JSX debuts a 30-seat regional jet in a luxurious 1-1 configuration
Have you ever flown on an American Eagle or United Express Embraer E145?
If so, chances are you don't have too many fond memories of this regional jet. With 50 seats spread across more than 16 rows, it's a tight squeeze. Both carriers operate the E145 in an all-coach 1-2 configuration. Fortunately, most flights operated by this Brazilian made plane are quite short.
But not all E145s are created equal. JSX, formerly JetSuiteX, is revolutionizing regional flying on the plane.
The carrier is set to debut a newly retrofitted E145 in a 30-seat, 1-1 configuration for its new intra-Texas routes. Instead of aisle seats on the starboard side of the plane, the JSX E145s will sport a leather-covered cocktail table and armrest, allowing for even more space and social distancing.
In addition, each seat features a well-above-average 35-inches of legroom and power outlets, too. Plus, the jet has no overhead bins. Suffice to say, these are some of the most premium E145s in the (commercial) skies.
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So where can you fly the JSX E145s?
Well, the carrier is set to launch a new route with these planes from Dallas Love Field (DAL) to Houston Hobby (HOU) on Nov. 20. Fares start at just $99 each way, and JSX will face intense competition from Southwest Airlines among others.
Southwest plans to operate 509 flights between its two busy Texas hubs (Love Field and Hobby) in November, according to Cirium. That number jumps to 942 in March 2021 (which assumes that demand has recovered from the pandemic-era lows).
JSX won't just be competing with Southwest. American and United also fly between nearby Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston George Bush Intercontinental. In November, AA and UA are planning 846 flights between the two metro areas, according to Cirium.
So why choose JSX?
In addition to offering a more-premium onboard experience, JSX isn't like most commercial carriers. It operates from private-jet terminals across the West Coast and Texas, allowing you to show up just 20 minutes before your flight and bypass the traditional TSA-style security. (There's still a security check. It's just more seamless than TSA.) When you land, you'll be in your car within minutes of touchdown.
With a focus on serving destinations within 500 miles of each other, JSX saves you a lot of time compared to flying Southwest or driving.
I recently reviewed JSX from Las Vegas to Burbank right before the coronavirus halted travel. Even though my flight was delayed, I was impressed with my journey. Departing and arriving from a private-jet terminal (called a fixed-base operator or FBO) couldn't have been easier.
Like the newly retrofitted E145 that JSX will fly in Texas, the E145 I flew in March was also in a 30-seat configuration. However, it was arranged in a 1-2 configuration. There was a large gap between the last row and the restroom.
Related: What it's like flying JSX
You might be wondering why JSX didn't densify these jets that can typically seat 50 passengers. It comes down to U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Roughly speaking, for FAA certification, most major commercial airlines abide by the FAA Part 121 regulations. These outline the operating rules and regulations for scheduled air carriers, like Delta or United.
Though JSX operates like a scheduled air carrier, it's actually classified as an air taxi operator. As such, JSX follows the FAA’s Part 135 regulations, which are quite different from Part 121 regulations. One of the biggest passenger-facing implications of flying under Part 135 regulations is that planes must be capped at 30 seats.
FAA Part 135 regulations are usually used by charter airlines or smaller regional carriers, where the extra expense of maintaining a Part 121 operation wouldn’t be cost-effective.
Related: Why airlines work with regional carriers
So then why even operate such a big plane in the first place? Turns out, the Embraer 145 is currently available at low monthly lease rents. With fuel prices as low as they are, these aircraft make financial sense, particularly as the speed and range let them operate longer, thinner routes, compared to flying a turboprop.
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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
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- 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.