Summary
- Chicago’s Midway International Airport, which currently lacks lounges, is set to open its first-ever lounge in 2024 as part of its modernization program.
- The Club MDW will offer complimentary food and beverage services in a relaxing environment and will be accessible through Priority Pass.
- Midway International Airport connects to ten international destinations in four countries, with Mexico being the most served country.
Chicago’s Midway International Airport is set to receive its first-ever lounge in 2024. Construction will begin early next year, and the opening should occur in the fall.
First lounge at MDW
Midway International Airport is one of two major airports in Chicago and welcomes almost 23 million passengers annually. Located in Garfield Ridge, 12 miles from the Loop business district, Midway is primarily home to carriers providing domestic service, like Southwest and Spirit Airlines. Though Midway sees more passenger traffic than several airports, like Sacramento International Airport, which has lounges, Midway still has no airport lounges. But that is set to change in the fall of 2024.
Today, the airport announced that a lounge will be available to passengers for the first time in its 95-year history. The announcement was made by Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Aviation. The lounge will be named The Club MDW and accessible through Priority Pass, the world’s largest airport lounge program, which also offers restaurant credit at participating locations. Day passes will also be available for purchase for $50.
The new lounge will be added as part of the Midway Modernization Program, which has focused on transforming the passenger experience at Midway with new local concessions offerings, a new security checkpoint that doubles screening capacity, and improved parking systems.
“Chicago’s original hometown airport is a tremendous driver for jobs and economic opportunity across the South and West Sides, and I am thrilled about the new jobs and amenities this club will provide for our residents and the traveling public. Each year, more than 22.7 million people travel through Midway, and we’re excited to be able to offer each of them this new service worthy of our world-class city.” – Brandon John, Mayor, Chicago
The Club MDW will be 3,000 square feet, and its design will be inspired by the city’s architectural history and feature high-contrast and monochromatic tones. Metallic accents and plush upholstery will be used to optimize the guest experience.
“We are delighted to unveil Midway’s first airport lounge. 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.” – Sammy Patel, Chief Executive Officer, Midway Partnership
International flights from Midway
Cirium data shows only three airlines operated international service from Midway International Airport in September: Porter Airlines, Southwest, and Volaris. Interestingly, two of the three carriers are not American, and both hold larger international market shares than Southwest. Volaris had 154 of the 247 scheduled international departures this month. Porter had 60 flights, and Southwest had 33.
Photo: Midway International Airport
Midway is connected to ten international destinations in four countries: Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. Mexico is the most served country from Midway, with seven routes, six from Volaris and one from Southwest. The other three countries each have one route. The busiest international route is Porter’s route to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, with two daily flights. Frontier Airlines will launch a route to Cancun in November, and Southwest will resume flying to San Jose del Cabo.