Jacksonville Airport

If you are planning on flying into northeastern Florida, the Jacksonville International Airport is likely to be the place where you land. The Jacksonville Airport is conveniently located about fifteen miles north of the downtown area, so you can get to your downtown hotel in virtually no time at all. Should your vacation plans not involve staying downtown, the airport in Jacksonville is also conveniently located within easy reach of the top area beaches and beach towns, in which case the commute between the terminal and your beach hotel or vacation rental shouldn't take very long. Already a user friendly airport, the Jacksonville International Airport has been undergoing renovations in recent years, and more are on the way.

There are three main concourses at the Jacksonville International Airport, which is also known as JAX for short. These concourses include Concourse A and Concourse C. As for Concourse B, it is expected to be completely renovated by the year 2013. Currently, the A and C concourses more than meet the airport's existing demand, so there isn't exactly a rush when it comes to opening Concourse B. Other renovations will also address the airport's parking and baggage screening systems. The concourses each boast ten different gates, and moving walkways that make getting around with your luggage much easier.

Once you arrive at the airport in Jacksonville, you can rent a car to get where you need to go, or you can arrange for shuttle service. The Jacksonville Airport shuttles can definitely get you where you need to go, and while some of the shuttles are shared vans that are cost effective, those looking for private service can opt for that as well. You can even arrange for a limousine to pick you up if you are looking to upgrade. Taxis are also available, and they can be very convenient, though there is an airport pickup surcharge that you will want to be aware of. Before you leave the Jacksonville Airport, you might stop by the Welcome Center and Airport Information Booth, which can be found near the baggage claim area on the lower level. You can get all kinds of information on Jacksonville attractions and places to stay at the Welcome Center, which can help you better enjoy your trip if you're not familiar with the area.

In addition to getting some helpful travel tips during your time at the airport in Jacksonville, you can also get something to eat. The concourses here are home to an array of restaurants, most of which are familiar fast food eateries, and there are more choices than ever, thanks to the recent renovations. You'll also find some bars in the concourses if you want to grab a drink before or after your flight. No smoking is permitted in the airport, though there are outdoor smoking patios if you are interested. For those who are stuck at the airport on a lay over, hanging around the concourses can be a good way to pass the time, though you might prefer venturing out to visit an attraction or two. Some of the Jacksonville attractions that are closest to the airport include the Anheuser Busch Brewery and the Jacksonville Zoo.

There are some good lodging establishments to choose from at or near the airport in Jacksonville, and they include the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center and the Microtel Inn and Suites. Both of these hotels offer comfortable rooms, good amenities, and complimentary shuttle service. Other Jacksonville Airport hotels offer free shuttle service as well, such is the case with the Best Western Jacksonville Airport and the La Quinta Inn Jacksonville Airport. There are good deals to be had when it comes to the hotels near the Jacksonville Airport, so you might keep them in mind if saving money is a priority. As a side note, some discount airlines offer service to JAX, which means that friendly airfare rates can also often be part of the deal, especially if you book your flight well in advance and compare the different rates.