Helpful JAX Airport Passenger Tip
Passengers intending to reach the official Jacksonville Airport (JAX) website should visit Flyjacksonville.com
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) serves as the primary gateway for Northeast Florida and is known for its convenient layout, accessible services, and growing list of destinations. Here’s everything you need to know to navigate JAX efficiently, from parking and amenities to airline information and tips for a smooth journey.
1. Location and General Information
- Address: 2400 Yankee Clipper Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32218
- Phone Number: (904) 741-4902
- Location: 13 miles north of downtown Jacksonville in Duval County, Florida
- Elevation: 30 feet (9 m) above sea level
- Website: flyjacksonville.com or flyjax.com
- Runways:
- Runway 08/26: 10,000 ft (3,048 m), Concrete
- Runway 14/32: 7,701 ft (2,347 m), Concrete
- Operator: Jacksonville Aviation Authority
JAX is located about 13 miles north of downtown Jacksonville, making it a quick drive to the city center and nearby beaches.
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) serves as the key aviation hub for Northeast Florida, offering travelers a wide range of services and amenities. With its rich history, dating back to its opening in 1968, JAX has grown into a bustling airport that accommodates millions of passengers annually. Here’s a detailed guide covering everything you need to know about Jacksonville International Airport.
1. General Information
- Location: 13 miles north of downtown Jacksonville in Duval County, Florida
- Address: 2400 Yankee Clipper Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32218
- Elevation: 30 feet (9 m) above sea level
- Website: flyjax.com
- Runways:
- Runway 08/26: 10,000 ft (3,048 m), Concrete
- Runway 14/32: 7,701 ft (2,347 m), Concrete
- Operator: Jacksonville Aviation Authority
2. History and Expansion
Opened on September 1, 1968, JAX replaced the aging Imeson Field, which could no longer support modern jet aircraft. Early expansions were slow, but by the late 1990s, the airport began to grow rapidly, handling over five million passengers annually.
A major expansion took place in the 2000s, consolidating security checkpoints, expanding parking, and adding new concourses. The most recent development includes a plan to rebuild Concourse B to meet rising passenger demands. Ground was broken in May 2024, with completion expected by 2026.
JAX is home to the 125th Fighter Wing of the Florida Air National Guard, which operates F-15 Eagle fighter jets from the airport. The military base located in the southwest quadrant of the airport also plays a crucial role in emergency and fire response for JAX.
3. Airlines and Destinations
JAX is serviced by 13 airlines that offer direct flights to over 68 destinations across the U.S. and Canada, including major hubs and leisure destinations. Key airlines include:
- American Airlines: Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, Philadelphia
- Delta Air Lines: Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, New York (JFK)
- Southwest Airlines: Chicago-Midway, Baltimore, Nashville, Denver
- JetBlue: Fort Lauderdale, Boston, New York (JFK)
- Breeze Airways: Norfolk, Providence, Las Vegas
- Air Canada Express: Toronto Pearson International (Resuming May 2025)
Passengers can connect to international destinations through larger hubs like Miami, Atlanta, and New York.
3. Terminals and Concourse Layout
JAX has a straightforward, easy-to-navigate layout. The airport has one main terminal that splits into two concourses: Concourse A (serving Delta, JetBlue, Frontier, and United) and Concourse C (serving Southwest, Allegiant, and American Airlines). This simple design minimizes walking distances between security and gates. Read about JAX Airport Terminals
4. Parking Options
JAX offers a range of parking options catering to all needs:
- Hourly Garage: Located adjacent to the terminal, perfect for short stays ($24/day).
- Daily Garage: A short walk from the terminal, ideal for business travelers ($20/day).
- Daily Surface Lot: Budget-friendly and within walking distance ($14/day).
- Economy Lots 1, 2, and 3: Affordable with free 24/7 shuttle service to the terminal ($8/day).
- Valet Parking: For ultimate convenience, drop off your car curbside ($28/day).
Check real-time parking availability on the JAX website, where the status of each parking lot (open/full) is displayed. Read more on JAX Airport Parking.
