Layovers at Chicago Midway International Airport just got a lot less boring. A new video gaming lounge has opened inside the terminal, turning preflight downtime into a chance to fire up a console or gaming PC. The space comes stocked with high-end machines, comfy seating, plenty of charging ports and snacks for travelers who would rather chase high scores than stare at a departure board.
The Chicago Department of Aviation celebrated the arrival of Gameway on Thursday, and Commissioner Michael McMurray said he is "proud to welcome Gameway to Midway as a new place for travelers to relax, unwind and get in some game time while waiting for their flights," according to FOX 32 Chicago. Midway’s concessions partner lists the lounge near Gate A5 in Concourse A and notes that it operates daily from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., per Midway Partnership. For a compact, often crowded airport, the new spot adds a different kind of distraction alongside the usual grab-and-go food and retail.
What’s inside the lounge
Travelers can reserve sanitized gaming stations that come equipped with a gaming PC, Xbox or PlayStation console, 43-inch displays, premium headphones and high-speed internet, according to the company’s Midway listing. The lounge sells soft drinks, coffee and cold refreshments, and also serves beer with small bites, giving players something to sip while they queue up a match.
Gameway lists session pricing that starts at $17.99 for 30 minutes and $27.99 for an hour, with an unlimited option and a military discount available on its site. The company also emphasizes its cleaning routines and the abundance of charging ports, aiming to make it easy for fliers to squeeze in a quick session without stressing about dead batteries or shared equipment.
Why airports are adding experiences
Gameway is part of a broader shift toward “experiential” concessions, from gaming to art and wellness, that airports are rolling out to boost non-aeronautical revenue and keep passengers occupied. The company has opened locations at multiple U.S. hubs as airport operators search for new ways to upgrade the passenger experience. In tighter terminals with heavy traffic, a short, paid entertainment stop can fill the gap between traditional lounges and sit-down restaurants, LoungeNerd reports.
Gameway co-founders Jordan and Emma Walbridge said they were "excited to give Midway travelers a place to have fun, recharge and connect before boarding," and Midway Partnership officials touted the lounge as a strong addition to the airport’s lineup of more than 70 brands and experiences, according to FOX 32 Chicago. Local concession partners say the concept is designed both for casual players and for travelers who simply want a quieter corner to decompress for half an hour between flights.
Reservations and up-to-date pricing are listed on Gameway, which notes that the Midway lineup includes popular titles such as Call of Duty, Fortnite, Madden, NBA 2K, Minecraft and Arc Raiders. Anyone passing through Concourse A can check availability online or swing by the desk to see if a station is open before their boarding group gets called.
