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Typically, airlines launch new flights with press releases, social media, and plenty of marketing hoopla in the hopes of filling all those seats. However, don’t expect to see much from JSX about its newest routes, even though they are launching just in time for the peak winter season, connecting the busiest airport for private jet travelers in the U.S., serving one of the world’s most important cities, with three of the busiest airports in South Florida.
With per seat prices starting at just $615 one-way (although they range to over $1,000), the new flights are sure to be of interest to both those flyers who want to experience a bit of the Gulfstream lifestyle as well as those who already fly privately, but don’t want to pay the give or take $15,000 to charter a six-seat light jet for just one or two people.
Of course, to sell the seats on the new flights, you would need to know about the new flights.
However, JSX is facing strict restrictions on where it can promote the new flights.
So, what are the new routes?
The new flights link Teterboro Airport in Northern New Jersey, the busiest airport for private jets, with Palm Beach International, Fort Lauderdale Executive, and Miami Opa Locka Executive Airport.
The three Sunshine State airports are all ranked in the top 25 based on private jet movements.
It doesn’t fly big jets with hundreds of passengers crammed together. It flies converted Embraer regional jets. There are a maximum of 30 seats. There are only aisle and window seats.
Everyone travels in the same class. You get similar legroom as domestic first class on narrowbody jets. There’s also free WiFi, complimentary snacks, and checked luggage.
However, the game-changer is that JSX doesn’t use the standard airport terminals.
It operates from FBOs and private terminals. Customers check in as little as 20 minutes before departure. The compact terminals also mean that instead of long walks from concourse to arrivals, and then a wait for luggage, you can be on your way minutes after arriving.
The new flights, however, can only be promoted to members of Club JSX, a loyalty program the company launched just a month ago.
That’s because the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, which runs Teterboro Airport, restricts the type of operations.
A Port Authority spokesperson says, “The Port Authority does not allow scheduled flights that are publicly advertised.”
The first public notice of the new flights came via View From The Wing, a website that covers loyalty programs and credit cards.
Its editor, Gary Leff, noted that JSX had deftly figured out a way to launch its flights while not violating the rules.
The JSX website, where you book flights, makes no mention of Teterboro Airport. Flights are listed simply as New York City. You must be a Club JSX member to see which airport is being used and book seats on the flights.
The Port Authority spokesperson explains, “The Port Authority enforces strict Airport Rules & Regulations at TEB, including no public advertising of scheduled flights with all Fixed Base Operators. JSX operates as a customer of Signature Aviation, not directly with the Port Authority. JSX operates its flights under a membership or loyalty program, which is permitted under the applicable regulations. As long as JSX remains in full compliance with these rules and regulations — specifically by ensuring that flights are not publicly advertised and seat sales are limited exclusively to program members — JSX is authorized to operate without violating the prohibition on public solicitation.”
While JSX has proven popular with flyers, executives of big airlines and their unions have sought to curtail its service.
While to any traveler, JSX may appear to operate much like the big airlines which fly under Part 121 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, its website notes, “Flights are public charters sold by JetSuiteX, Inc. as the charter operator and Delux Public Charter, LLC as the direct air carrier, subject to DOT Public Charter Regulations at 14 C.F.R. Part 380.”
While some airports have tried to either block JSX or make it move to the main passenger terminals, where it would lose the advantage of bypassing long security lines and other hassles, so far the Dallas-based company has grown its network so that it spans coast-to-coast.
The new flights to Miami and Fort Lauderdale start in early October, with Palm Beach beginning in early November.
With only 30 seats and only operating a single frequency five times a week, it’s hard to believe the new flights will put much of a dent in the big carriers. For example, United Airlines shows five daily nonstop flights from its nearby Newark Airport hub to Miami, and six more nonstops to each Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach on a Monday in October.
However, it’s hard to say for sure.
In a 2023 email to customers JSX CEO Alex Wilcox wrote about an effort to have regulators curtail its growth, “The truth is that two huge airlines – American and Southwest – and their labor union leaders – have been lobbying the FAA, TSA, and elected officials in Washington D.C. with misinformation and unsubstantiated safety claims in a brazen attempt to regulate JSX out of business.”
While the TSA made changes to security procedures in January, JSX said it welcomed the changes, and they wouldn’t impact its popular airport-light way of flying.
In this case, the biggest question might be whether JSX can make the flights successful without marketing the flights publicly. A JSX spokesperson declined to comment on the new flights.
