Overview of Jacksonville International Airport
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is a public airport located 13 miles north of downtown Jacksonville, Florida. The airport serves the greater Northeast Florida region, including the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Amelia Island.
JAX is owned and operated by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, which also manages two other airports in the area. The airport covers an area of 7,911 acres and has two runways. In 2019, JAX served over 6 million passengers, making it the busiest airport in Northeast Florida.
The airport offers nonstop flights to over 30 destinations in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, with major airlines such as Delta, American, Southwest, and United. JAX also has a strong military presence, with a large portion of its traffic coming from military personnel and their families stationed at nearby Naval Air Station Jacksonville.
In addition to its passenger services, JAX also serves as an important cargo hub for the region. The airport is home to several cargo carriers, including FedEx and UPS, and handles over 50 million pounds of cargo annually.
JAX has undergone significant improvements in recent years, including the expansion of its terminal and concourses, renovation of its food and retail offerings, and upgrades to its parking facilities. The airport has also implemented several sustainability initiatives, including a solar farm that generates up to 20% of the airport’s energy needs.
Overall, JAX is a modern, efficient airport that serves as a vital gateway to the Northeast Florida region. Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, JAX offers a convenient and enjoyable travel experience.
Terminals at Jacksonville International Airport
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) has one main terminal building with two concourses, A and C. Concourse A is used primarily by Delta Air Lines and its SkyTeam partners, while Concourse C is used by all other airlines, including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
The airport’s main terminal building contains two levels. The lower level houses baggage claim, ground transportation options, and a variety of food and retail options. The upper level contains JAX’s ticketing counters, TSA security checkpoints, and access to the concourses.
Concourse A features six gates, while Concourse C features 19 gates. Both concourses offer a variety of dining and shopping options, as well as charging stations and free Wi-Fi for passengers.
JAX also offers a range of services within its terminals, including nursing rooms, pet relief areas, and a USO lounge for military members and their families. The airport also has an art gallery featuring rotating exhibits showcasing local artists.
Overall, the terminals at Jacksonville International Airport provide a comfortable and convenient travel experience for passengers, with a variety of amenities and services available to meet their needs.
Airlines and Destinations
The following airlines operate from Jacksonville International Airport: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Allegiant Air.
American Airlines offers direct flights to Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Miami, Philadelphia and Washington-Dulles. Delta Air Lines offers direct flights to Atlanta and Detroit.
Southwest Airlines offers direct flights to Baltimore, Chicago-Midway, Dallas-Love Field and Nashville. United Airlines offers direct flights to Chicago-O’Hare, Houston-Intercontinental, Newark, and Washington-Dulles.
Allegiant Air offers direct flights to Asheville, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Knoxville, Lexington, Nashville, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis.
There are also seasonal routes offered by some airlines, such as non-stop flights to Cancun, Mexico through Delta Air Lines and seasonal flights to New York City through JetBlue Airways.
Transportation Options at Jacksonville International Airport
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) provides a variety of transportation options for travelers arriving at or departing from the airport.
One of the most popular options is the shuttle service, which is provided by several companies and can be arranged in advance or upon arrival. The shuttles operate on a shared ride basis and offer affordable rates for transportation to hotels and other locations in the Jacksonville area.
Another option for travelers is car rentals which are conveniently located at the airport. There are several car rental companies available, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. The rental car center is located adjacent to the main terminal building, and free shuttle service is provided to and from the rental car center.
For travelers who prefer a more private transportation option, there are also several shuttle bus services available that provide door-to-door service to various destinations throughout the city. These shuttle services can be booked in advance, and offer comfortable seating, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi.
In addition to these options, there are also train lines available for those who wish to travel outside of Jacksonville. The Amtrak station is located just a short distance from the airport, and offers convenient train service to destinations across the United States.
Finally, for those travelers who prefer to have a private car service, there are several limousine and taxi companies available at the airport. These services offer a more luxurious transportation option, with professional drivers and high-end vehicles.
Overall, Jacksonville International Airport provides a variety of transportation options to meet the needs of all travelers. Whether you prefer a shared ride shuttle service, a rental car, a shuttle bus, train service, or a private car service, you’ll find a convenient and affordable option at JAX.
Parking Options at Jacksonville International Airport
Jacksonville International Airport offers several parking options for travelers. The airport has a cell phone waiting lot, where drivers can wait free for up to one hour until their passenger arrives. There is also an hourly garage, which is located directly in front of the terminal and charges $2 per half hour or $20 per day.
