Let's be honest- when you live in the suburbs of Chicago there is only one viable airport option, Midway. No sane human being goes through the torture that is O'Hare airport just for the fun of it. When you're looking fora less hectic, cheaper option- Midway is the more attractive choice. It's filled with Illinois residents desperately attempting to leave the state for a vacation and unhappy campers. And while Midway is definitely superior to O'Hare, it still has its negatives...
1. The security hallway of doom.
The architects of this airport had a somewhat decent idea- "Let's turn the security area into a bridge with windows on both sides over the road." And while this gives the impatient people in line something to look at, it's also the width of a school bus. Hundreds of (really grouchy) people, arranged in seven "orderly" lines, waiting in close proximity... aka hell.
2. The smell of the food court.
As soon as you exit the security lines, you're greeted with the neon signs of the food court. But the last thing you want to smell after the person behind you was practically breathing down your neck through the entire line of security is hot dogs.
3. The options at the food court.
And come on, when have you ever gone through security and thought to yourself- "You know what would taste really good before my flight? Chicago style pizza... or Gyros... or Bratwurst." No thank you.
4. The food court in general.
But even when you are craving one of the unconventional airport food options, there is rarely an open table. And if there is, don't expect to be able to have friendly conversation because between the bustling security area/food court lines blended with the sound of screaming children and the intercom voices- all you can do is quickly eat and leave.
5. All of the Chicago gift shops.
Come on, Midway. I would be willing to bet that 90% of the people who come through here live in Illinois. No one wants Cubs shirts or Garrett's popcorn.
6. The bathroom stalls.
There is a special place in hell for the person who decided that two-foot wide stalls would be a good idea for people traveling with carry-ons or children.
7. The shortage of outlets.
We've just spent the entirety of the security line/food court experience browsing Instagram and Facebook for entertainment. You have dreams of charging your phone at your terminal before your flight when you realize that the four available outlets are being occupied. Day. Ruined.
8. The people using the moving walkways.
These flat escalators were made to be lifesavers for individuals who are late to their connecting flights and need to sprint through the airport. But not at Midway! These moving walkways are utilized by the lazy aka people who stand in the middle of the track and refuse to make room for you to pass.
9. The constant use of the intercom.
The amount of people who have left a personal belonging in security or are being "final called" to their flight (for about the tenth time) is absolutely mind boggling to me. Can't a girl just get some peace and quiet waiting for her flight?
10. Hell aka the baggage claim.
If you thought security was bad, you're instantly proven wrong once you return home. The yellow flourescent lights, ten carousels in one room, the squeaking of the ancient turnstiles- it's almost enough to make you consider O'Hare.
