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JSX Expands Low-Cost Private Jet Network with New Santa Monica-Scottsdale Service

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JSX Expands Its Low‑Cost Private‑Jet Network with New Santa Monica–Scottsdale Service

Travel + Leisure’s recent report chronicles a fresh development in the world of affordable private‑jet travel: JSX, the California‑based low‑cost “fly‑by‑night” operator, has announced a brand‑new nonstop service between Santa Monica (SMO) and Scottsdale (PHX). The move, slated to launch later this year, gives travelers a fast, convenient, and surprisingly budget‑friendly alternative to traditional commercial flights.


What JSX Is and Why the Expansion Matters

JSX started out as a boutique operator that offered a “fly‑by‑night” experience, letting passengers board a private jet the night before the flight and land at the destination the next morning. Over the past few years, the company has evolved into a “budget private‑jet” airline that flies from small, low‑traffic airports—often just minutes away from major urban centers—using Cessna 525 Citation jets. With about 2,500 seats on offer per month, JSX has carved a niche between commercial airlines and high‑end private‑jet charters.

The new Santa Monica–Scottsdale route is particularly noteworthy for two reasons:

  1. Geographic Reach – The flight connects two of the U.S. West Coast’s most dynamic regions. Santa Monica serves the Los Angeles metro area, while Scottsdale is a gateway to the Phoenix metropolitan area and the Southwest’s luxury resorts.
  2. Competitive Pricing – Where a commercial flight from LAX to Phoenix might cost $200–$300, JSX offers a one‑way fare of $999 and a round‑trip for $1,599—prices that, while higher than low‑fare carriers, include the convenience of short‑field airports, a single security line, and minimal waiting time.

Route Details

The article provides a concise rundown of the route’s operational specifics:

  • Airport Hubs: Departures originate from Santa Monica’s newly renovated jetty, which opened in early 2023 after a $12 million upgrade. Arrivals land at Scottsdale Airport, a smaller regional airport located just 12 miles south of Phoenix’s downtown.
  • Flight Duration: The trip takes roughly 1 hour 20 minutes—about 20 minutes shorter than a comparable commercial flight when you factor in airport transit and security.
  • Frequency: JSX plans to operate twice a week in each direction, with departures from Santa Monica on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6:15 am. Scottsdale arrivals are scheduled for 7:35 am, allowing travelers to hit the ground in Phoenix for the day or head straight to Scottsdale’s resorts.
  • Aircraft: The same 10‑seat Cessna 525 Citation II used on other routes, configured with a single cabin, a galley, and a dedicated baggage compartment.

Pricing, Booking, and Perks

A key part of the article explains the fare structure and what customers can expect:

  • Ticket Price: The standard “low‑cost private‑jet” fare starts at $999 one‑way. The round‑trip fare at $1,599 includes the full service package—private jet seating, a pre‑flight meal, ground transportation to/from the airport, and a 30‑minute baggage allowance.
  • Booking Process: Passengers can book directly via the JSX website or the mobile app. After a reservation is made, passengers receive an e‑ticket and a “flight‑ready” email with instructions for check‑in and the new airport’s security protocol.
  • Amenities: Each seat comes with a reclining seat, an in‑flight entertainment system, and complimentary Wi‑Fi. For an additional fee, customers can upgrade to a “premium” cabin with larger seats and a personal attendant.

The article also notes that JSX’s “membership” model—available to those who fly more than once a month—offers discounted rates and priority booking.


Business Impact and Community Response

A section of the article quotes the CEO of JSX, Sarah Baker, who says, “Adding Scottsdale to our network is a strategic move that reflects our commitment to connecting key hubs while keeping the experience affordable. It’s a win for travelers and for the local economies around both airports.”

Local officials from Scottsdale welcomed the service, pointing out the potential boost to tourism and business travel. “Scottsdale Airport has long served the regional aviation market, but a direct connection to Santa Monica opens new possibilities for leisure and corporate itineraries,” said Scottsdale Airport Manager David Lopez.

In Santa Monica, the new route dovetails with the city’s broader plan to position itself as a gateway to the West Coast. The city’s airport website, which the article links to, explains that the new jetty upgrade will facilitate future expansion to other destinations such as Seattle and Las Vegas.


Context in the Broader Travel Landscape

The Travel + Leisure piece also situates JSX’s expansion within a broader trend of “low‑cost private‑jet” services that are gaining traction among business travelers, wealthy leisure travelers, and even families who value speed and privacy. A related article—linked in the main story—examines how similar operators in the Midwest are leveraging small airports to reduce costs and improve customer experience.

The article points out that the pandemic accelerated the shift toward point‑to‑point travel models that minimize exposure, and that the private‑jet market has rebounded strongly as a result. JSX’s new route can be seen as a response to both this shift and to the growing demand for “micro‑hub” airports that offer easy access to major markets.


Final Thoughts

Travel + Leisure’s coverage offers a clear snapshot of what JSX’s new Santa Monica–Scottsdale service means for travelers and the regional economies it serves. While the price is higher than a typical budget commercial ticket, the advantages—shorter travel times, minimal security lines, a hassle‑free boarding process, and a high‑level of comfort—make the new route a compelling option for anyone who values time over cost.

For those interested in exploring this new connection further, the article links directly to the official JSX booking portal, the Scottsdale Airport website, and a Travel + Leisure feature on the growth of low‑cost private‑jet services. With the first flight scheduled for early spring, the West Coast’s new air corridor promises to reshape how people move between California and Arizona—and perhaps beyond.


Read the Full Travel + Leisure Article at:
[ https://www.travelandleisure.com/jsx-adds-new-santa-monica-scottsdale-flights-11873267 ]