JSX Embraer E135 Jet with Thirty Seats for Passenger Operations

During the challenging times of the global health crisis, private jet travel saw a surge in popularity. Affluent travelers chose private jets to whisk their families away from restricted urban areas to serene destinations like beaches, ski resorts, or ranches. Some private jet operators introduced scheduled services to various locations, offering a luxurious alternative to traditional air travel.

With commercial airlines resuming pre-crisis routes, passengers now face crowded flights, busy airports, uncomfortable lounges, long security lines, and inconsistent service. However, private jet operators like JSX continue to thrive, providing a comfortable and time-efficient alternative at prices appealing to a growing number of travelers. In 2024, JSX, based primarily in Dallas, Texas, operated 36,000 flights using 30-seat jet aircraft, adhering to 'private charter' regulations.

JSX is a leader in transitioning to airline alternatives. Founded as JetSuiteX in April 2016, this public charter jet service was created by CEO Alex Wilcox to address declining short-haul traffic and rising fares on U.S. short-haul flights. Flying in comfort without crowds can be surprisingly affordable. For example, JSX offers flights from Burbank (BUR) and Orange County (SNA) to Napa Airport (APC) four times weekly, starting at just $189 one-way.

My first experience with a 'semi-private' airline alternative was a July trip from Burbank to Napa Airport in California’s wine country. Napa Airport, not served by commercial carriers, was conveniently closer to our destination, the elegant Four Seasons Napa Valley, than airports in Oakland, San Francisco, or Santa Rosa.

Expecting a repurposed Gulfstream or Lear Jet, I was pleasantly surprised by JSX’s professional operation at Burbank Airport. My Uber driver easily located the JSX hangar, far from the main terminal, where the hum of idling jets revived the romance of post-war aviation.

JSX operates like a boutique airline, with ticket and baggage counters, gate agents, security screening, and both indoor and outdoor waiting areas. I chose the air-conditioned indoor lounge for its quiet atmosphere and complimentary snacks, escaping the roar of jets outside.

JSX manages a fleet of 48 Embraer 135 and 145 aircraft, each configured with 30 seats, the maximum allowed under private charter rules. The Brazilian manufacturer Embraer, the third-largest civil aircraft producer globally, is renowned for regional jets like the E170 and E195, which seat over 100 passengers.

The JSX Embraer 145 I boarded accommodated 30 passengers in 15 single-seat rows on either side of the aisle. Each traveler enjoyed a spacious leather seat with business-class legroom, power outlets, and a personal porthole-shaped window. JSX is a global launch customer for Starlink inflight Wi-Fi, offering high-speed internet at no extra cost. The short flight, lasting about one hour and five minutes, was comfortable and scenic.

Check-in was seamless, requiring just 20 minutes before takeoff, saving hours compared to major airports. JSX’s pet-friendly policy stood out, accommodating medium and large dogs, including a standard poodle and a 225-pound St. Bernard service dog I encountered. The TSA security process was quick, crowd-free, and hassle-free.

Luggage drop-off and retrieval were efficient, with a crew member assisting me as I disembarked with carry-ons. “We’re here to help,” she said, a refreshing contrast to typical airline experiences. The flight was smooth, quiet, and comfortable, with a gracious flight attendant serving snacks, beverages, and cocktails while ensuring safety.

JSX is the world’s first autism-certified air carrier, with crew members trained to support passengers with autism in collaboration with Autism Double-Checked. This makes JSX an excellent choice for families with special needs.

JSX serves over 20 destinations in the U.S. and Mexico, including major airports like Burbank and Las Vegas, as well as smaller ones like Napa (APC), Destin Executive (DSI), and Cabo San Lucas (CSW). New and seasonal routes include Orange County (SNA) to Salt Lake City (SLC) from $259 one-way, Taos, NM (TSM) from Carlsbad (CLD) and Burbank (BUR) from $229, and Reno-Tahoe (RNO) from Carlsbad and Las Vegas from $259–$269 one-way.

JSX’s Club JSX rewards program offers free membership, with customers earning 5% of applicable base fares, seat fees, and pet fees as future trip credits. The passenger demographic, largely under 40, mirrors value-conscious travelers like Costco members, who appreciate quality and affordability.