I booked a crowd-free private-jet-like experience for $99 on JSX. Here’s why I can’t stop recommending it.
Despite the fact that I am a travel writer and am often on the move, I was unable to board a plane for more than five hundred days because to the COVID-19 pandemic.
My hometown of Los Angeles, where I was born and raised, is currently experiencing a precipitous drop in the number of measles cases, so I decided to take advantage of the situation by planning a short trip to Las Vegas.
Because I place the highest value on passenger safety, I opted for JSX rather than traditional carriers. JSX is a hop-on jet service that is not technically considered to be a private aircraft but does offer many of the luxuries and conveniences that are associated with private jets. To put it another way, it’s like offering private flights to the general public.
Be prepared to be taken aback by the cost, despite the fact that it appears to imply otherwise. My flight on JSX cost me just $99, but it made me feel and look like a celebrity the entire time. I may have even been mistaken for a celebrity.
JSX: what is it?
JSX is a private regional airline that gives passengers the impression that they are flying in a luxurious private jet, yet passengers from the general public are able to purchase tickets.
However, in contrast to major commercial airlines, JSX limits the number of passengers on its flights to just 30, and it conducts its business from private terminals and hangars (which are more formally referred to as “fixed-base operators,” or FBOs), which are located in close proximity to many major airports.
“JSX flights are classified as public-air charters, which means they can depart from general-aviation terminals, and that comes with a number of key perks in the era of COVID-19,” said Daniel Burnham, Senior Member Operations Specialist at Scott’s Cheap Flights, who will be including JSX fares in the site’s new Elite deals platform launching later this month. The new platform will be available later this month.
“In contrast to a genuine private jet charter, JSX plans its flights in advance according to a predetermined route map. He explained that in order to fly, passengers will purchase their tickets online, just as with any other airline. “However, JSX flights have their own private hangars and waiting spaces away from the main airport terminal. This means that you may show up right before your scheduled departure and stroll onto the jet without being required to go through a TSA checkpoint.”
Is it ok to use JSX?
By flying with JSX, you will not have to go through a conventional airport at all because you will be using a private-jet terminal instead. You also won’t have to deal with crowds or wait in line at the Transportation Security Administration, but you can be assured that your safety will not be compromised: JSX utilises the same TSA Secure Flight background check procedures as are used by major airlines. These procedures are provided by the TSA.
In addition, significant COVID-19 safety procedures are in place at JSX. These include the requirement that employees wear masks as well as the implementation of additional sterilisation and contactless practises. This link provides access to material that is more in depth.
Where does JSX make its home?
The regional airline provides service between major cities and destinations in the West and Texas, including Burbank, California (Los Angeles); Concord, California (East Bay/Napa); Las Vegas; Oakland, California; Orange County, California; Phoenix; Dallas; and Houston, in addition to seasonal service to locations such as Mammoth Yosemite Airport. Additionally, it serves the city of Destin in Florida. You can view more details on routes here.
According to a data published by the brand’s internal-analytics team, the number of new leisure-market clients for JSX increased by 55% from February 2020 to February 2021, even though the company’s focus is still primarily on the regional market. And that is a rather significant number when compared to the COVID-19 era.
In point of fact, the pandemic may have contributed to an increase in demand for this hybrid style of flying, as individuals searched out safer ways to travel.
According to Burnham, “JSX has been well positioned to serve this shift in priorities, and their domestic-heavy route map in Texas and California hasn’t been substantially hampered by testing requirements or restricted borders.” JSX has been well positioned to serve this shift in priorities.
JSX fares
Passengers have the option of choosing between two different sorts of fares when they are purchasing a ticket. The more affordable tickets, referred to as “Hop On” tickets, include two checked bags but cannot be refunded and have change fees attached to them.
“All In” fares, which are more expensive overall, allow for a complete refund of their purchase and include three checked bags. Regardless of the type of fare that you purchase, you are permitted to bring one carry-on bag with you.
On JSX flights, there is just one class available.
How to make a reservation for JSX.
You can book JSX tickets in the same way you would book any other commercial ticket on the airline’s website or through its booking and mobile boarding app, despite the fact that the airline gives off the impression that it is highly specialised. However, you won’t be able to discover it on the websites of any online travel agencies or aggregators like Kayak or Expedia.
Is JSX expensive?
In most circumstances, the cost of JSX is extremely reasonable. Entry-level tickets of $99 are typical on flights that require advance booking and that occur during off-peak days; this results in a fantastic deal overall.
For instance, a recent search revealed that there are many options available for $99 between Phoenix and Burbank, as well as possibilities available for $149 between Oakland and Orange County. These are akin to many commercial airlines, such as the Southwest, which provides minimal extras for its passengers. As an illustration, you could fly JSX for less than one hundred dollars between Burbank and Las Vegas, in contrast to the Wanna Get Away rate that Southwest offers for $129 on the same trip.
