See inside one of JSX's semi-private jets which offer a first-class like seat for all passengers

Wed, 04/26/2023 - 05:00

Tech Insider

Travel

Passengers deplaning a JSX plane. — Passengers deplaning JSX, which is a semi-private air carrier flying around the US.
Taylor Rains/Insider

US-based JSX is a semi-private air carrier, with fares typically starting at $249 one-way.
The company uses 30-seater Embraer 135 and Embraer 145 aircraft equipped with Starlink WiFi.
JSX's business model allows customers to avoid crowded airports and long security lines.

Founded in 2016, JSX is a semi-private air carrier flying Embraer 135 and Embraer 145 aircraft.

The JSX plane on a runway in Phoenix after the author and other passengers had deplaned. — Flying JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider

Unlike a typical passenger carrier like Delta Air Lines or Southwest Airlines, JSX operates as a public charter.

JSX. — A JSX aircraft inside a hangar near Hollywood Burbank Airport in California.
Taylor Rains/Insider

This means anyone can book a ride onboard one of its 30-seater jets, but it does not come with the regular treacheries of commercial flying.

The author's view from seat 4A in JSX's aircraft. — The author's view from seat 4A on a JSX flight from Burbank to Phoenix in April.
Taylor Rains/Insider

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

Instead of battling crowded airports and long TSA queues, JSX customers will fly out of a small terminal known as a fixed-based operator, or FBO.

Passengers loading their belongings into bins at the automated screening lanes at Los Angeles International Airport. — TSA Automated Screening Lanes at LAX.
Brady MacDonald/Insider

I flew out of a general aviation airport to see how the rich travel. I didn't miss the hassle, lines, and frustration of commercial flying.

FBOs offer services like fueling, parking, and maintenance to general aviation aircraft, like private jets and flight school training planes.

JSX. — JSX's FBO at Hollywood Burbank Airport in California, which had a two lounge areas with seating and complementary tea and coffee.
Taylor Rains/Insider

In most cases, FBOs will not have any security or boarding gates, and many even allow customers to drive right up to the aircraft.

A car parked on a runway next to a VistaJet Bombardier Global 5000 private jet with its passenger loading door open. — General aviation aircraft, like private jets, have different federal regulations compared to commercial airliners.
Taylor Rains/Insider

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

These perks have turned many deep-pocket travelers to private aviation, which boomed during the pandemic.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.
Taylor Rains/Insider

I flew on Honda's $5 million private jet that seats 4 — see inside Volato's HondaJet

It was further popularized after thousands of flights were canceled throughout 2021 and 2022 due to staffing shortages and system outages.

Southwest Airlines passengers stand around dozens of bags during the carrier's December 2022 meltdown.
Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Frustrated Southwest pilot and union rep says the airline's flight meltdown was caused by outdated scheduling software

JSX CEO Alex Wilcox told Insider the company allows people to enjoy the luxuries of private flying without breaking the bank: "People don't want to take off their shoes or walk a mile to get on an airplane."

A JSX aircraft with its passenger loading door open after landing in Phoenix. — Flying JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider

However, the main difference between JSX and true private flying is that the latter is more personal, and the charters can fly on demand.

The interior of a NetJets' Global 7500. — True private flying can cost upwards of $20,000 per hour for large aircraft, like the Global 7500 (pictured).
NetJets

JSX, by comparison, has a pre-determined flight schedule on set routes — meaning the customer has less flexibility.

JSX route map. — JSX flies seasonally to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, during the winter.
JSX

Moreover, passengers will still experience a very minor security scan, though it is far less invasive compared to TSA screening.

JSX. — JSX passengers carried their personal item through a simple body scanner before boarding the aircraft in Burbank.
Taylor Rains/Insider

Despite this, JSX can still be a good deal. A company spokesperson said fares typically start at $249 one-way but can lower depending on the route and season.

A safety information pamphlet onboard a JSX Embraer 135/145 aircraft. — Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: Insider

Take a look inside one of JSX's Embraer aircraft flying the routes.

A view of the JSX aircraft with the stairs deployed. — Taylor Rains/Insider

The air carrier has configured its planes in a 1x2 layout — similar to what you'll see flying on small regional airlines like CommutAir.

JSX. — CommutAir, which operates as United Express, operates the Embraer 145 as a 50-seater plane.
Taylor Rains/Insider

While there are no couches or televisions commonly seen on private jets like the Gulfstream G650ER, the seats resemble a typical domestic business class cabin.

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

Passengers can expect a generous 36 inches of pitch…

A side view of the beige seats onboard JSX's aircraft. — Flying JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider

…a power outlet…

The author's cord plugged into the outlet on the wall of the fuselage. — Flying JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider

…a large seatback pocket…

The author's laptop in the seatback pocket. — Flying JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider

…and a tray table with a wood-like design.

There is also one lavatory onboard with a sink and mirror.

The marble-colored sink onboard the JSX plane. — Flying JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.
Taylor Rains/Insider

One flight attendant is responsible for the entire cabin. JSX offers a complimentary drink — including alcohol — and a snack during each flight.

The author holding a red and white menu displaying complimentary drink options and a section about the rewards passengers earn when flying with JSX. — The menu available on JSX flights.
Taylor Rains/Insider

The only thing missing from JSX's Embraer planes are overhead bins. Instead of allowing carry-ons, fares include at least two free checked bags…

JSX. — Depending on the JSX fare, customers will get either two or three checked bags included in their ticket.
Taylor Rains/Insider

…and only one personal item that must fit under the seat in front.

The space under the set of dual-seats on the JSX plane. — The space under the set of dual seats (pictured) does not have a bar separating them, so there is plenty of space.
Taylor Rains/Insider

All luggage is collected at check-in and then delivered to customers within a few minutes of deplaning — much more convenient than waiting at bag claim.

The ground crew in yellow vests unloading luggage. — Agents unloading the checked bags in the FBO after landing.
Taylor Rains/Insider

But, one of the most unique features of JSX is its high-speed Starlink WiFi.

Starlink was created by Elon Musk.

Patrick Pleul / POOL / AFP/Yasuyoshi CHIBA / AFP

The carrier was the first operator to have the service, which will be complementary and available on all aircraft by May.

A big red arrow pointing to the top of a JSX plane where Starlink is installed. — SpaceX Starlink Aviation
SpaceX

The free WiFi will be the only entertainment option onboard as there is no inflight streaming service or seatback TV.

For those interested in experiencing JSX, West Coast routes are some of the cheapest, with Burbank, California, to Las Vegas costing as low as $149 one-way.

However, the popular corridor between New York and Miami will cost between $599 and $929 one-way this summer, according to JSX's website.

JSX. — A view out of the window of a JSX plane.
Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: JSX

Fares for competing semi-private carrier BLADEone can start at over $2,400 one-way on the same route, though JSX's planes are not as luxurious.

I flew on Blade's $2,750-per-seat jet from New York to Miami to see how the other half escape the winter blues — here's what it was like

Read the original article on Business Insider

Transportation, Travel, Features, JSX, Aviation, Airlines, air carriers, Aircraft, embraer 135, Embraer 145, Embraer, BLADEone, semi-private airlines, private flying

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See inside one of JSX's semi-private jets which offer a first-class like seat f…