MDW airport code: Chicago Midway, decoded for travelers
Use this practical Midway guide to confirm the airport code and location, choose the right concourse, check live flight and delay pages, plan Orange Line travel, compare parking and avoid pickup or rideshare mistakes.
Check these pages before leaving for Midway
These cards open the source that controls or publishes the live information. The guide does not freeze a temporary airport condition and label it “live.”
What airport is MDW, and what city is it in?
MDW is Chicago Midway International Airport in Chicago, Illinois. The three-letter code appears on airline reservations, boarding passes, baggage tags and flight displays. Aviation charts and procedures also identify the airport as KMDW.
Airport live checks & travel tools
Use current local conditions, official live-status links and planning calculators before you travel. Airline gate, terminal and flight times can change; your carrier remains the final source for flight-specific details.
Live flight center
Check the airport's official flight board, then confirm any last-minute gate or timing change with the airline.
Current airport-area weather
Useful for planning your trip to the airport. This is model-based local weather, not an aviation METAR or an airline operational forecast.
Quick official checks
Open the source that matches the decision you are making right now.
When should I reach the airport?
A planning estimate based on flight type and common time buffers. Always increase the buffer for severe weather, major holidays, unusual airport alerts or airline instructions.
Connection-risk checker
This is a planning heuristic, not an airline minimum-connection-time rule. International arrivals that require U.S. entry processing, baggage claim and security can need substantially more time.
Parking cost estimator
Uses the airport-specific rates stored in this article's configuration. Rates can change; verify availability and final pricing on the official parking page before driving in.
Passenger pickup readiness
Landing time is not curb-ready time. Add time for taxiing, deplaning, baggage claim, customs when applicable and walking to the correct pickup zone.
Why is the Chicago airport code MDW?
The airport began as Chicago Municipal Airport and was renamed Midway in 1949 in honor of the Battle of Midway. Today MDW is the airport’s IATA abbreviation and aligns naturally with the Midway name. It should be treated as the airport identifier—not as a neighborhood or airline code.
Municipal Airport opened
Chicago’s Municipal Airport opened in 1926 and developed rapidly during the early commercial-aviation era.
Renamed Midway
The airport was renamed in honor of the Battle of Midway, giving today’s travelers the familiar Midway identity represented by MDW.
Orange Line arrived
CTA Orange Line rail service connected the airport directly with downtown Chicago, changing how many passengers reach MDW.
How MDW appears in airport-code systems
Different travel and aviation systems use different identifier formats. For a passenger, the important code is MDW; pilots and aviation systems may display KMDW. This distinction is more useful than memorizing a long airport-codes list.
| System | Midway identifier | Where a traveler may see it |
|---|---|---|
| IATA | MDW | Tickets, boarding passes, baggage tags, booking sites and airline apps |
| ICAO | KMDW | Flight planning, aviation weather, charts and operational systems |
| FAA | MDW | U.S. airport/air-traffic references and FAA airport-status systems |
Where is Chicago Midway Airport?
Midway is on Chicago’s Southwest Side. For public transit, the connected CTA Midway station is at 4612 W. 59th St., Chicago, IL 60629. The station is east of the terminal and connected by an enclosed pedestrian route. Parking facilities use separate entrances and street addresses, so route to the exact garage or lot rather than relying only on “MDW airport.”
How the Midway terminal is laid out before and after security
The official Chicago Department of Aviation terminal PDF shows one main terminal feeding a single security checkpoint and then three connected passenger concourses. The map is especially useful for understanding which vertical level you need before trying to follow a gate number.
Ticketing and Departures
Airline ticket counters are on the Upper Level. This level also connects toward the fourth level of the parking garage and the departures roadway.
Parking-garage connection
The Mezzanine Level connects toward the third level of the parking garage. This is also part of the pedestrian route used for CTA/Kiss & Ride access.
