Chicago is a major hub in the United States, with two primary airports serving the city: O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, navigating these bustling airports can be a daunting task. This comprehensive guide provides detailed tips on how to make your journey through O’Hare and Midway as smooth and stress-free as possible.
O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
O’Hare International Airport, located approximately 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, is one of the busiest airports in the world. It serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights, offering a wide range of amenities and services to accommodate millions of travelers each year.
Getting to O’Hare
Public Transportation
– CTA Blue Line: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line offers a convenient and affordable way to get to O’Hare. The train runs 24/7 and takes about 45 minutes to travel from downtown Chicago to the airport. The O’Hare station is located in Terminal 2.
– Metra: The Metra North Central Service provides weekday service to O’Hare from various locations in the suburbs. The O’Hare Transfer station is connected to the airport via a free shuttle bus.
Driving and Parking
– Driving: O’Hare is easily accessible via major highways, including I-90, I-190, and I-294. Be prepared for traffic, especially during peak travel times.
– Parking: O’Hare offers a variety of parking options, including hourly, daily, and economy lots. The economy lots are the most cost-effective option and are connected to the terminals by free shuttle buses.
Ride-Sharing and Taxis
– Ride-Sharing: Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing services are available at O’Hare. Designated pick-up areas are located on the upper level of each terminal.
– Taxis: Taxis are readily available outside each terminal. Flat rates to downtown Chicago are typically around $40-$50, depending on traffic.
Navigating O’Hare
Terminals
O’Hare has four main terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 5. Each terminal is divided into concourses and serves different airlines and destinations.
– Terminal 1: Primarily serves United Airlines and its international flights. Concourse B and Concourse C are connected by an underground walkway.
– Terminal 2: Serves Delta Air Lines, Air Canada, and select United Airlines flights. It has Concourses E and F.
– Terminal 3: Serves American Airlines and several international carriers. It has Concourses G, H, K, and L.
– Terminal 5: Exclusively serves international flights. It has one main concourse and is separate from the other terminals. Shuttle buses and the Airport Transit System (ATS) connect Terminal 5 to the other terminals.
Security
– TSA PreCheck: Enrolling in TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at security. O’Hare has dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes in each terminal.
– CLEAR: O’Hare also offers CLEAR, a biometric identification service that allows you to bypass standard security lines.
– Tips: Arrive at least two hours before your domestic flight and three hours before your international flight to allow ample time for security screening.
Amenities and Services
Lounges
O’Hare has numerous lounges, including airline-specific lounges (e.g., United Club, American Admirals Club) and independent lounges (e.g., The Club at ORD). Access is typically available through membership, credit card perks, or day passes.
Dining and Shopping
O’Hare offers a wide range of dining options, from quick snacks to sit-down meals. Some popular options include:
– Publican Tavern (Terminal 3): A favorite for American fare and craft beers.
– Garrett Popcorn Shops (Multiple Terminals): Famous for Chicago-style popcorn.
– Tortas Frontera (Terminal 1 and Terminal 3): Offers Mexican cuisine by celebrity chef Rick Bayless.
Shopping options include duty-free stores, luxury brands, and souvenir shops.
Other Services
– Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
– Charging Stations: Charging stations for electronic devices are located in all terminals.
– Children’s Play Areas: There are designated play areas for children in Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
– Medical Services: An on-site medical clinic is available in Terminal 2.
– Pet Relief Areas: Indoor and outdoor pet relief areas are available in each terminal.
Tips for a Smooth Experience at O’Hare
1. Check Terminal and Gate Information: Confirm your terminal and gate information before arriving at the airport. This can help you plan your route and reduce stress.
2. Use the Airport Transit System (ATS): The ATS is a convenient way to travel between terminals and parking areas. It runs 24/7 and is free to use.
3. Stay Updated on Flight Status: Use airline apps or the O’Hare website to stay updated on your flight status, including any delays or gate changes.
4. Take Advantage of Early Check-In: Many airlines offer early check-in services, allowing you to drop off your luggage and receive your boarding pass in advance.
Midway International Airport (MDW)
Midway International Airport, located about 10 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, is the city’s secondary airport. It primarily serves domestic flights and is a major hub for Southwest Airlines. Despite its smaller size compared to O’Hare, Midway offers a range of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable travel experience.
Getting to Midway
Public Transportation
– CTA Orange Line: The CTA Orange Line provides direct service to Midway from downtown Chicago. The train runs frequently and takes approximately 25 minutes to reach the airport. The Midway station is connected to the terminal by a pedestrian walkway.
