Chicago Midway International Airport
Known for its proximity to houses and low approaches, Chicago's Midway International Airport is one heck of an airport to go spotting at. The main airline is Southwest Airlines which practically owns the airport except for a couple of flights by Delta Airlines, Porter Airways, and Volaris, so variety is slim but you will sure as heck get some nice shots!
Locations
Prohibited:
The Airport Itself: Perhaps the most obvious restriction is the airport itself. Midway is almost completely surrounded by a massive wall which looks pretty hard to climb and is pretty hard to get past but if you are somehow found inside the airfield without proper credentials or access, you will be arrested, fined, and may even have jail time.
Various FBO's and Other Facilities: As these locations may look great, trust me, any FBO doesn't want you by or in their building if you aren't doing business with them. Just stay away from the various parking lots for the FBO's and other facilities because, for lack of a better term, they don't want you there.
Departure Drop-Off: As this spot may look good because it's elevated and you can see the B Concourse, C Concourse, and the threshold or runway 22L, the airport personnel do not want you to be on the side of the road taking pictures and possibly distracting drivers, so, just like the FBO's and other facilities, just stay away cause they just don't want you there.
Various Parking Decks and Parking Lots:* Sadly one of the best locations at MDW has recently been somewhat taken away from us spotters, the economy parking garage off of 55th street which had an amazing birds eye view of the B Concourse, the 22 runways, and the rest of the field. A couple of spotters reported that what looked to be a private security company which MDW might have hired have asked them to leave the buildings after being seen with cameras. So from what I know, spotting in the parking deck is highly discouraged by the airport but since they haven't said anything regarding the matter you can still go there. *!THIS IS AT YOUR OWN RISK AND I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY TROUBLES YOU ENCOUNTER! Now that was just the economy garage off of 55th, aren't there other parking lots and facilities I can spot at? Yes and no. The garage to the south of the economy garage is off limits to everyone and is used by the various rental car dealers on site at the field. Now the parking lots. They are not free and do not really give the best view so is you want to spend a little bit of money and sacrifice a view, I see no problem spotting there (the economy garage is not free as well but it's worth the money).
Approved:
Sidewalks Along 55th Street, Central Avenue, and 63rd Street: Since Midway is essentially an airport within a neighborhood, there are actually sidewalks that border the perimeter fence! As crazy and good as this sounds, the fence is actually a 10 foot high wall that surrounds the entire field, sort of. Since this is public property, this is perfect to spot at for overhead shots and if there's a runway change, its only a nice 1/4 of a mile walk to the next threshold.
Sidewalk With See-Through Fence Along 55th Street: Along the north side of the field is 55th Street, and along 55th Street is a small section of fencing that is actually see through. Rather than getting a ladder, which I highly discourage, you can put your lens right through the small holes in the barbed wire fence, giving you a great view of 22L arrivals and departures, as well as a view of Concourse C and the north side of Concourse B. The section of see through fence is located between the Southwest Hangars and runs until a little bit past the entrance to the economy garage and parking lots.
Parking Deck Behind Main Drop off: To get to this location, follow the signs to the departure drop off. Then when the road forks, take a right towards parking. It will take you down to the lower level where you can park for free. After you park. Take the elevators up to the highest floor in the parking structure. Then once on the parking structure, you have two choices. Choice A, walk to the north side of the deck overlooking Concourse C and the 22 complex and spot from there. Choice B, walk to the south end of the deck, go inside the outside area just before the indoor section to board the elevators and spot from there with no obstructions. Be aware that on the parking deck walls facing the field there are wires and little shrubs that you may have to get your lens around but there are sections that you will be able to get your lens around and take some great photos.