Local 10 tours new concourse at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

New Terminal 1 concourse to open by end of month

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.

A new concourse will open later this month at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport’s Terminal 1.

 

The new $333 million Concourse A boasts five new gates for Southwest Airlines.

 

All five gates are configured with glass-encased security, allowing international passengers to go directly to customs and immigration.

 

"We are launching four new destinations from Fort Lauderdale -- a brand new destination in Grand Cayman, but we will add nonstop service to Montego Bay to Belize and also to Cancun," Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly said.

 

The state-of-the-art concourse comes complete with a mega Starbucks, a BurgerFi, floor to ceiling windows, polished terrazzo floors and public artwork.

 

Perhaps the most-used amenities will be the departure areas that come complete with A/C, a USB outlet and a cup holder at each seat.

 

 

Also, as more people are traveling with their pets and service dogs these days, pets will get their own bathroom.

 

The pet relief bathroom comes with artificial turf, but pet owners will be responsible for cleaning up after their pets.

 

The concourse was built with expansion and connectivity in the future in mind.

 

"My favorite part is that it connects to the rest of Terminal 1 and ultimately Terminal 1 and 2 will connect, just like 3 and 4," Broward County Commissioner Chip LaMarca said. "So, once you get behind security, as a traveler you will be able to experience all the great restaurants and retail behind security."

While workers are still putting the final touches on the concourse, Southwest Airlines hopes to have it open and pleasing passengers by the end of the month.