Official Newsletter of Broward County's Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

Message From the CEO

Mark E. Gale

CEO/Director of Aviation

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

Dear Friends,

March is upon us, and as the end of the first quarter of 2025 nears, we look forward to welcoming the spring season of renewal and rebirth. February flew by fast but brought some key happenings, such as opening a new rideshare pick-up area for guests arriving at Terminals 3 and 4. The newly redesigned pick-up location inside the Palm Garage offers an enhanced experience for arriving FLL guests. The new garage layout, with slanted spaces for easier and safer loading, accommodates double the number of vehicles simultaneously versus the former area. After site visits to other U.S. airports with similar rideshare operations and ongoing dialogue with our operators, the Broward County Aviation Department (BCAD) launched this initiative to improve the overall ride-sharing experience at FLL and help reduce roadway congestion.

Additionally, in February, we hosted our Valentine’s Day Puppy Love event highlighting our therapy dogs and joined in JetBlue Airways’ 25th anniversary celebration at FLL. The Valentine’s Day event was a "pawsitive" hit with passengers who came out for cuddles and smooches with our four-legged ambassadors while learning more about the nearly 12-year-old therapy dog program at FLL. Read more in the stories below.

As we get ready for springtime travel activity, here’s an important reminder for arriving travelers during the busy season. BCAD remains committed to combating illegal ride solicitation at FLL and, together with law enforcement and other County agencies, works to discourage their presence here. So, watch for Ride Safe signage on baggage claim carousels, flight information display screens, the Wi-Fi login page, and via the public address system to avoid these pitfalls. Always visit the Ground Transportation Desk or a uniformed dispatcher at the curb for authorized operators.

Travel safely, and enjoy a healthy, happy spring as new leaves and aromatic blossoms begin to sprout around you.

Valentine’s Puppy Love

Free cuddles and kisses

FLL held a special Valentine's Day guest appreciation event featuring the airport's adorable four-legged volunteers. Our Guest Experience Team installed Valentine's Day-themed decorations on the lower level of Terminal 1 that served as a cuddle booth for travelers to meet and take photos with AmbassaDogs Rhino and Kahlua. Guests had the opportunity to learn more about FLL's AmbassaDogs program and received trading cards with fun facts about each therapy dog. Kahlua and Rhino even showed off some of their tricks!

Virtual Public Art

View from anywhere

Broward County Government's public art collection is being transformed into a virtual reality experience. Broward Arts Metaverse (BAM) allows you to view select locations and artwork from anywhere in the world with a web browser. The first public artwork at FLL in BAM was “Vendor with Walkman” by Duane Hanson in Terminal 1. On February 13, a team came out to capture three more of the airport’s public art pieces, including “Wavelength” in Terminal 1, pictured above. According to the Broward Cultural Division, this initiative is the world’s first public art collection in the metaverse.

Doggie First Class

Photo Credit: BARK Air

High-end pet-friendly travel

BARK Air operated two special flights between FLL and New York on February 13 and 17, with passengers seeking an upgraded in-cabin and flight experience for their four-legged companions. Contour Airlines operated these BARK private charters on their Embraer ERJ-145 regional jet.

The pet-friendly travel service plans to add more charter flights between the two cities by the end of May and hopes to eventually offer increased frequency in the fall, a spokesman said. BARK Air launched flights to select U.S. and transatlantic destinations in April 2024.

New Rideshare Pick-Up

Helping with traffic flow

Effective February 12, FLL moved its rideshare pick-up for Terminals 3 and 4 to a redesigned area of the Palm Garage. After collecting luggage and/or clearing customs, signage will guide passengers from the lower level (Arrivals/bag claim) to the terminal curbside. From there, travelers will use the crosswalk to proceed to the pick-up area by following the "Ride-Sharing/Palm Garage" signs. The new location is divided into zones A to D to locate the corresponding pick-up driver's vehicle. The relocated pick-up area will help ease roadway congestion while offering an enhanced waiting experience with seating and shelter from weather elements.

Quarter Century Milestone

FLL was among the first routes flown

On February 11, BCAD celebrated with JetBlue Airways as it marked 25 years of operations as a commercial airline. The milestone is particularly meaningful as JetBlue’s first day of flying involved service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to FLL on February 11, 2000. We wish our longstanding airline partner many more successful years.

Employee Screening Upgrade

Advanced detection technology

FLL recently deployed new security screening technology at its employee checkpoints in Terminals 1 and 4 as part of ongoing efforts to enhance airport safety protocols. The new walkthrough Rohde & Schwarz detection equipment can detect unusual masses and discern liquid or plastic explosives and other non-metallic prohibited items.

In 2023, similar technology was rolled out at Terminal 3 employee screening checkpoints to replace the previously used metal detector equipment. Kudos to the BCAD Security team for successfully deploying the new walkthrough detector at FLL and training the staff on its use.

CHECK OUT THE SKY'S THE LIMIT MONTHLY STATS AT FLL.NET

FLLylights

Other key updates

Be REAL ID Ready

Find out if your driver’s license is REAL ID ready for flight on May 7, 2025.

Where’s Your Firearm?

If you’re traveling with a firearm, do not pack it in your carry-on. Follow the proper steps to ensure your travel plans aren’t ruined.

Critical Training

The first quarterly meeting of 2025 for FLL Ambassadors was held on February 4. Volunteers received CPR training and learned about other helpful life-saving tips.

Photo Credit: Andre Chambers

Photo of the Month!

JetBlue’s brand-new livery, BlueUnity, landed at FLL for its 25th anniversary on February 11. The freshly painted aircraft honors the airline’s crewmembers.

Severe Weather Awareness

Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week was recognized February 3-7. Make sure you are always prepared!

View past issues in the NewsFLLash archive.

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Broward County Aviation Department

320 Terminal Drive, Suite 200

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

For questions or story ideas, email the Public Information Office at FLLNews@broward.org.