Enrich Your Journey

In any given month, Eric Knox flies in and out of Fort Wayne at least three times. As a frequent business traveler, Knox tries to maximize the time he spends in airports by getting work done before and in between flights. 

“I currently have access to the American Airlines lounge that I use in Dallas and a lot of the other places I go,” he says. “It would be nice to have a lounge in Fort Wayne, especially when there are delays.” 

Knox, and travelers like him, is the reason officials at Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) decided to include a new business lounge in the plans for the Project Gateway Terminal Expansion & Renovation. 

“We have thought for a long, long time that there is a need for a business lounge at FWA. About 65% of travel through FWA is for business. The air carriers don’t invest in business lounges at airports even much larger than ours, so we had the idea to partner with a good firm that is highly recognizable in our region,” explains FWA Executive Director Scott Hinderman.

That partnership led to the construction of The Gateway Lounge - an elevated experience from STAR Bank, set to open this winter.

“The airport is an incredible community asset that we need to support and we felt this project was the perfect way to do that,” says STAR Bank Executive Vice President of Commercial Banking Jim Cook. “Being a locally-owned bank, we’re here to support the business community, economic development and the citizens of Fort Wayne.”

The lounge is located beyond the security checkpoint, next to the airport’s new restaurant, Hop River Brewing, and coffee shop, Bon Bon’s Coffee. Travelers can purchase a one-time day pass or an annual membership to fit their travel needs. Among the amenities are high-speed internet access, divided workstations and charging ports, comfortable seating options, private restrooms, two semi-private relaxation rooms and a small conference room. 

“If you’re traveling with a co-worker and want to sit down and have a little more privacy, or even have a virtual call, it’s designed for that,” Hinderman says. “There are light snacks and drinks. If you want to have a meal or cocktail, you can use a QR code to order directly from the restaurant and the staff will bring it to you.” 

That convenience is just one reason Knox says he plans to take advantage of the new Gateway Lounge by STAR Bank. “I would absolutely pay for it,” he stresses. “I spend a decent amount of time at the airport on outbound flights so it would be great to have that space to use.” 

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