Private Jets

JSX Review: The Ultimate Guide to Flying JSX

What is it like to fly aboard JSX? Learn everything you need to know about this semi-private air carrier.

By 

Kristen Shirley

 |  March 11, 2024

Few things are as luxurious as flying privately. You skip TSA security screenings, crowded airports, and long waits in the terminal. However, private jets are very expensive and are out of reach for many people, so there’s a new crop of companies aiming to fill the gap between commercial and private flights. I recently flew JSX, a public jet charter service, from Scottsdale, Arizona, to Los Angeles, and here’s my full review as a frequent flier and a private jet expert. 

JSX Review: The Ultimate Guide to Flying JSX

My Experience Flying JSX

I chose to fly JSX to Los Angeles because I had a checked bag that I could not risk losing; I needed it for an important business meeting the following morning. Knowing that JSX employees would be directly loading and unloading it from the aircraft gave me immense peace of mind. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t have thought of JSX because I live in New York, and it only flies to Florida from here. However, I was in Scottsdale, and luckily Los Angeles is one of the destinations it services from there. 

I have reviewed private jets and private jet companies for a decade. I’ve flown in or toured private jets big and small, and there’s a range of differences between the types of private jets and companies out there. Some jets are ultra-luxurious and staffed with a flight attendant, while others have no amenities, limited legroom, and not enough space to stand up fully. Sometimes, there isn’t even a bathroom! On a small private jet, I’m always anxious to get out because it’s not that comfortable. On those jets, you’re flying for convenience and efficiency, not necessarily comfort. 

I was curious how JSX would compare. Would it be enticing enough that a private-jet-charter customer would switch to JSX? Obviously, a public charter flight would be nowhere near as nice as a private flight on a super-midsize jet, but how would it compare to the cramped quarters on light jets or to commercial flights?

I found that JSX was a happy medium between flying commercially and privately. While I initially flew JSX out of necessity, I was quite impressed with the experience. I had the most important perks of flying privately, including an easy arrival experience and a convenient airport that was closer to my final destination. The drive to my hotel in Hollywood was only 20 minutes away; from LAX, it would have been well over an hour. But the flight itself felt like an all-first-class commercial flight. 

What Is the Airport Experience Like for a JSX Flight?

JSX operates out of private terminals, also known as fixed-base operators (FBOs). These FBOs are at smaller regional airports as well as large international airports. Flying from an FBO gives JSX a big advantage over commercial airlines. You only have to arrive 20 minutes before domestic flights. In addition, these FBOs are frequently located in more convenient locations than large airports, so you might be closer to your final destination. 

Much like flying privately, the security procedures are non-invasive and discreet. They include TSA-approved passenger background checks, swabbing every bag for explosives, the Evolv Express crowd screening system, reinforced flight doors, and more. You will have to remove your laptop from your bag as you go through Evolv, but there are no liquid limits for your beauty products and drinks. 

The Scottsdale FBO was a typical experience. The indoor lounge offered coffee, tea, and water, as well as restrooms and plenty of seating with charging ports. Since you won’t be there for very long, there are no restaurants, bars, or shops, so bring everything you need for your flight. The LAX FBO was quite different. It is inside a hangar at the airport. Part of the lounge was enclosed, while the rest was open in the hangar. It was unique and probably quite nice during good weather, but it was raining on my travel day, so I stayed inside. 

Both times I arrived about 30 minutes before my flight, walked right up to the check-in desk, handed over my ID and baggage and received a paper boarding pass. I relaxed in the lounge until it was time to board. Each flight is limited to 30 passengers, so there aren’t big lines for check-in or boarding. It’s a smooth, efficient process.  

What Aircraft Does JSX Fly? 

JSX flies 48 Embraer ERJ family aircraft, including 16 E-135s and 32 E-145s. These aircraft are small regional jets that were originally commercial airliners. JSX purchased the aircraft when they were being retired by an airline, but were still fully operational and safe for flying, and retrofitted them with 30 seats. 

The JSX planes are more like an all-first-class cabin than a private jet. There are no couches or seats facing each other with tables like you would find in a larger private jet. Instead, the aircraft have a 2 by 1 seating configuration on the E-135 aircraft and 1 by1 seating configuration on the E-145 aircraft. The 1 by 1 configuration has a slim leather-covered table on one side. All seats have tray tables. 

I flew on an E-135 jet on both flights. The E-135 aircraft are older than the E-145, and I noticed some visible wear and tear in the interiors that you wouldn’t expect on a private jet. JSX has plans to refresh the E-135 fleet to make them more similar to the newer E-145 planes, which currently make up the majority of the fleet. Of course, these jets get much more use than most private jets do. However, the finishings are nicer than most commercial jets. The seats have gray leather upholstery, and the tray tables have elegant wood trim.

What Is It Like Aboard a JSX Flight? 

