Traveling recently has been nothing but hassles, delays and what seems to be never ending security lines. Some major airports have had reported lines of over two hours. Luckily, we got the chance to review JSX who eliminates these hassles. JSX promises a unique experience out of their many airports. The best part? No long TSA lines or even TSA at all. One of JSX’s many perks, include operations out of their own private terminals. You can be curb to seat in only 20 minutes.
When flying JSX, they offer 2 checked bags included in the fare on their Hop on tickets, while offering 3 checked bags on their All in tickets. All bags can be up to 50 pounds. If a bag is over 50 pounds, they offer you the option to rearrange into another bag, purchase an additional checked bag for $50, or they will give you a large black trash bag to put your items in with a zip-tie and check that bag for you. While it is a nice gesture, for an airline that strives on making air travel easy, being able to purchase an additional tote bag that other airlines offer, would be a bit more seamless to offer than carrying a black trash bag with your items.
Who Is JSX?
If you haven’t heard of JSX, you’re not alone. In 2016 former JetBlue executive Alex Wilcox set out to create a unique airline aimed at improving the declining short haul market. The inaugural flight launched April of 2016 between Burbank and Concord, California. Initial routes focused on west coast markets such as Las Vegas and Burbank in 30 seat Embraer Regional Jets. Each route operates out of private terminals instead of airline terminals. Currently the JSX fleet consists of 25 Embraer ERJ-145 and 135 jets capped at 30 seats. Every seat has very generous legroom boasting 36” of seat pitch compared to the 31” on regional airline equivalents. Compared to a standard regional jet, JSX removed the overhead bins to create additional space. On their ERJ145s there are only only 2 seats per row allowing extra room for beverages and storage.
Our Flight
We got to see for ourselves what makes JSX so unique. On August 3rd we booked through their easy to use website going from Las Vegas to Phoenix Sky Harbor. For two passengers our ticket totaled $398. Other airline options were in the mid $300 to $400 range making this ticket price competitive with other carriers. The check in process is super quick. Our check in agent was super friendly. She conversed with us for a bit and asked us if we flown JSX before. Then she swabbed our bags, checked our ID and we were on our way to the departure lounge, a mere 5 feet away. There was an assortment of seats and tables with plug outlets. Coffee was available however there were no snacks or free beverages. We were hoping to see some beverages and light snacks. Just 10 minutes before departure time boarding was called. Only 12 of the 30 seats were occupied which made boarding quick.
After boarding was completed our flight attendant immediately took our drink requests prior to takeoff. Unlike many airlines, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks were included in the price of the ticket.
There was no Wi-Fi onboard however, there were plug outlets located under the arm rest as well as the lower wall. In the next few months JSX plans to add WIFI to their fleet partnering with SpaceX owned Starlink. After take-off the sole flight attendant began distributing the drinks ordered, then walked around with a snack basket. He was both attentive and personable throughout the entire flight.
Soon enough we began our bumpy descent into Phoenix about an hour after departing Las Vegas. Deplaning was effortless, after entering the private terminal our bags were brought in and we were on our way. We had our bags less than 5 minutes after deplaning. Rather then waiting in the typical crowded ride share zones at major airports, we were invited to wait in their quiet and spacious terminal.
We had an unexpected opportunity to check out JSX’s newer Texas route on August 5th from Dallas to Houston TX. Our travel nightmare on JetBlue made this unexpected booking possible. The travel experience was identical to our phoenix flight (in a good way). Our ERJ145 had unique 1 on 1 seating making the plane feel spacious, almost private jet like. Similarly the service was fantastic with all of the ground and inflight staff. Like Phoenix we waited no longer then 2 minutes to retrieve our bags in Dallas Love Fields private terminal.
Final Approach
Getting to fly JSX twice awarded us the opportunity to get a good feel for what differentiates the JSX experience from a traditional airline carrier. Their lounges were good. They could be better with some snack and drink options. Every employee we interacted with was pleasant and cheerful. Their west coast aircraft felt a bit worn compared to the one in Texas but both were clean none the less. The overall convenience of everything made flying JSX a great value. Given the similar price to other major airlines the JSX experience proved to be a great value for the money. If you are looking for a unique way to travel without the many hassles then JSX is the way to go.
To receive $20 off your first JSX flight:
1] Visit: https://www.jsx.com
2] Click Sign Up in the top right corner.
3] When asked for a referral code use: 9QGFWF