Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – Live TSA Wait Times & Traveler Updates

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), located just 10 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, is a key hub for domestic travel across the United States. Primarily served by Southwest Airlines, Midway offers extensive point-to-point connections, making it one of the most efficient airports for short-haul routes.

The airport features a single, well-organized terminal with Concourses A, B, and C, each hosting a variety of dining, retail, and service options. Travelers appreciate Midway’s convenient layout, shorter walking distances, and proximity to downtown via the CTA Orange Line, which connects directly to the Loop.

Midway continues to modernize with terminal upgrades, expanded concessions, and improved security screening facilities, providing a smoother travel experience for both leisure and business passengers.

Chicago Midway Airport operates a single main terminal with multiple TSA security checkpoints serving Concourses A, B, and C. The centralized checkpoint system makes it easy for travelers to navigate between gates after screening.

TSA screening typically opens around 3:30 a.m. and remains active until the last scheduled departure. The busiest periods tend to occur during early morning departures (5:00–8:00 a.m.) and late afternoon flights (3:30–6:30 p.m.), especially on weekdays and holidays.

Midway offers TSA PreCheck lanes for eligible travelers and CLEAR service to help expedite screening during peak travel hours. Because of Midway’s compact layout, average wait times are generally shorter than at larger airports, though lines can still build quickly during rush periods.

For the best experience, plan to arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights