Nov 21, 2023 8:37:42 AM | Travel Hop-on, Hop-off Airfare from LA to Las Vegas

Most of the "private" airfare experience for the same price as economy. 

Last week I had the pleasure of attending Autodesk University for the first time in person. The conferece also happened to occur just prior to Formula 1's Las Vegas Grad Prix. This meant that many of the traditional carriers had higher priced flights than normal. 

The best option I could find was through United for $169.30. It was listed as flown by a partner airline on an Embraer ERJ. If you're not familiar with what that is I've sourced a picture from Wikipedia below. 

If you travel alot, the image below might make your back or knees hurt.

Source - By John Davies - CYOW Airport Watch - Gallery page http://www.airliners.net/photo/American-Eagle/Embraer-EMB-145LR-%28ERJ-145LR%29/0969536/LPhoto http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/6/3/5/0969536.jpg, GFDL 1.2, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27090913

ERJs are not known for their spaciousness. They are typically loud and beyond cramped. Economy seats are in 2+2 configuration and even those of average height (5'9/175cm) will need to squeeze and stoop as you maneuver through the cabin.  

This regional jet has 1+1 seating & free drinks!

JSX is not an airline in the traditional sense. Per their marketing, they’re a “hop on, hop off service” that offers seats on privately chartered aircraft. The aircraft themselves are more akin to a fully first class commercial layout than a plushly appointed executive jet.

That’s not a complaint however. The aircraft themselves have ample room, free drinks, and free snacks. 

JSX offers limited routes that are typically leisure oriented from affluent areas such as LA, Austin, and Orange County. 

Picking your seat costs an industry typically 20-30$, next time I might pay it. I ended up in the rear of the airplane probably as the ballast. There were only about 15 people on the flight.

Once you board, you'll receive a menu. With only 15 or so people on board the 20 minute process to board, order, and takeoff was quicker than any domestic flight I've ever taken. For a 90 minute wheels up to wheels down experience I’d do it again under the same circumstances. But, none of this is the best part!

JSX has truly stress free checkin 

I’m in the habit of showing up well before my flight. I maxed out my 4pm checkout, showed up 45 minutes before departure and still was only the 2nd person there. One passenger showed up 5 minutes prior to departure and had no issue boarding.

JSX typically flies out of the cargo or private side of terminals. If you are flying out of LAX for instance, you can avoid the traffic and head to the cargo side. The terminal is decidedly more doctor's office waiting room vs. traditional airport lounge.  

Leaving the airport is just as simple

Many passengers were ordering Ubers as we taxied. In my experience that can be a bold strategy if you have to wait for your luggage. In this case, I was the one who once again was left waiting. 

Luggage is handed to you right as you deplane. You'll carry your luggage to a similar business like terminal where you can wait for your ride. 

The Las Vegas Terminal (pictured) was similarly located away from the masses of people flying on major carriers and had plenty of space to wait for my Uber. 

What else to know about booking with JSX?

JSX is not a true Airline

Per Wikipedia: For regulatory purposes, JSX is setup as public charter operator and does not directly operate aircraft. he arrangement allows JSX to utilize pilots who are qualified to operate charter services, who can be either less experienced or older than allowed on commercial passenger flights.

This did not impact my flight experience at all and is similar to how many all inclusive vacations may be sold. 

JSX has partnerships with United & JetBlue

JetBlue has a codeshare agreement. You can also buy certain flights through United like I did. They'll be denoted as flown by JSX when you search for flights on their site. Earnings are not in the same category, and you will not enjoy status privileges such as 70lb luggage. Instead, JSX' typical 2 suitcase / 50lbs. each applies to all passengers. 

Why not fly like a boss?