Chicago-O’Hare vs. Midway: Which Is Best?

As one of the largest cities by population in the U.S., Chicago has two major airports: Chicago-O’Hare (ORD) and Chicago-Midway (MDW). However, they are quite different when it comes to facilities and route network offerings.

Chicago-O’Hare is a major hub airport for two global airlines, while Chicago-Midway is a hub for one major domestic carrier. The former has several airline lounges, and the latter has none, though The Club MDW is slated to open in late 2024.

Knowing the differences between these two airports can help you plan your next trip to the Windy City. Here’s what you need to know about the two main Chicago airports: MDW vs. ORD.

The biggest difference between the two is their route networks: You won’t be flying to Japan or Europe from Chicago-Midway, but Chicago-O’Hare has plenty of flights that require a passport.

Chicago-O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world by annual passenger traffic, and its route network spans the globe. According to the Chicago Department of Aviation, O'Hare welcomed approximately 73.9 million passengers in 2023.

Chicago-O’Hare is a hub airport for American Airlines and United Airlines, serving several domestic and international destinations. It is also a focus city for low-cost carriers, Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines.

While it is an international airport, Chicago-Midway primarily serves domestic destinations and is a hub for Southwest Airlines. This is the busiest airport in its network. It also offers flights with a few other full-service carriers, such as Delta Air Lines, and low-cost options like Allegiant Air and Volaris.

Chicago-Midway has about 10 daily direct flights to 11 international destinations, including Mexico, Canada and Jamaica. This airport is less busy and less far-reaching, having just over 22 million passengers.

» Learn more: Chicago's airport lounges

Chicago-Midway is closer to downtown: It takes about 20 minutes to go the approximately 10 miles from the airport to the city center. Chicago-O'Hare is about 25 miles away.

ORD, the first major airport built after World War II, received recognition for being among the first to have highway access directly to the terminal and underground fueling systems. It has about 200 gates across four terminal buildings. The largest aircraft that lands at the airport is the Airbus A380.

No matter how long it takes you to get there, you can breeze through security since both airports have TSA PreCheck and Clear lanes. If you don’t have Clear, many airlines offer discounts for loyalty program members. To save money on TSA PreCheck, a number of credit cards provide statement credits to cover the cost.

Both airports are undergoing renovations to meet passenger demand. At Chicago-O’Hare, the terminals are getting updates. Terminal 5 serves most international carriers and SkyTeam, while American flights depart from Terminal 3 and United flights depart from Terminal 1. Over $8.5 billion is being spent to modernize the terminals.

O’Hare suffers from one major inconvenience: Terminal 5, where almost all international flights depart and arrive, isn't connected to the rest of the terminals. This means that if you are accessing a lounge in another terminal, you must leave the secure area, take the people mover, and go through security again at Terminal 5.

If you’re connecting through O’Hare with a flight leaving from Terminal 1 or 3, a free shuttle bus in a secure area within the airport is available from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. You'll have to show an eligible boarding pass before getting on. Outside of operating hours, passengers will need to exit the secure area, take the people mover to their appropriate terminal and go through security again.

At Chicago-Midway, there is one large terminal with gates divided into two areas labeled A and B, so connecting passengers won’t need to leave the same building to reach their next flight. This makes it convenient for those in a hurry. An over $75 million renovation project revamped the shopping and dining options in the terminal.

Chicago-O’Hare is bigger and better in many ways, especially when it comes to creature comforts. The airport has several airline lounges that can improve the passenger experience:

• American Flagship Lounge for international passengers, Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members on eligible itineraries and ConciergeKey passengers.

• United Polaris Lounge for international passengers in a Star Alliance premium cabin. 

• American Admirals Clubs.

• Delta Sky Club.

• United Clubs.

• Swissport Lounge.

• SAS Lounge.

• British Airways Lounge.

One thing that is missing is an American Express Centurion Lounge. Priority Pass access is also lacking at ORD as Swissport Lounge is the only one available. The airport could use more Priority Pass lounges or restaurants since many credit cards include access as one of the perks.

Outside of lounges, there are numerous restaurants offering all types of food, from sushi to the highly popular Tortas Frontera restaurant (Mexican cuisine). While there is a lot of walking involved to get between terminals, it is possible to get a global sampling of flavors (like airlines) at O’Hare.

Over at Midway, things get a little more limited in the premium department with just one airport lounge soon to open; however, it is part of Priority Pass. Everyone else looking for a private place to work will have to fend for themselves in a restaurant or wander the terminal, where there are plenty of spots to charge devices and work.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

The best Chicago airport ultimately depends on your airline preference and destination. United, Delta and American flyers will find more options at Chicago-O’Hare, while Southwest passengers have plenty of choices at Chicago-Midway.

If you need to fly abroad beyond the Americas, Chicago-O’Hare will be the best fit.

Both of Chicago’s airports are well connected with route networks that cover the country and, with Chicago-O’Hare, the globe. The number of airlines and gates at each airport is different, with Chicago-O’Hare being larger, but farther from the city center.

With renovations underway at the airports, both will improve with time.