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Imagine showing up at the airport 20 minutes before your flight, breezing through check-in, and hopping on a 30-passenger private plane in less time than it takes to get through standard airport security. It sounds like it would cost an arm and a leg, right. But what if it was less than a business/first-class ticket on a standard carrier?
With budding semi-private carriers, such as JSX, this is an everyday occurrence, bringing the luxury of flying private into the realm of possibility for ordinary travelers.
As summer continues to show how chaotic the airline industry is right now, many travelers fear delays, lost luggage, or outright cancellations. One massive benefit to flying semi-private is the easy and straightforward process. Imagine how easy your travel would be with the following benefits:
- Private terminals for checking in, often with valet parking included.
- With private terminals comes no crowds.
- With so few people, security is a breeze, and there’s no need to arrive at the airport 2 hours early.
- It’s nearly impossible for your luggage to go missing. There’s no maze of conveyor belts lurking behind the check-in counter wall for your bag to get lost in.
- Customer service is top-notch. On a 300-passenger plane, giving all passengers good service can be challenging, but with only 30 people, everyone on board feels like they’re in first class.
- Better bag policies. Many semi-private airlines offer generous checked bag policies, with two 50 lb. bags being the norm.
One of the biggest reasons people prefer flying semi-private is the time savings. Most semi-private carriers only require you to arrive 20-30 minutes before your flight. De-boarding is similarly stress-free and quick, with previous TSX guests reporting that they could make it from touchdown to their hotel in 20 minutes. Some commercial flights can take 20 minutes from touchdown just to get off the plane.
Is it really cheaper than standard carrier business/first class?
It depends. While it isn’t always going to be cheaper, it often works out to be close to the same price as a business or first-class ticket with a standard commercial carrier. Even with a small cost over a traditional carrier, the perks of flying semi-private often make it worth it for travelers wishing to make the most of their time. To get an idea, a sample fair for a one-way ticket from Los Angeles to Las Vegas was chosen for August 1st using JSX, a popular lower-cost semi-private carrier, and American Airlines.
Cost Breakdown:
August 1st, One-Way Fare
- American Airlines First Class (Business was not available): $214
- JSX Airlines: $209
JSX came out slightly cheaper than American Airlines. Still, when factoring in the time saved and the hassle-free experience, many travelers say that the semi-private option offers more value.
Who Should You Fly With?
There are many semi-private carriers to choose from, and choosing one largely depends on each traveler’s specific goals and needs. Below are several options and what they are known for:
- JSX: One of the most popular semi-private carriers, it is also one of the most affordable. Currently, the carrier operates mainly in the western U.S. but is slowly adding more options for the east coast.
- AERO: A more luxurious experience than JSX, with a higher price tag. The carrier operates in the U.S. and also has routes in Europe. Tickets for one-way fares typically start around $1000.
- Set Jet: A membership is required to fly this carrier, costing $99.95 per month. They operate mainly in the western U.S., and regional flights start at $750.
While there are many other semi-private carrier options, prices vary dramatically. The three carriers above are your best bet for finding fares that are comparable to standard commercial flight costs. With the numerous perks of semi-private traveling, travelers will likely enjoy the more laid-back and time-saving experience.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Maga patriots vs lefty traitors
Tuesday 12th of July 2022
Sounds like a regular airline with scheduled flights, just with smaller planes...
And how do you skip security check? As in you do not need to go through scanners etc? How come?
Maga patriots vs lefty traitors
Wednesday 13th of July 2022
@Kashlee Kucheran, I would not want to fly this jet if remaining 29 unknown passengers do not go through the security. And if terrorist wanted to bomb the plain, this would be peace of cake target, if you really do not need to go through security for this not actually private, but regular scheduled flight...
Kashlee Kucheran
Tuesday 12th of July 2022
When you fly private, you do not have to go through security,a nd are not subject to normal security rules You can reach the plane right from the tarmac