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Wednesday 12 April 2023
I flew on a semi-private jet and enjoyed the hassle-free experience but I wouldn't do it again
Flying on semi-private air carrier JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider
Semi-private air carrier JSX offers public charters using Embraer 135 and Embraer 145 aircraft.
Anyone can book a seat, which comes with the perks of flying private, like relaxed security and speedy boarding.
Here's what it was like flying JSX from Burbank, California, to Phoenix, Arizona.
Founded in 2016, semi-private air carrier JSX flies Embraer 135 and 145 planes out of private terminals known as fixed-based operators, or FBOs.
An FBO is an aircraft service center for things like fueling and maintenance.
JSX
This means customers do not face the same hassles as they do when flying on a commercial airline, like standing in long security queues or waiting for their boarding zone.
A TSA agent at LAX.
"The biggest difference between private and commercial flying is the ground experience," JSX CEO Alex Wilcox told Insider. "People don't want to take off their shoes or walk a mile to get on an airplane."
Inside a JSX Embraer jet.
JSX
While these luxuries can cost thousands of dollars on personal private flights, JSX fares typically start at $249 one-way. The price can be lower depending on the route.
Flying on a Gulfstream G280 (pictured) with charter company Volato will cost $6,550 per hour starting in 2024.
But, unlike true private flying, JSX's flights are pre-scheduled on a set route and anyone can book a ticket online — meaning the public charters are shared with other customers.
True private charters are regularly on-demand and fly city pairs not typically offered by scheduled air carriers.
Currently, JSX primarily flies around the West Coast, focusing on places like southern California, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. But, it has been expanding east, launching routes to cities in Texas, Florida, Colorado, and New York.
JSX also flies to Mexico during the winter.
While JSX is typically more expensive than competitors like American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, I wanted to see if the hassle-free experience is worth the higher fare. (Insider paid a media rate.) Here's what my flight from Burbank to Phoenix was like.
Flying on JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider
Disclaimer: Insider paid a media rate of $100 for the one-way flight from Burbank to Phoenix. The regular fare was $249 on my day of travel.
My journey started at Hollywood Burbank Airport, which is located about 28 miles north of Los Angeles International Airport.
Hollywood Burbank Airport in Burbank, California.
AaronP:Bauer/Griffin/GC Images/Getty
But, instead of going to the main departures lobby, I headed to JSX's private terminal on the south end of the airport.
Flying on JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider
According to JSX, travelers only needed to arrive 20 minutes before the 9:30 a.m. departure. I got there around 8:50 a.m. and there was a desk with two agents waiting to check me into the flight.
Flying on JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider
I just needed to show them my ID to get my boarding pass.
My boarding pass was printed on receipt-like paper.
Taylor Rains/Insider
I was also able to check two 50-pound bags for free with my "Hope On" fare. For security, the agent swabbed both before taking them off my hands.
The luggage I checked included a Beis carry-on and a duffle.
Taylor Rains/Insider
Travelers can check three bags with the "All In" fare, as well as oversized luggage for an added fee. Small cats and dogs are also allowed onboard for free in a carrier that fits under the seat.
Passengers can book a second seat for medium or larger dogs weighing 79 pounds or less.
Once I was checked in, I realized the terminal was actually a hangar with a large waiting area. The space has chairs and couches available for JSX passengers.
This lounge-like area was just steps from the check-in counter.
Taylor Rains/Insider
My favorite part was the JSX-branded Embraer jet sitting right next to the lounge — a cool view for aviation nerds like myself.
This was not the aircraft we flew on.
Taylor Rains/Insider
JSX also has an indoor lounge available complete with seating, tea, and coffee. This was appreciated on the chilly April morning.
Flying on JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider
I spent about 20 minutes sipping on coffee as other passengers slowly filled the lounge.
Flying on JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider
Boarding started just ten minutes before departure, and the process was very quick thanks to relaxed security measures.
More seating inside the JSX indoor lounge.
Taylor Rains/Insider
According to the Transportation Security Administration, airlines that operate out of FBOs do not have to follow the same strict protocols like commercial carriers do.
TSA automated screening lanes at LAX.
Brady MacDonald/Insider
But, this does not mean JSX is not secure. According to the company, it uses the pre-screening software Secure Flight for passenger background checks — the same TSA-provided system used by major carriers.
Flying on JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
For screening, I held my laptop separately from my carry-on, walked through a scanner, and then scanned my boarding pass. I didn't have to remove my shoes or any liquids.
Passengers can only bring onboard one carry on bag that fits under the seat.
Taylor Rains/Insider
I then walked straight onto the plane, which was sitting right outside the hangar door and only about 100 feet from the security scanner.
