Airport Lounge Development has opened the first and only shared-use airport lounge at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), The Club at PHX.
The Club at PHX can be found post-security near the high B gates in Terminal 4. All travelers traveling out of that terminal can access the lounge for a $35 fee; members of Priority Pass, Priority Pass Select and Lounge Club also may use the lounge. Snacks and beverages, including liquor, high-speed Wi-Fi, and work stations with PCs and printers all are included. The lounge is approximately 3,000 square feet and can set about 90 people.
“The opening of this lounge, at one of the top-ten busiest airports in the U.S., allows us to welcome thousands of travelers to an inclusive respite regardless of their carrier or affinity memberships,” says Nancy Knipp, senior vice president at ALD. “More and more, travelers are seeking alternative lounge options and airports are turning to ALD for the solution. The concept of ‘independent shared-use’ airport lounges is still relatively new in the US, but very popular in Europe and Asia. ALD is taking the successful business model used in Europe and Asia, and tailoring it to the U.S. market, designing and operating spaces that allow travelers to relax or work in comfort while waiting for their flight.”
Knipp, who recently was named to her position, will lead the company’s business operations and growth strategy. She has more than 30 years of experience in the airline and airport lounge industries.
“Nancy’s breadth of experience and knowledge of the airport lounge industry is a valuable asset as ALD continues to be the ‘go-to’ partner for airports looking to develop, change or re-allocate airport lounge space,” says Steve Pinches, director of Collinson Group, the parent company of ALD. “Widely popular overseas, independent shared-use lounges are now rapidly expanding in the U.S., enabling airports to enhance their passenger’s travel experience and improve their competitive position.”
Before joining ALD, Knipp was with American Airlines for more than 30 years, most recently as president and managing director for Admirals Club and Premium Services in Fort Worth, Texas.
“The demand for airport lounge access continues to escalate as more travelers on business, on leisure or simply traveling with their families are looking for a comfortable, quiet environment to be more productive on their journey,” says Knipp. “Fliers are clearly expressing interest in a more inclusive experience. As a result, the number of airports implementing and reviewing options for an independent shared-use lounge has grown tremendously in the past two to three years, especially as overcrowding within airline lounges continues to rise.”
