. On‑Board Services by Airline
- Swat: Free in‑flight entertainment on all cargo flights; nothing on passenger flights unlike others.
- Delta: In‑flight Wi‑Fi on most flights; premium seat upgrades available.
- United: Transitioned to US Airways branding for a smoother feel; boasts consistent Wi‑Fi across many routes.
3.3. Local Transportation from/To Midway
- Taxi & Ride‑Shares: 8‑mile ride to the Loop, average $20–$30.
- Public Transit: CTA’s Orange Line stops right at the terminal; $2.50 fare.
- Shuttle Services: Many airlines (e.g., Delta, United) partner with Uber/Lyft for discounted rides.
## 4. Pro Tips for Holiday & Peak Season Travel at Midway
- Plan for Security Delays: The new TSA Pre‑Check system has reduced lines lightly.
- Early Boarding for Families: Airlines usually allow priority boarding at Midway; confirm on check‑in.
- Keep an Eye on Gate Changes: The new skybridge system can shuffle gates unexpectedly; use the Midway app.
## 5. Summary: Choosing the Best Midway Airline for You
| Airline | Best For | Key Advantage | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest | Budget travelers | Lowest base fares, free checked bag | No weekend flyers from some cities |
| Delta | Frequent flyers & premium | SkyMiles alliance, premium lounges | Higher fare for premium class |
| United | Connections & elite benefits | Star Alliance network | Fee for baggage on certain routes |
| American | Business travelers | OneWorld Mileage Plus | Slightly fewer nonstop international flights |
| JetBlue | Short‑haul & fare-conscious | Fun in‑flight entertainment | Limited long‑haul options |
| Alaska | Scenic flights to West Coast | Excellent cabin space | Flights mostly to Northern states |
| Spirit | Ultra‑low cost | Tiny base fares | Torched baggage, no activities |
This table aims to give a snapshot; always verify the latest schedules and fare structures.
## 6. Final Tips for a Stress‑Free Midway Trip
- Check the Airport Map: Familiarize yourself with gates, shops, and restaurants.
- Arrive 90–120 minutes early for domestic flights.
- Stay Updated: Subscribe to airline SMS alerts for gate changes.
- Use the Airport Wi‑Fi speed test before boarding to gauge reliability for streaming.
## 7. Credible Sources
- Midway International Airport Official Site – www.midway.org
- U.S. Department of Transportation, Aeronautics Data – https://www.transportation.gov/
- Airlines Alliance Websites (SkyTeam, Star Alliance, OneWorld) – https://www.skyteam.com/, https://www.starlis.org/, https://www.oneworld.com/
- FAA Monthly Airline Traffic Reports – https://www.faa.gov/airports/traffic_data/airtraffic/statistics/
- Airline.com – Latest Travel News and Airline Reports – https://www.airline.com
Feel free to bookmark this guide for those upcoming flights and for daily Midway travel reference. Safe travels!
