Choosing Semi-Private Flights Could Significantly Ease Your Travel Stress (Without Emptying Your Wallet)
This past year hasn’t exactly showcased the benefits of flying commercial. Travelers have dealt with a rise in flight delays and cancellations, crowded security lines at airports nationwide, and a crisis of lost luggage as airlines struggle to keep up with the surging demand for travel.
To make matters worse, passengers are shelling out more for this lackluster experience. Domestic and international fares continue to rise due to factors like heightened demand, inflation, soaring fuel prices, delays in aircraft deliveries, and persistent staffing issues. The high expenses associated with commercial flights don’t seem likely to decrease anytime soon.
Surely, there must be a better option, right? It turns out, there is.
Experience of Flying Semi-Private
Amid the increasing chaos at airports across the country, my desire for a calmer, less crowded flying experience grew stronger. In March, I decided to try a completely different approach to air travel. I booked a short, one-hour flight from Northern California to Orange County in Southern California with semi-private airline JSX, accompanied by my four-year-old daughter.
In comparison to some of our recent commercial flight experiences (like the unexpected Chicago layover added to our 'nonstop' journey from San Francisco to Raleigh, not to mention the Thanksgiving security line that stretched the entire terminal), this experience was a breath of fresh air. It was, dare I say, genuinely peaceful and relaxing?
We departed from the JSX terminal in Concord, a small airport about 45 minutes east of San Francisco, conveniently located in my hometown (so I might be a bit biased about this fantastic spot). I picked my daughter up from preschool just 45 minutes before our flight. After a quick check-in, which also served as our security and I.D. verification with no one in line ahead of us, we dropped off our bags and settled into the temporary waiting area. (The Concord airport is currently undergoing renovations, so the JSX ‘terminal’ is housed in a mobile unit.)
We relaxed in the simple yet inviting lounge area, furnished with a mix of sleek couches, coffee tables, communal workspaces, and armchairs, all offering complimentary coffee, tea, and water. About two dozen other passengers sat quietly, either reading or working. There were no incessant loud announcements from a P.A. system, nor were there any lines or crowds to navigate. It was so serene. So civilized.
Photo by Michelle Baran
When it was time to board, we breezed through the security scanners without having to remove a single item (thanks to the carrier’s distinctive, TSA-approved security process), and stepped directly onto the airfield. Climbing the steps to the smaller aircraft, we briefly felt like the movie stars we always imagine ourselves to be.
The 30-passenger plane (arranged in a two-one seat layout) didn’t feature seatback screens, but we came prepared with headphones and an iPad filled with favorite TV shows for my four-year-old, as well as a book for her mom.
JSX is in the process of equipping its entire fleet with Starlink Wi-Fi. Although my daughter and I narrowly missed experiencing the new Wi-Fi (it hadn’t been set up on our specific aircraft yet), Dinogo contributor Chris Dong recently enjoyed the Starlink connectivity on a JSX flight and found it impressive. 'The Wi-Fi worked exceptionally well, with almost no lag or latency. JSX even allows passengers to take Zoom calls, for better or worse. I tested the video calling feature, and it was as fast as if I were on the ground,' says Dong.
Courtesy of JSX
Our brief flight included a selection of gourmet snacks and beverages (sparkling rosé wine and trail mix, among others). After landing, we simply picked up our luggage right outside the aircraft and were on our way.
Our return trip from Orange County was just as effortless. Once again, check-in was smooth, the small lounge area was calm and uncrowded, and we boarded and disembarked without any issues.
It truly was a game changer, especially given that some JSX flights are comparable in price or only slightly higher than those on commercial airlines. (One-way fares from Concord to Orange County, California, start at $209.) Interested? Here’s everything you need to know about flying semi-private, including the advantages, disadvantages, and some companies that provide this unique travel experience.
What is semi-private air travel?
Private jets are sleek, smaller aircraft that provide the highest level of privacy and exclusivity in the air—for a hefty price. These jets typically range from compact 4-person planes to larger 20-passenger models; the cost to charter a 4-to-6-passenger private jet can vary from $1,300 to $3,000 per flying hour and increases from there.
However, there is an option that lies between this extreme luxury and flying on packed 100- to 300-passenger commercial aircraft: the semi-private jet experience.
Semi-private air travel is generally available on smaller 15- to 30-person planes (or even helicopters) operating domestic routes, with some also offering international flights. Airlines providing this service usually sell individual seats on these smaller aircraft, which can be booked online, just like with major carriers.
What is the cost of semi-private air travel?
Since passengers aren't chartering the entire aircraft as they would with a private jet, prices can range from rates comparable to commercial air travel (for example, JSX flights start at $209 each way for interstate routes, and from $669 each way for longer trips like New York to Florida) to more business- or first-class pricing (with Aero flights from Los Angeles to Los Cabos starting at $1,800 one way).
Are kids and pets allowed to fly semi-private?
Yes, they can! I was initially a bit concerned about flying with my four-year-old daughter on JSX, especially since the experience is so tranquil and calm, and young children can be quite the handful. However, there was another young boy on our first flight and a baby on the return journey, so we were not the only family on board. Typically, kids under two can travel as a lap child, while those over two years old will need their own seat.
