Airport guides · Chicago, IL

Flying into MDW: what to expect

Chicago Midway International, Chicago, IL. Live conditions in plain words, plus what's normal on arrival and departure.

Airport codeMDW / KMDW
Runways (FAA)4
Elevation620 ft
Longest runway6,522 ft
Flying to or from MDW?Get a free briefing: weather at both ends, the turbulence outlook and what to expect.Open My Flight

Weather at MDW right now

Clear skies; wind 7 mph; 13°C / 56°F. That means good visibility and no low cloud deck.

Forecast: wind around 8 mph.

What pilots reported nearby in the last 3 hours: 2 turbulence reports (1 smooth, 0 light, 1 moderate). Reports cover all altitudes and aircraft sizes; small aircraft feel bumps more.

Source: NWS Aviation Weather Center METAR, TAF and pilot reports for KMDW. Updated every few minutes.

Runways and which way you'll land

MDW has 4 runways in FAA data: 04L/22R (5,507 ft), 04R/22L (6,445 ft), 13L/31R (6,522 ft), 13R/31L (3,859 ft).

Runway numbers are compass headings divided by ten (runway 27 points roughly west, 270°).6 Airplanes take off and land into the wind where they can, so the direction you take off or land at MDW changes with the weather.5 That's normal.

Flying into MDW: common questions

Which runway will my flight use at MDW?

It depends mostly on the wind: airplanes take off and land into the wind where they can, so the runway in use changes with the weather. FAA data lists 4 runways at MDW (04L/22R, 04R/22L, 13L/31R, 13R/31L); the longest is 13L/31R at about 6,522 ft.

Why might my flight circle before landing at MDW?

Holding is a normal way for air traffic control to space out arrivals when it's busy or the weather changes. Airplanes carry extra fuel for it. You can check current delay programs on the FAA's National Airspace System status page.

Is it normal for the landing at MDW to feel bumpy?

Yes. Low-level bumps are common on approach, especially on windy or gusty days, and a firm touchdown is often deliberate. The airplane is designed for it; keep your seat belt fastened while seated.

What can I bring through security at MDW?

TSA rules apply at every US airport: liquids in your carry-on must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, all in one quart-sized bag. TSA's 'What can I bring?' tool covers specific items.

Before you go

  • Liquids in carry-on: containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, in one quart-sized bag.1
  • Not sure about an item? Check TSA's "What can I bring?" tool.2
  • Need help at security because of a disability or medical condition? TSA Cares can help.3
  • Delays and ground stops across the US are shown on the FAA's airspace status page.4

Official MDW website

Calm reading for your trip

Nearby airport guides

ORD

Chicago O'Hare International

DTW

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County

MSP

Minneapolis-St. Paul International

BNA

Nashville International

Sources

  1. TSA, Liquids, aerosols and gels rule (3-1-1)
  2. TSA, What can I bring?
  3. TSA Cares / passenger support
  4. FAA National Airspace System status (delays and ground stops)
  5. FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (takeoff and landing into the wind)
  6. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (aircraft performance and density altitude)
  7. FAA airport data via the NWS Aviation Weather Center airport API
  8. Holding patterns, explained (SafelyAboard)

Runway and elevation data: FAA, via aviationweather.gov, baked 2026-10-17. SafelyAboard doesn't rate airports.