Naturally, as is the case with all flights, rates for popular times and days will be higher. In addition, JSX offers complimentary in-flight food, cocktails, and nonalcoholic drinks, in addition to complimentary coffee and tea service in the terminal. Both pets and checked luggage fly at no cost to the passenger.
JSX is a partner with JetBlue and as such provides customers with access to various special partner deals for savings and discounts on hotels located close to their destinations. Additionally, JSX is available for charter if you are interested in having a genuine private flight experience.
My flight on the JSX.
On the Sunday of a holiday weekend, I booked plane tickets for my husband and me to Las Vegas because our travel dates were flexible and we were only planning to be there for one night. I was only able to plan the trip around five weeks in advance because the day I wanted to travel was not a popular one. As a result, the price was much lower. I paid $99 for each ticket, which brought the total for both of us to $198.
Because our return trip was on Memorial Day, which is a very busy travel day, the price of a JSX ticket would have been substantially higher—well over $400—than it actually was. Therefore, I made reservations for us with a conventional airline for the trip home. However, doing so would have been a much more cost-effective option than travelling in a real private plane.
Arrival and check-in are required.
Due to the ease of the check-in process, we needed to arrive at the airport hangar only approximately 20 minutes before our departure.
Because we rode a Lyft, we didn’t have a need for parking, but the hotel offered valet parking for a fee of $28 a day. As a point of reference, the daily rate for self-parking at LAX’s central terminal is $30.
From there, we were able to go straight in and check in by presenting our identification at a little counter where there was no one else waiting in line. There are never any lengthy queues because there is a limit on the amount of passengers and there are no TSA checks.
Because there are no overhead bins on JSX, travellers are only allowed to carry one personal item on board with them that can fit under the seat in front of them. Because we had purchased the popular “Hop On” fare, we were given the opportunity to check two bags, each of which could weigh up to 50 pounds without incurring any additional fees. After rolling our luggage over to the attendant, we obtained our boarding tickets, and then pre-boarding was complete.
The only amenities available at the JSX hangar are a check-in counter, a station offering complimentary coffee or tea, and a restroom. For those of you who have a passion for flying, this will be a straightforward yet enjoyable experience, as you will be standing very close to the aircraft. During a pandemic, the fact that the hanger is completely open and has full ventilation is a further safety benefit.
Because there are no restaurants, stores, or other types of concessions similar to those found in airports, you will need to bring everything that you will require for the flight with you.
Boarding
We were allowed to board the aircraft approximately fifteen minutes before the planned departure time. A set of outdoor stairs served as the access point for the passengers as they made their way over a short distance of tarmac to an aircraft that was waiting for them.
In-flight
JSX operates this trip using either a 135 or 145 Embraer jet, each of which has 30 seats, and the aircraft was around two-thirds full. Because there are no middle seats and no overhead bins, the configuration consists of two seats next to each other in a row.
My spouse, who is 6 feet tall and one inch taller, remarked on how much legroom there was, and how the seat pitch was at least 36 inches.
Even though there wasn’t much time spent in the air, the flight was really enjoyable and well-equipped. The interior of the cabin was decorated in muted grey tones and had an air of sophistication without being overly branded. There were power plugs accessible at each seat.
Our flight attendant circulated the cabin and offered beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, to passengers. Then she went around with upscale pre-packaged foods such as cheese straws and dried snap peas so that everyone could sample them.
At one point during the journey, I had to use the restroom, and my experience there was not dissimilar to that of any other commercial airline.
Arrival
Before entering the private-aircraft terminal, we disembarked via a staircase located outside and collected our belongings from the area immediately surrounding the aircraft without experiencing any delays. After a private flight, you won’t locate a luggage carousel like you would after a commercial aircraft.
After going through security, we exited the building and went outside to a deserted parking lot where we waited for a Lyft to take us to our hotel.
The bare essentials
Pros: When travelling at regular or off-peak times, not only are the airfare prices quite affordable (even lower than those of some low-cost carriers for some legs), but the overall flying experience is also far more satisfying. If it serves your location, then it’s a good option to go with.
Cons: Your dates and location are the most important factors to consider when flying JSX. When travelling at peak times, the cost of airfares can be unreasonably high (like flights on any other airline). You won’t find every destination on JSX’s map, too, which is another way in which the company differs from larger international airlines. This includes not just every worldwide metro, but also every national metro, and even every regional metro. Due to its lack of detail, the map is unsuitable for use by the majority of tourists.
Flying JSX was a smooth, comfortable, and exhilarating experience; additionally, it gave the impression to my social media followers that I was travelling in the lap of luxury.
From the moment you arrive to the moment you disembark, everything about JSX seems private and exclusive. The experience is similar in appearance and feel to travelling on a private jet, with a maximum of thirty people, no crowds or waits at security checkpoints, and free checked baggage, refreshments, and snacks.
Even if the number of service routes is limited, if JSX can get me to where I need to go at a reasonable price and the destination is on their map, I will always choose to fly JSX over a commercial airline. There are a lot of bonuses, and you get a fantastic flying experience at a price that’s hard to beat. It is something that I suggest wholeheartedly.
