Breaking new ground in its nearly centennial existence, Midway Airport has introduced its first premium lounge, "Club MDW," which is now open for travelers. As per a press release from the Chicago Department of Aviation and details released by NBC Chicago, the lounge officially opened its doors to the public near Gate B1, within Midway’s Central Market, following a grand opening ceremony attended by Mayor Brandon Johnson and other dignitaries on Wednesday.
The new lounge aims to enhance the airport experience for both leisure and business travelers, as stated by Mayor Johnson. To gain access, passengers can purchase a day pass for $50 or use various platforms like Priority Pass and LoungeKey. The “Club MDW” can accommodate nearly 100 guests and operates daily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Local flavors are a key feature, with beers from Revolution Brewing and Two Brothers on offer. More details can be explored through the lounge's official website.
Complementing the amenities, the design of the 3,265-square-foot space took inspiration from Chicago's art deco and midcentury modern architecture styles. This was highlighted in an exclusive interview with The Points Guy, where Chris Gwilliam, vice president of global business development for Airport Dimensions, explained, "It's been uniquely designed; it's a one-of-a-kind design. You won't see that design anywhere else." The Club MDW also exhibits photography by local artists Mark Hersch and Angie McMonigal, further imbuing the lounge with a sense of place.
One potential hiccup for travelers wishing to use the lounge could be its limited space which can only seat 76 passengers and the popularity of access programs such as Priority Pass. Chris Gwilliam admitted in The Points Guy interview, "It's fair to say we would've liked more space, and hopefully, in the future, who knows, we might have a chance to grow." To manage potential overcrowding, Airport Dimensions has invested in a digital system called WaitWhile, allowing guests to be texted when space becomes available.
While the new addition is a milestone for Midway Airport's offerings, travelers should anticipate potential density during peak times and may need to plan accordingly.
