Flying with Southwest Airlines from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is generally straightforward because Southwest has a major presence at Midway. Before heading to the airport, it is useful to know where Southwest passengers check in, where security is located, how to reach the gates, and what services are available inside the terminal.
At MDW, Southwest Airlines operates from the Main Terminal, with its passenger facilities spread across the airport’s concourses. Knowing your concourse and gate before arriving can make the airport experience much easier, especially during busy travel periods.
Southwest Airlines MDW Terminal at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Airline | Southwest Airlines |
| Airline Website | southwest.com |
| Airport | Chicago Midway International Airport |
| Airport Code | MDW |
| Terminal | Main Terminal |
| Airline Code | WN |
| Check-in | Main Terminal |
| Security | TSA security checkpoints |
| Concourses | A, B and C |
| Departures | Main Terminal |
| Arrivals | Main Terminal |
| Airport Location | Chicago, Illinois |
Where Does Southwest Check In at MDW?
Southwest passengers can complete check-in at the Main Terminal at Chicago Midway International Airport. Travelers can use Southwest’s ticket counters, self-service options where available, or check in online before arriving.
If you are checking luggage, allow additional time for baggage drop-off. During busy morning and holiday periods, the ticketing and baggage areas can become considerably busier.
Finding Your Southwest Departure Gate
After checking in and passing through TSA security, follow the airport signs toward your assigned concourse and gate.
Southwest flights can depart from Concourse A, B, or C, so passengers should check their boarding pass or Southwest flight information before walking to the gate.
Gate assignments can change, so checking the flight status again after reaching the terminal is a good idea.
MDW Security: What Southwest Travelers Should Know
TSA screening is located after the airline check-in area. Southwest passengers should have their boarding pass and identification ready before entering the security area.
Security wait times can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and overall passenger volume. During peak travel periods, arriving earlier gives you more time to complete screening without rushing.
Southwest Baggage Services at Midway Airport
If you are traveling with checked luggage, Southwest provides baggage services at its airport facilities. After arriving at MDW, follow signs for baggage claim to collect checked bags.
For delayed, damaged, or missing baggage, contact Southwest’s baggage service team as soon as possible. Keep your baggage claim information and travel documents available when reporting an issue.
What Services Can Southwest Passengers Use at MDW?
| Service | Available / Information |
|---|---|
| Southwest ticket counters | Available |
| Online check-in | Available |
| Self-service check-in | Available where provided |
| Baggage drop | Available |
| Checked baggage | Available |
| TSA security | Available |
| Dining | Available throughout airport |
| Shopping | Available |
| Restrooms | Available |
| Wi-Fi | Available |
| Ground transportation | Available |
| Rental cars | Available |
| Parking | Available |
Food, Shops and Other Airport Facilities
Passengers waiting for a Southwest flight can find restaurants, cafés, shops, restrooms, and other passenger facilities throughout the terminal and concourses.
If you have a longer wait before boarding, it is worth checking the facilities near your assigned gate rather than returning to the ticketing area.
Getting to Southwest at Chicago Midway
MDW is located on the southwest side of Chicago and can be reached by several transportation options.
Travelers can use:
- CTA Orange Line
- Airport parking
- Taxis
- Rideshare services
- Rental cars
- Private vehicles
- Hotel and private transportation services
The CTA Orange Line provides a direct rail connection between Midway Airport and downtown Chicago.
How Early Should You Arrive for a Southwest Flight at MDW?
For a Southwest departure, arriving early is especially useful during busy travel periods. Give yourself enough time for:
- Parking or transportation
- Southwest check-in
- Baggage drop
- TSA security
- Walking to your concourse
- Finding your departure gate
Passengers who are checking bags should allow more time than travelers carrying only hand luggage.
Southwest Connections at MDW
If your Southwest itinerary includes a connection through Chicago Midway, check your next flight’s gate and concourse as soon as you arrive.
Because MDW has multiple concourses, the walking distance between your arrival and departure gates can vary. Follow the airport signs and check the Southwest app or boarding information for updated gate details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Southwest Airlines operates from the Main Terminal at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Southwest flights can operate from Concourse A, B, and C at MDW. Your specific concourse and gate should be confirmed on your boarding pass or flight information.
Southwest check-in facilities are located in the Main Terminal at MDW.
Arriving early is recommended, particularly if you need to check baggage or are traveling during a busy period. Allow enough time for check-in, baggage drop, TSA screening, and reaching your gate.
Yes. Southwest provides baggage-related services at Chicago Midway. Passengers with delayed or damaged luggage should contact Southwest’s baggage service team.
Check your Southwest boarding pass or current flight information for your gate. Airport monitors can also provide updated gate information after you arrive.
Yes. The CTA Orange Line connects Midway Airport with Chicago’s downtown area, making it one of the convenient public transportation options for passengers.
Final Thoughts
Flying Southwest Airlines from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) can be convenient when you know where to check in, how to reach security, and which concourse your flight is using. Since Southwest flights can depart from different concourses, checking your gate before heading to the airport and again after security is a smart way to avoid unnecessary delays.