Baggage Claim and Arrivals
The Lower Level contains baggage claim and arrivals access. Ground transportation uses different doors and lanes here, so a door number matters after you collect bags.
Central Market and Concourses
After the checkpoint, Central Market is the main orientation point. Concourses A, B and C branch from this secure-side area and are connected for normal domestic transfers.
MDW versus ORD: verify the Chicago airport before booking anything
| Detail | MDW | ORD |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Chicago Midway International | Chicago O’Hare International |
| Chicago position | Southwest Side | Northwest Side |
| CTA rail | Orange Line | Blue Line |
| Passenger layout | One terminal complex; A/B/C concourses | Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5 |
| Code on ticket | MDW | ORD |
| Airport-to-airport CTA | Orange → Clark/Lake → Blue | Blue → Clark/Lake → Orange |
Build an MDW travel plan
These tools are planning aids, not live operational promises. They deliberately add buffers for airport processes; verify airline cutoffs, traffic, CTA alerts and security on travel day.
Suggested airport arrival and leave time
Parking recommendation and estimate
Is the passenger ready for curb pickup?
MDW or ORD code checker
Midway has one terminal complex with Concourses A, B and C
Unlike O’Hare, Midway does not require choosing among several numbered passenger terminals. Start at the main terminal, clear the central security checkpoint, then follow the live gate assignment into Concourse A, B or C.
Concourse A: A1–A19 plus A4A/A4B
The official map places the Concourse A Food Hall, Kids Play Area near A5, Mamava pod near A5, Gameway near A5 and the indoor service-animal relief room near A4A along this side of the airport.
Concourse B: B1–B26
Concourse B extends from Central Market. Club MDW is at the Central Market/Gate B1 area, and the official map shows multiple food, retail and refill points through the concourse.
Concourse C: C1–C3
This compact concourse is beside the chapel/mezzanine side of the secure area. The Mother’s Room and Yoga Room are listed in the Concourse C area.
How large is Midway’s route network?
As of July 2026, Chicago Department of Aviation lists approximately 250 daily direct flights to 83 U.S. cities and approximately 8 daily direct flights to 9 international destinations. Route schedules change seasonally, so use this to understand airport scale rather than to assume a specific route operates every day.
Approx. U.S. daily direct flights
Current official network snapshot, July 2026.
U.S. cities
Nonstop markets can change by season and airline schedule.
International destinations
Approximately eight daily direct international flights in the July 2026 snapshot.
MDW security hours and arrival-time planning
General checkpoints
3:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. daily is the current published airport schedule. Operational changes are possible.
TSA PreCheck
4:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m. daily is the current published schedule. Eligibility and lane operation remain TSA-controlled.
CLEAR lane
The official Midway CLEAR page currently lists the CLEAR lane and enrollment area from 4:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. daily. CLEAR does not replace TSA screening.
- Confirm the operating airline and gate.
- Check airline check-in and bag-drop cutoff.
- Add parking or CTA walking time.
- Keep current TSA-accepted ID accessible.
- Review liquids, batteries and medication rules.
- Request TSA Cares support in advance if needed.
Orange Line, taxi, rideshare, rental cars and MDW-to-ORD transfer
Orange Line: the direct train to downtown
CTA places the accessible Midway station just east of the terminal with an enclosed walking connection. Follow “CTA Trains” / “Trains to City” signs and the orange floor line. Normal Midway-to-Loop travel is about 20–25 minutes, and CTA currently lists a Midway-to-downtown fare of $2.50 or less.
Using the same eligible Ventra/contactless fare medium, CTA allows up to two free transfers within two hours. The station itself also has CTA Park & Ride, currently $10 for 12 hours; that is a transit lot, not a substitute for airport long-term parking.
Overnight when Orange Line trains stop
The Orange Line is not a 24-hour rail service. CTA lists some N62 Archer overnight bus service serving the Midway station area. Use the live CTA trip planner for a late-night itinerary rather than assuming the train will be running.
