7 Illinois Airports Ranked: The Ultimate List of Best-to-Worst Places to Fly

When it comes to air travel in Illinois, which airport is the best choice? Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning a visit to the Land of Lincoln, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the airports in the state can make a significant difference in your travel experience. This article is a comprehensive guide to help you optimize your travel experience.

1. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

As one of the busiest airports in the world, O’Hare offers a wide range of domestic and international flights. It has excellent connectivity, numerous amenities, and a vast selection of dining and shopping options. However, it can be crowded and experience occasional delays.

Well Connected

O’Hare is a hub for several major airlines, making it a crucial gateway for travelers connecting to various destinations across the United States and worldwide. This high level of connectivity provides passengers with a wide range of flight options.

Modern Facilities

O’Hare has modern facilities and infrastructure. Its terminals are equipped with amenities such as charging stations, Wi-Fi access, lounges, and clean restrooms, making the airport comfortable for travelers.

Dining and Retail Options

ORD boasts a vast selection of dining and shopping options within its terminals. Travelers can enjoy a variety of eateries as well as browse through a range of shops, including luxury brands and souvenir stores.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport’s terminals can often be overcrowded, especially during peak travel times. This can lead to long lines and crowded waiting areas. O’Hare’s parking facilities can be expensive, and finding available parking spaces during peak travel times can be a hassle.

2. Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

Midway is known for its convenient location and shorter security lines compared to O’Hare. It primarily serves domestic flights and is a popular choice for low-cost carriers. While it may have fewer amenities compared to O’Hare, it offers a more streamlined experience for many travelers.

Convenient Location

Midway is closer to downtown Chicago than O’Hare Airport, making it a more convenient option for travelers heading to the city center or nearby areas.

Ease of Navigation

The airport’s smaller size makes it easier to navigate, with shorter walking distances between gates, baggage claim, and ground transportation.

Low-Cost Carriers

Midway is a hub for low-cost carriers, offering a wide range of affordable flight options for budget-conscious travelers.

Midway Airport, while offering several positive aspects such as its convenient location, shorter security lines, ease of navigation, and being a hub for low-cost carriers, does have a few drawbacks. These include limited international flight options, a more limited selection of amenities compared to larger airports, and a smaller terminal space that can lead to crowded gate areas during peak travel times.

3. General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA)

Serving the Peoria metropolitan area, PIA provides a range of domestic flights. It offers a relatively small and less crowded terminal, making it a convenient choice for those seeking a hassle-free experience.

Convenience for Peoria Area

PIA serves the Peoria metropolitan area, providing a convenient travel option for residents in the region who may prefer to avoid longer commutes to larger airports.

Relaxed Atmosphere

The smaller size of the airport contributes to a more relaxed and less crowded atmosphere, which can be appealing to some travelers.

General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport has a few drawbacks to consider. These include limited flight options compared to larger airports, which can restrict the destinations and airlines available to travelers. Additionally, due to its smaller size, PIA has a more limited selection of amenities, and the transportation options from the airport are more limited.

4. Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)

RFD is a smaller airport located outside of Chicago. Though less crowded than larger airports, it has limited flight options and fewer amenities compared to larger airports.

Less Congestion

RFD is generally less crowded compared to larger airports like O’Hare, resulting in shorter wait times and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Convenient Location

RFD’s location outside of Chicago can be advantageous for travelers residing in the northern Illinois or southern Wisconsin regions, as it offers a closer and potentially more convenient option.

In addition to limited flight options, Chicago Rockford International Airport’s to and from transportation options are limited, potentially requiring additional planning or arrangements for onward travel.

5. Quad City International Airport (MLI)

Located in Moline, Illinois, this airport serves the Quad Cities region. It offers a decent selection of flights, including some low-cost carriers. More so, MLI is known for its ease of navigation and shorter wait times, making it a convenient option for travelers in the area.

Ease of Navigation

MLI is known for its smaller size, making it easier to navigate compared to larger airports. Therefore, this can result in shorter walking distances and less time spent moving between gates, baggage claim, and ground transportation.

Convenience for Quad Cities Region

The airport serves the Quad Cities region, providing a convenient travel option for residents in the area who may prefer to avoid the longer commute to larger airports.

Shorter Wait Times

MLI generally experiences shorter wait times compared to busier airports, allowing for a smoother and more efficient travel experience.

Quad City International Airport has a few drawbacks to consider. These include limited flight options compared to larger airports, a more limited selection of amenities and dining options due to its smaller size, and potentially more limited transportation options for onward travel.

6. Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI)

Located in Springfield, Illinois, SPI is a smaller airport primarily serving domestic flights. While it may have limited flight options compared to larger airports, it offers a more relaxed atmosphere and shorter wait times.

Convenience for Springfield Area

SPI serves the Springfield metropolitan area, providing a convenient travel option for residents in the region who may prefer to avoid longer commutes to larger airports.

Easy Walkability

The smaller size of the airport means shorter walking distances between gates, baggage claim, and ground transportation.

Because it is a smaller airport, Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport has limited choices of airlines and connectivity options to destinations. Choosing a larger airport is more advisable if you need to connect to bigger cities in the United States.

7. Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington-Normal (BMI)

Also, on the list of Illinois airports ranked from best to worst places to fly is BMI. This airport serves its purpose for travelers in the Bloomington-Normal area.

Community-Focused

As a smaller airport, BMI often provides a more community-oriented atmosphere. Passengers may find the airport staff to be friendly and accommodating, creating a welcoming environment.

Parking and Accessibility

The airport typically offers ample parking spaces with relatively short walking distances to the terminal, making it convenient for passengers who drive there.

Regional Connectivity

While BMI may not offer a wide range of international or long-haul flights, it does serve as a regional gateway, offering domestic flights to key destinations within the United States. This can be especially beneficial for passengers traveling within the country.

Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington-Normal (BMI) has relatively limited flight options. Even though it provides convenient access to domestic destinations within the United States, BMI doesn’t offer as many non-stop or direct flights as larger airports. Additionally, some travelers have mentioned that delays and cancellations can occur, which can be frustrating, particularly for those with tight schedules.

From the global connectivity of Chicago O’Hare International Airport to the convenience of regional airports like Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, a wide range of choices cater to different travelers’ needs in Illinois. Whether you prioritize international travel or want to avoid crowds, this article can be a valuable resource to ensure your journey is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Safe travels!