Recently, while boogying-down at a posh party, held at a private residence, in Benedict Canyon, I found myself chatting with a friend (who’d recently moved from Las Vegas to Los Angeles).  I happened to mention how much I enjoyed flying into Burbank, instead of LAX; stating that even though it costs a bit more, it’s totally worth it.  She replied by telling me that a pair of our mutual friends (who are very much a “flying private” sort of couple) had used this new service, called JetSuiteX, to fly from Las Vegas to Burbank, that night, and had been thrilled. 

Later that night, after getting back to my room (having undressed, de-Spanxed, and returned my jewelry to the safe); I hoped online, and checked this JetSuiteX thing out, for myself.  I was so delighted with what I encountered, that I immediately booked my trip to LA, for a few weeks later.

To boil it down for you, JetSuite – a private jet charter service – has purchased 30 new Embraer 135s, that they’ve retrofitted with 30 comfortable “business class” seats.  And while that’s all well and good, here’s the kicker…  JetSuiteX’s fleet utilizes private air terminals/hangers, so there’s none of the headaches involved with flying commercial – that even as a TSA Pre-Check/First Class/Centurion Lounge/Pre-Board traveler, involves standing in line to check bags, waiting at the security checkpoints, taking a tram to the gates, being jostled during boarding, etc.

So, last Thursday, as I finished unpacking, I stepped onto my terrace overlooking Los Angeles, looked at my watch and saw that it was 3pm.  I’d only left my house in Las Vegas, at noon!  So, in three short hours, I’d driven to the JetSuiteX office (on S. Reno), and parked my car (I could’ve valeted for $28/day, but the valet pointed-out that I could park in the next space over, for free.  So I did.).  Gave my bag to the attendant.  I sat in the lounge (comfortable, if a bit Spartan), and checked my email (availing myself of the free Wi-Fi); then boarded the AWG shuttle/limousine and rode (with the flight’s one other passenger) to the Atlantic FBO.  There, we were driven onto the tarmac, and let off a mere stone’s throw from the jet.  After landing, I ordered an Uber, and upon being driven through Laurel Canyon; was dropped at my hotel, on Sunset Boulevard.  The hotel had my room ready, and before I knew it, I was unpacked, and relaxing, and the whole thing had taken less than three hours, door-to-door.  And the entire trip was comfortable and relatively luxurious.

Now, let’s be clear, it’s not flying private.  But, it’s got all the amenities of flying private (sans the privacy, and those cushy, fully-reclining, swiveling seats); and it costs less than a ticket for the same route, on Southwest!!!

If you’ll permit an analogy, it’s the difference between using Uber Black, and having one’s own car and driver.  Big whoop!  No annual memberships or subscriptions (although I’d recommend downloading JetSuiteX’s free app).  No lines.  No checking of bags.  Friendly inflight service.  No drinks cart (instead, the flight attendant takes your order and returns with your beverage and snack).  There’s a lovely selection of premium spirits and beverages – I made my own Moscow Mule using Canada Dry Ginger Ale and some Tito’s Homemade Vodka.  Legroom is abundant; and there are no overhead bins, so there’s a ton of headroom.  Also – power outlets for every seat! 

And sure, the seat isn’t nearly as cushy as the one on that Challenger 604 you got to tool-around on, last year; but (a) what is, and (b) it’s a forty-minute flight – you'll get over it.  It’s still more comfortable than anything you’re gonna find flying between Las Vegas and Los Angeles (or San Jose), with the exception of First Class on Virgin America (and that costs three times more).  For that matter, it was a more comfortable seat than the one I recently had while flying First Class on American Airlines, between Las Vegas and Miami (both ways I was informed “this was a US Air plane” – as if that excused everything), and there were no power outlets on those flights.  I’m going back to LA, for a friend’s concert next week, and JetSuiteX is costing me less than $99, each way.

My only bit of apprehension is that not enough people seem to be aware of JetSuiteX and their game-changing operation.  To wit, on my outbound flight (LAS-BUR) I was one of only two passengers, and on my return (BUR-LAS) I was one of three.

So, if you’re going to Hollywood or Beverly Hills (or coming to Las Vegas), then I cannot say enough about JetSuiteX.  And to my dear friends who just moved to San Jose (yes, Gigi and Tariq – I’m talking to you…) I hope that you use this as a reason to come visit, soon!

Now, if only JetSuiteX would start flying around the East Coast (NYC-SYR, for instance), my travel cup would runneth over!

JetSuiteX
Click HERE for info

Get into it!
#JetSuiteX

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