Accessibility
Chicago (MDW) Airport Accessibility & Wheelchair Services
Wheelchair assistance at Chicago Midway International Airport is provided free by your airline — request it at booking for best results. For security screening help, call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel to have a Passenger Support Specialist waiting at the checkpoint. Family lanes, service animal relief areas, and sensory rooms are covered below.
Airline-provided service
Wheelchair assistance
Request at booking or at your airline's counter; Southwest Airlines dominates MDW and has a well-established accessibility program at its main Midway hub.
Tip: request at booking rather than at the airport — airline wheelchair assistants are in higher demand at peak times and early requests are filled first.
TSA Cares
Free security screening assistance
TSA Cares is a free helpline and on-site assistance program for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other circumstances that may affect the security screening process.
How to use: Call 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel. A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the MDW security checkpoint and guide you through screening at no charge.
A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the checkpoint. Call 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel. MDW's compact single-terminal layout makes specialist coordination simple.
Security lanes
MDW does not have a permanently signed dedicated family lane at all checkpoints. Ask any TSA agent at the checkpoint for assistance — agents are trained to help travelers with special needs and can route you around standard queue lines.
Service animal relief areas
Before security at all curbside areas; after security, a dedicated service animal relief area is near Concourse C (post-security lower level) — ask any MDW staff member.
Note: service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow individual airline policies — check with your carrier before travel.
Quiet and sensory room
MDW does not currently have a confirmed public sensory room. Contact MDW Guest Services (773-838-0600) for quiet space options. MDW's nondenominational chapel near Concourse A may serve as a quiet space.
Wheelchair and mobility device rentals
Available from Guest Services at baggage claim in the main terminal.
Motorized scooters and power wheelchairs are generally available from airlines for gate-to-gate use; contact your carrier directly if you need a motorized device beyond a standard transport chair.
Pro Tip
MDW is smaller and less crowded than O'Hare, meaning wheelchair escorts typically arrive faster. However, peak times on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings see the heaviest Southwest traffic — request at booking and reconfirm 24 hours before for guaranteed coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Is wheelchair assistance free at MDW airport?
Yes — wheelchair assistance at MDW is provided free of charge by your airline or their contracted ground handler. Request it at booking or check-in. The airline arranges and covers the cost; no tipping is required, though it is appreciated.
How do I contact TSA Cares before my flight from MDW?
Call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight. The helpline is open weekdays 8 a.m.–11 p.m. ET and weekends/holidays 9 a.m.–8 p.m. ET. You can also submit a request online at tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares. A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the MDW security checkpoint at no cost.
Does MDW airport have a family security lane?
Chicago Midway International Airport does not have a permanently signed dedicated family lane at all checkpoints, but TSA officers are trained to accommodate travelers who need extra time. Ask any TSA officer at the checkpoint for assistance; MDW's compact checkpoint can quickly route travelers needing extra time or assistance.
Where is the service animal relief area at MDW airport?
Before security at all curbside areas; after security, a dedicated service animal relief area is near Concourse C (post-security lower level) — ask any MDW staff member. Service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow your individual airline's policies.
See also: MDW TSA PreCheck lanes · Flying with disabilities guide · MDW security tips
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