Latest news with #JSX
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
JSX Launches Flights To Major City; They Can't Tell You About It
Typically, airlines launch new flights with press releases, social media, and plenty of marketing hoopla in the hopes of filling all those seats. However, don't expect to see much from JSX about its newest routes, even though they are launching just in time for the peak winter season, connecting the busiest airport for private jet travelers in the U.S., serving one of the world's most important cities, with three of the busiest airports in South Florida. With per seat prices starting at just $615 one-way (although they range to over $1,000), the new flights are sure to be of interest to both those flyers who want to experience a bit of the Gulfstream lifestyle as well as those who already fly privately, but don't want to pay the give or take $15,000 to charter a six-seat light jet for just one or two people. Of course, to sell the seats on the new flights, you would need to know about the new flights. However, JSX is facing strict restrictions on where it can promote the new flights. So, what are the new routes? The new flights link Teterboro Airport in Northern New Jersey, the busiest airport for private jets, with Palm Beach International, Fort Lauderdale Executive, and Miami Opa Locka Executive Airport. The three Sunshine State airports are all ranked in the top 25 based on private jet movements. The routes should be an easy sell. JSX is popular with flyers. The readers of Travel + Leisure just awarded it best U.S. domestic airline for the second straight year. It doesn't fly big jets with hundreds of passengers crammed together. It flies converted Embraer regional jets. There are a maximum of 30 seats. There are only aisle and window seats. Everyone travels in the same class. You get similar legroom as domestic first class on narrowbody jets. There's also free WiFi, complimentary snacks, and checked luggage. However, the game-changer is that JSX doesn't use the standard airport terminals. It operates from FBOs and private terminals. Customers check in as little as 20 minutes before departure. The compact terminals also mean that instead of long walks from concourse to arrivals, and then a wait for luggage, you can be on your way minutes after arriving. The new flights, however, can only be promoted to members of Club JSX, a loyalty program the company launched just a month ago. That's because the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, which runs Teterboro Airport, restricts the type of operations. A Port Authority spokesperson says, 'The Port Authority does not allow scheduled flights that are publicly advertised.' The first public notice of the new flights came via View From The Wing, a website that covers loyalty programs and credit cards. Its editor, Gary Leff, noted that JSX had deftly figured out a way to launch its flights while not violating the rules. The JSX website, where you book flights, makes no mention of Teterboro Airport. Flights are listed simply as New York City. You must be a Club JSX member to see which airport is being used and book seats on the flights. The Port Authority spokesperson explains, 'The Port Authority enforces strict Airport Rules & Regulations at TEB, including no public advertising of scheduled flights with all Fixed Base Operators. JSX operates as a customer of Signature Aviation, not directly with the Port Authority. JSX operates its flights under a membership or loyalty program, which is permitted under the applicable regulations. As long as JSX remains in full compliance with these rules and regulations—specifically by ensuring that flights are not publicly advertised and seat sales are limited exclusively to program members—JSX is authorized to operate without violating the prohibition on public solicitation.' While JSX has proven popular with flyers, executives of big airlines and their unions have sought to curtail its service. While to any traveler, JSX may appear to operate much like the big airlines which fly under Part 121 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, its website notes, 'Flights are public charters sold by JetSuiteX, Inc. as the charter operator and Delux Public Charter, LLC as the direct air carrier, subject to DOT Public Charter Regulations at 14 C.F.R. Part 380.' While some airports have tried to either block JSX or make it move to the main passenger terminals, where it would lose the advantage of bypassing long security lines and other hassles, so far the Dallas-based company has grown its network so that it spans coast-to-coast. The new flights to Miami and Fort Lauderdale start in early October, with Palm Beach beginning in early November. With only 30 seats and only operating a single frequency five times a week, it's hard to believe the new flights will put much of a dent in the big carriers. For example, United Airlines shows five daily nonstop flights from its nearby Newark Airport hub to Miami, and six more nonstops to each Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach on a Monday in October. However, it's hard to say for sure. In a 2023 email to customers JSX CEO Alex Wilcox wrote about an effort to have regulators curtail its growth, 'The truth is that two huge airlines – American and Southwest – and their labor union leaders – have been lobbying the FAA, TSA, and elected officials in Washington D.C. with misinformation and unsubstantiated safety claims in a brazen attempt to regulate JSX out of business.' While the TSA made changes to security procedures in January, JSX said it welcomed the changes, and they wouldn't impact its popular airport-light way of flying. In this case, the biggest question might be whether JSX can make the flights successful without marketing the flights publicly. A JSX spokesperson declined to comment on the new flights.
