I flew on a semi-private jet and enjoyed the hassle-free experience but I wouldn't do it again

Wed, 04/12/2023 - 05:00

Tech Insider

Travel

• 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.

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.

Source: JSX

"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."

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.

I flew on a $25 million Gulfstream G280 that private aviation company Volato will charter for $6,550 starting in 2024 — see inside

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.

Elon Musk's private jet hasn't flown to SpaceX's main launch site since he bought Twitter, jet-tracker claims

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.

Source: JSX

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.

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.

But, instead of going to the main departures lobby, I headed to JSX's private terminal on the south end of the airport.

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.

I just needed to show them my ID to get my boarding pass.

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.

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.

Source: JSX

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.

My favorite part was the JSX-branded Embraer jet sitting right next to the lounge — a cool view for aviation nerds like myself.

JSX also has an indoor lounge available complete with seating, tea, and coffee. This was appreciated on the chilly April morning.

I spent about 20 minutes sipping on coffee as other passengers slowly filled the lounge.

Boarding started just ten minutes before departure, and the process was very quick thanks to relaxed security measures.

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.

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.

Source: Runway Girl Network

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.

I then walked straight onto the plane, which was sitting right outside the hangar door and only about 100 feet from the security scanner.

JSX's aircraft are configured in a 2x1 layout — meaning no middle seats — and I was assigned window seat 4A.

The interior looked like other small jets I've been on, like CommutAir's 50-seater Embraer 145, which operates as United Express.

But, as JSX equips its planes with just 30 seats, the cabin mimicked domestic business class rather than cramped economy.

Each lounger was plush and comfortable, complete with 36 inches of pitch…

…a large tray table with a wood-like design…

…a power outlet…

…a large seatback pocket…

…and good recline. There was also plenty of space under the seat to store my carry-on, but there were no overhead bins.

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.

Source: Planespotters

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.

Shortly after takeoff, the solo flight attendant came by to take drink orders. All beverages are complementary, including alcohol.

I opted for a bellini, though there was also water, tea, coffee, soda, beer, wine, and liquor available.

We were also served a blueberry granola cookie bar for a snack.

About halfway through the flight I headed to the lavatory.

There was only one onboard, and while it wasn't super spacious, it was clean with a marble-look sink and a mirror.

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.

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.

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.

Shortly after, the ground crew unloaded our luggage right inside the arrivals lobby. This was much more convenient than waiting at bag claim.

Rental cars and ride-share pickup were available just steps away from where we got our luggage — this was a major time-saver.

Overall, I thought JSX was an easy and comfortable way to fly.

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.

I flew on a $50 million Bombardier Global 5000 private jet from Montreal to New Jersey and saw why those who can afford it are flocking to private aviation

JSX passengers will still avoid crowded boarding gates and the long, invasive security screening present at major airports.

Granted, the Embraer was not as fancy as a true private jet, and the hassle-free experience does cost more than commercial airlines.

I toured a $65 million Gulfstream G650ER private jet like the ones owned by billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos and saw how the ultra-rich travel

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.

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.

I've flown on 5 US low-cost carriers and I'd fly on all of them again each for different reasons

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.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Tags

Transportation, Travel, Features, JSX, Aviation, Airlines, private flying, semi-private airlines, public charter, Embraer, Aircraft, Burbank Airport, Phoenix, Business Visual Features

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I flew on a semi-private jet and enjoyed the hassle-free experience but I would…