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
Ambler Airport (ABL) is a remote, state-owned public-use airport located in the Native Alaskan village of Ambler, within the Northwest Arctic Borough. It serves as an indispensable lifeline for this isolated community, as there are no connecting roads. The airport's infrastructure is extremely basic, reflecting its role as a bush airport. There is no traditional terminal building; instead, operations are conducted from a small, heated shelter or a designated waiting area adjacent to the gravel runway. This single facility serves as the waiting lounge, check-in area, and baggage claim point.
The airport is equipped with two gravel runways, the longest measuring 3,000 feet, operating at an elevation of 334 feet above mean sea level. This design accommodates the small aircraft, typically Twin Otters or Cessnas, that are vital for connecting Ambler to larger regional hubs. Passengers should anticipate a highly informal process, with direct interactions with pilots and airline representatives from operators like Bering Air.
Amenities at Ambler Airport are exceptionally sparse. There are no cafes, restaurants, vending machines, or shops on-site. Travelers are strongly advised to bring all necessary provisions, including food, water, and personal supplies. Security procedures are minimal, consistent with bush flying operations in remote Alaska, focusing on adherence to general aviation safety guidelines.
๐ Connection Tips
Connections at Ambler Airport are exclusively through domestic bush flights, with Bering Air being the primary scheduled carrier. These flights are crucial for linking Ambler with the regional hub of Kotzebue (OTZ) and nearby villages like Shungnak (SHG) and Kobuk (OBU). Kotzebue's Ralph Wien Memorial Airport serves as the main gateway from which most flights to Ambler originate, providing essential connections to Anchorage via Alaska Airlines. Because there are no roads connecting this isolated part of the Northwest Arctic Borough to the rest of the state, these regional air links are the only way to transport supplies, personnel, and medical essentials to the community. Travelers should expect a highly personalized but informal experience, as flights often operate as multi-stop 'milk runs' across the Kobuk River valley.
Travel to and from Ambler is highly dependent on unpredictable Arctic weather conditions and available daylight hours. Flights are frequently subject to significant delays or total cancellations due to adverse weather patterns, including dense fog, heavy snow, or high winds, which are common throughout the year. It is crucial for all travelers to maintain flexible itineraries and to confirm their flight status directly with Bering Air or their charter operator before heading to the airstrip. Unlike major commercial airports, there are no inter-airline baggage transfer services here; all luggage is handled manually by the pilot and ground agents upon arrival and departure. Always prepare for the unexpected and carry essential items in your carry-on, as the challenging environment can lead to extended stays in regional hubs like Kotzebue.
Ground transportation in the village of Ambler is extremely limited and primarily relies on local community members or pre-arranged pickups from your lodging provider. There are no traditional taxi services, Uber, or rental cars readily available at the airport, which is located about 1.5 miles north of the village center. Most residents and visitors use ATVs (four-wheelers) during the summer and snow machines in the winter to navigate the gravel road between the airstrip and the community. Bering Air typically has a local agent who coordinates arrivals and can assist with logistics, but it is vital to have a clear plan for your ground transport well in advance of your touchdown to ensure you are not left stranded at the remote airfield.
Self-sufficiency is paramount when traveling to such an isolated destination, and coordination with local providers like the Kobuk River Lodge is highly recommended. This lodge is the primary provider for both accommodation and meals in Ambler and can often assist with arranging the necessary transport from the airport. During the summer months, travel between Ambler, Shungnak, and Kobuk can also be conducted via small boats on the Kobuk River, though this is a local arrangement and not part of any formal transit system. Having a thorough understanding of your ground logistics, including pre-booked lodging and a confirmed local contact for pickup, is as critical as your flight plan when navigating the unique challenges of the Alaskan bush.
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