Southwest Left O'Hare What It Means for Chicago Flyers
Southwest stopped flying at O'Hare on June 4, 2026. Now, if you fly Southwest in Chicago, you fly from Midway. Here is what changed and how to plan your next trip.
Quick answer: Southwest's last O'Hare flights were on June 3, 2026. Since June 4, 2026, every Southwest flight in Chicago uses Midway. Midway is about 10 miles southwest of the Loop. Southwest uses Concourses A and B.
What changed for Southwest in Chicago
- No Southwest flights to, from or through O'Hare since June 4, 2026
- Midway is now Southwest's only Chicago airport
- Southwest scheduled 6,544 departures from Midway in August 2026, including 37 international flights
- Southwest says Chicago flyers will not lose seats overall
- From Midway, Southwest flies to cities across the U.S. and to places like Cancun, Montego Bay and Punta Cana
Southwest also added a new route from Milwaukee to Midway in March 2026, with two flights a day.
Other Southwest changes to know
Southwest has changed a lot in the past year. Here is what is different when you fly.
Assigned Seats
- Started Jan 27, 2026
- Open seating has ended
- Pick your seat when you book
Checked Bag Fees
- $35 for the first bag on most fares
- $45 for the second bag
- Some fares and members get free bags
New Fare Names
- Basic
- Choice and Choice Preferred
- Choice Extra
Who feels the change most
If you live south or southwest of the city, Midway was already your closest airport. Not much changes for you.
If you live near O'Hare, in the north or northwest suburbs, your trip to the airport is now longer. Midway and O'Hare are about 25 miles apart. Plan extra time to get across town, especially at rush hour.
Flying Southwest one way and another airline the other way?
Some trips now use both airports. For example, you fly Southwest into Midway and fly out on another airline from O'Hare. Our Midway to O'Hare transfer is a flat $99. We track both flights, so your pickup moves if your first flight is late.
How to get to Midway now
| Option | Cost and time |
|---|---|
| CTA Orange Line | About 20 to 25 minutes from the Loop |
| Terminal Garage | Up to $43 a day |
| Economy Garage and Lot | Up to $15 a day, with a free shuttle |
| Our car service | Flat $99 by SUV from downtown, door to door |
We pick up all over the city and suburbs. See our service areas, or read how early to get to Midway.
Southwest and Midway Questions
Does Southwest fly out of O'Hare?
When did Southwest leave O'Hare?
Which Chicago airport does Southwest use?
Which concourse does Southwest use at Midway?
Does Southwest have assigned seats now?
How much are Southwest bag fees?
Can I fly Southwest into Midway and fly out of O'Hare on another airline?
More pages to help you plan
Helpful pages for your next ride.
Flying Southwest? We'll get you to Midway
Book your ride to or from Midway online. Flat airport rides from $99.