Which airport should I fly into in Chicago?

Navigating Chicago’s Airport Options: Which One Suits You Best?

When planning a trip to the vibrant city of Chicago, selecting the most suitable airport is crucial. Two primary options await travelers: O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). Each airport offers distinct advantages and disadvantages, catering to different travel preferences and needs.

O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

• Pros:

  • Extensive amenities: O’Hare boasts a wide array of restaurants, shops, and lounges, ensuring a comfortable and convenient travel experience.
  • Global connectivity: As Chicago’s primary hub airport, O’Hare offers flights to destinations worldwide, including major international hubs.
  • Variety of airlines: O’Hare is served by a vast number of airlines, providing travelers with ample flight options and competitive pricing.

• Cons:

  • Sprawling size: O’Hare is a sprawling airport, which can lead to longer walk times and potential delays in transit.
  • Congestion: As one of the busiest airports in the world, O’Hare experiences frequent congestion, particularly during peak travel periods.
  • Distance from city center: O’Hare is located approximately 20 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, requiring a longer commute time.

Midway International Airport (MDW)

• Pros:

  • Convenience: Midway is situated just 10 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, offering a quick and convenient transit to the city center via public transportation or taxi.
  • Less congestion: Compared to O’Hare, Midway experiences significantly less congestion, resulting in shorter wait times and hassle-free travel.
  • Southwest Airlines hub: Midway is a major hub for Southwest Airlines, providing a wide range of domestic destinations at competitive fares.

• Cons:

  • Limited amenities: Midway has a more limited selection of amenities compared to O’Hare, with fewer restaurants and shops available.
  • Fewer international flights: Midway primarily serves domestic destinations, with a more limited selection of international flights.
  • Smaller size: Midway is a smaller airport compared to O’Hare, which may result in fewer flight options and potentially higher fares.

Choosing the Right Airport

The best airport for you depends on your travel priorities. If you require extensive amenities, global connectivity, and a variety of flight options, O’Hare International Airport is the ideal choice. However, if convenience, less congestion, and easy access to downtown Chicago are your priorities, Midway International Airport is the better option.

Consider the following factors when making your decision:

• Travel destination: If your destination is a major international hub, O’Hare offers a wider range of flight options. If you’re primarily traveling within the United States, Midway provides convenient access to domestic destinations.
• Budget: O’Hare typically offers more competitive fares for international flights, while Midway may have lower fares for domestic travel.
• Time constraints: If you’re short on time and want to minimize travel time to downtown Chicago, Midway is the more convenient option.
• Preferences: If you prefer spacious terminals, a vast array of amenities, and a bustling airport atmosphere, O’Hare is the better choice. If you prefer a smaller, less crowded, and more convenient location, Midway is the way to go.