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

Taylor RainsApr 26, 2023, 15:48 IST

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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'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.

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

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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."

Flying JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.Taylor Rains/Insider

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."

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

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 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 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.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: Insider

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

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.

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.

Taylor Rains/Insider

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…

Flying JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.Taylor Rains/Insider

…a power outlet…

Flying JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.Taylor Rains/Insider

…a large seatback pocket…

Flying JSX from Burbank to Phoenix.Taylor Rains/Insider

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

Taylor Rains/Insider

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

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 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…

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 (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.

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.

SpaceX Starlink AviationSpaceX

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

Taylor Rains/Insider

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.

Taylor Rains/Insider

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

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.

A BLADEone Bombardier CRJ-200.Blade

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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."

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

Passengers can expect a generous 36 inches of pitch…

…a power outlet…

…a large seatback pocket…

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

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

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

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…

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.