Advantages of O'Hare/Midway.

[wkid87]

Never have flown into any 1 of these airport. Just want to get some little info on which one might be better. I think Midway is closer to downtown then Ohare.

 

[marn913]

I definitely prefer Midway over O'Hare. Midway is much closer to downtown Chicago - and there is usually less traffic congestion near Midway compared to O'Hare. Midway is smaller, and we started flying out of Midway because the airlines there (Southwest, ATA, Delta etc..) generally offered better deals than the larger carriers that fly out of O'Hare. I also find it fairly easy to navigate. Both airports have may choices for ground transportation if you need it (rental cars, airport express shuttle, taxis and the CTA busses/El trains). But as I said, I prefer Midway - it's much more convenient for us.

 

[scrump]

Midway is closer to the downtown area (orange line, 20 minutes for me). I've never had to take ground transportation from either airport, being a native (though currently no longer living there), but both seem to have a good number of options ready as far as shuttles and taxis go. As the previous poster suggested, Midway is probably easier to navigate around. Hope that helps!

 

[inkkognito]

I definitely prefer Midway, mainly because of the parking. We fly ATA almost exclusively now, but when American and United used to have decent prices to Orlando out of O'Hare, we grabbed whoever was cheapest. We had pretty good luck with flights being on time at O'Hare, but parking was somewhat of a hassle as we prefer off-site, non-airport-owned lots, and it's quite a walk to get to the bus center where the shuttles pick you up on your return.
Since Midway has been remodeled, the walks are pretty long to some spots (although not as bad as O'Hare). But we found a lot near the Orange Line that doesn't require a shuttle bus. Just walk from the lot to the commuter entrance. On-time departures have been pretty good for us there, and although I still prefer O'Hare's food court offerings (Wolfgang Puck...mmmm!), Midway has some good stuff now too (Ben & Jerry's, Lalo's, Harry Caray's). We come from the south, and sometimes if Cicero Ave. is really bad, it's quicker for us to take Pulaski even though it's technically out of the way.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[EdDome]

I live about 10 minutes from MDW so obviously it's my preference. It is closer to downtown but not by much driving or cab time (not rush hour). Public transportation is faster from MDW (the orange line was mentioned and is great). I usually price my airline tickets at both ORD and MDW and decide from there.

 

[wkid87]

k, I'm going to have to go to O'Hare it going to save me about $50, then going through Midway. Anygood website about O'Hare (like information, photos, etc...) besides what the city run. I hate to go to O'Hare, because I have heard all the nightmare stories about it.

 

[safetymom]

I have flown recently through both. I didn't have any problems at either airport except a long security line at O'Hare. It was a very long walk to my gate at Midway. I wouldn't worry about flying through either one.

 

[inkkognito]

In my personal experience, the horror stories in the media about O'Hare are typically exaggerated. I know there are delays, but for all the times I've flown out of there, major delays have only occurred a couple of times. Yes, you often have to walk long distances, but no longer than I've had to walk at other airports (like once when we transferred planes in Atlanta...I think it would have been quicker just to continue walking all the way to Orlando). You will be fine
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[scrump]

I don't think anybody should have to worry about either airport, both are reasonably efficient and any hassles that occur are going to occur at most major airports.

Despite my earlier post declaring my preference for Midway due to its convenience, practically all of my delays have been with them as well. But that could be an airline-, and not an airport-issue (Air Tran).

So don't worry!