The Jacksonville airport will open a premium lounge early next year, if all goes to plan.
That’s after the Jacksonville Aviation Authority board on Monday approved the selection of a Texas-based developer to build it.
JAA spokesman Michael Stewart said the $1 million lounge will give every traveler, regardless of airline, a chance to take a load off while waiting for flight.
“In the industry, what’s developed over the last few years, particularly overseas — and it’s starting to come to the states — is what’s called common use lounges. They are not affiliated with an airline,” he said.
But “common use” doesn’t mean free. Stewart said these lounges usually charge daily fees for casual travelers or network subscriptions for frequent flyers.
ALD Development Corporation is expecting to manage the 2,726 square-foot facility with seating for about 50 guests.
The lounge will have showers, a children’s play area and buffet menus featuring local Jacksonville chefs, according to a news release from JAA.
