Chicago Midway International Airport
FAA reports 75 min delays
Allow extra time. Check flight status for updates.
Plan Your Trip
Forecast waits at MDW for your flight, get spike alerts, and see the best times to fly
- Recent third-party observation indicates ~3 min at security (falling)
FAA Operational Status
CRITICAL DELAYSChicago Midway International Airport
Current Wait Times
Traveler Reports
No traveler reports for MDW yet — yours improves predictions for everyone.
Wait Times by Terminal
Terminal MAIN
Total Queue Time Estimate
CombinedBased on historical pattern analysis
Wait Time History — Chicago Midway International Airport
HistoricalSecurity wait times at MDW over time, based on live sensor and API data.
Skip customs lines with the free Mobile Passport Control app - a great alternative to CLEAR+ for international arrivals.
- No fees: Completely free, no enrollment required
- Fast processing: Submit customs declaration before arrival
- Group travel: Up to 12 people on one submission
- Wide availability: Active at 35+ US airports
Available for US citizens and Canadian visitors at participating airports
Quick Actions
Discover the best times to arrive at MDW
Wait Times by Hour
PreviewUnlock hourly breakdown
Best Times to Arrive
PreviewSee best arrival times
Skip MDW Security Lines
Get Priority Pass lounge access + fast track security with the Amex Platinum Card
- Priority Pass with 1,400+ lounges worldwide
- TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee credit ($100)
- Centurion Lounge access at major airports
Help Other Travelers - Report Current Wait Times
Are you at MDW right now? Share your wait time experience to help thousands of travelers plan better.
Helps travelers headed to the same terminal
Related Airports & Connections
Compare wait times at nearby airports and major hubs
Compare Multiple Airports
See side-by-side wait time comparisons
Tips for Chicago Midway International Airport
- Arrive at least 90 minutes early for domestic and 150 minutes for international flights.
- Security is typically busiest 6-9 AM and 4-7 PM. Midday flights (11 AM-2 PM) usually have the shortest queues.
- +1h Forecast typically has the shortest security wait times.
- TSA PreCheck is available here. Enrolled travelers typically wait about 3 minutes — roughly half the standard line.
- CLEAR Plus is available. Members can skip directly to the physical screening area.
- Check in online and use mobile boarding passes to skip the check-in counter and head straight to security.
Next 12 hours
More About Chicago Midway International Airport
MDW Airport FAQs
Quick Links
Traveling Soon?URGENT
Flying in the next 24 hours? Get instant access to more accurate wait times and avoid long lines.
Airport Lounges
2 loungesQuick Info
Peak Hours
Quick Tips
- Arrive 2-3 hours early for international flights
- Check-in online to save time
- Use TSA PreCheck for faster screening
- CLEAR+ available at this airport
When to Arrive
Quick Links
Security wait times at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) currently average 5 minutes. Check-in typically takes 47 minutes, and immigration processing averages 12 minutes. TSA PreCheck lanes average approximately 3 minutes.
Last updated: July 4, 2026
About Chicago Midway International Airport
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) serves Chicago in United States. As one of the world's busiest airports, MDW handles millions of passengers annually. During peak travel periods, security lines can extend significantly — plan your arrival time carefully.
Both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus are available at MDW, giving enrolled travelers significantly faster screening.
The busiest travel periods at MDW are Jul, Aug, Dec. During these months, wait times can be 30-50% longer than average. Consider arriving at least 3 hours before international flights during peak season.