Midway Airport Drop-Off Guide

Where to Get Dropped Off

Departing passengers are dropped at the upper-level curb (ticketing/departures), at the front of Midway's single terminal building. From there, all three concourses (A, B, C) are reachable after security with no shuttle or train needed.

Timing Your Arrival

Midway is dominated by Southwest Airlines (about 95% of flights), which means arrival and departure banks can cluster — a burst of flights departing around the same time can mean a busier curb and security line in that window. General guidance still applies: 2 hours before domestic departure, more during peak morning or holiday periods.

What Makes Midway Drop-Off Easier

• No terminal guesswork — everyone uses the same building
• No inter-terminal train required, unlike O'Hare's ATS for Terminal 5
• Concourses connect post-security, so a gate change doesn't mean backtracking through security again

What to Watch For

• Southwest's boarding groups — if you're checking bags, Southwest's counter lines can move differently than assigned-seat airlines; build in a few extra minutes if this is your first time flying Southwest
• Curb congestion during peak banks — a cluster of departures at the same time can mean a fuller curb; a few minutes of patience is normal
• Weather — Midway's smaller footprint means fewer covered walkways than some larger airports; dress for the curb-to-door walk in winter