Is a 4 hr layover in Chicago long enough?
MDW · Chicago Midway International · Chicago, United States
Probably Enough
Overly long for Midway's size, though safe against any irregular operations.
Quick Stats
3
15m
20m
Southwest Airlines
Minimum Connection Times
30min
✓45min
✓60min
✓60min
✓AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
Tips for 4 hr Connections
Nearly all connections at MDW are Southwest-to-Southwest, and gate agents are used to quick same-terminal transfers.
Check the departure board immediately after deplaning since Southwest doesn't use assigned seating and gate changes are common.
If arriving on one of the few international flights, budget extra time for immigration, customs, and bag recheck before heading to a domestic gate.
Concourse C is the newest and often has more amenities, but all three concourses are within a short walk of each other.
Security lines can back up during Southwest's morning and evening banks, so don't cut it too close even though the airport is small.
Busyness — Connection Risk
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Tight connections are safer outside peak hours. Morning rush (6–9a), midday (11a–2p), and evening (4–8p) are highest risk.
Getting Between Concourses
All three concourses sit inside one terminal building past a single security checkpoint, connected by walkable corridors with moving walkways in places. There is no train or shuttle system because the entire secure area can be crossed on foot in well under 15 minutes. Passengers arriving on the limited international flights must clear the small Federal Inspection Station and recheck bags before continuing to a domestic gate, which adds time not required for domestic-to-domestic transfers.
Is 4 hours enough for a layover at MDW?
Overly long for Midway's size, though safe against any irregular operations.
Other Layover Durations at MDW
AD PLACEMENT — BEFORE FOOTER