The aircraft was not the same one that was sitting inside the hangar next to the lounge.
Taylor Rains/Insider
JSX's aircraft are configured in a 2x1 layout — meaning no middle seats — and I was assigned window seat 4A.
Flying on JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider
The interior looked like other small jets I've been on, like CommutAir's 50-seater Embraer 145, which operates as United Express.
Flying on JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider
But, as JSX equips its planes with just 30 seats, the cabin mimicked domestic business class rather than cramped economy.
Flying on JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider
Each lounger was plush and comfortable, complete with 36 inches of pitch…
Flying on JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider
…a large tray table with a wood-like design…
The table was big enough for my laptop and a drink.
Taylor Rains/Insider
…a power outlet…
Flying on JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider
…a large seatback pocket…
Flying on JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider
…and good recline. There was also plenty of space under the seat to store my carry-on, but there were no overhead bins.
The area under the set of dual seats (pictured) does not have a bar separating them, so there is plenty of foot space.
Taylor Rains/Insider
However, I did notice that the jet had some wear and tear. The tray table was difficult to close, and I had to use force to open the window shades.
According to Planespotters, JSX's average fleet age is 22 years.
While I could tell the jets were old, I still enjoyed the onboard amenities. I was able to keep my phone charged, and I had plenty of space to spread out.
At 5'3" tall, I had more than enough legroom.
Taylor Rains/Insider
Shortly after takeoff, the solo flight attendant came by to take drink orders. All beverages are complementary, including alcohol.
Travelers can earn miles and points on United Airlines and JetBlue Airways when flying on JSX.
Taylor Rains/Insider
I opted for a bellini, though there was also water, tea, coffee, soda, beer, wine, and liquor available.
Flying on JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider
We were also served a blueberry granola cookie bar for a snack.
Flying on JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider
About halfway through the flight I headed to the lavatory.
Flying on JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider
There was only one onboard, and while it wasn't super spacious, it was clean with a marble-look sink and a mirror.
Flying on JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider
Back at my seat, I was hoping to get some work done but I was disappointed to learn that JSX's new Starlink WiFi service was not yet equipped on my aircraft.
Starlink is Elon Musk's creation.
Patrick Pleul / POOL / AFP/Yasuyoshi CHIBA / AFP
The carrier started fitting its fleet with Starlink in December, and the service is free to all passengers. JSX does not have any other inflight entertainment — no TV screens or free streaming.
Starlink on an aircraft.
SpaceX
Despite the setback, the one-hour flight passed quickly and we were on the ground in Phoenix around 10:45 a.m. The aircraft pulled right up to the local FBO and we deplaned within minutes.
Flying on JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider
Shortly after, the ground crew unloaded our luggage right inside the arrivals lobby. This was much more convenient than waiting at bag claim.
Flying on JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider
Rental cars and ride-share pickup were available just steps away from where we got our luggage — this was a major time-saver.
Rows of rental cars sat right outside the terminal.
Taylor Rains/Insider
Overall, I thought JSX was an easy and comfortable way to fly.
Flying on JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider
As someone who has flown private before, the experience was very similar — the main differences being the security check, only being allowed one carry-on, and not being able to drive a car directly up to the jet.
A VistaJet Bombardier Global 5000 private jet. During this flight, we drove the car directly up to the plane.
JSX passengers will still avoid crowded boarding gates and the long, invasive security screening present at major airports.
Travelers make their way through a TSA screening line at Orlando International Airport ahead of Fourth of July weekend on July 1.
SOPA Images/Getty Images
Granted, the Embraer was not as fancy as a true private jet, and the hassle-free experience does cost more than commercial airlines.
The inside of a Gulfstream G650ER aircraft.
For example, the JSX route from Burbank to Phoenix costs $599 roundtrip in mid-May, while the same roundtrip flight costs just $203 on American. The cheapest fare on Southwest costs $225.
A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 at a gate in Austin, Texas
George Rose/Getty Images
Personally, because I already pay for TSA PreCheck and typically only travel with a carry-on, I wouldn't fork out another $300+ for JSX's expedited ground experience, simply because that is not something I prioritize.
For the same reason, I find myself flying on Spirit Airlines (pictured) and Frontier Airlines a lot because the low fares are worth the lack of comfort for me.
But, that doesn't mean it isn't favorable for a different type of customer. For those looking for a convenient alternative to commercial airlines, I think JSX is a unique middle-ground that offers the perks of flying private at a fraction of the cost.
I also think JSX is a good experience to splurge on for something like a birthday or a honeymoon.
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