Midway International Airport, or MDW, is one of the busiest airports in both the Chicago metropolitan area and the United States. If you’re catching a flight from MDW, there are several things you should know, starting with how early to get to the MDW airport
How Early Should I Get to MDW?
Based on expert opinions and the MDW website, it’s best to arrive a minimum of two hours before domestic flights and a minimum of three hours before international flights. MDW is the second-busiest airport in the Chicago metropolitan area, and you can reasonably expect some rush. So, make sure you plan your journey to the airport, and check all the boxes to get there as early as the recommended time.
Also, if you’re flying out during peak days or the holiday season, you need to be a bit more cautious and arrive at MDW much earlier.
Why Is It Crucial to Get to MDW Early?
Here are the reasons why you should arrive at MDW earlier.
Traffic delays
The morning period of 6-8 am and evening 4-6 pm are generally the busiest hours, where you could experience traffic delays while travelling to MDW. Don’t forget the potential delays due to traffic that might happen during peak hours and holidays.
Passenger traffic at MDW
Midway International Airport has an annual passenger rush of 21,513,521 as of 2024.
Parking at MDW
As mentioned earlier, MDW airport oversees a huge passenger rush, and the onsite parking might not be available. To skip the worries regarding parking your car safely before your flight, book a good offsite parking slot.
You can pre-book offsite parking spots near MDW Airport for a cheaper price. Choosing an offsite parking spot will help you save 60% on parking.
Navigating the terminals
The MDW has a single terminal that’s divided into three concourses: A, B, and C. These concourses are interconnected, making it easy for the passengers to navigate through them.
TSA security times
The TSA checkpoints at MDW operate every day from 3:30 am to 11:00 pm. Meanwhile, the TSA Pre checkpoints are available from 4:30 am to 8:00 pm every day.
International travel
If you’re flying internationally from MDW, remember that you have to undergo longer security checks, check-in processes, and immigration processes. Undoubtedly, these procedures might take a little bit of time, so make sure you have time on your side.
Also read: The Ultimate Guide to Midway Airport (MDW)
How Busy Is MDW?
As we mentioned before, the MDW airport has an annual passenger rush of about 21.5 million. Despite the high passenger volume, the MDW is generally considered less stressful to navigate through. Furthermore, it usually oversees a heavy flow of domestic flights.
Typical peak hours:
Early Morning: 5 am–8 am
Late Afternoon/Evening: 4 pm–7 pm
How Early to Get to MDW for a Domestic Flight
Based on expert opinions, it’s recommended that you arrive at least 2 hours prior to the scheduled departure if you’re flying domestically from MDW. However, if you’re flying out for the first time from the Midway International Airport, try arriving 30 minutes earlier than the above-mentioned time.
How Early to Get to MDW for an International Flight
If you’re flying internationally from MDW, make sure you reach the airport at least 3 hours before your flight time. Arriving early allows you to go through all the security processes seamlessly. Also, during peak hours or holiday seasons, add an extra 30 minutes to the suggested time.
TSA Wait Time at MDW
At Midway International Airport, the TSA wait time is typically 16 minutes. Meanwhile, the wait times can drop considerably, maybe as short as 3-8 minutes in late evenings or certain midday periods.
Tips for Travelers
Check the flight status: Remember to check your flight status through the airline’s website or MDW’s website.
Reserve parking in advance: Book a safe and affordable parking spot through Global Airport Parking.
Be ready for the security check: Read all the regulations and avoid bringing prohibited items that could delay the proceedings.
Check the wait times: Know about the wait times at MDW security checkpoints using apps like MyTSA.
