If you are flying from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), one of the most common questions is: How long will TSA security take? Nobody wants to spend extra time standing in a security line, especially when a flight is boarding. Knowing the TSA wait times at Midway Airport can help you plan your departure time, your arrival time at the airport, and if TSA PreCheck might save you time.
Chicago Midway operates TSA security checkpoints every day, with standard checkpoints currently scheduled from 3:30 AM to 11:00 PM. TSA PreCheck checkpoints operate from 4:30 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
What Are the TSA Wait Times at Midway Airport?
The actual security line at Chicago Midway can vary throughout the day. Factors such as passenger volume, staffing levels, weather, holidays, airline schedules and the number of open screening lanes can all impact how quickly travelers move through security.
For that reason, there isn’t one fixed number that represents the tsa wait times midway airport for every traveler.
Historical TSA performance data published by the Chicago Department of Aviation gives some useful context. For example, the December 2025 Midway report showed an average passenger wait of 1.87 minutes, an average peak-period wait of 7 minutes, and a maximum monthly wait of 13 minutes. These are historical figures, however, and should not be treated as today’s live wait time.
Quick TSA Information for MDW
| Information | Midway Airport |
|---|---|
| Airport | Chicago Midway International Airport |
| Airport code | MDW |
| Regular TSA checkpoint hours | 3:30 AM–11:00 PM |
| TSA PreCheck hours | 4:30 AM–8:00 PM |
| Security managed by | Transportation Security Administration |
| Airport location | Chicago, Illinois |
Checkpoint hours can change because of airport operations, so checking the latest airport information before traveling is recommended.
Chicago Midway Airport TSA Wait Times Today
Looking for midway airport tsa wait times today? The important thing to remember is that a historical average and a live security line are two different things.
The current TSA wait times at Midway Airport can change quickly. A line that looks short when you leave for the airport could become longer after several flights begin checking in.
If you’re traveling today, allow enough time for:
Getting to the airport
Airline check-in or baggage drop
TSA security
Walking to your gate
Possible delays at the checkpoint
Boarding before departure
The Chicago Department of Aviation also provides flight information and real-time airport information through its Midway website. For the most current flight status, the airport recommends checking with your airline because flight information can change.
What Is the Average TSA Wait Time at Midway Airport?
People often look up average tsa wait times midway airport to get a sense of how much time they should build into their airport schedule.
There is no permanent average. TSA processing times vary based on passenger demand and airport operations.
Chicago’s Department of Aviation publishes TSA performance reports for Midway, which provide historical information about security performance.
As a recent example, the December 2025 report recorded:
Average wait: 1.87 minutes
Average peak wait: 7 minutes
Maximum recorded wait for the month: 13 minutes
Again, these numbers describe that reporting period rather than today’s security line.
This is why travelers shouldn’t plan their entire airport arrival around an advertised “average.” Airport security can be unpredictable during busy periods.
Midway Airport TSA PreCheck Wait Times
For eligible travelers, midway airport tsa precheck wait times can be shorter because TSA PreCheck uses an expedited screening process.
At Midway, TSA PreCheck checkpoints are scheduled to operate from 4:30 AM to 8:00 PM every day.
TSA PreCheck travelers generally have a different screening experience than passengers using standard security. However, PreCheck does not guarantee a specific wait time. The line can still get busy especially during busy passenger traffic.
If you have TSA PreCheck, make sure your Known Traveler Number is correctly attached to your reservation and that your boarding pass displays the appropriate TSA PreCheck indicator.
When Is TSA Security Busiest at Midway?
Security demand tends to increase when many flights are scheduled close together. Morning departures can be particularly important because several passengers may arrive around similar times.
Other periods that can bring more airport traffic include:
Friday and Sunday travel
Holiday weekends
Thanksgiving and Christmas travel
Spring break
Summer vacation periods
Major events in Chicago
Weather disruptions
Large numbers of delayed flights
Even if your airline recommends arriving at a particular time, remember that check-in, baggage drop, TSA screening, and getting to your gate all take time.
How far in advance should you get to Midway Airport?
You should arrive depending on your flight, checked luggage, TSA PreCheck, how well you know the airport.
