CHICAGO — Travelers heading through Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) this spring are encountering generally manageable TSA security wait times averaging 15 to 30 minutes, though peak hours during the ongoing spring break season and amid a partial government shutdown have occasionally pushed lines longer at the busy Southwest Airlines hub.

Chicago Midway International Airport
Chicago Midway International Airport

As of late March 2026, real-time and crowd-sourced data indicate average security screening times at Midway range from under 10 minutes in off-peak periods to 20-35 minutes during busier morning and evening rushes. Some reports from early in the week showed waits as short as 4-15 minutes, while others noted occasional bottlenecks extending closer to 45 minutes when passenger volumes spike.

The Chicago Department of Aviation, which operates Midway, does not officially track or publish detailed wait times, leaving travelers to rely on the TSA's MyTSA mobile app, third-party trackers and real-time passenger reports on social media. The MyTSA app, which crowd-sources wait times from users at the airport, has been a key resource, though its reliability has been questioned during the partial federal government shutdown affecting some TSA operations.

Current Conditions and Recent Reports

On a typical day in late March, security wait times at Midway's main checkpoint fluctuate based on flight schedules and time of day. Early morning hours (3-6 a.m.) often see lighter crowds with waits under 10 minutes, while mid-morning departures around 8-11 a.m. can climb to 15-25 minutes. Evening peaks before 8 p.m. similarly hover in the 15-30 minute range.

Recent traveler accounts shared on platforms like Reddit and Facebook groups dedicated to Chicago travel describe mixed experiences. Some passengers on March 23 reported clearing security in about 15 minutes, while others during spring break rushes noted longer lines. One recent post indicated no wait at all during an evening departure, with TSA PreCheck lanes moving especially quickly.

TSA PreCheck remains available at Midway, with dedicated lanes generally clearing passengers in 3-8 minutes. The program operates from approximately 4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or CLEAR are strongly encouraged to use these options to minimize delays.

The main TSA checkpoint at Midway operates from 3:30 a.m. until about 11 p.m. The airport, which handled millions of passengers in 2025 primarily via Southwest Airlines flights to destinations across the U.S. and a few international routes, sees its heaviest traffic during weekday mornings and Sunday evenings.

Factors Influencing Wait Times

Several elements are affecting security lines at Midway this month. Spring break travel for many Chicago-area schools began in mid-to-late March, increasing family and leisure passenger volumes. Additionally, a partial government shutdown has raised concerns about potential staffing shortages at TSA checkpoints nationwide, including at Chicago's airports.

Chicago aviation officials issued warnings in mid-March that travelers could face "longer-than-usual" wait times at both O'Hare and Midway due to the combination of spring break and the shutdown. The Transportation Security Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection advised arriving at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for any international departures.

Despite the alerts, many recent reports suggest Midway has avoided the severe bottlenecks seen at some larger hubs. Waits have generally remained shorter than at O'Hare International Airport (ORD), where lines have occasionally stretched longer due to higher overall volume.

Other contributing factors include typical seasonal patterns, weather-related flight delays that bunch passengers together, and the efficiency of Midway's single-terminal layout compared to O'Hare's more complex setup. The airport's focus on domestic leisure and business travel also means passenger profiles can vary widely, sometimes slowing standard screening.

How to Check Real-Time TSA Wait Times at Midway

Travelers are advised to check conditions before heading to the airport. The official MyTSA app allows users to view crowd-sourced wait times and historical data for MDW. While the app's live reporting function requires users to be physically at the airport to submit updates, it remains one of the best free tools available.

Third-party sites such as TSAWaitTimes.com, FlightQueue and airlineairport.com provide estimates based on recent data, often showing averages around 15-25 minutes with peaks up to 35 minutes or more during busy periods. Some platforms break down waits by hour, helping passengers plan arrivals accordingly.

The Chicago Department of Aviation's FlyChicago website offers general security information but does not display live wait times. Passengers with questions about screening policies can call the TSA helpline at (855) 787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel.

Tips to Minimize Delays at Midway

To navigate security efficiently at Chicago Midway International Airport:

  • Arrive at least two hours before domestic flight departure, or earlier during peak travel periods like spring break or holidays.
  • Enroll in TSA PreCheck if eligible — it significantly reduces screening time and allows keeping shoes, belts and light jackets on.
  • Prepare liquids in a quart-sized bag and remove laptops and large electronics from carry-ons in advance.
  • Wear slip-on shoes and avoid bulky outer layers to speed up the process.
  • Consider CLEAR biometric lanes if available and if you value even faster entry to the PreCheck line.
  • Monitor flight status and TSA alerts via the MyTSA app or airline notifications, as delays can shift passenger flows.

During the current partial shutdown, some travelers have reported inconsistent staffing, making advance preparation even more important. Union leaders have warned that prolonged staffing strains could lead to worsening conditions if the situation extends.

Broader Context for Chicago Travelers

Midway International Airport serves as a vital alternative to the much larger O'Hare, particularly for Southwest Airlines passengers seeking more convenient access from Chicago's South Side and suburbs. While O'Hare often experiences more pronounced delays due to its international scope and higher traffic, Midway's more compact design can make it a smoother experience when lines move well.

The airport has invested in modernization efforts in recent years, including improved passenger flow and technology upgrades, though security screening remains a federal responsibility handled by TSA.

For those connecting through Chicago or departing on popular routes to destinations like Las Vegas, Orlando, New York or Denver, understanding typical wait patterns helps reduce stress. Business travelers and frequent flyers often note that early weekday mornings or mid-afternoon slots tend to be more predictable.

Looking Ahead

As spring break winds down in early April and if the government shutdown situation resolves, wait times at Midway are expected to stabilize closer to the lower end of the 10-20 minute average. Summer travel season will likely bring new peaks, so monitoring tools and flexible planning will remain essential.

Passengers are reminded that TSA wait times can change rapidly based on real-time conditions. Checking multiple sources and building in a buffer remains the safest approach.

Whether catching a short domestic hop or starting a longer journey, Chicago Midway's security process is generally efficient compared to many major U.S. airports, provided travelers arrive prepared and monitor current conditions.

For the latest updates, download the MyTSA app or visit reliable tracking sites before heading to MDW. Safe travels through Chicago's friendly skies at Midway International Airport.