Regarding pets, it's best to check with each airline for their specific pet policy, but generally, small to medium-sized pets are allowed to travel in the cabin at no additional cost.
Airlines that provide semi-private flights
Courtesy of Aero
Aero
Established in 2020, the semi-private luxury airline Aero provides a more upscale experience than JSX, along with higher prices. One-way fares from Dallas to Aspen start at $1,000, from L.A. to Los Cabos at $1,800, and from London to Nice at $1,600. These prices include one checked bag, one carry-on, and complimentary snacks and drinks on board. Children (including infants) and small pets are welcome.
Aero operates flights from Aspen, Colorado; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Los Cabos, Mexico; San Francisco; and Sun Valley, Idaho. It also connects several European hubs, including London; Nice, France; and Ibiza, Spain.
Blade
Blade is a helicopter and semi-private flight service that primarily runs routes from New York City to Palm Beach and Miami, Florida. It also provides helicopter transport from Manhattan to John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark International Airport. One-way flights to Palm Beach start at $1,250.
Courtesy of JSX
JSX
Originally known as JetSuiteX, JSX began operations in 2016. Its current routes link various California hubs, including Burbank, Concord, Los Angeles, Monterey, Orange County, Oakland, and San Diego. The airline also serves Austin, Dallas, Denver, Gunnison/Crested Butte (Colorado), Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Orlando, Phoenix, Reno-Tahoe, Taos (New Mexico), and Westchester County in New York.
JSX is one of the most budget-friendly choices for semi-private travel, with one-way fares starting as low as $209 on 30-seat planes, which includes up to two checked bags along with snacks and beverages on board. Children (including infants) and pets are allowed to travel.
The airline advises arriving 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. The waiting lounges, typically located in a separate terminal from the main airport, offer Wi-Fi, coffee, tea, water, and restrooms for passengers. (For more substantial food options, you'll need to bring your own or eat before or after your trip.)
JSX primarily operates the Embraer E135 aircraft, a shorter variant of the more widely used Embraer E145 model found in many U.S. regional airlines. These planes are equipped with plush leather seats and tray tables, and now all feature Starlink Wi-Fi service.
Surf Air
Surf Air is a jet membership service that offers both scheduled semi-private flights (similar to JSX) and on-demand jet services. The scheduled semi-private flights operate from Truckee, San Carlos, Santa Barbara, and Hawthorne in California, while the on-demand flights can be booked to and from numerous hubs across the United States. Membership options range from $199 per month for access to inventory with pay-per-flight to $2,500 per month for an unlimited flight plan.
Tradewind Aviation
The idea of semi-private travel isn't new, at least not for the 20-year-old Tradewind Aviation. Based in Oxford, Connecticut, the company provides on-demand and scheduled flights throughout the United States and the Caribbean.
Scheduled services include flights to and from Westchester County in New York, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, as well as Newport, Rhode Island. Tradewind also connects several Caribbean destinations such as Anguilla, Antigua, San Juan, St. Bart’s, and St. Thomas.
Flight prices range from $300 for island-hopping in the Caribbean to an initial rate of $395 for a flight from Westchester to Nantucket. These aircraft operate from private air terminals and offer on-board refreshments during the journey.
Advantages of flying semi-private
No crowds or lengthy security lines. Few things are more discouraging than arriving at the airport—despite having ample time—only to encounter a long line winding through security. With a limited number of routes on smaller planes, crowds and lines are virtually non-existent when you choose semi-private travel.
No need to arrive at the airport two hours in advance. As a lifelong member of #teamearly when it comes to airport arrival, this was a tough pill for me to swallow. However, you really can arrive just 30 minutes before your flight, as recommended by the carrier, because the security process is much quicker, with fewer people and lines to navigate.
Exceptional customer service. With fewer passengers and a higher price point, semi-private airlines provide a more personalized experience. From an effortless check-in to valet parking and concierge services, the level of attention and care surpasses what you’d typically expect on many commercial flights.
The (possible) downsides of flying semi-private
The price. While you can find some fantastic deals in the semi-private flight sector, these flights generally come at a higher cost compared to their commercial equivalents. However, the time and hassle saved can be well worth it. Additionally, make sure to consider any extra fees you may incur on a commercial flight (like baggage fees) to truly assess how a semi-private option compares.
Lack of shops or dining options. As these flights operate from independent terminals, you won't have access to the stores and restaurants commonly found in main terminals. The lounge may provide some drinks or snacks, but that’s about it. So, come prepared with your own snacks and entertainment (like reading, working, or browsing) to pass the time.
Limited flight schedules. The most significant drawback is likely the restricted availability of these services. These flights usually cater to specific leisure destinations, which may not align with the needs of all travelers since they might not fly to or from your desired locations.
Parking. This can be a double-edged sword, depending on the airport or terminal you’re using. At smaller, less congested airports or terminals, parking may be a breeze compared to larger facilities. However, JSX, for example, only provides valet parking at select terminals, which can lead to steep costs. In such situations, opting for a car service might be the more economical choice.
This article was first published in January 2022 and was updated on April 20, 2023, to reflect the latest information.
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