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
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the primary international airport serving New Mexico, located just three miles southeast of downtown Albuquerque. The airport boasts a distinctive Pueblo-style architectural terminal, which is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. This single, multi-level terminal efficiently manages all arrivals and departures, featuring a logical layout designed for passenger convenience. The lower level is dedicated to arriving passengers, housing baggage claim areas (three in total to serve Concourses A and B) and providing direct exits to ground transportation.
The upper level of the terminal is the departure zone, where travelers will find airline ticketing counters, security checkpoints, and access to the two main concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A primarily serves American Airlines, Delta, and United, while Southwest Airlines predominantly operates out of Concourse B. The terminal has a total of 22 gates, ensuring ample capacity for its scheduled domestic flights and limited international services. Recent upgrades include a TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project, which has enhanced security screening with up to four lanes and modern passenger amenities like new escalators and elevators.
Amenities at ABQ are comprehensive for a regional international facility. Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, numerous charging stations, a variety of shops (including those offering local artisanal gifts), and diverse dining options ranging from cafes and fast-food outlets to restaurants serving New Mexican cuisine. Additional facilities like a Meditation Room and an observation deck contribute to a comfortable travel experience, complemented by a notable art collection displayed throughout the terminal.
๐ Connection Tips
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) offers excellent ground transportation connectivity just 3 miles southeast of downtown. ABQ RIDE provides completely free bus service (fare-free since November 2023) with Route 50 connecting the airport to downtown via Union Square Bus Station every 15-30 minutes, taking just 24 minutes total - the bus stop is conveniently located on the lower level at the west end of the shuttle island. Route 50 also connects to the Alvarado Transportation Center downtown where passengers can transfer to the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.
Rail Runner connections are enhanced through Route 350 (Railrunner Connecting bus) and free bus transfers when you have a valid Rail Runner ticket purchased in advance online or via mobile app - otherwise pay the driver a $1 fare each way. Official taxi service is available with fares starting at $35 to downtown Albuquerque through companies like ABQ Metro Taxi (505-450-8580) and Aspen Rides (505-388-3692). Ride-sharing via Uber and Lyft requires pre-booking as street hailing is not permitted.
For Santa Fe destinations, Groome Transportation operates 30 daily trips taking 75 minutes with variable pricing, while RoadRunner Charter provides door-to-door service to Santa Fe and Los Alamos areas. The Rail Runner Express connects Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Belen with convenient airport shuttle connections. Recent December 2025 improvements under the ABQ RIDE Forward Network Plan enhanced transit connectivity throughout the metropolitan area.
โ Back to Chicago Midway International Airport