Licensed taxi
City taxis use the Lower Level inner lane at Door 2. Airport guidance has published an average downtown fare around $35–$40; traffic and metered charges control the actual price. Use the official taxi stand rather than accepting an unsolicited ride.
Uber, Lyft and app rideshare
Standard rideshare pickup is outside baggage claim on the Lower Level center lane. Official zones are Blue A/B via Doors 2–3, Orange C/D via Doors 3–4, and Green E/F via Door 4. Request after collecting baggage so the driver does not arrive before you reach the correct zone.
Rental-car facility and the Door 2 / Door 3 discrepancy
The consolidated Rental Car Facility is at 5150 W. 55th St. Its dedicated official page lists rental-car pickup at Lower Level Door 2, with shuttles scheduled 24/7 about every 15 minutes.
Prearranged black car or limousine
Call the provider after collecting bags. Official guidance says a prearranged vehicle may take roughly 3–10 minutes to reach the designated pickup point after contact. If the driver meets you inside baggage claim, the airport notes that livery parking can require about a 5–7 minute walk.
Which Midway door should you use after baggage claim?
Midway’s lower-level curb is divided by transport type. The door/zone is more useful than a generic “ground transportation” instruction because taxis, rideshare, parking shuttles and buses do not all load in the same lane.
Midway parking rates, live-status conflict, garage clearances and EV charging
Use the rate table for planning, but make the final lot choice from the airport’s live parking status immediately before driving in. Midway’s official pages currently contain a meaningful Daily Lot conflict, documented below.
| Parking | Use it for | Published price | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Garage & Lot | Lowest on-airport daily price / longer trips | $15 per 24h $4 first hour | Garage clearance 8’2″; free shuttle generally every 10–15 min |
| Terminal Garage Daily · Levels 2–6 | Closer covered parking | $43 per 24h | Level clearances vary from 7’2″ to 8’3″ |
| Terminal Garage Hourly · Level 1 | Short meeting / brief airport visit | $4 first hour; $67 for 8–24h | 8’8″ clearance; four Level II EV chargers |
| Reserved Parking | Guaranteed covered space near terminal | $10/day reservation fee plus parking, taxes and fees | Reserved area on Terminal Garage Level 2 |
| Daily Lot | Check before routing | Live module has displayed $30/day | Dedicated official Daily Lot page says temporarily closed |
Parking status by AM radio
The airport says drivers within about 2.5 miles of Midway can tune to 1630 AM for parking-space availability information, in addition to checking the online status module.
Eight public Level II chargers
Four are on Terminal Garage Level 1 near Column 1C/south elevators and four are on Economy Garage Level 1 near the east elevators.
Staying more than 30 days
Call the Parking Garage Office before a stay over 30 days. Without prior arrangements, the airport says a vehicle may be treated as abandoned and towed.
Garage clearance by level
Passenger pickup, drop-off, Cell Phone Lot and Kiss & Ride
Dropping off
- Confirm the passenger’s operating airline.
- Follow signs to Departures on the upper-level roadway.
- Unload only while the driver remains with the vehicle.
- Do not use the departure curb as a waiting area.
Picking up
- Track the flight before entering airport roads.
- Wait until the passenger has baggage.
- Ask for the exact door/zone.
- Use the lower-level outer lane for individual passenger pickup.
Cell Phone Lot
The free 90-space Cell Phone Lot is at 61st Street and Cicero Avenue, just south of the main airport entrance. The airport describes it as roughly four minutes or less from the terminal. The vehicle must remain attended.
Kiss & Ride
Kiss & Ride is at 59th Street and Kilpatrick Avenue, one block east of Cicero. From baggage claim Door 6, use the blue elevator center to Level 3 and follow CTA Orange Line / “Trains to City” signs.
