Ntspelich From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 764 posts, RR: 0 Reply 1, posted (7 years 7 months 3 weeks 2 days 5 hours ago) and read 2268 times:
Well, first of all, be happy that your layover is now, well after the new terminals have been built, because I once spent 6 hours at the old MDW due to a weather delay, and that was just no fun. There is minimal shopping, mainly around the "center core" right after security. Also located there are numerous eateries and a couple of bars. Unfortunately, none of the bars have views of any a/c. Not much spotting anyway, unless seeing 100s of WN and TZ planes excites you. Long story short, get yourself a good book, sit down and have a pint or two and watch out for the Airline cameras if you don't want to be on TV.
United 717 heavy, you're facing the wrong way. Any chance you can powerback to get off of my deice pad?
Jacobin777 From United States of America, joined Sep 2004, 14968 posts, RR: 71 Reply 2, posted (7 years 7 months 3 weeks 2 days 5 hours ago) and read 2252 times:
yup...i second that notion...though its an improvement from years prior, it's not what you call an aviation enthusiasts dream....lol!!
the few times I've been in MDW, I go outside the WN's check in and watch planes depart from there.....thats probably one of the better areas to watch planes without having to exit the airport.......of course, I wouldn't do that in the middle of winter unless you are a polar bear...
Cubsrule From United States of America, joined May 2004, 19519 posts, RR: 18 Reply 3, posted (7 years 7 months 3 weeks 2 days 5 hours ago) and read 2235 times:
If you are willing to spend a little $$ and want to see some of the city, hop on the EL, ride downtown, and come back. If you just sit on the train, it will bring you right back to MDW. I know it's not watching planes, but it is an easy way to occupy an hour and a half or so and with 3 hours it shouldn't cause a time issue.
EAL727 From United States of America, joined Jun 2004, 80 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (7 years 7 months 3 weeks 2 days 4 hours ago) and read 2218 times:
The roof of the parking garage offers some reasonably decent views of the airfield. I typically spend about an hour up there every time I am at MDW.
Willbdsp From United States of America, joined Sep 2004, 299 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (7 years 7 months 3 weeks 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 2169 times:
Thanks for the ideas. I arrive from PIT at 7:47 pm and my flight to MSN doesn't leave until 10:55 pm. I was thinking about heading out into the city.
Even though I am not flying WN, maybe I should try to get on Airline!!
Planespotting From United States of America, joined Apr 2004, 3342 posts, RR: 6 Reply 6, posted (7 years 7 months 3 weeks 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 2086 times:
call a cabby and ask him to take you to Girodanos pizza, it's a few blocks away from the terminal, and right on the approach end (when the wind is right) for the northwest/southwest runways (i think) at MDW. Best pizza in chicago. Hands down.
Jacobin777 From United States of America, joined Sep 2004, 14968 posts, RR: 71 Reply 7, posted (7 years 7 months 3 weeks 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 2046 times:
I wouldn't be riding the "El" (train) at that time of the evening...a bit dangerous......especially if you will be carrying valuables with you......there really aren't too many flights after 8:00...if you miss your 10:55 flight, you are basically hosed, so it might not be prudent to leave the airport area................either take the couple of easier recommendations here, or just grab a book/newspaper to read and "chill" out for a few hours, that might be your best bet.....there really won't be too much to do there.......
ORDflyer From United States of America, joined Aug 2004, 511 posts, RR: 0 Reply 8, posted (7 years 7 months 3 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 2000 times:
While the EL is quite safe at that time of the evening, it may not be worth your trouble since you'd pretty much have to ride out and hop right back on the train to return to the airport with only a 3 hour layover. I like the Giordano's idea above...you can get some good food and the views of landing aircraft are incredible if they are landing on 31C. Otherwise there are plenty of places inside the terminal to eat/drink.
EjMDWfan From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 18 posts, RR: 0 Reply 9, posted (7 years 7 months 3 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 1944 times:
From a long time southsider the El is safe. But if you don't want to leave (I don't think 3 hours is enough to leave MDW), and want something good to eat, go halfway down concourse B and get yourself a hot dog from Superdawg. One of the best in the city. It's been highlighted on one of those shows on the Travel Channel that has the best hot dogs or food or something like that. The orginal store is way up on the northside (Milwaukee & Devon), but Superdawg in the airport is just as good.
Dia77 From United States of America, joined Jan 2000, 691 posts, RR: 9 Reply 10, posted (7 years 7 months 3 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 1935 times:
Of course if you don't want to leave the terminal, Potbellys is an awesome place to eat a sandwich. MDW doesn't have a whole lot, but it's not too shabby.
Smcmac32msn From United States of America, joined May 2004, 2211 posts, RR: 6 Reply 11, posted (7 years 7 months 3 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 1933 times:
you miss your 10:55 flight, you are basically hosed, so it might not be prudent to leave the airport area
The S340 on that flight is the last arriving commercial flight of the day until I think about 0820 (and thats DL) the next morning at MSN... so don't leave the airport.
Hey Obama, keep the change! I want my dollar back.
Planespotting From United States of America, joined Apr 2004, 3342 posts, RR: 6 Reply 14, posted (7 years 7 months 3 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 1895 times:
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