Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) sits 13 miles north of downtown Jacksonville and falls on the smaller end of mid-sized airports.
The airport shares space with the Jacksonville Air National Guard Base (you might spot an F-15), but the commercial terminal operates separately with a straightforward layout that’s easy to navigate.
Airlines and airport layout
Airlines serving Jacksonville International Airport
JAX serves over 7 million passengers annually with 11 airlines operating across its two concourses. Here’s how they’re distributed:
Concourse A: Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Sun Country, United Airlines
Concourse C: Air Canada, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avelo Air, Breeze Airways, Southwest Airlines
Both concourses: Frontier
This setup keeps things simple since you won’t need to trek between terminals regardless of which airline you’re flying.
Concourse A & C? What about B?
Concourse B is currently under construction after being demolished in 2009. The new concourse will jut out between A and C, forming a trident shape that adds six gates to the existing 20. Concourse B is currently scheduled to open soon. The construction shouldn’t interfere with your airport experience.
Getting to and from Jacksonville Airport
The best way to get around Florida is by car. You’ll find all the major rental car offices right in the arrivals hall, just across from baggage claim. Avis, Budget, Dollar, and Thrifty are on one side, with Alamo, Enterprise, Hertz, and National on the other. I recommend hiring a car if you’ll be in Jacksonville longer than a day or plan to venture out to see more of the Sunshine State, but other transport options are also available.
If you’re not driving, you’ve still got options. Taxis, hotel shuttles and local buses are all available. For rideshare fans, there’s a dedicated pickup spot for Uber and Lyft just outside the terminal. Just follow the signs.
Here’s an insider tip for the golfers: if you’re headed to the PLAYERS tournament at TPC Sawgrass, the airport is approximately 35 miles away, with a drive time of about 40-45 minutes. Florida traffic can be a beast, so plan accordingly. The Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa works with East Coast Transportation to arrange car, shuttle, and limo services for guests if you want to travel in style.
Departures and security at JAX
Check-in desks and kiosks are on the upper level, which is also where you’ll find the gates. Delta, JetBlue, United, Frontier, and Sun Country are to the right of the main lobby, while American, Breeze, Southwest, and Allegiant are to the left. If you’ve already checked in online and only have a carry-on, you can head straight for security.
Got some time to kill before your flight? Check out the art galleries pre-security at JAX. It’s a nice way to relax before the hustle of the gate. There are also a few shops and a cafe in that area if you need a last-minute snack or magazine.
Getting through security
JAX has TSA PreCheck, and if you’re in a Trusted Traveler program like Global Entry, SENTRI, or NEXUS, you’re eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits when you provide your Known Traveler Number to participating airlines. Security at JAX moves quickly year-round, even through standard TSA lanes. Passenger volume fluctuates with the seasons, but except in rare circumstances, you’ll get through without delays. The efficiency at JAX is one of its standout features.
Food, drinks and shopping
While JAX isn’t a shopping mall, it has a solid selection of shops for travel essentials, souvenirs, and electronics. Golf fans should definitely check out the PGA Tour shop before security for some unique gifts. For a pre-flight caffeine fix, there’s a Southern Grounds coffee shop in the main lobby.
Concourse A
Once you’re past security, you’ll find dining options including Chili’s. Further down in Concourse A, you’ll find Shula’s Bar & Grill, a steakhouse named for the legendary Miami Dolphins coach.
Right next door is Angie’s Subs, a local favorite from Jacksonville Beach. Trust me, get a sub and a sweet tea, you won’t regret it.
Concourse C
Over in Concourse C, you can grab a bite at the PGA Tour Grill or get your Starbucks fix. You’ll also find Firehouse Subs, another Jacksonville original, next to Gate C3. It’s a solid choice for a quick and tasty meal.
Lounges at Jacksonville Airport
Jacksonville Airport has a Delta Sky Club located post-security. Lounge options are limited here (the previous Priority Pass Club JAX permanently closed recently to facilitate the construction of the new Concourse B, with a new, larger lounge planned to open in Concourse B when construction completes), but the Delta space offers a solid option for eligible travelers.
It’s not one of Delta’s flashy new lounges, but I find it comfortable and bright with a great view of the airfield. There’s plenty of seating, power outlets and food and beverages including select alcoholic beverages.
Military and business lounges
Given the military connection at JAX, there’s a dedicated Military Lounge on the lower level (Baggage Claim level) in the pre-security area at the site of the former USO lounge, which closed recently. For business travelers, JAX also has an Executive Conference Room you can book for meetings. It’s fully equipped for video calls and you can even arrange for catering.
Arrivals at Jacksonville International Airport
When you land at JAX, you’ll head down to the ground level for baggage claim and ground transportation. And even though it’s an “international” airport, it primarily serves domestic flights.
Baggage claim
The baggage claim area spreads out with carousels on both sides as you come down the escalators. You can rent a luggage cart if you need one, and the airline baggage desks are right there in case your bag decides to take a different vacation than you did. If you need some local tips, the VisitJAX Information Center is right in the baggage claim area on the lower level.
Airport services and amenities
Traveling with a pet? JAX has you covered with relief areas both outside baggage claim near bag belt 8 and inside post-security near the Food Court between Concourses A and C. It’s a nice touch for our four-legged travel companions. The airport also has its own app with an interactive terminal map including wayfinding to help you navigate and other useful info to make your trip smoother.
And yes, there’s free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Just connect to “JAX-Free-Wifi” and you’re good to go. No need to burn through your data while you wait for your flight.
Accessibility services at Jacksonville Airport
JAX is an accessible airport with plenty of services for travelers with limited mobility. You can contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours before your flight for assistance getting through security from their Passenger Support Specialists. Both concourses also have moving walkways, and you’ll find accessible restrooms and water fountains throughout the terminal.
Public parking for disabled parking patrons is available in the Hourly Garage, Daily Garage, Daily Surface Lot, and Economy Lots. Charges apply to vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit or license tag, except for vehicles with specialized equipment (ramps, lifts, foot/hand controls) or those displaying the Florida Toll Exemption permit. Disabled veterans with a vehicle displaying a “DV” license plate receive free parking in the Daily Garage, Daily Surface Lot, or Economy Lots. For any other assistance you might need on your travel day, it’s best to book it directly with your airline ahead of time.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