Wheelchair, sensory, visual, hearing and hidden-disability support
Choose the right contact: the operating airline handles wheelchair, boarding, medical and service-animal arrangements; TSA Cares supports the security-screening process; the airport ADA team handles airport-facility accessibility.
Wheelchair and gate assistance
Add the request to the operating airline before travel and specify whether help is needed from curb/check-in, between gates, during boarding or through baggage claim. Airlines must have a Complaint Resolution Official available during their operating hours for disability-related airline issues.
Aira for blind/low-vision travelers
Midway provides free access to Aira’s on-demand remote visual interpreting. It can help a traveler understand signs, locate services and navigate unfamiliar spaces.
ASL and visual communication
Airport information staff can connect Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing passengers with video-remote ASL support. Midway also operates complimentary visual paging on airport FIDS monitors 24/7.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
Sunflower items are offered for travelers who may need more time, space or understanding. Baggage Claim Information Desk hours are currently Mon–Fri 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m.–noon; the Terminal Information Desk is listed Mon–Fri 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
Sensory preparation
Official resources include sensory maps, social stories, point-of-view instructional videos and sensory bags containing tools such as headphones, fidgets and visual aids.
Self-service repair station
In baggage claim next to the Chicago Police help desk, the airport provides a 130-PSI air compressor, tool kit and wheelchair charging unit for minor luggage, equipment or assistive-device repairs.
Service-animal relief locations
Outside security
North end of the Lower Level terminal drive. Exit Lower Level Door 4 near Baggage Carousel 8, turn right and continue past the bus stop. The fenced area includes a bench and waste bags.
After security
Concourse A near Gate A4A. The indoor 8-by-8-foot room includes a sink, paper towels, relief pad and water hose.
All-gender/family restroom locations
The official accessibility page lists single-user facilities around Gate A9, Gate A4A and its walkway, Gate B15, and baggage claim. The South baggage-claim facilities have carried temporary-closure messaging, so confirm the nearest open room on arrival.
Family facilities, lounge, Wi-Fi, water, quiet space and late-night essentials
Free Wi-Fi and power
Free airport Wi-Fi is available before and after security. Power-equipped seating is provided in gate waiting areas and additional charging is available around ticketing, baggage claim and major concession areas.
Kids Play Area
The official amenities directory lists the Kids Play Area near Gate A5 as available 24 hours. This is useful during a longer family layover without leaving the secure area.
Nursing and lactation
Mother’s Room: Concourse C next to the Yoga Room. Mamava pod: Concourse A near Gate A5. The official map also marks family/all-gender restrooms.
Yoga Room
Concourse C beside the Mother’s Room. Current published hours are generally 6 a.m.–10 p.m. daily.
The Club MDW
Central Market near Gate B1, across from Gene’s Bistro. The dedicated official lounge page currently lists 4 a.m.–10 p.m. daily and says 90% of seating has power outlets. Verify current admission rules before travel.
Water refill stations
Official locations include A5, A9, B15, between B18/B20, between B2/B3, Concourse C near the chapel and Concourse A near Central Market.
Gameway
The airport amenities directory lists Gameway near Gate A5, generally 5 a.m.–8 p.m. daily. Hours can change with operations.
Chapel / quiet reflection
The chapel is shown on the official terminal map in the Concourse C/mezzanine side of the secure area. Use the indoor map if you need a quieter route.
Late-night reality
The Orange Line and most concessions are not 24 hours. Check the N62 overnight bus, airline counter/bag-drop hours and current open businesses separately before relying on an overnight airport plan.
Watch the Chicago Department of Aviation arrival and departure walkthroughs
The Chicago Department of Aviation links these instructional videos from its 2026 traveler and accessibility resources. They help first-time, neurodivergent and anxious travelers preview common airport steps before arriving at Midway.
International arrival and onward-connection basics at MDW
International processing depends on origin, U.S. preclearance status and airline itinerary. Midway’s official flight guidance references U.S. Customs and Border Protection services including Global Entry and Automated Passport Control resources. Follow CBP and airline directions on arrival rather than assuming a domestic-style connection.
