Chicago O’Hare vs. Midway: Which Airport Offers Better Airline Options?

July 30, 2025

Let’s be real for a minute — when it comes to Chicago O'Hare vs. Midway, trying to figure out whether to fly into can feel like picking the lesser of two travel evils. O’Hare is massive and kind of overwhelming. Midway is smaller, but it feels like it hasn’t been updated since the ‘90s. So what’s the move? If you’re trying to decide based on airline options — whether you're hunting down the cheapest flights to the USA or hoping to snag cheap business class deals — here’s the honest breakdown. No sugarcoating, just the straight-up pros and cons.

O’Hare: The Beast With All the Flights

Talking about Chicago O'Hare vs. Midway, O’Hare (ORD) is a monster in every way. It’s one of the busiest airports in the world, and it shows. That said, if you want options, O’Hare is your best friend. United and Americans basically live here, and the international airline list reads like a travel blogger’s dream: Emirates, Qatar, British Airways, Lufthansa — you name it. If you're looking for business class flights to Chicago, especially from Europe, the Middle East, or Asia, you’ll almost definitely land at O’Hare. And because so many airlines compete here, sometimes you’ll find cheap business class deals that surprise you, especially if you’re flexible with dates. But heads up: O’Hare is a time commitment. Security lines? Long. Walking to your gate? Plan on a workout. Delays? Not uncommon. But if airline variety is your priority, O’Hare wins.

Midway: Small, Easy, and Basically Southwest’s House

Now, Midway (MDW) is a whole different vibe. It’s smaller, more laid-back, and you can get through security in 15 minutes on a good day. Sounds dreamy, right? Here’s the thing: Midway is dominated by Southwest Airlines. That’s not a bad thing — Southwest is reliable, baggage is included, and their prices are solid. But if you’re someone who likes browsing multiple airlines, forget it. Midway doesn’t give you that. Still, for cheap domestic flights, Midway is gold. If you’re flying within the U.S. and you just want to get there without breaking the bank, this is probably where you’ll find some of the cheapest flights to the USA, especially if you’re booking early. International options? Pretty much non-existent. You won’t find them here. Midway is not the airport for high-end flyers — unless you consider early boarding “luxury.”

Let’s Talk Business Class: O’Hare or Bust

Talking about Chicago O'Hare vs. Midway, if you’re flying business class, this isn’t even a contest — O’Hare is your only real choice. Whether you're coming from London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, or Dubai, all the major airlines offering premium cabins land at ORD. And here's a tip: since O’Hare has so many international carriers competing, you can sometimes catch low-cost business class deals — especially if you’re using points or flying during the off-season. Midway? Forget about it. There’s no lounge, no lie-flat seats, and definitely no champagne service.

So, Which Airport Should You Choose?

When it comes to Chicago O'Hare vs. Midway, it depends on what kind of traveler you are.

• If you want options, international flights, or any kind of business class service → go with O’Hare. It’s chaotic, sure, but it delivers.
• If you want simplicity, cheap domestic flights, and don’t mind flying Southwest → go with Midway.

One’s big and exhausting but full of choices. The other is small and manageable but limited. Simple as that.

Final Word: Don’t Just Pick Based on Airport

Talking about Chicago O'Hare vs. Midway, whether you're trying to land the low-cost flights to the USA or hoping to upgrade to lie-flat comfort, the best strategy is to compare. Sometimes O’Hare will have a screaming deal on a low-cost carrier. Other times, Midway + Southwest will be unbeatable on price and convenience. Also, always check Southwest’s site directly. They don’t show up on Google Flights or Expedia, and you might miss out on a dirt-cheap fare. Check out our website for more details. Also Read: Which Airlines Offer the Best Business Class for the Price?