It's been a long time coming, but Chicago-Midway (MDW) is finally getting an airport lounge. 

The Chicago Department of Aviation announced Monday that Midway Airport will open its first-ever lounge, “The Club MDW,” this Thursday, Oct. 3. The lounge is located in the airport's main mall, at the intersection of concourses A and B near Gate B1, according to the news release.

At 3,300 square feet, the new lounge isn't massive by any means – in fact, it's pretty tiny. But it should look familiar to many travelers: It was 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 virtually any 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.

The Club MDW will be open daily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

 

Midway airport lounge
Photo courtesy of Airport Dimensions

 

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 draws inspiration from Chicago's architectural history with “high contrast and stark monochromatic tones” and arched walls, with marble and metallic accents and gilded details, according to a news release from Airport Dimensions. 

“The lounge’s aesthetic pays homage to Chicago’s legendary skyline while blending classic geometry and plush textures to create a warm, inviting environment for travelers” the release said. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows should provide plenty of natural light and views of the airfield. 

The lounge will have a variety of seating spaces including workstations, all anchored by a central bar. Like all Club locations, the lounge will offer complimentary food and drinks for visitors. There's an emphasis on local offerings, including taps from Chicago-based Revolutionary Brewing and Two Brothers Brewing and spirits rom KOVAL Distillery. 

The lounge was first announced in September 2023, with a planned opening for late 2024. In a rarity in the world of airport lounges, this one's actually opening on time.

 

Lead image courtesy of the Airport Dimensions