Midway or O’Hare: choosing the airport
Chicago has two commercial airports, and the better one depends on where you are going. Midway, on the Southwest Side, is the closer airport to the Loop, the South Side and the I-55 and I-88 suburbs such as Oak Brook and Naperville. It has a single terminal, so the walk from gate to car is short. O’Hare, on the far Northwest Side, has far more flights and international service, and it is the natural airport for Rosemont, Schaumburg, the northwest suburbs and Evanston.
Chicago Executive Airport in Wheeling handles private and business aircraft only. For North Shore destinations it can save a great deal of time compared with either commercial airport.
How an airport pickup works
You book with your flight number. We track the flight, and when you land your chauffeur contacts you by phone or text while you walk to baggage claim. At Midway, baggage claim is on the lower level of the one terminal. At O’Hare, the meeting point depends on the terminal and the chauffeur confirms it before you head outside. Luggage help is standard. For departures, the car arrives at least 15 minutes before the agreed pickup time.
When to leave for your flight
Suggested arrival times at the airport when leaving from downtown:
- Midway, domestic flight: about 90 minutes before departure
- O’Hare, domestic flight: about two hours before departure
- O’Hare, international flight: about three hours before departure
- Chicago Executive: as agreed with your FBO and flight crew
