Chicago's Midway Airport to get its 1st lounge next year
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In case you missed it, Chicago's Midway International Airport (MDW) will land its first lounge next year as part of the Priority Pass network.
The lounge, set to open in fall 2024, will be in Central Market at the intersection of Concourses A and B in the airport's only terminal.
Dubbed The Club MDW, the lounge will be accessible for all travelers, regardless of airline or fare type, with complimentary food and beverage service. In addition to Priority Pass members, all other travelers can enter by purchasing a daypass for $50.
Construction on the 3,300-square-foot space is set to begin in early 2024 in anticipation of fall and the holiday travel season at Chicago's smaller airport on the South Side. Passenger volume for the airport currently exceeds pre-coronavirus pandemic levels at 106% of 2019 numbers.
As of September, Midway services approximately 220 daily nonstop flights to 79 U.S. cities and approximately 10 daily direct flights to 11 international destinations; it serves as a major hub for Southwest Airlines. Overall, Midway sees roughly 500 flights per day, split between arrivals and departures.
Funding for the lounge is a joint venture between Midway Partnership and the Chicago Department of Aviation, the former of which will invest more than $75 million to increase dining and retail options at MDW. This means local favorites such as Connie's Pizza, Garrett's Popcorn, M Burger and Reilly's Daughter will be incorporated.
"We are delighted to unveil Midway's first airport lounge," Sammy Patel, CEO of Midway Partnership, said in a statement. "The Club MDW is the latest example of the partnership between Midway Partnership and the Chicago Department of Aviation collectively prioritizing the guest experience and satisfaction of Midway's passengers."
Priority Pass and members can access more than 1,300 lounges, minisuites and airport restaurants in 600-plus airports in more than 150 countries.
The entry-level Priority Pass membership costs $99 annually and requires members and their guests to pay per visit. However, most U.S. travelers who want to visit Priority Pass lounges should consider getting a credit card that offers Priority Pass airport lounge access.
For example, primary cardmembers and authorized users of the Chase Sapphire Reserve get complimentary access to Priority Pass lounges with up to two accompanying guests once they activate their Priority Pass Select membership. Several other premium travel rewards cards also offer the ability to enroll in a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, so check your card benefits.
Note that some Priority Pass lounges are only available to members during select hours, so check the Priority Pass website before your next trip for available locations and their hours. Like most airport lounges these days, some might be temporarily at capacity during peak times, though you can pay to reserve your spot at certain airports.
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