If you need to park for an extended period, the daily surface lot is located adjacent to the hourly garage and charges $5 per hour or $13 per day. Economy lots 1 and 2 offer the cheapest parking rates, with a daily rate of $7. These lots are a short shuttle ride away from the terminal building.
Finally, if you’re looking for the most convenient parking option, the valet parking service is available for $28 per day. Valet parking is located on the arrivals level of the terminal and is available 24/7. Regardless of where you park, the airport provides complimentary shuttle services that run every 10 minutes to take you to and from your parked car.
Check-In Procedures
Jacksonville International Airport offers several check-in options to its passengers, ranging from online to traditional methods.
Passengers can use the online check-in option 24 hours prior to their departure time by accessing the airline’s website or mobile app. They can choose their preferred seat, pay for any additional services, and receive their boarding pass electronically.
Alternatively, the airport provides self-service kiosks located in the terminal lobby for passengers who prefer to check-in using traditional methods. These kiosks offer the same services as the online check-in process, allowing travelers to print their boarding passes and baggage tags.
For those who prefer the traditional check-in process, Jacksonville International Airport has dedicated check-in counters in the terminal lobby. At these counters, passengers can check-in with a customer service agent, obtain their boarding pass and baggage tags, and pay for any additional services required.
Regardless of the preferred method, all passengers must present valid identification and travel documents, such as a passport or driver’s license, at the time of check-in. Additionally, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time to allow sufficient time for the check-in process, security screening, and boarding.
Security Procedures and Tips at Jacksonville International Airport
At Jacksonville International Airport, security procedures are designed to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew. All passengers are required to go through a security check before boarding their flights.
To avoid delays and make your security check experience as smooth as possible, be sure to arrive at the airport early and follow all TSA guidelines. This includes packing liquids in a clear plastic bag and removing laptops and other electronic devices from your bags for separate screening.
Additionally, avoid wearing large metal accessories such as belts or jewelry that may set off metal detectors. And always listen to and follow instructions from TSA agents. By following these tips, you can help make your time at JAX airport more pleasant and stress-free.
Customs and Immigration Process at Jacksonville International Airport
Arriving passengers will go through US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon arrival. They will need to present their passport and visa, if applicable, to the CBP officer. The officer will then ask a series of questions regarding the passenger’s travel details and reason for visiting the United States.
After clearing customs, passengers will proceed to baggage claim to retrieve their luggage. From there, they can exit the airport and continue to their final destination.
Departing passengers will first go through security screening. They will need to present a valid government-issued ID and boarding pass to proceed through the checkpoint. Once through security, passengers will proceed to their gate for boarding. If traveling internationally, they will also go through US Customs and Border Protection before boarding their flight.
Amenities
- Food and beverage options, including restaurants, cafes, and bars
- Gift shops and newsstands for last-minute souvenirs or reading material
- Duty-free shopping for international travelers
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport
- ATMs and currency exchange services
- Children’s play area for families traveling with kids
- Assistance for passengers with disabilities, including accessible restrooms, wheelchairs, and visual paging systems
- Pet relief areas for traveling with furry companions
- Meeting rooms and conference facilities for business travelers
- Shoe shine services
Accessibility Services
Jacksonville International Airport provides facilities and services for passengers with disabilities or mobility issues. The airport has accessible parking spaces for disabled passengers near the terminal entrance. Wheelchair assistance is available for travelers who need help getting around the airport.
Passengers with visual impairments can navigate the airport with the aid of braille signage and tactile flooring in certain areas. Service animals are permitted in the airport, and relief areas for these animals are available both before and after security checkpoints.
In addition, there are accessible restrooms, telephones, and drinking fountains throughout the airport. Passengers who require additional assistance or special arrangements should contact their airline in advance to coordinate those needs.
Connecting Flights at Jacksonville International Airport
When catching a connecting flight at JAX, it is important to check your itinerary and know which terminal your connecting flight departs from. Make sure you give yourself enough time to get to your next gate, especially if you have to change terminals.
If you are flying with the same airline for both flights, your baggage should be automatically transferred to your connecting flight. However, double-check with the airline to confirm this and to ensure that you have the correct boarding pass for your next flight.
