The Big One... Not That Big: Unveiling the (Relatively) Compact Charm of Chicago Midway Airport
Ever booked a flight into Chicago and gotten that sinking feeling when you see "MDW" next to your departure or arrival city? Fear not, intrepid traveler, for while Midway Airport might not be the behemoth its big brother O'Hare is, it's got its own unique brand of, well, not-so-bigness that might just surprise you.
Size Matters (But Not That Much Here)
Let's get the nitty-gritty out of the way first. Midway clocks in at a breezy 650 acres (or a little over a square mile). That's compared to O'Hare's sprawling 7,600 acres. Now, before you envision dodging rogue tumbleweeds on your walk to your gate, hold on a sec.
Here's the thing: Midway's size is kind of its superpower. Imagine this: you land, you grab your bags (because let's be honest, with fewer gates, baggage claim is practically a breeze), and you're out the door and into a Lyft in, like, 15 minutes. No more tram rides to Narnia (or Terminal F, for those familiar with O'Hare).
Big on Efficiency, Big on Charm
Midway isn't just about speedy escapes, though. Here's a little secret: it's kind of a hidden gem. Think of it as the cozy pub to O'Hare's sprawling convention center. You've got all the essentials: decent food options (because sometimes you just gotta grab a deep-dish before takeoff), friendly staff (who maybe have a little more time to chat since they're not constantly herding masses of humanity), and that quintessential "hey, I'm in Chicago" vibe.
Plus, with Midway's focus on domestic flights, you're less likely to get stuck next to a guy arguing about the merits of bringing a full-size suitcase on a weekend trip. Win-win.
So, is Midway the right airport for you?
If you crave the efficiency of a smaller airport and the charm of a place that feels, well, manageable, then Midway might just be your perfect match. Just don't expect to get lost wandering for hours (although, if that's your thing, maybe O'Hare is more your speed).
In the end, Midway might not be the biggest airport in Chicago, but it packs a punch in terms of convenience and, dare we say, friendliness. So next time you see "MDW" on your boarding pass, don't panic. Embrace the (relatively) compact and cruise on into the Windy City with a smile.