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January 27th, 2012
09:58 PM ET
THE NUMBER: America's Best Airport
What's the best airport in America? What does Mercedes, Coach and Jacksonville have in common? CNN's Erin Burnett weighs in.
What's the best airport in America? What does Mercedes, Coach and Jacksonville have in common? CNN's Erin Burnett weighs in.
While JAX may be pretty to look at (all of the renovations/additions to the airport are new-let's not discuss how bad JAX was even a few years ago), their TSA employs some of the worst and ridiculous agents in the country. I had my HAIR patted down last time I went through. Also, and this is important, the volume of passengers that travel through JAX pales in comparison to most airports. Try amping up the volume of flyers by 500% and see how well it'd function and flow. So yes, if you are looking for a modern, ghost-like non-busy airport, you'd likely find JAX appealing. Just cross your fingers that it's not your final destination. *shivers*
if you want to see a beautiful college campus in jacksonville, go to JU not UNF!
Glad she didn't mention the Landing at night!! It is going to get better but is going to take a while.. I do love our city we have so many things to see and explore!!
I've lived in this dumpy town for a few years. It's a shame to see so much go to waste. It has potential, prime location for life, on the river. However, downtown is a ghost town. Everything shuts down after the typical 90% of the city 9-5 workers go home. As for the rest of the city, the only part that has any character is Riverside/Avondale area. You have to drive way too far to get anywhere and public transportation lacks. I will give it to the airport, it's usually pretty easy to get thru. The food options are terrible and holy crap we are Starbucks obsessed...one before security and 2 more beyond. Overkill. I hope I can move out if this town soon.
u are right latin ed
I hate to say it, but I agree. I am a positive person & try to find things daily to appreciate about this town & surrounding areas, but I won't be sad the day we go. Jax has a LONG way to go.
Jax has came a long way! Thanks for taking the time on your thoughts and giving the positive side of the city!
Djsb said:
She obviously never went to downtown jax at night. Probably the most boring city night life in the US. We have tons of restaurants but hardly any clubs. Please report on this and maybe it might change.
DJSB, While Jacksonville's downtown has a long way to go to reach its potential, it is hardly the most boring in the U.S. That statement makes me wonder if you have really traveled to many other major U.S. cities?? I am a flight attendant with a major airline and I have traveled extensively in every major city in the U.S. (not to mention the world). Believe me, I've seen much, much worse. Jacksonville has a gorgeous natural cityscape that cities like Charlotte, Atlanta, Orlando, Raleigh,etc. can only dream about but will never have . True, these cities have relatively vibrant urban centers versus Jax. I too have wondered what Jacksonville is waiting on. Why does our development seem to move at a glacial pace when many other cities seem to encourage urban, mixed- use development?
With assets like the St. John's river, the Riverwalk and urban bridges that are truly beautiful (especially at night), our downtown should be much farther along than it is presently. However, I really believe that we are "turning the corner" and major residential, retail and office projects are in the near future. We just need fewer feasibility studies, focus groups and downtown development boards and just one business or individual (perhaps a certain Pakastani–born billionaire), that dares to make a major commitment to downtown (IMAX, aquarium, centrally located convention center, major retailer/restaurant with regional draw.....you get the idea). Once that happens, the floodgates will bust open. Now if we can just expand the Skyway down Bay street to the stadium, arena and......I guess that is for another post!!
Why does the downtown area have to be where the "nightlife" is? Have you been to 5 points, Riverside area? There are literally 20 bars on King St all within walking distance of each other. Jax Beach? Easily 100 bars, clubs, and restaurants down there. I don't understand the logic of why the downtown area has to be where the nightlife is. There are plenty of things to do in Jax. Try leaving your neighborhood and go find them.
how is this news?! O.o
I travel throughout the country and I agree Jacksonville does have the best airport in the country. It's open, modern, the bathrooms are cool, everything is where it's supposed to be and by the time you come from the airplane your baggage is ready from pick up. It's a good reflection on the type of town Jacksonville is becoming.
Thanks Erin, not only for visiting our city, but for the wonderful comments. Come back anytime and check out the beaches, golf courses, 5-Points shopping, Avondale shopping, Riverside bars, Navy bases, Hanna Park... oh I could go on and on!!!
She obviously never went to downtown jax at night. Probably the most boring city night life in the US. We have tons of restaurants but hardly any clubs. Please report on this and maybe it might change.
JIA also has convenient rocking chairs honoring the Wounded Warrior Project! They're great for people watching!
What a nice story about my hometown, Jacksonville, FL. The only things you forgot to mention, but that is ok, is our beautiful beaches and weather (most of the time anyway).Thank you for the positive, upbeat, story about the place I love and live in.
Well said.
I'm glad that Jacksonville is finally recognized as one of the best port logistics . University of North Florida also offers Transportation and Logistics program. We just need to deepen the port in order to bring more business to the city.
Thank You Erin! JIA (JAX) is awesome!
<3 JAX
Thank you for the nice piece about the JAX airport.