Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving as a major hub for both domestic and international flights. For those flying with Frontier Airlines, MDW is a key departure point, and travelers will find themselves at Concourse C within the airport, which is exclusively dedicated to low-cost carriers such as Frontier. Understanding the layout, amenities, and services available at the Frontier Airlines MDW Terminal can make your travel experience smoother, more comfortable, and stress-free.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about Frontier Airlines Terminal—from check-in to boarding—so you can feel confident navigating the airport and enjoy your journey.
Where is the Frontier Airlines at MDW Terminal?
The Frontier Airlines Terminal is located in Concourse C of Chicago Midway International Airport. Midway is a relatively smaller airport compared to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, making it easier to navigate. While O'Hare has five terminals, Midway only has two: Concourse A and Concourse C. Frontier Airlines operates exclusively out of Concourse C, meaning passengers flying with Frontier don’t have to worry about finding their way to different sections of the airport.
Concourse C is conveniently located near the main entrance of the airport, which makes accessing it from various transportation options like taxis, rideshare services, and public transit quick and efficient. Passengers can easily follow signs to reach the Frontier Airlines Terminal, ensuring they don’t waste time trying to navigate the airport.
The Check-In Process at the Frontier Airlines at MDW Terminal
The check-in process at the Frontier Airlines Terminal is designed to be simple and efficient. Frontier Airlines is known for its low-cost, no-frills service, and that extends to the check-in experience. The MDW Terminal provides several options for passengers to check in quickly and easily, whether they prefer using technology or getting assistance from airline staff.
Self-Service Kiosks
The terminal is equipped with several self-service kiosks that allow passengers to check in on their own, print boarding passes, and even select seats. This is often the quickest method for those who are familiar with the airline's process and are traveling light. After checking in at the kiosk, passengers with checked bags can drop them off at the designated baggage drop counter.
The Frontier Airlines Terminal encourages passengers to use the self-service kiosks to speed up the process, especially during busy travel times. These kiosks are easy to use and allow passengers to manage their booking independently. For those who need assistance or prefer a more personal touch, there are also customer service agents available at the counters.
Baggage Policies
Since Frontier Airlines is a budget airline, it operates with a strict baggage policy. Passengers traveling on Frontier Airlines should be prepared to pay for both carry-on and checked luggage, as the airline offers low base fares and charges for additional services like baggage. The Frontier Airlines Terminal staff is there to assist you with baggage drop-off, but it’s highly recommended to review Frontier’s baggage policies before arriving at the airport. You can save time and money by pre-purchasing baggage allowances online when booking your flight.
There are specific size and weight limits for both carry-on and checked luggage, so it’s important to ensure your bags meet these requirements to avoid any extra fees. If you’re traveling with larger items, such as sporting equipment or musical instruments, you may need to make special arrangements for handling, which can also be done at the check-in counter.
Navigating Security at the Frontier Airlines at MDW Terminal
After checking in, it’s time to go through security. Chicago Midway is known for its efficient TSA lines, and the Frontier Airlines Terminal is no different. There are several security lanes available, and the staff works diligently to ensure passengers can get through as quickly as possible.
TSA PreCheck and Standard Security
For frequent flyers or those who want to expedite the process, TSA PreCheck is available at Concourse C. With TSA PreCheck, passengers can enjoy expedited security screening, which allows you to keep your shoes on, leave laptops in your bag, and go through a faster screening process. This can save valuable time, especially during busy travel days.
For those who don’t have TSA PreCheck, the standard security lines at the Frontier Airlines Terminal are typically well-managed, with clear signage to guide passengers through the process. Be sure to arrive at least two hours before your flight to ensure you have enough time to pass through security and reach your gate without any stress.
Dining and Shopping Options at the Frontier Airlines at MDW Terminal
Once through security, passengers will find a variety of dining and shopping options at the Frontier Airlines Terminal. Whether you’re looking to grab a quick snack or sit down for a meal, there are options to suit all tastes and schedules.
Quick Bites and Fast Food
If you’re in a rush and just need a quick bite before your flight, the Frontier Airlines Terminal has several fast food chains, such as McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Chick-fil-A. These familiar chains offer quick, convenient meals, so you can fuel up before you board without wasting time. Whether you're looking for a coffee to go, a sandwich, or a quick salad, there are plenty of grab-and-go options in the terminal.
Sit-Down Restaurants
If you have more time before your flight and prefer to sit down for a meal, there are several sit-down restaurants at the Frontier Airlines Terminal. From classic American diners to more contemporary eateries offering fresh salads and entrees, the terminal offers a variety of dining experiences for passengers to enjoy. These spots are perfect for those who want to relax and take their time before boarding their flight.
Retail Stores
In addition to dining options, the Frontier Airlines Terminal has various retail stores that cater to the needs of travelers. Whether you’re in the market for snacks, travel essentials, or a last-minute gift, you’ll find stores offering everything from books and magazines to electronics and personal care products. There are also duty-free shops for international travelers who want to pick up items like perfumes, cosmetics, and luxury goods before heading abroad.
Seating and Comfort at the Frontier Airlines at MDW Terminal
The Frontier Airlines Terminal offers comfortable seating areas for passengers to relax while waiting for their flight. Whether you’re traveling alone or with family, there are plenty of seating options available throughout the terminal. If you prefer to stretch out, there are some lounge-style areas with comfortable chairs and charging stations for your devices.
For families traveling with children, there are designated play areas where kids can burn off some energy before the flight. These spaces are designed to be safe and fun, providing families with some peace of mind while waiting for boarding.
Many of the seating areas throughout the terminal have power outlets, so you can charge your devices while waiting for your flight. This is especially important for those who need to work or keep their devices charged during their travel experience.
Boarding Process at the Frontier Airlines at MDW Terminal
As your flight time approaches, it’s time to head to the gate and prepare for boarding. Frontier Airlines typically boards passengers by group number, which is printed on your boarding pass. Keep an eye on the monitors at the Frontier Airlines Terminal for updates on your flight and gate information.
Since Concourse C is relatively small compared to other terminals, finding your gate is easy. Once it’s time to board, the terminal staff will make announcements and guide passengers to the appropriate boarding area.
Arriving at the Frontier Airlines Terminal MDW
When you arrive at MDW on a Frontier Airlines flight, you’ll find that the Frontier Airlines Terminal is well-equipped to handle arriving passengers. The baggage claim area is located on the lower level of the terminal, where you can quickly retrieve your checked luggage.
The terminal also offers convenient access to various transportation options. If you’re heading to downtown Chicago or other destinations, you can easily find taxis, rideshare services, or rental car services right outside the terminal.
Conclusion
The Frontier Airlines MDW Terminal is designed to provide a smooth, efficient, and affordable experience for all passengers. From the convenient check-in process to the variety of dining and shopping options, this terminal ensures that your journey begins and ends on a positive note. Whether you're flying for business or leisure, the Frontier Airlines Terminal is equipped with all the necessary services and amenities to make your trip comfortable, stress-free, and enjoyable.
Flying through the Frontier Airlines Terminal means easy navigation, a range of food and retail options, and efficient services that get you on your way quickly. So, next time you travel with Frontier Airlines from Chicago Midway, you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to make the most of your time at the airport.