Forbes
31-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
JSX Grows From Private Jet Company To Airline Alternative
During the dark days of COVID, private jet transport grew in popularity. Wealthy people used private jets to take their families away from locked-down urban areas to beach, ski or ranch getaways. Some private jet companies began offering scheduled service to various destinations. Now the airlines are back to their pre-COVID routes, along with crowded flights, packed airports, uncomfortable lounges, long security lines and uneven service. But rather than disappear, private jet operators are offering a much more comfortable and time-friendly alternative, at prices an increasing number of travelers are willing to pay. In 2024, JSX, primarily based in Dallas, TX, operated 36,000 flights of jet aircraft configured for 30 seats, the maximum for operations as 'private charters.' JSX is one company making the transition to airline alternative. The public charter jet service was originally founded as JetSuiteX in April 2016. CEO and founder Alex Wilcox has said the carrier was created in response to declining short-haul traffic and the rise in fares on U.S. short-haul flights. Prices for flying in comfort sans crowds might be lower than you expect. For example, JSX service from Burbank (BUR) and Orange County (SNA) to Napa Airport (APC) is four times weekly and starts at $189 one-way. I had never flown in a private jet or in a 'semi-private' airline alternative, so I didn't really know what to expect when I got to experience this 'underground' alternative carrier on a July journey from Burbank to Napa Airport in California wine country. Napa Airport is not served by commercial carriers, but was much closer to our destination, the warm yet elegant Four Seasons Napa Valley, than airports in Oakland, San Francisco, or Santa Rosa. Perhaps I had been expecting a repurposed Gulfstream or Lear Jet, but instead, I found a professional operation at Burbank Airport. I gave my Uber driver the address of JSX at a hangar far from the main terminal at Burbank and he found it first time. There was a literal hum of activity at the JSX terminal, as the roar of the idling jets brought back the romance of post-war aviation. The JSX operation is like a mini airline, with ticket and baggage counter, gate agents, and a security screening area, along with outside and indoor seating for waiting passengers. I chose the inside lounge, because the roar of the jets was loud outside and the free snacks were inside the air conditioned, soundproofed lounge. JSX operates 48 Embraer 135 and 145 aircraft, each with 30 seats, the maximum allowable under private charter rules.. The Brazilian company is the third-largest manufacturer of civil aircraft in the world and is known for its manufacture of regional airlines like the E170 and E195 that can carry more than 100 passengers. The JSX single-aisle Embraer 145 I flew on holds up to 30 passengers. There are 15 single-seats rows on either side of the aisle . Each passenger gets a large, comfortable leather seat with business-class legroom and power outlets for portable devices. JSX is a global launch customer for Starlink inflight Wi-Fi, and provides high-speed internet at no charge. Each of us had our own porthole-shaped window to look out on the short (about one hour and five minutes) flight as well. The check-in process was simple although it required a bit of shouting over the jet roar. JSX says you can check in just 20 minutes before takeoff on most flights, saving up to two hours over the check-in process at major airports. Check-in for passengers, including a pair of French bulldogs traveling with their owners, was simple. The airline seems much more pet friendly than conventional airlines. JSX says medium and large sized dogs can also be accommodated. I did notice a standard poodle sauntering in, and I spoke with a woman waiting to board with her 225-pound St. Bernard, which she said was a service dog. The TSA security process, taking one's keys, wallets, etc. out of pockets and sauntering through screening, was also simple, fast and crowd- free. We dropped off our luggage and were quickly reunited with it as we landed. I was balancing some carry-ons, and a crew member ran to help me disembark. 'We're here to help,' she said, in a radical departure from typical airline service. The flight was smooth, quiet and comfortable. As I sat on my solitary throne looking out the window, I found myself wishing the flight was a little longer so I could savor my drink. On board, we were served by a gracious flight attendant who brought passengers snacks, beverages and cocktails, but was also safety trained. JSX may also be a potential choice for families with special needs. JSX is said to be the world's first autism-certified air carrier, developing its autism awareness training and protocols in collaboration with Autism Double-Checked. JSX crew members, including pilots, flight attendants, and customer service agents, receive training on how to support passengers with autism. The carrier flies to more than 20 destinations in the U.S. and Mexico, A public charter air carrier, JSX provides service to both major airports like Burbank and Las Vegas and to those not served by major airliners. These include Destin Executive in Florida (DSI), Cabo San Lucas (CSW), Napa (APC), Concord/East Bay (CCR) Boulder/Denver (BJC), Denver (APA), Taos (TSM), Scottsdale (SCF), Austin (EDC), and fast-growing Naples, Florida (APF). In addition to the service to Napa, new and resumed seasonal routes include Orange County (SNA) ⇄ Salt Lake City (SLC), with fares from $259 one-way, Taos, NM (TSM) from Carlsbad (CLD) and Burbank (BUR) with fares from $229, and Reno-Tahoe (RNO) from Carlsbad and Las Vegas from $259–$269 one-way. The carrier recently launched its own rewards program, Club JSX. Membership is free. Rewards including customers earning 5% of applicable base fare, seat fees, and pet fees as future trip credit. The crowd on the JSX plane was mostly under 40. Like Costco members, who have an average income of over $125,000, they seemed like people who know value when they see it.
