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A group of people walk toward a small red and white jet on a tarmac
Courtesy JSX

Travel Texas By Jet

Flying is a whole lot friendlier on a public charter flight

I’m this close to my dream of flying private when I board a JSX public charter flight from Houston to Dallas. Headquartered in Dallas, JSX is a hop-on air carrier with flights in nine states, including Texas, and Mexico. As I stroll across the tarmac and climb the stairs of the small aircraft, I can’t help feeling a bit like Matthew McConaughey or Selena Gomez. It’s the ultimate in luxury and convenience.

It starts before I even leave the house. I have a second cup of coffee—there’s no need to be at JSX’s dedicated hangar until 20 minutes before my flight. Once I arrive, there are no crowds. After a quick ID check, I hand over my bag, take a seat in the quiet lounge, and watch as my fellow flyers relax in plush chairs or dash off emails at private workstations.

Lack of stress is the theme of the entire experience. Boarding takes minutes. JSX planes carry only 30 passengers, with a single seat per side. Be sure to prebook a seat on the right: It comes with its own built-in leather coffee table for a laptop or jacket.

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Once in the air, I enjoy free Wi-Fi, a variety of complimentary snacks and beverages, and plenty of legroom. A fellow passenger with a pet carrier has ample room for her pup. The quick one-hour trip between Houston’s Hobby Airport and Dallas Love Field feels like I’m being teleported from one city to another.

JSX currently operates three flights a day between Houston and Dallas, with one-way tickets starting at $234. Pets in carriers cost an additional $100. There are also flights from Houston or Dallas to Lajitas Golf Resort in Big Bend, which must be purchased through the resort as part of an all-inclusive package. jsx.com

Text: Joy Rides

A vacation isn’t just about getting to your destination—it’s about enjoying the journey.

Read more ways to travel differently this year.
From the May 2025 issue

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