Private Jet Travel Gains Affordability and Reach through JSX

Private jet travel continues to suffer a reputation for being the quarry of the rich. However, not all private jet choices – of which there are many – are alike. JSX believes there is more than one way to run an airline. As a relatively new entrant in the private jet space, the private airline company is out to prove that a democratized model of luxurious and affordable hop-on, hop-off air service is wheels-up for the weekend leisure traveler. 

The brand’s initials, which stand for “joyful, simple experience,” have taken the best of commercial aviation and the wants that attract the well-heeled to the privately proffered decked out Cessnas, Gulfstreams and Bombardiers and mixed them into an air system that is easily booked and within reach for the rest of us.

The Dallas, TX-based airline company runs Embraer EMB-145 jets that have been “planecycled” from the Mojave boneyard and turned into turnkey 30-seat war horses that fly up to three hours on point to point hops several times a day in a comfortable cabin set-up. That means “red-glove service” with colorful inflight cocktails and healthy repasts, stellar Wi-Fi — literally, runway ready attendants in smart red dresses, spacious seating and a hearty welcome for passengers … and their pets. The hop-on part happens at the private terminal lounges where passengers check in anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour before a flight (including 2-minute security screenings) and walk up the airstairs to their seat.

Private Jet Travel Now Means Affordable Luxury

A bit of hybrid magic happens in the affordability of these flights. You don’t have to be a member of a private aviation consortium or buy shares. You don’t have to charter your own transport. All flights on JSX are scheduled and offered at price points well below the competition.

For instance, a flight out of Burbank Hollywood Airport (BUR) to Las Vegas (LAS) runs under $200 most days – often less than commercial airlines – and without the luggage fees. Similarly, a flight from the LA-area airport to Taos, New Mexico will cost $229. Flights are point to point and the airline does not offer connections per se.

“So there are so many external things that we don’t control, and we want to make the things that we do control be as simple as possible,” says JSX CEO Alex Wilcox. That means using airports near but not necessarily in a large metro area or international airport, having a flexible manageable fleet, and wrapping in the comforts that passengers want within the fare while not sacrificing the “wow” factor.

“We’ve turned airports into prisons and shopping malls.” If you are not taking a long flight you don’t have to be stuck at the airport, Wilcox says. Hop-on, hop-off is as much a creed as a tag line.

Private Jets for Pets

JSX aims for that “sweet spot” for travelers who value their time and do not want to spend it waiting at a departure gate, nor do they not want to spend the many hours driving to their destination. The JSX model allows passengers to pay a little more (or a lot more depending on day and hour of a flight) to get to a critical destination such as Dallas, Denver, Vegas or Miami in relatively stressless circumstances and not waste more time than they must waiting to board.

For families it means a group can travel together and even bring the dog or pet peacock without TSA hiccups, seating shuffles, airline delays, cabin starvation concerns and unexpected fees. For business travelers it means getting to a meeting without worries and even getting some – or a lot – of work done as every flight goes up with the same Wi-Fi connectivity SpaceX rockets use: Starlink. Use of the new cutting-edge new technology is complimentary and continuous, starting in the JSX terminal lounges and continuing at 35,000 feet. Passengers can run a Zoom meeting without interruptions. YouTube, Netflix streaming, no problem.

JSX flights are on its fleet of 37 Embraer 145 aircraft (with 40 more on the way) that have been refitted with 30 seats inside of a design that is rolling out fleet wide presenting all single seats on both aisles with a large platform for both sides to secure refreshments and other personal items. Each seat has an electric outlet, seat pocket and tray table as well. The seats on this narrow-body aircraft are not the thrones one might see on a small Cessna fitted for a royal family but are comfortable enough with the 34 to 36-inch pitch. Carry-ons go under the seat as overhead space has been eliminated (two checked bags are included in each fare).

The airline has been lauded by animal protection organizations for its flexible policies – pets less than 30 pounds go under the seat and larger pets are also allowed on the plane with a seat of their own.

Burgeoning Route Map for Private Jet Hybrid Model

JSX started in 2016 with a flight from Buchanan Field in Contra Costa, CA to Burbank-Hollywood and never looked back. Strongly built up in the Western U.S. with 43 short-haul routes running from up and down the California coast to Colorado and its ski areas, south to Texas, as far south as Cabo San Lucas, as far east as Miami and then north to the New York area, the widespread route system is adding steadily and targeting underserved markets that show significant demand.

Investors include Qatar Airways. Partnerships with JetBlue and United Airlines bring loyalty benefits – JSX passengers can rack up rewards points that can be turned into TrueBlue mileage or Mileage Plus points. And those membership accounts can also pay for JSX flights.

“We are a luxury product,” says Wilcox, “but we are attainable. You might say a ‘mass’ luxury product, a Starbucks over a Dunkin’ Donuts. We keep it joyful and simple and that seems to work.”

