Is a 45 min layover in Chicago long enough?

MDW · Chicago Midway International · Chicago, United States
Probably Enough

Yes, 45 minutes is probably enough for a layover at MDW (Chicago).

Solid buffer for domestic transfers, and roughly the minimum needed if connecting from one of the rare international arrivals.
Concourses
3
Max Transit
15m
Avg. Security
20m
Primary Hub
Southwest Airlines
Domestic → Domestic
30min
Domestic → International
45min
tight
International → Domestic
60min
International → International
60min
AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
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.
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.
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 45 minutes enough for a layover at Chicago Midway International (MDW)?

Solid buffer for domestic transfers, and roughly the minimum needed if connecting from one of the rare international arrivals.

What is the minimum connection time at MDW?

Minimum connection times at Chicago Midway International: Domestic-to-Domestic is 30 minutes, International-to-International is 60 minutes. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell.

Can I make a 45 minutes connection at MDW on an international flight?

45 minutes is below the 60-minute international MCT at Chicago Midway International. You may need to rush and could miss your connection. 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.

How much time do I need for a layover at MDW?

We recommend at least 35 minutes for a comfortable connection at Chicago Midway International. This gives you enough buffer for security (typically 20 minutes) and transit between terminals (up to 15 minutes).

What happens if I miss my connection at MDW?

Southwest's app and gate agents are typically fast to rebook passengers onto the next available flight without a separate customer service line, reflecting the airline's high-frequency point-to-point schedule. Other carriers with only a handful of flights at MDW may require a trip to a shared ticket counter for rebooking.

AD PLACEMENT — BEFORE FOOTER