MDW TSA Wait Times — Midway
Chicago Midway International Airport. Live security wait times, updated every 10 minutes.
GateWaitTimes independently measures security waits at MDW, taking a reading every ten minutes around the clock. We have recorded 11,117 readings here since August 25, 2026, drawn from official TSA, airport, and FAA feeds.
Learn more about our data credibility & sources →MDW TSA Wait Times by Hour
This chart shows the average security wait at MDW for every hour of the day, so a taller bar means the line is usually longer at that time. The numbers come from our own readings, which we take every ten minutes around the clock.
The current wait time at MDW is 14 minutes, which is about average for a Friday, when the line usually runs around 11 minutes.
When Should You Leave?
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Wait Times by Terminal at MDW
Jump to live security waits for a specific terminal:
TSA PreCheck at Midway
PreCheck lane open right now
The TSA PreCheck lane at Midway is usually the fastest way through security. Travelers keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on and leave laptops and liquids packed, so the lane keeps moving even when the standard line backs up. At an airport this size, most major checkpoints run a PreCheck lane for much of the day, though hours still vary by checkpoint.
The status above comes from the same feed as the wait time on this page. GateWaitTimes polls it every 10 minutes, around the clock. If the lane shows closed, standard screening is still open; recheck shortly before you leave in case staffing changes.
How Early Should You Arrive at MDW?
These are general guidelines for Chicago Midway International Airport. Use the calculator above for a departure time tuned to the current wait, your drive, and whether you have PreCheck. Add time on peak travel mornings, around holidays, and if you're checking a bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the security line at Midway (MDW) right now?
As of the latest measurement, the standard security wait at MDW is about 14 minutes. GateWaitTimes re-measures every 10 minutes, so check the live figure at the top of this page.
How early should I arrive at Chicago Midway International Airport?
For a large airport, arrive about 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. Add time during holiday peaks and early-morning banks.
Does MDW have TSA PreCheck?
Most US airports of this size offer TSA PreCheck lanes at their main checkpoints, though lane hours vary by checkpoint and time of day. Check the checkpoint status on this page for which lanes are reporting, and the TSA site for official PreCheck lane hours.
How often is this wait-time data updated?
GateWaitTimes polls TSA wait-time feeds, FAA airport status, and National Weather Service forecasts every 10 minutes, around the clock, and records every reading.
Is TSA PreCheck open at MDW right now?
Yes — as of the latest reading, a TSA PreCheck lane is open at MDW. GateWaitTimes re-checks every 10 minutes.
About Security at Chicago Midway International Airport
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) serves Chicago, IL. It is a large airport with steady passenger volume through most of the day, so the standard lane rarely empties out completely, which shapes how the security line at Midway behaves: expect the longest waits when several departures cluster in the same hour, and much shorter ones in between.
TSA PreCheck status at MDW is tracked live. The PreCheck section above shows whether a lane is open right now. PreCheck lanes usually move faster than standard screening, but they are not staffed at every hour, so check before counting on one.
The number above is a live reading for the standard lane, refreshed every few minutes. Security wait times can change quickly at MDW, so recheck this page shortly before you leave for the airport.
Fun Facts About Chicago Midway International Airport
- It's named for the 1942 Battle of Midway, a turning point of the Pacific war.
- In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Midway was the busiest airport in the entire world.
- Hemmed in by city streets, its runways are packed into roughly one square mile of land.
- Today it serves as a major hub and base for Southwest Airlines.