It's been a long time coming, but Chicago-Midway (MDW) is finally getting an airport lounge.
The Chicago Department of Aviation announced this week that Midway Airport will open its first-ever lounge next year called “The Club MDW.” It'll be located in the airport's main mall, at the intersection of concourses A and B, according to the news release.
At 3,300 square feet, it won't be massive by any means. But it should look familiar to many travelers: It's being developed in partnership with Airport Dimensions, the company behind other “The Club” lounges in airports like Las Vegas (LAS), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Orlando (MCO), Seattle (SEA), and others.
The new Midway lounge will be part of the Priority Pass network which means travelers with a premium travel rewards credit card like the *venture x* and the *chase sapphire reserve* will be able to get in for free – and bring two guests, too. Other travelers will also be able to purchase a day pass for $50.
It's welcome news for Chicagoans who use the city's closer airport – and especially Southwest fliers, as most of the airline's direct flights to and from the Windy City leave from Midway. Six other airlines use Midway, including Delta, low-cost carriers like Allegiant and Frontier, and even international airlines Porter and Volaris.
The design of The Club MDW will draw inspiration from Chicago's architectural history with “high-contrast, metallic tones” and “classic minimalist geometry,” while also including metallic accents and plush upholstery to make the space warm and inviting for travelers, the news release said. Like all Club locations, the lounge will also offer complimentary food and drinks for visitors.
Construction on the new Midway lounge will begin early next year. It's expected to open sometime in fall 2024.
Lead image courtesy of the Chicago Department of Aviation