Forbes
18-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Club JSX: Why Can't Offering A Great Airline Experience Be Enough?
Aviation's newest loyalty program is receiving what might be described as a lukewarm response from the various websites that cover the business of rewarding frequent travelers. The Points Guy wrote, 'Club JSX may not offer any standout features that set it apart from the airline loyalty crowd, but it provides a straightforward way for travelers to earn rewards and save money on future flights.' JSX enables flyers to show up 20 minutes prior to departure and bypass large, crowded airport ... More terminals. Doug Gollan One Mile At A Time put it this way: '[T]his isn't exactly the most creative loyalty program out there. You're basically getting a flat 5% back, in the form of future flight credits,' adding, 'There's not all that much to this program, and no elite tiers.' Live And Let's Fly didn't bother to assess the new frequent flyer program. However, it did make the case that the public charter, which operates between private terminals, should have to return its most recent award. The blog wrote, 'World's Best Airlines survey from Travel + Leisure awards JSX best US domestic carrier, but it shouldn't really be eligible.' The writer asks, 'How could a carrier that runs such limited routes possibly beat out carriers that competently fly beyond niche markets and limited frequencies?' He adds, 'The real question is whether a tiny boutique carrier should be considered among the likes of Delta, United, Southwest, and American.' One poster responded by replying, 'Haters gonna hate. It says best, not biggest. They (JSX) win hands down.' Upgraded Points was one of the few loyalty sites that had a more positive view. JSX offers an upgraded inflight experience with roomier seating, free WiFi, drinks and snacks in a ... More single class. Doug Gollan It commented, 'This is excellent news for travelers, as they can now earn rewards on JSX flights, in addition to the points or miles they'll earn for booking flights with a travel rewards credit card,' continuing, 'What makes this program even more interesting is how easy it is to earn rewards from flying, pooling with family and friends, and even when flying on your birthday month. Plus, in a customer-friendly move, JSX says you can combine rewards, vouchers, and travel credits together on a new reservation, and they'll be used in the order of soonest expiration.' While View From The Wing's Gary Leff said he isn't signing up since JSX doesn't currently serve his home airport in Austin, he did at least get to the bottom line from my perspective: 'If they serve the routes you want to fly, there's no question they offer a better experience than competitors.' To be fair, most of the loyalty bloggers did highlight JSX enables flyers to avoid crowded terminals, offers more comfortable seating, free WiFi, checked baggage, and is pet friendly, among other benefits. And for JSX, more than that, it always felt like they were adding extra niceties – free snacks, WiFi – in an industry where announcements for enhancements are a code for taking something away - or an opportunity to charge a bit more. The point analysts lament there are no elite tiers, which would give us additional shiny cards to chase, although many programs no longer reward you with rectangular plastic. They also note that you can't double dip for points with JetBlue and United Airlines, where there was already the ability to earn points when flying JSX. For me, the letdown about Club JSX is that they even started it. Once upon a time, airlines competed with friendly service, fancy meals, and inflight lounges – yes, lounges in economy class on the airplane - instead of bonus points and new tiers of even higher status to chase. With its plan to add ATR turboprops, I am hoping JSX will bring more service to South Florida where I reside. I've only flown JSX twice – once from Miami to Dallas and then Denver to Las Vegas. For me, flying JSX is the reward. Being able to show up around 20 minutes before departure, not having to traverse terminals that require a train to the plane, comfortable seating, and not having to pay for WiFi that doesn't even work well, more than offsets chasing point. As a holder of lifetime status in three airline loyalty programs and one hotel program, I find the programs to be great. Still, they encourage us to tolerate mediocrity at the expense of simply selecting the best products, whether based on schedule, location or, with JSX, its differentiated experience.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Yahoo
This is the best U.S. airline, according to real flyers — so posh, it feels like flying private
