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JetBlue Wants to Sell You a Seat on a Semi-Private Jet

April 23, 2018
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3 min read
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JetBlue Wants to Sell You a Seat on a Semi-Private Jet
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JetBlue will begin selling seats on semi-private jets beginning in May as part of a new codeshare partnership with public charter operator JetSuiteX. The seats will be available to book on JetBlue.com, the airline announced on Monday.

Starting May 1, JetBlue will place its “B6” airline code on several JetSuiteX Air-operated flights, departing out of private terminals and fixed base operators (FBOs) throughout the western US, including Burbank (BUR), Concord (CCR), Oakland (OAK) and Las Vegas (LAS) airports.

JetSuiteX, whose business model is centered on the claim that it offers the "speed and comfort" of private jet travel at the price of commercial airline seats, has been selling semi-private jet seats since April 2016. The codeshare does not yet offer connecting flights to or from New York-based JetBlue's network. So, JetSuiteX passengers must arrive and depart from JetSuiteX’s private terminals and FBOs for their JetSuiteX-operated flights.

Passengers on the new semi-private JetBlue/JetSuiteX codeshare flights can check two bags for free, up to a combined weight of 50 lbs. JetSuiteX's E-135 regional jets seat 30 passengers in a 1-2 configuration, and each seat has a power outlet and 36 inches of pitch. There are also complimentary cocktails and snacks offered on board each flight.

JetSuiteX customers will also be able to skip long security lines and baggage claims to arrive at the airport just 15-20 minutes before departure and board their flight within minutes. TPG Contributor J. Keith van Straaten flew one-way in economy on JetSuiteX in 2016 from Burbank (BUR) to Las Vegas (LAS). He found it to be one of the "most stress-free flying experiences" he ever had.

A search on JetBlue's website shows tickets are going for about $430 roundtrip. Sadly, the website also states you cannot use TrueBlue points to book partner airline fares.

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Offering seats on semi-private public charters is the latest move by JetBlue in an effort to offer more plush travel. The airline has been expanding its premium Mint service to additional markets, adding Mint in San Diego (SAN), Las Vegas (LAS), Seattle (SEA) and Palm Springs (PSP) in the last year.

JetBlue currently serves nine airports in California, and the carrier has also recently expanded service in markets across Southern California and in the Bay Area.

The new partnership is the first between a semi-private public charter operator and a major national carrier, and represents another expansion move for semi-private regional carrier JetSuiteX, which received a sizable financial investment from backer Qatar Airways earlier this month.

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  • Intro Offer

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  • Annual Fee

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  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.