- Follow CBP/arrival signs. Keep passport and required documents accessible.
- Follow baggage instructions. International arrival baggage procedures can differ from a domestic connection.
- Complete customs requirements. Do not leave the controlled arrival flow until processing is complete.
- Follow the operating airline for onward travel. If rescreening or bag recheck is required, build it into the connection.
Lost baggage and lost-property contacts at Midway
There is no single correct lost-and-found contact for every item. Use the place where the item was last seen.
| Where it was lost | Correct contact | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft, gate, ticket counter | Operating airline | Flight, seat, gate, time and description |
| TSA checkpoint | TSA lost-and-found process | Checkpoint/time plus identifying item details |
| Public terminal | 773-838-0656 / Chicago Police 773-838-9669 | Concourse, business/door and approximate time |
| Parking facility | 773-838-0753 | Garage/level/row or shuttle detail |
| Customs area | CBP 773-948-6330 | Arrival flight and processing area |
MDW travel-day checklist
- Verify the ticket says MDW, not ORD.
- Check the operating airline and live flight status.
- Confirm baggage cutoff and carry-on limits.
- Check TSA hours for an early/late flight.
- Check Orange Line alerts before leaving downtown.
- Check parking status before driving.
- Save rideshare pickup-zone instructions.
- Keep medication and documents in cabin baggage.
- Arrange wheelchair/TSA support in advance.
- Screenshot boarding pass as a backup.
- Save Cell Phone Lot location for pickup.
- Use official indoor map for gate/service locations.
Chicago Midway contact information
Airport customer service
773-838-0600
General airport information; airline ticket changes still belong with the carrier.
Parking office
773-838-0756
Parking questions, long stays and vehicle assistance.
TSA Cares
855-787-2227
Screening assistance, ideally arranged at least 72 hours ahead.
ADA Coordinator
773-894-3728
Airport-facility accessibility issues during published business hours.
CTA information
312-836-7000
Transit planning and service information.
Emergency
773-838-9111
Airport emergency contact; do not use for routine flight status.
Frequently asked questions about Chicago Midway (MDW)
These questions consolidate the real travel decisions behind common MDW code searches instead of repeating near-identical keyword variants.
What airport is MDW and what city is it in?
What are MDW and KMDW?
Is MDW the same airport as ORD?
Where can I open the official Midway airport map?
How many terminals and gates does Midway have?
Can I walk between Concourses A, B and C?
How early should I arrive at MDW?
What time does TSA open at Midway?
How long does the Orange Line take from Midway to downtown Chicago?
Does the Orange Line run 24 hours?
Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at Midway?
Where do rental-car shuttles pick up at MDW?
Where should a driver wait for an arriving passenger?
What is Kiss & Ride at Midway?
What is the cheapest official Midway parking option?
Is Midway Daily Lot open?
Does Midway have EV charging?
Does Midway have a lounge?
Where are nursing facilities at Midway?
Where are service-animal relief areas?
What should I do if I lose an item at Midway?
How do I get from MDW to O’Hare?
How this Midway guide was audited
This refresh compared current airport-code search results with Chicago Department of Aviation, CTA, TSA/airport security, FAA and official Midway map sources. Static PDF details are converted into traveler instructions above; volatile conditions such as flight gates, parking status, train alerts and concession hours are routed to live official pages instead of being frozen as permanent facts.
Used for terminal levels, concourse/gate orientation, Central Market, CTA access and mapped passenger services.
Used to explain how terminal parking, economy parking, Daily Lot, Cell Phone Lot and CTA sit around the airport road network.
Used for parking rates, pickup zones, accessibility, lounge/services, airline/flight links and airport facility facts.
Used for Orange Line schedules/fare guidance, current construction alerts and airport-wide FAA status links.