Jacksonville International Airport has made some changes: What holiday travelers should know
Jacksonville International Airport is once again about to hit its busiest season of the year as the holidays approach. The airport always seems to be undergoing some new changes, whether it’s repaving surface lots to ensure a better parking experience, adding new flight destinations and security equipment or opening new shopping and dining options once inside the terminal.
Greg Willis, marketing and public relations manager for Jacksonville Aviation Authority, answered some common questions travelers have before heading to the airport. Here are a few things to know before taking off or picking up visitors for the rest of the year:
Where should I park at Jacksonville International Airport?
Economy Lot 3 will be open for the Thanksgiving holiday. This paved lot will add 350 spaces to the airport and is set to open Wednesday, Nov. 22, but may open a day earlier if necessary. Travelers will pay a $40 flat fee from the time of entry through Dec. 4.
What off-site parking lots are available at Jacksonville International Airport?
Wally Park, USA Park and Park EZ Fly are nearby parking options with shuttles in case airport parking fills up.
Is there parking at the Jacksonville airport available right now?
On-site airport parking availability is posted online at flyjax.com. When lots are full, closures will be posted on the website, roadway signage into the terminal and on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. Passengers may also want to seek alternative means of transportation, such as a rideshare to catch a departing flight.
How busy will the airport be for Thanksgiving?
Wednesday, Nov. 22; Sunday, Nov. 26; and Monday, Nov. 27, will likely be the busiest days for travel at JAX with over 14,000 passengers expected on these days.
What security updates are new?
The security process is still the same, but TSA is using new technology for screening. However, the location of the lanes, including standard and pre-check, may have changed from the last time a passenger traveled. Signage and attendants at the front of the line can help travelers get exactly where they need to be.
What restaurants are new this year?
Firehouse Subs in Concourse C and Southern Grounds locations, both pre-security and in Concourse A, have all opened within the last year or so.
What new destinations are available to fly out of Jacksonville since last year?
New routes established since November 2022 include flights to Norfolk and Providence on Breeze Airways and Phoenix on American Airlines.
How early do I need to get to the airport for my flight?
Travelers need to give themselves plenty of time to fly out of JAX. The airport recommends arriving at the terminal at least two hours prior to the departure time to find parking, check bags and navigate through security. Passengers should anticipate longer than usual wait times and lines around the holidays.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: JAX gears up for holiday travel rush with new parking, dining, shopping
