Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), often overshadowed by its larger counterpart O’Hare, remains a vital and convenient air travel hub, especially for those seeking to access the city’s South Side and downtown areas quickly. For travelers wondering “What Airlines Fly Into Midway Airport Chicago?”, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the carriers operating at MDW, helping you plan your journey with ease and make informed decisions.
Major Airlines at Midway: Your Direct Flight Options
Midway Airport is a significant base for Southwest Airlines. In fact, Southwest dominates operations at MDW, offering a vast network of domestic flights. If you are considering flying Southwest to Chicago, chances are you’ll be landing at Midway. Beyond Southwest, however, other airlines also provide service to MDW, expanding your options for both domestic and international travel.
Here’s a list of the primary airlines that currently fly into Chicago Midway:
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Southwest Airlines: As mentioned, Southwest is the largest operator at Midway. They offer an extensive range of domestic routes, making MDW a key hub in their network. Known for their customer-friendly policies, including two free checked bags and no change fees, Southwest is a popular choice for many flyers.
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Allegiant Air: Allegiant Air focuses on leisure travelers, providing low-cost flights to various destinations, primarily within the United States. They often serve smaller cities and vacation spots, offering a different network compared to Southwest.
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Delta Air Lines: While not as dominant as Southwest at MDW, Delta still maintains a presence, offering flights to select destinations. Flying Delta into Midway can provide access to their SkyMiles loyalty program and global network through connecting flights.
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Porter Airlines: For those traveling between Canada and Chicago, Porter Airlines is a key player at Midway. Porter focuses on providing service between MDW and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), offering a convenient option for travel between these two major cities.
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Volaris: Volaris caters to travelers looking for flights between the United States and Mexico. Operating at Midway, Volaris provides connections to various Mexican destinations, appealing to those visiting family, friends, or seeking leisure travel south of the border.
It’s important to note that airline routes and schedules can change. For the most up-to-date information, always check directly with the airline’s website or use flight aggregator websites like Google Flights, Kayak, or Skyscanner. These resources allow you to search for flights to Midway (MDW) and see the currently operating airlines and routes.
Why Choose Midway? Weighing the Pros and Cons
Selecting your arrival airport in Chicago—Midway or O’Hare—depends on your priorities and destination within the city. Midway offers distinct advantages, particularly for certain travelers:
Pros of Flying into Midway:
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Convenience and Accessibility to Downtown and South Side: Midway is geographically closer to downtown Chicago and the city’s South Side compared to O’Hare. This translates to shorter taxi, ride-share, or public transportation times to these areas, saving you valuable travel time and potentially money.
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Smaller and Easier to Navigate: Midway is significantly smaller and less congested than O’Hare. Navigating through security, finding your gate, and baggage claim is generally faster and less stressful at MDW. This is especially beneficial for travelers with tight connections or those who prefer a more streamlined airport experience.
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Public Transportation Options: Midway is directly connected to the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Orange Line. This train line provides a direct and affordable link to downtown Chicago, making public transportation a very viable option.
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Often Less Expensive Flights: Depending on the airline and route, flights into Midway can sometimes be more competitively priced than flights into O’Hare. Budget-conscious travelers may find better deals flying into MDW, especially on airlines like Southwest and Allegiant.
Cons of Flying into Midway:
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Fewer International Destinations: Compared to O’Hare, Midway offers a limited number of international flights. If you are arriving from or connecting to a long-haul international flight, O’Hare is likely to be your only or more convenient option.
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Dominance of Low-Cost Carriers: While offering budget-friendly options, the strong presence of low-cost carriers at Midway means you might encounter fewer amenities or service options compared to legacy carriers at O’Hare.
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Potential for Delays: Like any airport, Midway is susceptible to delays, especially during peak travel times or inclement weather. While its smaller size can be an advantage, it also means fewer runways and less capacity to absorb delays compared to O’Hare. Checking real-time flight status is always recommended.
Tips for a Smooth Arrival at Midway
To make your arrival at Chicago Midway as seamless as possible, consider these tips:
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Pre-book Transportation: Whether you plan to take a taxi, ride-share, or utilize public transportation, consider pre-booking or familiarizing yourself with your options in advance. This can save time and reduce stress upon arrival. For the Orange Line, you can purchase a Ventra card at the airport station.
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Check Airline Baggage Policies: Especially if flying with low-cost carriers, be sure to understand the baggage policies and fees to avoid unexpected costs at the airport. Pre-paying for baggage online is often cheaper than at the gate.
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Allow Ample Connection Time: While Midway is easier to navigate, always allow sufficient time for connections, especially if transferring between airlines or terminals (though Midway has only one terminal). Factor in potential security lines and walking distances.
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Download Airline Apps: Airline apps can provide real-time flight updates, gate information, boarding passes, and baggage tracking, enhancing your travel experience.
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Explore Airport Amenities: Despite being smaller, Midway offers a range of dining and shopping options. Take some time to explore these if you have a layover or waiting time.
Conclusion: Midway – A Convenient Chicago Gateway
For many travelers, especially those prioritizing convenience, cost-effectiveness, and access to Chicago’s downtown and South Side, Midway International Airport is an excellent choice. Understanding “what airlines fly into Midway Airport Chicago” is the first step in planning your trip. By considering the airlines operating at MDW, weighing the airport’s pros and cons, and implementing helpful travel tips, you can ensure a smooth and pleasant journey to and from the Windy City. Remember to always verify the most current flight information directly with your chosen airline or through reputable flight search engines for the most accurate and up-to-date details.
