b'44 FLL CONCESSIONSLuxe Common-Use Lounge is Becoming a Fixture at Fort Lauderdale Intl BY NICOLE NELSONWhen Mark Gale took the reins2 available to the smattering of passengers at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywoodloyal to United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, International Airport (FLL) inthere were no comparable options in early 2016, the newlyterminals 3 and 4, where American Airlines, FACTS&FIGURESinaugurated chiefJetBlue Airways and several international Project: Common-Use VIP Passenger Lounge executive officer begancarriers operated. As such, Gale quickly set Location: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Intl Airport presiding over a facilityout to remedy this customer service void. that was home to severalJust months after arriving, FLLs new chief Facility: The Escape Lounge - The Centurion Studioairlines, yet hub to none.executive began a mission to extend VIP Partner at FLLIt was a stark contrastcustomer service comforts and conveniences Lounge Size: 5,042 sq. ft. to his previous tenure atto more airport guests.Airport Operator: Broward County Aviation Dept. Philadelphia InternationalMARK GALEGale prevailed, and an upscale common-Lounge Developer/Operator: CAVU (formerlyAirport, where the bustling American Airlinesuse lounge opened last October, with a South MAG USA and MAGO) gateway was a dominant presence on theFlorida vibe and locally curated food and Project Partner: American Express airfield and inside the terminal.beverage offerings. The new facility, located Facility Aesthetic: South Florida inspired, withTime and again, Gale would ponder thein the connector between concourses E and coastal artwork/design features fact that Americans premium passengersF of Terminal 3, is officially called The Escape Food & Beverage Lineup: Chef-created menuat PHL had access to first-class amenitiesLounge - The Centurion Studio Partner at featuring local cuisine & brands at three Admirals Clubs, while very few FLLFLL. Passengers on any airline pay $40 per Soft Opening: Oct./Nov 2022 travelers were privy to such a luxury.day when booked in advance and $45 at Entry Cost: $40/day when booked in advance, While the South Florida airport had onlythe door. American Express Platinum Card $45 at the door; free to Amex Platinum Card Memberstwo proprietary lounges in terminals 1 andMembers and Delta Reserve Card Members & Delta Reserve Card Members do not have to pay an entry fee. March | April 2023AirportImprovement.com'