โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
International โ Domestic
60
minutes
International โ International
45
minutes
Interline Connections
60
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Chicago Midway International Airport operates a single terminal building with three interconnected concourses that serve over 22 million passengers annually across 58 domestic and 11 international destinations. The unified post-security design allows passengers to walk freely between all gates without leaving the secure zone or requiring airport train connections, a significant advantage over many larger hub airports.
Concourse A features 17 gates (A1-A3, A4A-A4B, A5-A19) and serves a mix of Southwest Airlines flights alongside international services from Frontier Airlines and Volaris. The concourse includes a food court, multiple retail shops, and practical amenities like a pet relief station. Concourse B, the largest with 23 gates (B1-B26), functions as Southwest Airlines' primary operational base, handling the majority of the carrier's 229 daily flights - more than any other airport in Southwest's network. The expansive concourse offers extensive dining and shopping options to accommodate the high passenger volumes.
Concourse C, the smallest with just 3 gates (C1-C3), primarily handles regional flights and serves Delta Air Lines and Porter Airlines. Despite its compact size, Concourse C provides unique amenities including access to the USO Lounge for military personnel, a dedicated yoga room for traveler wellness, and an interfaith chapel. All three concourses connect through the Central Market area, creating a seamless post-security environment.
The airport's modernization program has dramatically improved security processing through expansion of the pedestrian bridge over Cicero Avenue from 50 feet to over 400 feet, accommodating up to 17 security lanes with streamlined queuing systems. TSA PreCheck lanes are available at the main checkpoint and in Concourses A and B, while CLEAR expedited screening operates near the North security checkpoint bridge. These enhancements have maintained Midway's reputation for efficiency despite Southwest Airlines carrying over 90% of the airport's passengers, making it the carrier's largest operational base nationwide.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is a highly efficient experience due to its compact integrated terminal layout. Ground transportation is exceptionally well-coordinated; the most reliable and affordable mode of transport to the Chicago Loop is via the 'CTA Orange Line' train, which connects the terminal directly to downtown in approximately 25 minutes. Arriving at least 60 minutes before departures is standard for these regional hops. When connecting back to a long-haul international flight from O'Hare (ORD), always allow for a minimum 4-hour buffer to account for the road or rail journey between airports.
For travelers, the most critical tip is that Midway is the primary hub for Southwest Airlines, which accounts for over 90% of the airport's traffic; because Southwest does not have interline baggage agreements with other major carriers like Delta or United, if your connection involves switching airlines, you must collect your luggage and re-check it at the departures level. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also very active and provide a convenient 20 to 30-minute link to the city center and the major business districts. The terminal environment at Midway is professional and welcoming, featuring free high-speed Wi-Fi, numerous airline lounges, and a diverse selection of dining options serving traditional Chicago specialties (including world-famous deep-dish pizza). MDW provide a professional and remarkably stress-free arrival experience, reflecting the unique hospitality and industrious character of the Windy City.
Arriving 2 to 3 hours before domestic departures is standard to navigate the thorough but generally fast TSA security screening, which is centralized on the Bridge Level. A unique tip for visitors is utilizing the airport as a technical stop before heading directly into the spectacular Museum Campus or the historic South Side; several specialized transfer companies provide pickup services directly from the terminal exit. The regional climate is temperate-continental, but winter snow and localized morning fog in the Great Lakes region can occasionally lead to minor delays. Always check your flight status via the airport or airline app to ensure a smooth transition.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, serves as a vital regional gateway to the Lehigh Valley and Eastern Pennsylvania. It offers a less congested and more convenient travel experience compared to larger metropolitan hubs. The airport features a single, modern terminal building spread across two levels, designed for efficient passenger processing and easy navigation. The lower level is dedicated to arrivals, housing baggage claim, car rental counters, and exits to ground transportation. The upper level manages departures, with ticket counters, airline check-in desks, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening checkpoint.
The airport continually invests in enhancing its passenger facilities. A recent TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project has significantly upgraded the security area, incorporating up to four screening lanes, modern escalators and elevators, and an enhanced air purification system. The terminal is structured with two main concourses: Concourse A on the ground level serves airlines like Allegiant Air, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, while Concourse B on the upper level is utilized by United Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
Amenities at ABE are well-appointed for a regional facility, including several cafes and snack bars, shops for essentials and souvenirs, and free Wi-Fi throughout. ABE also offers family-friendly amenities such as a children's play area, a sensory room, and a therapy dog program, along with occasional live music performances, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all travelers.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Lehigh Valley International Airport provides efficient access to Pennsylvania's fourth-busiest passenger facility serving 14 nonstop destinations through Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Frontier Airlines from its renovated single terminal with two-level design. The airport's 14 gates split between ground-level Concourse A (8 gates) and upper-level Concourse B (6 gates) enable quick connections with minimal walking distances, while recent TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project upgrades include four screening lanes, modern escalators, and enhanced air purification systems reducing security wait times to 3-8 minutes with PreCheck or CLEAR enrollment.
Domestic connections benefit from ABE's position as an alternative to crowded Philadelphia, Newark, and JFK airports, offering reliable connectivity to major hubs including Atlanta via Delta, Charlotte via American, Chicago O'Hare via United, and Detroit via Delta for onward domestic and international connections. Regional destinations include popular leisure markets such as Fort Lauderdale, Orlando Sanford, Myrtle Beach, Nashville, and Florida Gulf Coast cities through Allegiant's low-cost network, while business travelers utilize American's Charlotte hub and United's Newark and Chicago services for broader network access.
Weather-related disruptions during Northeast winter storms can impact operations, though ABE's modern runway and de-icing equipment maintain better reliability than larger metropolitan airports. Ground transportation includes rental cars, taxis, and ride-sharing services for the 65-mile drive to Philadelphia or 90-mile journey to New York City, while regional bus connections serve Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. The airport's family-friendly amenities including children's play areas, sensory rooms, and therapy dog programs create comfortable connection environments, while free WiFi and dining options support extended layovers in this efficiently designed regional aviation facility.
โ Back to Chicago Midway International Airport