If you're over long TSA lines, crowded gates, and being squished into a middle seat, travelers just crowned a surprising alternative as the best domestic airline in the country — again. In the just-released 2025 Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards, readers voted JSX the No. 1 domestic air carrier in the U.S. for the second year in a row. The annual list is based on thousands of reader-submitted survey responses and includes rankings for airlines, hotels, destinations, and more — all from people who actually travel frequently and care about comfort, convenience, and experience. As a travel writer who flies constantly — for work, leisure, and most often a blend of both — I can say from firsthand experience: JSX is my very favorite airline, and always my go-to choice domestically if I have an option. I've flown with the carrier regularly for years (since the brand went by the name JetSuiteX) and every time I do, I find myself wondering why all air travel can't feel this easy. Unlike traditional commercial airlines, JSX operates as a 'hop-on' public charter service, offering a semi-private flying experience from private terminals. That means I can skip the chaos of major airports — showing up just 20 minutes before takeoff, breezing through security, and boarding a crowd-free jet with just 30 seats (and no middle seats, ever). Here's what else sets JSX apart — and why travelers are obsessed: Business-class legroom for everyone, not just the front row Free high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi that is ultra-reliable Complimentary snacks and cocktails Two free checked bags (even if one's a golf bag or snowboard) Fast planeside baggage retrieval within minutes of landing JSX connects 28 destinations including Las Vegas, Burbank, Orange County, Dallas, Salt Lake City, Scottsdale, Napa, and Taos, with service continuing to expand across the western U.S. and into Mexico. By flying in and out of smaller airports, JSX cuts down on traffic, stress, and wasted time — making it my go-to option whenever there's a route match. (Usually for me, that means between Los Angeles or Burbank and Las Vegas, my second home for both work and play.) Technically, JSX isn't considered a standard commercial airline — it operates as a public charter carrier — but that hasn't stopped it from racking up major industry awards. In addition to back-to-back Travel + Leisure wins, JSX also earned a 2025 APEX Five-Star Regional Airline rating (its fourth straight year) and was named Best Regional Airline in North America. It's not your typical flight, and that's exactly why I — and so many others, as proven by this big win — love it.
Time Out
10-07-2025
- Time Out
This little-known domestic airline was just voted best in the U.S.
Air travel seems to come with a lot more hassle every year (at least we don't have to take our shoes off anymore!), but some airlines go above and beyond to make a passenger feel comfortable during the process. And according to nearly 180,000 Travel + Leisure readers who voted in the 2025 World's Best Awards survey, there's one domestic airline that reportedly stands out among all the others—and you've probably never heard of it. JSX, a public charter airline, just snagged the number one spot as the best domestic carrier, blowing past the stacked competition with a reader score of 92.29 out of 100. For context, the next closest airline, Hawaiian Airlines, scored 79.92. That's not a close race—that's a rout. So what exactly makes JSX so special? Readers say it starts before you even board. Flying JSX feels a bit like having your own private jet: smaller airports, no crowded terminals and the ability to check in just 20 minutes before takeoff. Security is frictionless, thanks to TSA-approved screening areas that skip the lines. Inside, passengers get free Starlink Wi-Fi, roomy leather seats and business-class vibes without the business-class price tag. As one T+L reader put it: 'Almost like flying private. Friendly staff, easy check-in, help with boarding, luggage.' That's the charm JSX sells, and clearly, it's working. JSX mainly serves the western U.S., with a few routes linking to Florida, the East Coast and even Mexico. And while you won't see them at every big-city airport, that's the point—they specialize in point-to-point flights that dodge the chaos of major hubs. The rest of T+L' s top 10 list includes familiar names like Hawaiian Airlines, Breeze Airways, Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines (the only "big four" carrier to crack the top five). But none came close to JSX's sky-high score. In a world where most domestic flights still feel like a test of patience, JSX shows there's another way, offering smaller crowds, faster boarding and personal service. The best airlines in the U.S., according to Travel +Leisure readers JSX Hawaiian Airlines Breeze Airways Alaska Airlines Delta Air Lines JetBlue Southwest United American Airlines Sun Country Airlines.
