Summary
- Semi-private air travel offers convenience, comfort, and personalized service at a lower cost.
- Other carriers like Surf Air, Tradewind Aviation, XO, Aero, and BLADE provide exclusive flying experiences with unique perks.
- From all-you-can-fly memberships to luxury charter flights, these carriers cater to discerning travelers seeking a more exclusive travel experience.
In recent years, the concept of semi-private air travel has gained popularity among travelers seeking convenience, comfort, and personalized service. A semi-private carrier offers a hybrid travel experience that combines elements of both private and commercial air travel. Unlike traditional commercial airlines, semi-private carriers typically offer smaller aircraft and limited seating capacity, providing a more exclusive and personalized flying experience.
JSX, formerly known as JetSuiteX, is one such operator that operates semi-private flights, offering the luxury of private aviation without the high price. However, JSX is not the only player in this niche market. Several other carriers cater to travelers looking for a more exclusive flying experience, including these five:
1
Surf Air
All-you-can-fly for frequent travelers
Surf Air is a membership-based airline in California that offers unlimited flights for a fixed monthly fee. While the carrier also operates charter services, it stands out for its members-only all-you-can-fly offering.
Photo: Surf Air
According to Travel+Leisure, members can enjoy unlimited access to scheduled flights – operated by Southern Airways Express and Mokulele Airlines – at $199 per month for a “Pay-As-You-Fly Access” or $2,499 per month for an ”All-You-Can-Fly Freedom” membership. The carrier operates a fleet of Pilatus PC-12 aircraft.
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This option allows passengers to fly onboard private jets for significantly cheaper than chartering a jet itself.
Having grown its network to more than 48 destinations since 2013, Surf Air appeals to frequent travelers seeking hassle-free air travel between cities in the US, such as:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta, Georgia
- Dulles International Airport, Washington D.C.
- Santa Barbara Airport, Santa Barbara, California
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Honolulu, Hawaii
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Chicago, Illinois
2
Tradewind Aviation
A boutique family-owned and operated carrier
Tradewind Aviation is a carrier renowned for operating luxurious scheduled flights and private charters across the US, Canada, and the Caribbean. Having been in service for more than two decades, the carrier offers flights and resort experiences in conjunction with partner resorts, like the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel, Altamer Luxury Villas, and Nevaeh Villa Anguilla.
Photo: Tradewind Aviation
According to Tradewind Aviation, the carrier was named 2023’s third-best airline in the US by the Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards. In 2021 and 2022, it bagged fifth place.
With a fleet of eight-seat Pilatus PC-12 turboprop and seven-seat Citation CJ3 jet, Tradewind Aviation offers a seamless travel experience, complete with amenities such as complimentary WiFi on select jets. The carrier’s destinations include:
- Nantucket Memorial Airport, Massachusetts, US
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Florida, US
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Michigan, US
- Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Toronto, Canada
- Luis Muñoz Marín Airport, Carolina, Puerto Rico
3
XO
Offering access to the industry’s most extensive fleet
XO is a leading provider of private jet charter services and membership programs. With access to a vast network of aircraft, XO offers flexible travel options tailored to individual preferences.
Photo: XO
Per XO, the carrier taps into Vista Members’ fleet of more than 300 aircraft, offering passengers access to the “most extensive fleet in the industry”, from light aircraft to ultra-long-range jets.
The carrier’s line-up includes the Cessna Citation Ultra, Citation X, Bombardier Challenger 300, 350, 605, and Gulfstream GIV-SP. XO also boasts the world’s largest and longest-range business jet, the Global 7500.
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Another option to fly private.
According to Travel + Leisure, prices start at $1,500 one way, with priority seat selection given to members. XO destinations include US airports, such as:
- Westchester County Airport, New York
- Republic Airport, New York
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Florida
- Palm Beach International Airport, Florida
4
Aero
Fly from US cities to in-demand resort destinations
Aero is a California-based airline that operates semi- and fully-private flights between cities in the US and popular resorts. Boasting a first-class-only seat configuration, the carrier offers a luxurious solution for travelers looking to travel in style.
Photo: Aero
The carrier’s fleet includes the ERJ135, which is used for 16-seat shared flights, and the Legacy 600 for up to groups of 13 passengers on a fully-private flight. Aero first took to the skies in 2019 with services ferrying passengers between party destinations in Europe, like Mykonos, Green and Ibiza, Spain, per Travel + Leisure.
According to Aero, passengers can currently fly between:
- Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, Aspen, Colorado
- Van Nuys Airport, Los Angeles, California
- San José del Cabo Airport, Los Cabos, Mexico
- Friedman Memorial Airport, Sun Valley, Idaho
5
BLADE
Fly in a commercial-sized jet with fewer passengers
BLADE is an urban air mobility company specializing in helicopter, seaplane, and semi-private jet operations. According to the carrier, “no company flies more people in and out of city centers than BLADE”.
The carrier operates in North America (US and Canada) and Europe, with services on large jets – such as the Bombardier CRJ 200 or Challenger 850 – with reduced seat density, per Travel + Leisure.
BLADE flights feature luxurious onboard amenities, like preloaded iPads with the latest movies, in-flight dining and caviar service, and fully stocked amenity kits. While the carrier has a more extensive helicopter network, according to AFAR, its semi-private jet destinations include:
- John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York
- Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey
- Palm Beach International Airport, Florida
- Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, Florida
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Flying semi-private brings almost all the perks of a private flight at a very reduced cost by sharing the aircraft.
In conclusion, while JSX has carved out a niche in the semi-private air travel market, several other carriers offer similar services and cater to travelers seeking a more exclusive flying experience.
From membership-based airlines to luxury air charter companies, these semi-private carriers provide convenient, comfortable, and personalized travel solutions for discerning travelers. Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, consider exploring the offerings of these alternative carriers for your next trip.