Better Experience: Domestic flights: Allow plenty of time for check-in, dropping your bags, through TSA and to your gate before boarding.
Traveling Outside the Country International travel may require extra documentation and airline procedures that could affect processing times.
If you’re new to MDW, traveling with kids, checking bags or flying during a busy travel period, adding extra time can help make the airport experience much less stressful.
TSA Wait Times Versus Flight Delays: Don’t Confuse Them
One important point for travelers is that TSA wait times and flight delays are completely different things.
A short security line does not mean your flight is necessarily on time.
Chicago’s airport system provides separate flight-delay information, with delay data supplied by OAG. The airport notes that its average delay calculations concern flights arriving or departing within the next two hours.
So before leaving for Midway, check both:
- Your TSA/security situation
- Your airline’s latest flight status
That combination gives you a much better picture of your travel day.
Ongoing Flights at Chicago Midway Airport
Chicago Midway is an active commercial airport with a large number of daily departures and arrivals.
As of September 2026, the Chicago Department of Aviation reports approximately 226 daily direct flights to 85 U.S. cities, plus approximately 8 daily direct flights to 9 international destinations.
Midway’s nonstop network includes destinations across the United States as well as international locations in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
How to Check Ongoing MDW Flights
If you want to see flights operating right now, use the official Midway flight search rather than relying on a static list.
The airport’s flight-search tool lets passengers search arrivals or departures by flight number, airline or city. The airport also advises travelers to confirm the latest information directly with their airline.
Check Midway Airport Flight Information
This is especially useful when your flight has been delayed, rescheduled, or assigned a different gate.
Airlines Flying From Midway Airport
Several airlines operate scheduled passenger service from MDW. The airport also has an official airline directory with links to each carrier’s website to get up-to-the-minute flight information and make ticket purchases.
Midway’s route network is particularly useful for travelers heading to major U.S. cities, Mexico, Canada and Caribbean destinations.
The exact operating schedule can change seasonally, so always check your airline for the latest departure information.
Tips to Get Through TSA Faster at Midway
You can’t control how many people arrive at security, but you can make your own screening process easier.
- Have your ID ready Have your identification and boarding pass ready before you get to the document check point.
- Pack your carry-on carefully Don’t pack prohibited items or unnecessary items that could slow down screening.
- Follow TSA liquid rules
Liquids, gels and aerosols generally need to follow TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. Midway specifically advises passengers to prepare these items properly to avoid unnecessary screening delays.
- Think about TSA PreCheck If you meet the requirements and travel often, TSA PreCheck may permit you to go through expedited screening at participating checkpoints.
- Don’t Arrive at the Last Minute Even if you’ve checked in online, you’ll still need time for security and the walk to your gate.
- Check your flight before leaving
Flight schedules can change. The airport recommends checking directly with your carrier for the most up-to-date flight information.
TSA Wait Times Chicago Midway Airport: What Travelers Should Know
When searching for tsa wait times chicago midway airport, travelers are usually looking for one simple answer: How long will it take me to get through security?
The honest answer is that there is no single wait time that applies to every passenger.
Security conditions change during the day. Historical airport reports can provide an idea of typical performance, but they don’t tell you exactly how long today’s line will take.
That’s why the safest approach is to check your flight status, allow reasonable airport time, and give yourself additional time during busy travel periods.
Final Takeaway
Knowing the tsa wait times at Midway Airport can make planning your trip much easier, but don’t rely on one average number when deciding when to arrive.
Midway’s regular TSA checkpoints operate from 3:30 AM to 11:00 PM, while TSA PreCheck is scheduled from 4:30 AM to 8:00 PM. Historical TSA reports show that wait times can be relatively short during some periods but increase during peak travel.
If you’re flying today, check your MDW flight status, confirm your airline’s latest information, and give yourself enough time for check-in, baggage, security and reaching your gate.
For the most current flight information, use the official Chicago Midway Airport flight search and verify your flight directly with the airline.
For more airport security information, check our guide on SeaTac Security Wait Times to learn about TSA checkpoints, busy periods, and travel tips.
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