The airport was dedicated as Chicago Municipal Airport in 1927. Though primarily used for air mail, by 1929 it was considered the busiest airport in the world. During World War II, the airport's location in the middle of the country made it strategically important as it was able to handle the B-17 bomber, the largest aircraft at the time.
One way discount carriers gain a competitive price advantage is to fly into a region's non-primary airport. Midway's main airlines are all such carriers, including AirTran and Southwest.
Hourly, daily and off-site parking lots are available and several nearby hotels offer park-sleep-fly deals. The terminal has a business center, interfaith chapel, a USO facility and a memorial to the World War II Battle of the Midway, after which the airport is named.
