Jackson-Evers International Airport, Jackson, Mississippi...Small, But Easy to Negotiate
Written: Dec 11 '02 (Updated May 14 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Recently renovated, layout of terminal is easy to negotiate
Cons: Limited flights, limited dining options
The Bottom Line: This is an older airport which has been renovated in an almost pleasing style. Easy to get around because of its small size.
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| tombarnes's Full Review: Jackson International Airport |
The airport in Jackson is still the largest in the state of Mississippi, though it will likely soon be eclipsed by the small, but growing terminal at Gulfport, on the Mississippi coast. The surge of travelers to the Coast have made the terminal there one of the fastest growing airports in the country.
A Brief History
Jackson's airport was formerly known as Allen C. Thompson Field and had been rebuilt in 1963 with a terminal building of surprising completeness, considering the small size of the airport and the city itself. Few terminals in smaller cities offered amenities like a hotel within the terminal (even if it was only a lowly TraveLodge). The terminal building did not age gracefully and my few memories of the building before its recent renovation are dim and grim. Fortunately, the terminal building was extensively modernized and expanded in 1996. The "international" moniker refers more to the presence of a US Customs office and the airport's recent designation as a Foreign Trade Zone than to any international flights.
The Terminal Building Today
As a result of the facelift in 1996-7, the terminal looks better today than ever before. The sand colored brick and stucco building was sheathed in white metal panels with teal trim. The main front was revamped with the addition of a canted, sweeping glass and aluminum canopy on the parking side. The terminal has more bulk than you might expect because of the three storied former hotel building perched atop the terminal. This space now houses offices instead of hotel rooms. It always seemed slightly odd that an airport of this size would have had a hotel within in the first place, so its passing went unmourned. Who would miss a TraveLodge anyway?
There are plans to renovate and expand the food and beverage concessions, expansion of the parking garage and new landscaping. A bus link to downtown Jackson is under discussion.
Airlines
The airport is served by eight airlines (including commuter subsidiaries). They are as follows: Delta, Northwest, Southwest, Continental Express, American Eagle, ComAir and ASA. There are direct flights to ten cities, most of them "hub" cities.
East Concourse
The East Concourse serves Southwest Airlines, Northwest Airlines, USAirways Express and American Eagle. There is a small snack bar on this side.
West Concourse
The West Concourse serves Delta Air Liners, Continental Express Airlines as well as the two Delta affiliated commuter lines ComAir and Atlantic Southeast Airlines. The restaurant and bar are on the west concourse (see below).
Main Hall
The main hall has ticket counters for all airlines, an information booth for the city, and a gift shop (see below). The main hall has been brightened in recent years. I can recall when it was dark, dreary and gloomy.
Ground Level
Baggage claim for all airlines is on the lower level. Reservation counters for Hertz, Budget, Avis, National and Enterprise Rent-a-Car are on the lower level as well.
Restaurant
I had no reason to try the Capital City Square restaurant, but it appeared to be a standard sort of place. It is operated by the ubiquitous Host International (once a subsidiary of Marriott. The dining room appeared slightly on the dark side, but I was merely passing by, so I had no chance to investigate further. It is open from 5:30 AM each morning until 9:00 PM.
Bar
Also on the East Concourse, the PSAir Pub is open from 11:00 AM until 10:00 PM M-Sat. and from 12:00 PM until 9:00 PM on Sundays.
Gift Shop
The gift shop has the usual rubbish one finds in airport gift shops everywhere, but they do have a surprisingly good selection of local books. Prices are slightly higher than they might be if you weren't at an airport, but this should come as no surprise.
Getting There
The airport is about fifteen to twenty minutes from downtown Jackson. There are four taxi companies serving the airport. The average fare to downtown Jackson is about $30.00. Check with your hotel to see if they offer complimentary transportation. The Hilton and the Edison Walthall both offer complimentary transportation upon demand.
Jackson International Airport
Tel. 601-939-5631
http://www.jmaa.com
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Friends
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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Epinions.com ID:
tombarnes
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 - Top 100 |
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Member: Thomas Barnes
Location: Fort Lauderdale & Washington, DC
Reviews written: 684
Trusted by: 441 members
About Me:
With Barbara in Miami, 2004
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