(Probably PP) Lounge coming to MDW (opening late 2020)
Jan 13, 19, 10:41 am
#1
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Join Date: Sep 2014
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(Probably PP) Lounge coming to MDW (opening late 2020)
I've been frustrated for years that there is now lounge at MDW. The C concourse isn't a bad place to wait out a delay or connection, but always nice to have free snacks and drinks while you wait.
I noticed on the construction banners at MDW that a "shared use lounge" was being constructed, just past the TSA checkpoint, presumably after the bridge is done being widened -- kind of where the TSA Pre checkpoint is now.
I was curious for more info, so I contacted Chicago DOA on twitter and they said:
Airport Lounge Development's website says they are owned by Collison (same people who run Priority Pass) and give as an example of their work "The Club at DFW". I assume the other "The Club at XXX" lounges are also their work, and they all accept Priority Pass.
Given that there are no Business/First class seats flying out of MDW (except a handful a day on Delta), I think it is hiiiiighly likely this new lounge will accept Priority Pass too.
I noticed on the construction banners at MDW that a "shared use lounge" was being constructed, just past the TSA checkpoint, presumably after the bridge is done being widened -- kind of where the TSA Pre checkpoint is now.
I was curious for more info, so I contacted Chicago DOA on twitter and they said:
As part of the Concessions Redevelopment Program, Midway Partnership (our concessions operator) is constructing a common use airport lounge in the Central Market. MP already has a subtenant under contract, Airport Lounge Development. We look forward to this new service opening in late 2020
Given that there are no Business/First class seats flying out of MDW (except a handful a day on Delta), I think it is hiiiiighly likely this new lounge will accept Priority Pass too.
Jan 13, 19, 10:45 am
#2
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Late 2020? Well, it will be nice whenever it comes to be.
Yes, I would assume Priority Pass lounge as well - but you just never, ever know for sure - LOL!
Yes, I would assume Priority Pass lounge as well - but you just never, ever know for sure - LOL!
Jan 15, 19, 5:46 pm
#5
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Sounds like an upgrade to me. 2020 seems pretty ambitious given the culture in Chicago.
Now....if PP could have a reasonable choice at O'Hare.
Remember---airlines add lounges due to high value passengers, and third-parties tend to add lounges due to their own VIPs.
Chicago is a very large and wealthy city (on scale with NY + LA) even though it is old economy and not growing. Lots of Amex Plats and CSRs on the "Magnificent Mile."
No surprise here.
Now....if PP could have a reasonable choice at O'Hare.
Remember---airlines add lounges due to high value passengers, and third-parties tend to add lounges due to their own VIPs.
Chicago is a very large and wealthy city (on scale with NY + LA) even though it is old economy and not growing. Lots of Amex Plats and CSRs on the "Magnificent Mile."
No surprise here.
Jan 15, 19, 6:04 pm
#6
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,510
The answer is definitely some. Hopefully enough to keep the lounge in business and not enough to make it crowded!
Also, I think (as with most lounges for domestic flights) the real benefit will be for people connecting in MDW, though I do look forward to using it during delays or if I get to the airport earlier than expected.
Jan 16, 19, 8:11 pm
#7
Join Date: Feb 2006
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For what it is worth I don't live on Michigan Avenue, but as a Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur my wealth and spending is probably not too different. I really love the Escape lounges which have recently opened at WN dominated airports (e.g. OAK/RNO/ONT). Think that The Club at MDW will have a lot of traffic.
Jan 18, 19, 11:23 am
#8
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Jan 19, 19, 9:27 am
#9
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 567
For a couple of years, I have been surprised that there is no Priority Pass lounge at MDW as Southwest's being a Chas's transfer partner, I would imagine that a lot of Southwest passengers have the CSR card.
my guess now is that the lounge will be extremely crowded if it accepts Priority Pass. I am curious whether they will add some limitation, or if they will be like one of the Escape lounges that only accept passengers with high end American Express cards.
my guess now is that the lounge will be extremely crowded if it accepts Priority Pass. I am curious whether they will add some limitation, or if they will be like one of the Escape lounges that only accept passengers with high end American Express cards.
Jan 21, 19, 9:25 pm
#10
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PP lounges or restaurants work if they have enough capacity. But then I wonder how long Chase will be willing to pay the cost. I expect a series of cutbacks to PP benefits for credit card holders, starting with an annual maximum number of uses. .
Jan 24, 19, 7:09 pm
#11
Join Date: Feb 2006
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Jan 24, 19, 7:58 pm
#12
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Many Amex Plat customers, including apparently @kennycrudup, are not aware they have access to Escape lounges.
May 14, 19, 6:51 pm
#14
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