Flight Delayed or Cancelled at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)?
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is Chicago's close-in airport, and Southwest carries the large majority of its passengers. Snow, wind, and summer storms are the main causes of delays.
Airlines and terminals
Southwest dominates MDW, with a few other airlines also serving it.
Midway has one terminal with Concourses A, B, and C. Southwest uses most of the gates.
Your options depend on the airline operating or selling your ticket. Airline guides: Southwest.
Common causes of delays at MDW
- Snowstorms and de-icing
- Summer thunderstorms
- Wind and the airport's short runways
Crew and many maintenance problems are generally within the airline's control; weather is not. See our weather delay guide.
The DOT refund rule
Under the US DOT refund rule (14 CFR Part 260), if your MDW flight is cancelled or significantly changed and you turn down the changed flight, the rebooking, and any voucher or credit, the airline has to refund your fare, taxes, and unused paid extras to the card or method you paid with. The cause doesn't matter.
A significant change includes departing 3+ hours earlier or arriving 3+ hours later than scheduled on a domestic trip (6+ hours international), a different airport, extra connections, or a cabin downgrade. Refunds are due within 7 business days for credit cards and 20 calendar days for other payment types. Accepting the rebooked flight or a credit generally ends the refund right.
Meals, hotels, and rebooking
On the DOT Airline Customer Service Dashboard, large US airlines commit to free rebooking and a meal or meal voucher for 3+ hour waits when the disruption is within their control. All except Frontier also commit to a hotel and ride for overnight disruptions. Weather and air traffic control usually fall outside these commitments.
A local tip for MDW
Because Southwest dominates MDW, Southwest's own commitments matter most. Southwest doesn't commit to rebooking you on other airlines, so a refund may be the better choice if the next seat is days away.
What to do
- Note the original and new times, and the reason given.
- Don't tap accept on a new flight or credit until you've decided.
- Ask about meal and hotel vouchers for controllable delays.
- Save receipts for anything you pay yourself.
- Send a clear, dated letter to the airline.
Related guides: Flight cancelled, Missed connection, How to request a refund in writing, All US airport guides. Not sure where to start? Check your flight.
FAQ
Does Southwest give a voucher for delays at Midway? Southwest's Customer Service Plan describes a voucher for qualifying delays within its control. Snow and other weather don't qualify. See our Southwest guide.
Where can I complain if the airline doesn't respond? You can file a complaint with the US Department of Transportation. A clear written request with your records makes the next step easier.
Can I request a refund if my MDW flight was cancelled for weather? Yes. The DOT refund rule covers cancellations for any reason, as long as you decline the rebooking and any voucher or credit.
Create your letter
Delay Draft writes a clear, professional letter you send to your airline yourself. Delay Draft is not a law firm and does not file claims.