Smoking at Chicago Midway International Airport – MDW – 2026

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Looking for a place to smoke at Chicago Midway Airport? Here is your guide to smoking areas at MDW, Chicago’s second major airport and a Southwest Airlines hub.

Smoking Areas at Chicago Midway Airport

Midway is entirely smoke-free indoors. There are no smoking lounges, rooms, or enclosed smoking areas anywhere in the terminal.

Main Terminal:

MDW has a single terminal building with three concourses (A, B, and C). Designated outdoor smoking areas are on the lower level near the arrivals and ground transportation area. Specific spots are near Door 1 (east end) and Door 10 (west end) on the curbside.

You must stand at least 25 feet from any doorway, air intake vent, or window per Illinois law.

Concourse Layout:

Southwest Airlines, which accounts for the majority of MDW traffic, operates from all three concourses. There are no smoking areas of any kind past the TSA security checkpoint.

Chicago Midway Airport Smoking Policy

The Illinois Smoke Free Illinois Act prohibits smoking in virtually all public places and workplaces. Chicago’s municipal ordinance requires smokers to be at least 25 feet from building entrances. Fines for violations can reach $250.

MDW is a compact single-terminal airport, so the walk from most gates to the outdoor area is manageable. Plan approximately 25 to 35 minutes for the round trip including TSA re-screening.

Tips for Smokers at Chicago Midway Airport

  • Outdoor areas are on the lower level near Doors 1 and 10
  • Illinois law requires staying at least 25 feet from entrances
  • Midway is compact — round trip takes about 25-35 minutes
  • Southwest Airlines dominates all three concourses (A, B, C)
  • Vaping and e-cigarettes are included in the smoking ban

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smoke inside Chicago Midway Airport?

No, Midway Airport has a 100% smoke-free indoor policy. Smoking and vaping are completely prohibited inside the terminal, concourses, and all indoor areas. You can only smoke in designated outdoor areas outside the terminal.

Are there smoking areas after security at Midway?

No, there are no smoking facilities past TSA security at Midway. To smoke, you must exit the secure area, use the outdoor designated zones, and then go through security screening again.

Where are the smoking areas at Chicago Midway?

Designated smoking areas are located outside the terminal building, near the entrance doors but at least 15-25 feet away from doorways. Look for marked areas with ashtrays and disposal receptacles.

Can I vape at Chicago Midway Airport?

E-cigarettes and vapes are subject to the same rules as traditional cigarettes at Midway. Vaping is prohibited indoors and only permitted in the designated outdoor smoking areas.