You’re standing in Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), probably sweating a little because Florida's humidity doesn't care if it's January or July. You’ve got a bag packed for Ohio. Maybe it's for a Buckeyes game, a business meeting at Nationwide, or just a visit to German Village for some cream puffs at Schmidt’s. Whatever the reason, finding flights from Jacksonville to Columbus Ohio used to be a giant headache involving a mandatory, soul-crushing layover in Atlanta or Charlotte.
But honestly? The landscape has shifted.
We’re in 2026, and the "boring" flight path between North Florida and Central Ohio has actually become one of the most competitive mid-market routes in the Eastern U.S.
The Breeze Factor: Why Nonstop Matters Now
For the longest time, if you wanted to get to John Glenn Columbus International (CMH), you were basically at the mercy of Delta or American. You’d fly north to fly south, or sit in Charlotte for three hours watching the rocking chairs.
Then Breeze Airways showed up.
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They basically looked at the map and realized that people in Jax actually want to go to Columbus without seeing the inside of Hartsfield-Jackson. Currently, Breeze is the heavy hitter for direct service. We’re talking a flight time of about 2 hours and 7 minutes. Compare that to a five-hour slog with a connection. It’s a no-brainer.
- Frequency: Usually twice a week (think Thursdays and Sundays).
- The Vibe: It’s a "nice" low-cost carrier. You aren't getting a three-course meal, but the A220 aircraft they use are quiet and the windows are huge.
- Cost: If you book three weeks out, you can often snag these for under $150 round trip. I’ve seen them as low as $58 one-way during "flash sales" that pop up on Tuesday nights.
The Legacy Carriers Are Still Looming
Don't count out the big guys, though. Delta still runs a massive operation through Atlanta. If you miss the twice-weekly direct flight, you’re going to be looking at a connection.
Southwest is the other big player here. They don't do "direct" from JAX to CMH usually, but their "wannabe" fares are often the cheapest if you have two checked bags. Since Southwest allows those bags for free, that "cheap" $80 Breeze flight might actually be more expensive once you add the baggage fees. Always do the math.
When to Pull the Trigger on Your Tickets
Look, nobody likes overpaying for a middle seat.
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Data from the last few months shows that February is actually the cheapest month to fly this route. It makes sense. Nobody is rushing to Ohio in the dead of winter unless they have to. If you’re a budget traveler, that’s your window.
On the flip side, March and December are the budget killers. Between Spring Break crowds heading south and holiday travelers heading north, prices jump by about 30%.
Pro Tip: If you see a round-trip fare for $180 or less, buy it. Don't wait for it to drop to $150. The fuel surcharges in 2026 have made "dirt cheap" fares rarer than they were a few years ago.
The Airport Experience: JAX vs. CMH
Jacksonville’s airport is honestly one of the easiest to navigate in the country. You can get from the parking garage to your gate in twenty minutes if the TSA lines aren't being weird.
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Columbus (CMH) is a bit larger but follows a similar logic. It’s not a sprawling labyrinth. Once you land, you're about 10-15 minutes from downtown.
Transportation Realities
- Rideshares: Expect to pay about $25-$35 for a Lyft from CMH to the Short North.
- Car Rentals: If you’re staying in Columbus, you kinda need a car. The COTA bus system exists, but it’s not exactly the NYC subway.
- Parking at JAX: If you're leaving your car in Florida, the Economy lots fill up fast. Use the pre-booking tool on the JAX airport website; it saves about $2 a day.
Misconceptions About This Route
People think they have to fly into Rickenbacker (LCK) to get a deal. Rickenbacker is way south of the city and mostly handles Allegiant flights from places like St. Pete or Sanford.
If you are looking specifically for flights from Jacksonville to Columbus Ohio, stick to JAX to CMH. The time you save by not driving from the outskirts of the county is worth the extra twenty bucks in airfare.
Also, don't assume Google Flights has every price. Southwest still famously keeps their best data on their own site. If you're only checking aggregators, you're missing half the story.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
Stop overthinking it and just do these three things:
- Check Breeze Airways first. If their Thursday/Sunday schedule fits your life, book it immediately. It’s the only way to avoid a layover.
- Compare the "Total Cost." Use a calculator. If Breeze is $100 but charges $45 for a bag, and Southwest is $140 with free bags, Southwest is your winner.
- Book on a Tuesday. It sounds like an old wives' tale, but the 2026 pricing algorithms still tend to reset midweek, leading to lower inventory prices before the weekend surge.
Once you land in Columbus, head straight to North Market. Grab some pierogies or a hot chicken sandwich. You’ll forget all about the flight within ten minutes of eating.