5. Transportation to and from JAX
- Car Rentals: JAX offers several on-site car rental agencies, including Alamo, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. The rental car counters are conveniently located in the baggage claim area.
- Ride-Sharing Services: Uber and Lyft are available at designated pick-up zones on the lower arrivals level.
- Taxis: Traditional taxi services are available near baggage claim, and Kenatco, JAX’s official taxi service, offers reliable transport.
- Public Transportation: JTA buses provide a cost-effective option for reaching downtown Jacksonville and other areas.
6. Lounges
JAX offers two operational lounges:
- Delta Sky Club: Located in Concourse A, this lounge offers complimentary snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, and seating for eligible Delta passengers and American Express Platinum cardholders.
- USO Military Lounge: Located pre-security in the Center Courtyard, this lounge is exclusively for active-duty military personnel and their families, offering free snacks, Wi-Fi, and a children’s area.
The Club JAX Lounge, previously accessible to Priority Pass holders, is currently closed with no scheduled reopening date. Read more on JAX Airport lounges.
7. Food and Dining
JAX offers a variety of food and beverage options, both pre- and post-security, catering to all tastes:
- Shula’s Bar & Grill: Famous for its hearty American cuisine and steaks.
- Vino Volo: A popular wine bar offering light bites and an extensive selection of wines.
- BurgerFi: For gourmet burgers, this is a great casual dining option.
- Starbucks: Available for those in need of coffee or a quick snack.
Additional options include Panera Bread, PGA Tour Grill, and Chick-fil-A (closed on Sundays). Most restaurants are open from early morning until the last flight departure of the day. Read more on JAX Airport food and dining.
8. Shopping
JAX offers a selection of stores where you can pick up last-minute essentials or Florida-themed souvenirs. Some highlights include:
- Best Buy Express: Offering travel gadgets and electronics.
- The PGA Tour Shop: Selling golf apparel and equipment.
- CNN Newsstand: Perfect for magazines, snacks, and travel necessities.
Read more on Jacksonville Airport Shopping.
9. Security and Checkpoints
JAX has two TSA security checkpoints, one for each concourse (A and C), ensuring efficient processing times. Travelers are encouraged to arrive at least 90 minutes before their domestic flights and 2 hours for international flights.
TSA PreCheck lanes are available for eligible passengers, offering expedited screening.
10. Lost and Found
Lost an item at JAX? The Lost and Found service is managed through Chargerback, a cloud-based system. You can file a claim on the Chargerback website.
- If you lost an item at the security checkpoint, contact the TSA Lost and Found office at 904-380-4069.
- Items left on the aircraft must be reported to your airline’s Lost and Found department.
11. Other Services
- Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the airport.
- Charging Stations: Located in most seating areas for electronic devices.
- Pet Relief Areas: Available post-security near Gate C and pre-security in the courtyard.
- Family Restrooms: Provided for travelers with children, located throughout the terminal.
- Assistance for Travelers with Disabilities: Services include wheelchair assistance, accessible parking, and shuttles. Contact your airline or the airport in advance for assistance.
12. Tips for Travelers
- Check-in Early: While JAX is a relatively small airport, during peak times (holidays, early mornings), security lines can become longer. Arrive early, especially for morning flights.
- Real-time Updates: Use the JAX Airport app or website for real-time flight updates, parking status, and terminal information.
- Economy Lot Shuttle: If you’re parking in the economy lots, remember that shuttles run every 15 minutes and are available 24/7.
13. Nearby Hotels
Several hotels are located near the airport, perfect for passengers with early flights or layovers:
- DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Airport: Located directly on airport property.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Jacksonville-Airport: Less than 2 miles away with a complimentary shuttle service.
- Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville Airport: Popular for business travelers, offering free Wi-Fi and parking.
Read more on JAX Airport hotels
JAX may not be the largest airport in Florida, but it offers a smooth, convenient travel experience with a good range of amenities and services. Whether you’re flying domestically or connecting to an international flight, this guide provides all the key information to make your time at Jacksonville International Airport as stress-free as possible.