Private Jet Links to Warm Weather Vacations

Now, the world’s only 5-star hop-on jet service is officially headed to the Bahamas with its first-ever flights from Miami/Opa-locka (OPF) to Marsh Harbour (MHH), commencing December 14, 2023 through Spring of 2024, with seamless same-plane service from Westchester County (HPN), and 1-stop service from Dallas (DAL).

Offering a simplified time-saving international travel experience from departure to arrival with “no dwell time” procedures and many of the perks of private jet joys without the price tag, savvy vacation-seekers and second home owners can spend more time exploring the stunning turquoise waters of the Abacos Islands by bypassing needless time idling at congested airports.

Customers can arrive just 45 minutes before departure at a JSX private terminal in Dallas, Westchester County, or Opa-locka and simply hop on & go, enjoying 30-seat jets equipped with business class legroom, no overhead bins, frictionless security, free high speed in-flight Starlink Wi-Fi, in-seat power, and complimentary gourmet inflight snacks and beverages. Upon arrival at Marsh Harbour’s main terminal, Customers will pass through the Government-mandated security checkpoint with no lines, no stress, and an expedited customs & clearance process once reserved exclusively for private jet patrons.

The new seasonal international flight service to Marsh Harbour (MHH) will commence on December 14, 2023 as follows:

Nonstop flights between Miami/Opa-locka (OPF) and Marsh Harbour (MHH) will begin December 14, 2023, and will operate 5 days per week on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Introductory fares start at $199 one-way and  include at least two checked bags (weight/size restrictions apply but include options for golf bags, skis, and snowboards with planeside baggage retrieval within minutes of arrival), free in-flight Wi-Fi,  onboard cocktail and business-class legroom. 

JSX’s private jet terminal is located at  Embassair, 13550 NW 47th Avenue, Opa-locka, FL 33054. Arrival and returns are from Marsh Harbour Airport (MHH), GW7C+9P5, Marsh Harbour, Bahamas  – free of crowds and lines.

Same-plane through flights  between Westchester County (HPN) and Marsh Harbour (MHH) will begin December 14, 2023 and will operate 5 days per week on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Customers will make a brief stop in Opa-locka before continuing on the same aircraft to Marsh Harbour.

Introductory fares start at $849 one-way and  include at least two checked bags (weight/size restrictions apply), free in-flight Wi-Fi, onboard cocktails, and business-class legroom. 

Customers may check in just 45 minutes before their flight from JSX’s private terminal located at  Atlantic Aviation (West) 67 Tower Road West Harrison, NY 10604.They arrive at and return from Marsh Harbour Airport (MHH), GW7C+9P5, Marsh Harbour, Bahamas.

One-stop flights  between Dallas (DAL) and Marsh Harbour (MHH) will begin December 14, 2023, and will operate 5 days per week on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. 

Introductory fares start at $649 one-way and  include at least two checked bags (weight/size restrictions apply),  free in-flight Wi-Fi, onboard cocktails, and business-class legroom. 

Customers may check in just 45 minutes before their flight from JSX’s private terminal located at  8555 Lemmon Avenue, Dallas, TX 75235, with arrivals and returns from Marsh Harbour Airport (MHH). 

Fast Growing Markets for Private Jet Service

With a fast-growing international and domestic coast-to-coast network now serving 45 routes across 24 key markets, JSX will resume its popular international flight service from Los Angeles (LAX) to Cabo San Lucas (CSL) starting October 19, 2023, and will increase its service from Dallas (DAL) to 10 flights per week.

Flights  between Los Angeles (LAX) and Cabo San Lucas (CSL) resume on October 19, 2023 and will operate once per day on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Introductory fares start at $599 one-way and  include at least two checked bags (weight/size restrictions apply), onboard cocktails, and business-class legroom. Customers may check in 45 minutes before their flight from Signature Flight Support, 6201 W. Imperial Hwy, Los Angeles, CA 90045. They arrive at and return from Cabo San Lucas Airport (CSL), Av. Leona Vicario, Col. del Sol CSL Mesa Colorada, 23460 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. The location is minutes away from the town of Cabo San Lucas.

Flights  between Dallas (DAL) and Cabo San Lucas (CSL) are ongoing, but will increase to two flights per day from October 19, 2023, on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. This flight is the only regular international flight service from Dallas Love Field (DAL). Fares start  at $519 one-way. 

Partnership with United Airlines

A comprehensive partnership with United Airlines allows travelers the opportunity to reap the rewards of flying via hop-on public charter carrier JSX while earning valuable United MileagePlus miles. Tapping JSX and United Airlines’ industry-leading networks, Customers enjoy expanded earning opportunities for both business and leisure travel, creating increased value to travelers accruing miles for future trips across the globe.