Last night I flew my usual MDW-EWR flight # 1296 which invariably has massive delays. With a scheduled 6:05pm departure time, I arrived at Midway around 5:15pm. What a surprise--the board showed a delayed departure of 6:10pm, but the check in desk advised everyone to expect between 1 1/2 to 2 hr delays due to "severe storms over the Williamsport Pa area". Oh well, I have never known this fight to leave on time. Grabbed one of the few seats in the departure area and anticipated a long wait. Much to my surprise (& everyone elses) our aircraft arrived about 5:50pm and the pilot made an announcement that while the delays were still to be expected, he would try to update us as much as possible and to stay near the departure area. We were then boarded at 6:18 pm when told of a break in the weather permitting us to leave. (Hurrah!--almost) After taxiing out we were told the weather turned and we would have to wait on an inactive runway for 40 - 50 minutes. The pilot allowed the use of cell phones, PA's distributed drinks, and people wandered around a bit. We finally took off at 7:13 pm--with the pilots profuse apologies and promises to make up time. Which he did--our original arrival was to be at 9:30pm--we pulled up to the gate in Newark at 9:42!!! But my main thanks go to the pilot for his continuing updates and the PA's for their general good spirits. I have flown this particular flight numerous times in the past--including horrendous delays and this was by far my best experience.