Travelers have been tethered to the same rigid mandate for years: Arrive at least two hours before takeoff and endure a seemingly endless cycle of check-ins and waiting. What was once a necessary inconvenience is now transforming into an opportunity — a chance to reshape terminals into destinations.

“Airlines are asking travelers to arrive hours before their flight,” says January Wilson, vice president, project executive at Clune Construction in Los Angeles. “If travelers can relax, enjoy premium amenities and dine well, it’s a win for passengers and it’s a boost for airports and airlines. It’s a win-win.”

The increasing focus on enhancing airport environments has opened doors for general contractors with expertise in high-end corporate interiors to create these luxurious spaces. With successful projects from Los Angeles International Airport to LaGuardia Airport, Clune has been instrumental in delivering premium lounge and hospitality projects at major hubs, including Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports.

“Airlines and airports rely on contractors who understand the unique complexities of airport construction.” said Chris Redpath, managing director, project executive at Clune. “With our extensive experience in interiors, we’re able to manage the intricacies involved and seamlessly tie all the pieces together.”

Clune’s strengths in adhering to tight schedules, navigating stringent regulations and leveraging strong relationships with top-tier subcontractors are qualities that set Clune apart in delivering high-quality, specialized airport spaces.

Nailing the Trend

A growing trend in airport design is creating brand-specific lounges that enhance travelers’ experiences. Airlines want passengers to immediately recognize their brand, know what’s available and feel comfortable.

Integrating iconic local restaurants has also become a popular approach to creating a distinct sense of place within airports.

“When you’re at Chicago’s airports, you’ll find favorites like Reilly’s Daughter and Nuts on Clark at Midway or Bar Siena and Home Run Inn Pizza at O’Hare, which really brings the city’s identity into the airport experience,” Redpath said.

New York City’s LaGuardia Airport exemplifies this trend, as it was recently crowned Best Airport in the U.S. by Forbes Travel Guide. Once known for its outdated, cramped spaces, LaGuardia has now undergone a significant $8B transformation.

Delta Air Lines and OTG, an in-terminal dining and retail company, began renovations on Terminal C in 2021, with Clune leading the construction of the terminal’s amenities, including branded dining spaces like Starbucks, Sunday Supper, Bubby’s Diner and Prime Luxury Steakhouse. These offerings allow travelers to enjoy high-quality dining without leaving the airport, helping redefine the traveler’s journey at one of the nation’s busiest hubs.

Navigating Unique Airport Requirements

Constructing high-end interiors within operational airports presents logistical and regulatory challenges that go beyond standard commercial projects.

“Maintaining a seamless passenger experience is paramount,” Wilson said. “It’s crucial to work with a contractor who understands these nuances. You can’t just drive up and start work; typically, you’re parking miles away and getting there via employee shuttles. Sometimes it takes 30 or 40 minutes just to reach the job site.”

At LAX, the project team navigated strict regulatory requirements while creating the new Delta One Lounge, including dual inspections from both Los Angeles World Airports and city inspectors, with LAWA’s standards often exceeding city requirements. This level of precision required meticulous coordination with deputy inspectors to meet overlapping requirements, underscoring the importance of experience in managing multifaceted airport projects.

A Cast Study in Execution

Clune recently completed the ultra-luxe Delta One Lounge at LAX, joining the project early in the design phase to help shape the budget and review constructability while finishes were still under consideration.

“For the Delta One Lounge, our early involvement allowed us to build trust with the team and really understand their design vision,” Wilson said.

The lounge features refined finishes inspired by Los Angeles’s iconic natural and architectural beauty, including stone walls, wood ceilings, a landscaped terrace and custom cabinetry.

To ensure flawless execution, Clune built full-size mock-ups of key elements, including a section of the bar, wellness pods and the stone oval reception desk. Trusted subcontractor partners with expertise in high-end office, hospitality and retail spaces contributed to the project’s high standards.

“When you see the final result, it’s clear we worked with the right partners,” Wilson said.

Taking Flight

As airports evolve into spaces that prioritize traveler comfort and brand experience, airlines are investing in these upgrades to strengthen brand loyalty, setting themselves apart in a highly competitive industry.

“U.S. airports have some catching up to do when compared to international standards,” Redpath said. “This evolution presents an exciting opportunity for project teams like ours.”

Clune’s extensive expertise, spanning projects from LAX to LaGuardia, has positioned the company as a trusted leader in airport construction, ready to continue shaping the future of airport interiors in ways that keep travelers returning trip after trip.

This article was produced in collaboration between Clune Construction and Studio B (Bisnow).