RumPatrol

While it is not a massive expansion of gates (they still did add some in the new concourse of Terminal 1 and 4), the expansion will allow them to expand the overall number of flights, specifically international flights. A big part of what they are doing is increasing the capacity of customs and immigration for the terminals serving international flights. The Terminal 2 expansion for Delta and the SkyClub is just modernization, and very necessary modernization at that, but the rest really is trying to make FLL a more appealing destination for international flights.

They've added a DXB direct flight on Emirates and a LGW direct on BA, in addition to the plentiful Latin America/Caribbean destinations. FLL is a very attractive destination for European, Russian and Middle Eastern travelers so I think the demand is there, who really wants to fly in and out of MIA if it can be avoided? Will it happen? I don't know, but right now FLL just lacks the infrastructure to do what they want to do, so I'm all for it. The actual logistics of it (gates, runways, etc) is not a problem.

As for parking, while I'd generally agree with you, FLL has a weird parking situation. Two of the three garages, the two nearest terminals 2, 3 and 4, are relatively small and often at max capacity while the largest garage is nearest terminal 1 and requires either a shuttle or an often times hot and humid outside walk to reach the other 3 terminals. That isn't to say it is awful, I'd still gladly take that over many other airport parking situations, but if you're in and out of FLL a few times a week it can be a grind and can sometimes add 15-20 minutes on either end of your flight. I really shouldn't complain though, it could be way worse.

live5

FLL is one of the fastest growing airports in the US due to significantly increased international traffic in the last few years. Some interesting stats:
Statistics

The T2 renovation won't create more gates in T2 itself, but it will connect it to T1 and T3 airside, and their long term plans for T3 are to completely demolish it and build a new gigantic terminal eventually bringing the total number of gates at the airport to around 100.

Here is the master plan, it's pretty cool stuff:
http://www.broward.org/Airport/Commu...v6finalada.pdf

Joshua C

FLL Terminal 2 is the worst. No seating when busy and awful concessions.

aero0729

??? You would honestly choose to fly out of an airport just to go to a SkyClub? Ive never tasted anything in a SkyClub worth putting in my stomach. I have never sat in a SkyClub and wish I could stay longer.

RumPatrol

I mean I guess if those two things are what you're looking for in an airport terminal, sure, though it is still nowhere near the worst in those facets either. They aren't even the worst things about Terminal 2. If you're going to pick something pick the bathroom situation. That is a legitimate issue that needed fixing.

Perhaps I'm the outlier but I'd take the ease and convenience of FLL T2 over most of the places I fly in and out of on a regular basis. FLL isn't a hub so there aren't any connections or layovers, concessions should not be a big concern when all you're doing is showing up and getting on a plane. I suppose the people who need to arrive two hours early when they fly might give more weight to seating and concessions, I am luckily not one of those people.

ncwillett

No booze. No real seating either. Just an area off to the side where you can talk to an agent if need be, grab a snack bag and a coffee or water. I'm with others who are pleasantly surprised that they have done what they can in the interim, and agree about the great staff at the FLL club!

With all due respect, T2 at FLL is a xxxx box. Limited seating at busy times, almost no power outlets, awful and limited concessions, and don't even get me started on the horrible ladies room. The reno is long overdue!!

RumPatrol

I won't argue at all for the restroom situation, as seen above. That's needed fixing for as long as I've flown from FLL. The men's restroom is a trainwreck with the most ill-conceived entrance I've ever seen, like a mountain switchback barely wide enough for two people, never mind luggage. I can't imagine how much worse the women's is. If for bathroom reno alone, this is worth it. If I didn't have SkyClub access already, I'd have bought it just to use the bathrooms in there. Well, would have before they closed it anyway. If they'd put a couple outhouses up in the little snack area, it would still be better than the bathrooms in the terminal itself.

The rest though, honestly, are not important to me. I get that they may be important to some and so I can see that side of the coin for sure, but I fly out of FLL at least once a week and I've never once found myself needing a place to sit or power or concessions. I've flown to some pretty spartan outposts stateside (and overseas) so I'm never without multiple battery packs to charge devices. Not to mention the better than good chance the plugs on the planes won't be working. As for seating and concessions, FLL isn't a hub/connecting airport so I've never found myself needing anything other than a bottle of water or a seat for longer than a few minutes, if that. I'd happily take FLL T2 as is. Doesn't mean it doesn't need the updating, it certainly does, but I'll take its convenience over its lack of amenities all day every day.

Perhaps I'm just easily pleased or have a very low bar to clear after having flown in and out of small midwestern outposts most of my life.

ND76

I live 15 miles from IAD and 30 miles from DCA. Guess which one is my preferred airport? I still enjoy warming up for a Delta flight in the SkyClub.

MCO Flyer

I can list several other reason why I would choose to fly out of DCA over IAD, even if IAD was a little closer.

aero0729

apodo77

In 4 years using the SC at PBI I have never been told to go to the gate during IRROPS. I also can't think of any employee in the SC that looks near retirement age and goes through the motions.

ncwillett

The womens restroom is much like you described the mens, just add a cleaning cart that is permanently parked at the already awkward and undersized entrance, making a bad situation even worse.
I fly in and out of FLL, on average 6-8 times a year. Upon arrival, I often need to wait a bit before my BF can get there to pick me up. If I didn't have club access, there would be no enjoyable bar to sit and get a drink. (bar-yes, nice enjoyable one- no). Upon departure, I often leave at the crack of dawn and would love a healthy breakfast option but there isn't one outside the club where I can at least get oatmeal or a boiled egg. And it's not just about me. Keep in mind that this is a major airport for cruise passengers.... Early mornings when multiple ships are in port the place can be jam packed, with hardly a seat to be found, and many people waiting there for several hours. Likewise outside security, when cruise folks arrive more than 3 hours pre-flight and aren't allowed to check in yet, so end up sitting all over the place because there are maybe a dozen seats and that's it. Good for you for carrying multiple battery packs, I often carry one too, but come on- these days there is no reason not to have power available at virtually every seat. I guess the bottom line is this: you're happy with taking "convenience over amenities" but why have to choose? So on that note, yes, in my opinion this renovation is long overdue!
Now if only the renovation would include a complete re-staffing of the TSA agents there. They are consistently among the worst I've ever encountered, but I'm guessing that's not on the reno agenda, LOL.

El Miameño

dldmfll

pjs

It's only until September I believe. They will re-open in part of the old space and work on the new club located the upper level, which will open in 2020.