7 days ago
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.