Every JSX flight has a flight attendant who offers complimentary drinks and snacks. There’s a menu in the seat-back pocket with a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. After takeoff, the flight attendant comes around to take everyone’s order and then delivers the drinks on a tray. There’s no cart blocking the aisle at any stage. Next, they come around with a basket of snacks. JSX also offers free Starlink Wi-Fi aboard each flight. On my flights, it was relatively quick and easy to use. Every seat has power, so you can keep your devices charged. There are no in-seat entertainment systems. 

What Is the Baggage Policy on a JSX Flight? 

JSX tickets include two or three 50 lb bags, depending on the fare purchased. Extra bags and overweight bags cost $50. Check with customer service if you plan on bringing more bags than are included in the fare, as these smaller aircraft are limited by their weight. The aircraft do not have overhead bins, so your traditional carry-on suitcase will count as checked luggage. You can only bring a single small personal item that can fit underneath the seat in front of you. 

I wish the weight limit was more in line with commercial first-class tickets, which typically allow bags up to 70 lb. One of the best perks of flying privately is not worrying about weight limitations, so the limit was disappointing. However, aircraft have operational weight restrictions, and with 30 passengers, the company can’t be as lenient with its baggage policy as it could with fewer passengers. 

When you arrive at your destination, JSX brings the bags out planeside or into the FBO. You don’t have to go to a baggage carousel. It’s very quick and convenient. I waited less than five minutes for my bags each time, which was fantastic. 

Is JSX Worth It?

Yes! Flying JSX is more affordable than chartering a private jet and offers many of the same benefits as private jet travel, but it’s not the same experience, of course. People who have only ever flown commercially will think it’s extremely luxurious; people who typically fly privately will see it as a far more convenient commercial flight. With all of the hassles of flying commercially today, a semi-private flight on JSX is a fantastic alternative. 

I really enjoyed flying JSX. It was much more comfortable and convenient than flying commercially. Even if it’s a little more expensive than flying first class, you save a lot of time not flying through a big airport. I also saved significant time and money traveling to the airport because I was flying out of smaller regional airports that were closer to my destinations. 

Frequently Asked Questions About JSX

What Is JSX? 

JSX is a public jet charter service, also known as a semi-private air carrier. (Technically, JSX is not an airline; it is an air carrier or a public jet charter service.) It operates flights at set times on set routes and allows the public to purchase seats on its private jets. In contrast, a private charter operator flies when and where the client wants on the aircraft of their choice, and the client must book the entire aircraft. 

Where Does JSX Fly? 

JSX flies regional flights across the US. The air carrier is based in Dallas, Texas, which is one of its hubs. It also operates many flights out of Las Vegas as well as at airports across the West Coast. JSX flies Embraer ERJ aircraft, which are regional jets with a maximum range of 1,750 nautical miles (nm), so a nonstop coast-to-coast flight is not possible at this time. It can, however, fly from New York to Miami or Los Angeles to Los Cabos and adds new flights based on consumer interest. (So fill out those post-flight surveys!) The website’s Where We Fly page shows all routes. JSX currently flies to 24 destinations, including Arizona, the Bahamas, Cabo San Lucas, California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, and Texas.

In late 2023, JSX announced its intent to acquire over 300 hybrid electric aircraft beginning in 2028, including the nine-seat Electra eSTOL, the 19-seat Aura Aero Era, and the 30-seat Heart Aerospace ES-30. In a statement, JSX said, “With the Electra eSTOL, Heart Aerospace ES-30, and Aura Aero Era, JSX can dramatically lower the cost of its service and open new flight options at over 2,000 U.S. airports.”

How to Book a JSX Flight

Booking a flight on JSX is very easy. In fact, it’s just like booking a commercial flight. You pick your flight origin, destination, and time and book online or on the company’s app. 

How Much Does JSX Cost? 

Fares are similar to first-class tickets on a commercial airline. Fares begin at $209 each way and can cost over $1,000 for longer flights at prime times. 

Can You Bring Pets on JSX Flights?

JSX is pet-friendly, but since it’s not a private jet, there are rules and regulations similar to a commercial airline. Only five pets can fly on each flight, so you must add the pet to your reservation at the time of booking or by contacting customer support. There is a $100 fee for each flight segment. Small pets must fit in an approved travel carrier underneath the seat in front of you. Since there are no overhead bins on JSX flights, your pet counts as your personal item. Depending on the aircraft, this means you cannot bring other bags on board, so check with customer service. 

Unlike commercial flights, you can bring a medium-to-large dog under 79 lbs on the flight. You just have to purchase an adjoining seat for your dog, which must lie on the floor in front of that seat. It’s a great solution for travelers who don’t want to put their pets in the cargo area of a commercial airplane. 

Trained dogs with supporting documentation are always welcome as service animals. 

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