Is JSX Hop-On Jet Service Worth the Cost?

If the allure of flying on a semi-private jet interests you, then you’ll be happy to know that this mode of travel isn’t just for the rich and famous anymore — thanks to JSX.

JSX is an air carrier that offers options to fly on private planes in light of its mission to make private flying more affordable. The benefits JSX offers could sway travelers from using commercial airlines, though the tickets can come at a higher price. Tickets start at $300 each way, but that's often for shorter routes that you might find for just $49 on a lower cost airline like Southwest.

But the hop-on jet service is so unique that the benefits might be worth the cost. Here’s what you need to know about the JSX experience, so you can decide if the benefits outweigh the typically-higher airfare:

JSX is a public charter jet service that offers semi-private flight service. Boarding a JSX flight happens in private terminals and you deal with fewer lines and a shorter wait time when compared to flying commercial. Semi-private JSX flights offer the convenience of private jet travel, but finding a deal may depend on your flexibility.

Aircraft in the JSX fleet can host up to 30 passengers and offer business class legroom, drinks and snacks. JSX doesn’t require a lengthy check-in process; instead, you can be in your seat within 20 minutes of arriving.

JSX Wi-Fi options

JSX is one of just a few air carriers that offers free Wi-Fi onboard. The Wi-Fi provider is SpaceX’s Starlink and the login process is fairly straightforward. Passengers only need to select the network name; there's no need to input a credit card, loyalty program number or watch annoying advertising videos.

While JSX has grown to serve routes across roughly four dozen key North American markets, JSX flight routes are still limited. Among the airports served by JSX are:

• Austin, Texas (AUS).

• Burbank, California (BUR).

• Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (CSL).

• Concord / Napa, California (CCR).

• Dallas, Texas (DAL).

• Denver / Boulder, Colorado (BJC).

• Destin, Florida (DSI).

• Gunnison / Crested Butte, Colorado (GUC).

• Houston, Texas (HOU).

• Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS).

• Los Angeles, California (LAX).

• Monterey / Carmel, California (MRY).

• Nashville, Tennessee (BNA).

• Oakland, California (OAK).

• Orlando, Florida (MCO).

• Orange County / Santa Ana, California (SNA).

• Phoenix, Arizona (PHX).

• Reno-Tahoe, Nevada (RNO).

• Taos, New Mexico (TSM).

• Westchester County, New York (HPN).

The majority of these routes are based in California and there are also some seasonal flights offered. Most JSX flights are nonstop routes, making the flight experience quicker and more enjoyable.

JSX routes

The JSX route map is constantly changing. Check out the Where We Fly page for the latest JSX destinations.

To book a flight on JSX, head over to jsx.com and click on the word “Book” in the top menu bar.

Select if you’re looking for a one-way or a round-trip flight and enter your flight details. Then click on “Find flights” to see the options available. On the next page, you’ll be able to see a list of available Hop On and All In fares for a seven-day period.

Select the fare you’re interested in by clicking the little red arrow next to the ticket price to pay for your flight.

When booking flights on JSX, there are two ticket types to choose from: Hop On and All In.

Hop On tickets

JSX Hop On tickets are the cheaper option. Although they are nonrefundable, if you cancel your flight you will receive a future flight credit (minus a $50 cancellation or change fee) Advanced seat selection also has a fee ($10 to $30 each way). Passenger fares include two checked bags, up to 50 pounds each.

All In tickets

The more expensive tickets are called All In. If you need to cancel your ticket, you will receive a refund to your original payment method. You can select your seat at no additional cost and there are no fees for changes or cancellations, and you are allowed three checked bags up to 50 pounds each.

You can earn JetBlue and United miles when booking JSX flights. Customers purchasing JSX All In fares will earn 250 TrueBlue points, whereas those with JSX Hop on fares will earn 150 points.

For United MileagePlus, your earn rate depends on your ticket number. For tickets that don’t start with 016, you'll earn 50% of miles flown in fare classes N, H, and P; 75% of miles flown for fare classes W, G and Q; and 100% of miles flown for fare classes Y, B, E, M, V, S, D and T. 

For ticket numbers that start with 016, United passengers earn award miles based on their fare and MileagePlus elite status level:

• MileagePlus Member: 5x miles.

• Premier Silver: 7x miles.

• Premier Gold: 8x miles.

• Premier Platinum: 9x miles.

• Premier 1K: 11x miles.

Unfortunately, you cannot redeem United or JetBlue miles on JSX flights.

There is a lot of competition for airfare, so are these JSX deals competitive with commercial operators like American or Southwest? To compare pricing, here are a few examples showing the JSX flight cost:

Phoenix to Las Vegas

A round-trip JSX flight between Phoenix and Las Vegas would cost $688 for a Hop On fare or $1,118 for an All In fare:

Although these prices look high, a scan of the calendar shows prices as low as $149 each way if you choose to fly earlier in the week, say on Sunday or Monday.

Flying on Southwest Airlines, this same round-trip would cost $261 for a Wanna Get Away fare or $521 for a business select fare. 

Not surprisingly, the Southwest round-trip option is cheaper than the one on JSX. However, if you often buy Southwest business select fares, the JSX Hop On option at $688 isn’t significantly higher than the $521 business select ticket on Southwest. 

Westchester to Miami

Our example search of a round-trip flight from Westchester to Miami-Opa Locka was $1,798 for a Hop On fare or $2,598 for an All In fare.

Flying on American Airlines, this same trip would cost $509 for a main cabin ticket or $1,009 for a first class ticket.

Again, the price of the commercial airline ticket is significantly cheaper than flying semi-private with JSX. If you were planning on splurging for first class with American Airlines for $1,009, that would still be nearly half the cost of the $1,798 Hop On fare with JSX.

Unless you're able to find attractive JSX deals, you should probably bank on paying nearly double for the semi-private flight experience.

If you can take advantage of JSX AmEx Offers

In the past, AmEx Offers have included discounts on JSX flights. A recent discount provided a $100 cash back statement credit after spending $200 or more on a flight. If you’re planning on flying with JSX, keep a lookout for AmEx offers. Enrollment required.

If you're flying with a pet

Although some airlines have a lot of restrictions for pets, JSX allows cats and dogs on board. It costs $100 to bring a pet on a one-way flight.If you’re flying with a pet, a JSX fare could make sense, if the fees that you’d pay on a commercial flight increase your ticket price significantly. Additionally, you won't have to bother with bringing your pet through TSA, which could be stressful.

Flying JSX might be worth the price but it largely depends on the type of traveler you are. Do you pay for upgrades and other fees anyway? Is the destination you’re headed to cheaper on a commercial airline? If you’re someone who enjoys luxury travel experiences, or would like to treat yourself to a semi-private flight with fewer passengers, the additional cost of JSX could be worth the investment. With up to three free checked bags and a faster check-in process, flying JSX can elevate your travel experience and make it run smoother.

But since JSX can also often turn out much more expensive (especially for folk used to basic economy), it isn't for everyone. There are more cost-effective options available, and its flight network is fairly limited anyway.

Even high-end travelers who already hold co-branded airline credit cards or who already hold airline elite status might find that the benefits they have access to — like lounge access, free checked bags and priority boarding — make commercial airlines better anyway.

(Top image courtesy of JSX)