Does American Airlines Fly Out of Midway? The Definitive Guide

The short and decisive answer is: No, American Airlines does not operate flights out of Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). American Airlines’ primary hub in the Chicago area is O’Hare International Airport (ORD), where they have a significant presence and offer a vast network of domestic and international flights.

Understanding Chicago’s Aviation Landscape

Chicago, a global transportation hub, boasts two major airports: O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). Understanding the distinct roles of each airport is crucial when planning your travel. While both serve the Chicago metropolitan area, they cater to different airlines and passenger demographics.

O’Hare vs. Midway: A Tale of Two Airports

O’Hare (ORD) is a behemoth – a sprawling international gateway with a massive infrastructure and a diverse range of airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines (which also has a major hub there), and numerous international carriers. Think of it as a global nexus.

Midway (MDW), on the other hand, is smaller and more domestically focused. It’s primarily dominated by Southwest Airlines, which has established a significant base of operations there. Other airlines, like Allegiant and Delta, operate to and from Midway, but the airport’s identity is undeniably tied to Southwest’s presence.

Why American Airlines Chooses O’Hare

American Airlines’ decision to concentrate its Chicago operations at O’Hare is strategic. O’Hare allows American Airlines to capitalize on the opportunity to serve a large audience through their major hub. The airport’s international flight options and its extensive network make it a vital link for American Airlines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To further clarify American Airlines’ relationship with Chicago’s airports and address common questions, we’ve compiled a list of FAQs:

1. Why Doesn’t American Airlines Fly Out of Midway?

Several factors contribute to this. Hub strategies, established infrastructure at O’Hare, and competitive dynamics play significant roles. It’s often more efficient and cost-effective for airlines to concentrate their resources at a single major hub within a metropolitan area. American Airlines has made their hub at O’Hare to capitalize on the expansive infrastructure of O’Hare.

2. Which Airlines Fly Out of Midway?

As mentioned earlier, Southwest Airlines is the dominant carrier at Midway. Other airlines operating from MDW include Allegiant, Delta, Porter, Volaris, and Frontier. These airlines primarily focus on domestic routes and select international destinations.

3. How Do I Get from O’Hare to Midway (and Vice Versa)?

Several transportation options connect O’Hare and Midway:

• Public Transportation: The CTA ‘L’ train provides a direct connection via the Orange Line (to Midway) and Blue Line (to O’Hare). This is the most affordable option but can take around an hour or more.
• Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services (Uber/Lyft): These are convenient but more expensive, with prices ranging from $40 to $70 depending on traffic and surge pricing. The journey can take 30 to 60 minutes.
• Airport Shuttle Services: Various shuttle companies offer shared or private transfers between the airports.

4. Is Midway a Smaller Airport Than O’Hare?

Yes, Midway is significantly smaller than O’Hare in terms of physical size, passenger volume, and the number of airlines operating there. O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, while Midway caters to a more regional market.

5. Are Flights Generally Cheaper Out of Midway?

Sometimes. Since Southwest Airlines is a major presence, and they often offer competitive fares, flights from Midway can be cheaper, particularly for domestic routes. However, this isn’t always the case, and comparing prices between both airports is essential.

6. Does American Airlines Offer Connecting Flights Through Both Airports?

No, American Airlines does not offer connecting flights that require you to transfer between O’Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW). If you’re flying American Airlines, your entire itinerary will operate solely through O’Hare.

7. What if My American Airlines Flight is Delayed at O’Hare and I Miss My Connection at Midway on Another Airline?

This is a tricky situation and requires careful planning. American Airlines is not responsible for missed connections on other airlines at a different airport. You’ll need to contact the airline operating your flight from Midway to discuss your options. Consider building in ample layover time (several hours) between flights at different airports to mitigate this risk. Purchasing separate tickets always carries a higher risk than a single, connecting itinerary.

8. Can I Check My Bags Through from an American Airlines Flight at O’Hare to a Flight on Another Airline at Midway?

Generally, no. Airlines typically only check bags through to connecting flights on the same airline or within their partner alliance (e.g., Oneworld, Star Alliance, SkyTeam). Since American Airlines doesn’t operate at Midway, they won’t interline baggage with airlines that do. You’ll need to collect your bags at O’Hare and re-check them at Midway.

9. Is it Easier to Navigate Midway Compared to O’Hare?

Yes, Midway is generally considered easier to navigate than O’Hare. Its smaller size and simpler layout make it less daunting, especially for first-time visitors or those with mobility issues.

10. What Are the Advantages of Flying Out of O’Hare with American Airlines?

The primary advantage is access to a vast network of destinations, both domestic and international. American Airlines’ hub at O’Hare offers numerous flight options, frequent departures, and seamless connections to destinations worldwide. You will also gain access to Admirals Club lounges at the airport.

11. What Should I Consider When Choosing Between Flying into O’Hare or Midway?

Consider these factors:

• Airline Preference: Are you loyal to a specific airline? Southwest dominates Midway, while American and United have a strong presence at O’Hare.
• Price: Compare fares between both airports for your desired destination.
• Convenience: Which airport is closer to your final destination in Chicago?
• Connecting Flights: Are you connecting to another flight? If so, factor in transfer time and potential baggage re-checking.

12. Are There Any Plans for American Airlines to Start Operating at Midway in the Future?

While anything is possible in the dynamic aviation industry, there are no publicly announced plans for American Airlines to begin operating flights out of Midway. Their focus remains firmly on O’Hare International Airport as their Chicago hub. Significant infrastructure changes and strategic shifts would be required for such a move.