ravelers through Jacksonville International Airport soon can access a new club — The Club JAX.

Club JAX is designed with zones labeled relax, replenish, productivity and kids, along with a concierge and a bar. It will be between the food court and service pet relief area after travelers clear security.

Jacksonville Aviation Authority spokeswoman Debbie Jones said the lounge should open in the spring and will be available to all departing passengers, regardless of airline, through either a $40 day pass bought online or at the club or with a Priority Pass membership that comes with several travel credit cards.

In addition to Priority Pass, The Club JAX can be accessed by members of LoungeKey, Diners Club International and the AAA member discount program.

JAA Senior Properties Administrator Jeff Taylor said Friday the airport lounge offers a complimentary hot and cold buffet that features a seasonal menu rotation that showcases the flavors of Jacksonville.

The lounge also offers premium wines, local craft beers, premium spirits and cocktails, all of which are complimentary with guest access to those over 21 years old, he said.

The city is reviewing a permit for Auld & White Constructors LLC to build-out the 3,625-square-foot space that will become a premium lounge for travelers in addition to storage and pantry space.

The Jacksonville Aviation Authority previously announced that Airport Lounge Development Corp., based in Plano, Texas, will invest at least $1 million to develop, manage and operate the 2,726-square-foot facility that will have seating for 49 guests.

It said the club will provide two restrooms, including showers, and a children’s play area with age-appropriate video games, TV and books.

The authority said Airport Lounge Development is the largest U.S. independent shared-use lounge developer with a network of 18 airport lounges among 13 airports worldwide. It is part of The Collinson Group, a  privately held travel services company based in the U.K. 

The Collinson Group’s services include travel insurance, travel clubs and loyalty programs. It says it spans 24 international offices and 21 brands, including Priority Pass.

In October, Airport Lounge Development announced the opening of a new lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

The Club DFW is open from 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily and serves all passengers who have cleared TSA access in any terminal.

As in Jacksonville, guests there can buy a day pass for $40. It serves the same membership categories.

It described that club’s five zones as:

• A Privacy Zone, where guests can conduct private conference calls or Skype friends or family in the privacy room or in one of ALD’s privacy chairs. “Cocoon” chairs are provided for those who want to read or make a quiet phone call.

• A Replenish Zone that features comfortable seating and a menu that includes a hot and cold buffet and all-day snack items. There is a fully stocked and tended bar.

• A Productivity Zone with a desk-height counter with electrical outlets, as well as ergonomic chairs for business travelers seeking a workspace. Guests can use the available computer and printer or use their own computers.

• A Relax Zone with seating that enables guests to catch up on the news or socialize with fellow travelers.

• A Refresh Zone that includes a restroom, private shower facility and spa-quality soaps and lotions.

Folks at Jacksonville International Airport got a bit of relief from the travel stress Christmas Day with a comfort dog on-hand to put their minds at ease before their flight. 

It’s part of a program that the airport started just a few months ago with holiday travelers in mind.

Roaming the courtyard and concourse of the airport, Debbie Zahler and her pup Mookie bring comfort and joy this Christmas.

 

“Traveling is stressful for some folks, or the end point of their travel might be a stressful experience, so it’s nice to be able to bring something back to other folks,” Zahler said.

She’s been with Mookie since he was 9-weeks-old. The Border Collie is now pushing 13 years old with his graying whiskers. Once a competitor in agility events, Mookie is soaking-up retirement by keeping travelers calm.

The duo visits the airport for a few hours once or twice a month. Strolling along – giving help when and where they can.

“Sometimes you can see that some people are not interested in playing with the dog, some folks, as you saw, are involved on their phone or just not pet people, which is fine. Sometimes you see a sort of smile come to their face especially when we’re out in the concourse,” Zahler said.

About a dozen dogs and handlers are part of the Jax Paws program, which launched over the summer -- a concept seen at airports across the country.

The training is extensive not only for her furry friend but Zahler as well. Their outfit – special too.

“Identification for the dogs, you see Mookie’s got a vest and I’ve got a vest. They’re always visible,” Zahler said.

She added the pair still gets to enjoy the holiday, but to her, Christmas is a time to give back.

“I have traveled on business significantly over my career and I know what that’s like, and it’s really nice to have an animal to love on and pet and that sort of stuff,” Zahler said.

Making the holiday a bit less hectic.

January 8, 2019

Frontier Airlines is adding another non-stop destination from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). 

Beginning April 30, Frontier will operate three weekly flights to Raleigh-Durham (RDU), North Carolina, on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, using an A320 aircraft.

The airline currently offers non-stop service to Denver, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Chicago O’Hare, Philadelphia, St. Louis and Trenton.  

To book your flight, visit www.flyfrontier.com.