FAQ | Fly OAJ | Albert J. Ellis Airport | Jacksonville NC (2023)

Where is the airport located?

264 Albert Ellis Airport Road
Richlands, NC 28574

13 miles by road northeast of downtown Jacksonville via NC-17B S to US-258 N / NC-24 W to NC-111 N (Catherine Lake Road) to Albert Ellis Airport Road on the left. 34° 49.832’N 77° 36.344’W

What airlines fly to OAJ and how do I book travel?

American Airlines and Delta Air Lines fly in and out of OAJ. The airport itself does sell tickets, but both American Airlines and Delta Air Lines serve OAJ and you can book a ticket online on our website, with our new and improved booking engine or at aa.com or delta.com. As a member of the military, special fares may be available from ticket agents. You could either contact a travel agent or call reservations, (800)221-1212 for Delta Air Lines or (800) 433-7300 for American Airlines.

How long does it take to get through security?

Typically the wait is 5 minutes or less, except during peak holiday travel days the wait can be longer.

What time should I arrive for my flight?

In order to reduce stress we recommend arriving at the airport one hour prior to your scheduled departure. Please note that federal regulations require that all baggage and passengers must be checked in no less than 42 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. This may vary, so confirm with your airline. If you are not checking any baggage you may check in on the airlines website and print out your boarding pass up to 24 hours in advance. For international departures the airlines recommend you arrive 2 hours in advance.

How should I pack for my flight?

We suggest that passengers pack smart. Pack light – carrying heavy luggage isn’t enjoyable and can be costly. The airlines charge nominal fees for checked luggage and the penalties for overweight bags can be significant depending on your destination. Check the airlines’ websites for specific rules regarding size and weight restrictions. The rules are different for military personnel traveling on orders and the policies are posted on the websites. Don’t check critical, fragile or valuable items in the event your baggage is delayed. These items such as keys, medicine, travel documents, jewelry or anything you can’t live without should be in your carry-on.

What are the rates for parking?

First 15 minutes FREE
Hourly rate $2.00
Maximum daily rate $9.00
Maximum weekly rate $54.00

Lost ticket rate is minimum $9 per day.
There is no limit to the number of days you can park, however we suggest that if you plan to be in the parking lot for more than 3 weeks, please advise the Airport Police when you depart.

Did you leave a personal item at the airport terminal?

If you have misplaced items, or left a few personal items at the airport such as; phone/computer chargers, phones, laptops/tablets, sunglasses, sweaters, travel mugs, jewelry, they will be turned over to the Airport Police Department’s Lost and Found. These items will be held for 180 days. Lost and Found may be reached at (910) 989-3166.

What should I do if my luggage doesn't arrive?

Most delayed baggage arrives on the next flight; however passengers with delayed or damaged baggage claims should immediately file a claim with the airline. The airlines will enter a tracer and when the baggage arrives they will typically deliver it to the address provided on your claim unless you voluntarily separated from your luggage. Certain rules apply and vary by airlines and for the most current information visit your airline’s website.

Are there any rental companies or taxi services available?

Six major rental car companies have offices at the airport (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National). The counters are typically open during arriving flights and reservations are recommended. Airport licensed taxis are available and staged near baggage claim during Airport operating hours. Taxi companies represented include (Dependable, King, Star, Tarheel, and Toon).

What carry-on items are prohibited?

Generally speaking, the following items are some of the common prohibited in carry-on presented at the checkpoint. For a comprehensive list of currently prohibited and allowed items, visit the TSA’s website.

Liquids, jells or pastes greater than 3.4oz and more than will fit into a quart sized zip to bag. See the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for specific information.
Aerosols such as hairspray and deodorant.
Knives, multi-tools, firearms, ammunition and toys or souvenirs that look like weapons or ammunition.

What are the requirements for minors traveling?

Most airlines have special programs for unaccompanied minors traveling alone. The specific rules and fees vary by airline and are posted on their websites.
The TSA also has special screening procedures for children under the age of 12, disabled travelers and seniors 75 and older.

Can I carry my medications on the plane?

Yes, as long as you have a prescription. The TSA offers special accommodations for disabled and passengers with medical conditions. Visit the Travelers Information section on www.tsa.gov for more information. There are also special rules for oxygen tanks and generators and travelers are advised to check with your airline in advance.

How can I check the status of my flight?

We have a live feed on our new site of arrivals and departures for the day. If you don’t see your flight listed, call the 1-800 number of the airline on which you are traveling or visit their website. You may also sign up for automatic text and email notifications on the airline and/or the OAJ website.

Is there a foreign currency exchange at OAJ?

Not at this time; however, some local banks will exchange currency for account holders.

Does the airport have a tarmac delay plan?

Yes. The plan describes how, following excessive tarmac delays and to the extent practicable, the airport will:
Provide for the deplanement of passengers
Provide for the sharing of facilities and make gates available at the airport
Provide a sterile area following excessive tarmac delays for passengers who have not yet cleared United States Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Check out our Tarmac Delay Plan Here.

Are there employment opportunities available at OAJ?

Depending on your interests and qualifications there may be positions available with the County or one of the airport’s tenants. The Airport is operated by Onslow County and all County positions are posted on the website. Also, at the airport there are two airlines, multiple rental car companies, several concessionaires, the TSA and an FBO. We recommend people looking for a position check the website for the County positions (police, fire, administration and maintenance) as well as visit the tenants in person to inquire about openings and to obtain applications. Below are links to several websites and some tenants are frequently hiring.

Onslow County
TSA
Piedmont Airlines (American Airlines)
Unifi (Delta Air Lines)
Enterprise/Alamo/National Rent A Car
Avis Budget Rent a Car
Hertz
Skyport (FBO)
American Airline Pilot Program – Cadet
Delta Air Lines Pilot Program – Propel