Driving and Parking
– Driving: Midway is accessible via major roads and highways, including I-55 and Cicero Avenue. Be mindful of traffic conditions, especially during peak hours.
– Parking: Midway offers various parking options, including hourly, daily, and economy lots. The economy lots are located further from the terminal but are serviced by free shuttle buses.
Ride-Sharing and Taxis
– Ride-Sharing: Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available at Midway. Pick-up areas are located on the lower level outside the baggage claim area.
– Taxis: Taxis are available outside the terminal. The fare to downtown Chicago typically ranges from $30-$40, depending on traffic.
Navigating Midway
Terminal
Midway has a single terminal building divided into three concourses: A, B, and C. Each concourse serves different airlines and destinations.
– Concourse A: Primarily serves Southwest Airlines.
– Concourse B: Serves a mix of airlines, including Delta and Southwest.
– Concourse C: Serves a mix of airlines, including Delta and Southwest.
Security
– TSA PreCheck: Midway offers dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes for expedited security screening.
– CLEAR: Midway also provides CLEAR service for faster security clearance.
– Tips: Arrive at least two hours before your domestic flight to allow sufficient time for security screening.
Amenities and Services
Lounges
Midway has fewer lounges compared to O’Hare, but you can still find comfortable spots to relax. The USO Lounge is available for military personnel and their families.
Dining and Shopping
Midway offers a variety of dining options, including fast food, casual dining, and bars. Some notable options include:
– Harry Caray’s Seventh Inning Stretch (Concourse A): A popular spot for burgers and local beers.
– Potbelly Sandwich Shop (Concourse B): Known for its toasted sandwiches and milkshakes.
– Reilly’s Daughter (Main Terminal): Offers Irish fare and a cozy atmosphere.
Shopping options at Midway include convenience stores, duty-free shops, and newsstands.
Other Services
– Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
– Charging Stations: Charging stations for electronic devices are available in all concourses.
– Children’s Play Area: A designated play area for children is located in Concourse A.
– Medical Services: First aid services are available in the main terminal.
– Pet Relief Areas: Indoor and outdoor pet relief areas are located near the terminal.
Tips for a Smooth Experience at Midway
1. Check Terminal and Gate Information: Verify your terminal and gate information before arriving at the airport to plan your route and avoid confusion.
2. Stay Updated on Flight Status: Use airline apps or the Midway website to stay updated on your flight status, including any delays or gate changes.
3. Take Advantage of Early Check-In: Early check-in services can help streamline your travel experience by allowing you to drop off your luggage and receive your boarding pass in advance.
4. Use the Pedestrian Walkway: The walkway connecting the CTA Orange Line station to the terminal is convenient and covered, making it easy to reach the airport from public transportation.
Comparing O’Hare and Midway
Size and Traffic
O’Hare is significantly larger than Midway and handles more traffic, both in terms of flights and passengers. This means O’Hare can be more crowded and hectic, especially during peak travel times. Midway, while busy, tends to be more manageable due to its smaller size.
Airlines and Destinations
O’Hare serves a wider range of airlines and destinations, including many international flights. It is a major hub for United Airlines and American Airlines. Midway is primarily a hub for Southwest Airlines and focuses on domestic flights, with fewer international options.
Accessibility
Both airports are well-connected to downtown Chicago via public transportation, with the Blue Line serving O’Hare and the Orange Line serving Midway. O’Hare is farther from the city center but offers more parking options. Midway is closer to downtown but has fewer parking spaces.
Amenities
O’Hare offers a greater variety of amenities, including more dining and shopping options, multiple lounges, and additional services like medical clinics and children’s play areas. Midway, while offering essential amenities, has a more limited selection due to its smaller size.
Final Tips for Traveling Through Chicago’s Airports
1. Plan Ahead: Whether you’re flying through O’Hare or Midway, planning ahead is crucial. Check your flight status, know your terminal and gate information, and allow plenty of time for security screening.
2. Use Technology: Make use of airline apps, airport websites, and navigation tools to stay updated and informed throughout your journey.
3. Stay Organized: Keep your travel documents, identification, and boarding passes easily accessible. This will help you move through the airport more efficiently.
4. Pack Wisely: Follow TSA guidelines for carry-on items and ensure your luggage is properly tagged and secured.
5. Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Bring a reusable water bottle to fill up after security and grab a snack or meal before your flight.
By following these tips and making use of the information provided in this guide, you can navigate Chicago’s airports with confidence and ease.