If you have a short layover, consider packing a small carry-on that you can easily take with you on your next flight in case your checked baggage doesn’t make it on time. Finally, don’t forget to pay attention to announcements and monitor your flight status to stay on schedule.
Baggage Claim and Lost Property
When you arrive at Jacksonville International Airport, head to the baggage claim area to collect your checked bags. Look for the carousel number displayed on the monitor above the baggage claim area.
If your luggage is missing or damaged, report it to the airline’s baggage service office immediately. They will provide you with a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) that you should keep in a safe place.
Be sure to provide a detailed description of your luggage and any unique identifying features. If your luggage is found, the airline will contact you to arrange for its return.
If your luggage is not found within a certain timeframe, you may be eligible for compensation from the airline. Contact the airline’s customer service department for more information.
If you find lost property in the airport, turn it in to one of the airport’s Information Booths or to the TSA Lost and Found office located in the main terminal.
Emergency and Medical Facilities
In case of an emergency, Jacksonville International Airport has trained personnel available 24/7 to assist passengers and visitors. The airport is equipped with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) located throughout the terminal building.
Medical professionals are also available on-site to provide medical assistance if needed. The airport has a fully licensed medical clinic, the JaxMedHealth, staffed by Board-Certified Emergency Physicians, Physician Assistants, and nurses.
Additionally, there is a pharmacy located in the main terminal that offers prescription medication and over-the-counter remedies for common ailments. Passengers with special medical needs can also request wheelchair assistance or other accommodations through their airline when booking their flight.
Hotel Accommodations
There are several hotel accommodations available within or near Jacksonville International Airport.
These accommodations are ideal for travelers who don’t want to stray too far from the airport or are looking for a comfortable place to stay before or after their flight.
Here is a list of minimum 5 hotels near the airport with the distance from the airport:
1. Hyatt Place Jacksonville Airport – Distance: 1 mile
2. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Airport – Distance: 1.1 miles
3. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Jacksonville Airport – Distance: 1.3 miles
4. Staybridge Suites Jacksonville – Distance: 2.4 miles
5. Hampton Inn & Suites Jacksonville-Airport – Distance: 2.5 miles
All of these hotels offer convenient amenities such as free shuttle services to and from the airport, complimentary breakfast, fitness centers, and on-site restaurants.
Useful Tips:
Navigating Jacksonville International Airport can be overwhelming, but with some insider tips, your experience can be much smoother.
Firstly, make sure to arrive early to allow for any unexpected delays or lines at security.
Secondly, familiarize yourself with the airport layout by looking at a map or asking for directions from an airport employee.
Thirdly, if you have time before your flight, explore the airport’s shops and restaurants.
Lastly, consider signing up for TSA PreCheck or Clear to expedite the security process and make your travels even more hassle-free.
Contact Information
– Customer Service: (904) 741-2000
– Lost & Found: (904) 741-2022
– Parking Information: (904) 741-2277
– TSA PreCheck Enrollment: (855) 347-8371
– Wheelchair Assistance: (904) 741-2040
– Airport Police: (904) 741-2058
– Airport Paging: (904) 741-2020.
Alternate Airports Near Jacksonville International Airport
There are several airports located within a reasonable distance of Jacksonville International Airport that could serve as alternative flight options or layover destinations. Here is a list of the nearest airports, along with their distance from JAX and available transportation options:
1. Northeast Florida Regional Airport (St. Augustine, FL) – 39 miles south of JAX
– Transportation Options: Rental cars, taxis, airport shuttles, and limousine services are available.
2. Daytona Beach International Airport (Daytona Beach, FL) – 96 miles south of JAX
– Transportation Options: Rental cars, taxis, rideshare services, and a bus service operated by Votran are available.
3. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (Savannah, GA) – 138 miles north of JAX
– Transportation Options: Rental cars, taxis, rideshare services, and the Chatham Area Transit (CAT) bus system are available.
4. Orlando International Airport (Orlando, FL) – 142 miles southwest of JAX
– Transportation Options: Rental cars, taxis, rideshare services, airport shuttles, and the Lynx bus system are available.
5. Tampa International Airport (Tampa, FL) – 207 miles southwest of JAX
– Transportation Options: Rental cars, taxis, rideshare services, and airport shuttles are available.
Depending on your travel needs, budget, and schedule, these alternate airports may provide viable alternatives to Jacksonville International Airport. It is recommended that you research your options thoroughly and plan accordingly.