O'Hare vs. Midway (Chicago: rent, hotel, travel)

[TangoUniform]

I'll be visiting Chicago in Sept for my Cubs/Irish sports weekend. The airfare from Dallas to Chicago is pretty similar for American and Southwest, but American goes to O'Hare and Southwest goes to Midway. Which would be the better option for all around ease of travel? I'll be staying downtown around Michigan Ave and my plane will be landing only a few hours before first pitch of the Cubs game so I'll need time to get to the hotel and to the game. Opinions?

[CarolinaBredChicagoan]

If you're staying downtown, it's a tossup. Both airports are relatively easily accessible from downtown.

How are you planning on getting to the hotel from the airport? Cab? Shuttle? Train?

[Drover]

Since you indicated in a different thread that you intend to take the train from the airport to your hotel, fly into Midway. The Blue Line from O'Hare to downtown is an absolute mess. Right now it doesn't even run to downtown on weekends -- it stops at Western Avenue and then you have to take a bus from there. The Orange Line from Midway, on the other hand, is virtually problem-free and will have you from the airport to the Loop in about 25 minutes (vesus over an hour for the Blue Line, when it actually goes all the way to the loop).

[kkaufmann]

I fly every week for business, and I avoid O'Hare at every cost. While both may have delays, Midway's delays are usually a third of the delay of O'Hare. Also, if you don't want to take the train (if you have lots of luggage) and want to take a cab instead, ask to do ride share - it's cheaper per person (but the cabbie gets more $ in total) and you get to meet random people! Drover has great recommendations in train.

[reppin_the_847]

I agree with Drover & kkaufmann. If you have a choice, go for the flight to Midway Airport. The Orange Line (Midway Airport to Downtown Loop) is faster & more reliable than the Blue Line from O'Hare to Downtown. Distance-wise Midway is also closer to the Loop. And lastly, Southwest Airlines flights tend to be more timely than American Airlines flights from my experiences. Oh yeah and lastly, Midway Airport although quite busy, is not AS delay-prone as the extremely congested O'Hare which consistently sets records in delays, and also has to deal with a lot of international traffic that Midway does not have to deal with. Not good if you're trying to reach somewhere on time. Good luck & have fun in Chicago!

[prinsessa]

I agree that midway would be better. It isn't as busy of an airport and it will probably be easier (and faster) to get downtown from there.

[cvatasoiu]

O'Hare is a way busier airport, coming in, you'll be fine, but flying out will give you more headaches. One thing though: I'm not a big fan of Southwest, never was, but in the end it's your choice

[Scribbler]

Midway is always my pick (as is Southwest). It's very easy and painless to get around, and to get to/from via CTA.

[Fishtacos]

Midway.....................

[Drover]

Originally Posted by Fishtacos

Midway.....................

So it's pretty much unanimous............. Midway................

Oh, and you better have an awesome time in our city. If you don't, we'll suspect you're not right in the head.