Eat at Gold Coast Dogs. BEST hot dogs in Chicago!I love the Chicago Stylehot dog 》Char Grilled Gold Coast Dog (Mustard, Relish, Onions, Tomato, Pickles, Sports Pepper & Celery Salt) MMM!!! :D
Always, always go to the security line furthest to your left. People naturally go right, which makes it crowded; plus, they put extra staff (or open new lanes!) on the left.
When the check-in line is as long as the airport itself, don't hesitate to use the curbside baggage check service offered by most airlines. A tip is polite, but it is worth the saved time.
It's summer in Chicago! Don't leave your water bottle behind, empty it and refill it at one of our filtered water refill stations after you pass security!
Gate A4A and A4B are out of the way and don't have much seating BUT they have a bar with drinks to go! Get a drink and walk or take a seat near your gate.
If flying Southwest for business, park in the daily lot and sashay through check-in about 500 yards from the parking lot—awesome! TSA Pre area is a bit squishy here (under construction).
Get here early just to browse the many (somewhat overpriced) interesting shops. Take a look at Spirit if Red Horse for unique jewelry and the bookstore right across from it is pretty good! :)
Beginning summer 2017 all of the food options have changed. Potbelly's and other great places were forced out and replaced by very poor quality overpriced crap. Bring your own food.
Quicker security lines than O’hare. If flying early, the Italian deli in the back corner of the food court has tasty breakfast sandwiches, much better than Dunkin.
Easy to navigate with central food court and break out concourses, but results in longer security lines. Definitely a much older airport. Not many power outlets available either
SWA MDW hub has greatly improved their ticket desk check-in process with increased staffing resulting in shorter wait times! TSA now opens express lanes when security lines get lengthy! 👍
Whichever security line you choose, the others are sure to move faster. Just chill and you'll be through soon. No matter how long it takes, flying is faster than driving!
If you booked car services with meet and greet with sign proceed down the escalator to baggage claim. To schedule a pick-up contact LimoBank 1-888-546-6988 info@limobank.com
Easy access to pick passengers up. You can Park in the structure and meet at Baggage claim without worrying about the weather conditions. Being dropped off is a breeze with curbside checkin!
Welcome to Chicago! Best airport! Try Harold’s Chicken (ask for mild sauce), Portillos for Italian beef, Giordano’s deep dish pizza & Garrett’s popcorn!
Service at the food court can be hit or miss. Service at other restaurants like Let Them Eat Cake or Taylor Street Market can be extremely slow. Lots to choose from but nothing exceptional, food wise
The "expert" line is a facade. Everyone goes right thinking it will be shorter which leads to congestion AND it has the slower AIT machine. Go left to beat the wait and hit the X-Rays instead.
TSA TIP #3 Remove your laptop(s) and shoes/belts while waiting in line for the x-ray machines and carry them in your hands to be ready for the bins, remember laptops are placed in a bin by itself.
HVACpub in the Southwest terminal has good food to go or sit down. I had their fish and chips. Stick with beer or wine. Cocktails are pricey. Good service.
TSA must have a roulette wheel wheel they spin to determine how the security checkpoints are going to be laid out that day. I travel on average once a month and the variance is significant.
If you get there a lil early to pick someone up go straight to the cell Phone lot on 61st & Cicero to wait those few minutes, instead of getting harassed by the Traffic Attendants.. #Patience
Some of the restaurants have an app. Download it before you arrive and order your food to pick or have it delivered to your gate; especially if you’re running late.
Flying Southwest? Forget to print your ticket? They have super secret computers next to the security checkpoint. No more standing in line for your ticket!
I got randomly selected for the "screening" they swiped my hands and I hopped the entire security line! No removing of my shoes, liquids or laptop. Easy peasy. Pleasant surprise!
The CTA (public transit) is about 15 minutes, inside, to the station. You’ve been warned. The orangeline is probably one of the least accommodating for suitcases, but it runs.
If this is your first time traveling... You'll wanna hit up the expert travelers line. It's where all the veteran travelers stand around helping all the newbies. They're real nice people
I had never heard real Chicago accents before ... Only SNL spoofs ... Totally accurate. All of the announcements are in this thick Dick Butkus voice. Adorbs!!
The women's room by the chapel & the USO is the cleanest & is a great place to change clothes because there's hardly ever anyone else in there & there's lots of counter space.
Free WiFi :) There are typically outlets to charge electronics but they're typically taken. As always, give yourself 40-60 min of flex time to accommodate for lines etc.