Between luxury private jet travel and cramped commercial flying lies the Goldilocks sweet spot: semi-private air travel.
Usually bookable online or through a mobile app, this service typically sells individual seats on smaller aircraft fitting up to 30 passengers, offering a much more personalized (and premium) flying experience than the 200-plus seats on a major airline.
While a fully private jet or individual charter can cost several thousand dollars or more per flying hour, the semi-private experience isn’t nearly as cost prohibitive. These seven companies offer the semi-private jet life at more commercial prices.
A semi-private airline appeals to a variety of travelers. If you prefer to avoid crowded security screening queues, to take a cat or dog in-cabin, or to simply enjoy a more luxurious flying experience without the cost of a private charter, a semi-private airline may be your best solution. Similarly, semi-private travel is convenient if you're headed to an out-of-way destination without direct commercial flight service or are traveling with a large group that would prefer a more intimate experience together.
Introduced in 2016 as JetSuiteX, JSX has a coast-to-coast network serving 43 routes across 22 North American markets, including destinations like Crested Butte, Napa Valley, and even internationally to Los Cabos, Mexico.
JSX is one of the most affordable options for semi-private travel with one-way fares starting at $139 on 30-seat planes (Embraer E135 and E145 regional jets). That fare includes business-class-style seats, up to two checked bags, snacks and drinks, and incredibly fast Starlink Wi-Fi. The airline even allows most cats and dogs to travel in-cabin upon purchase of a second ticket (and an additional $100 fee).
Like other semi-private companies, JSX primarily operates out of private jet terminals, making it super convenient for passengers to skip the hassle of security lines and arrive just 20 minutes before boarding a domestic flight.
This airline focused on vacation destinations first launched its service in Europe in 2020 before shifting to stateside flights only. With Aero, you can opt for a fully private charter (on a 13-seat Legacy 600 or 16-seat Embraer E135) or a shared jet experience (on the Embraer E135 only). Each option offers premium seats on direct flights between private terminals, and each plane is decked out in a sleek black livery.
Onboard, the flight includes a menu serviced by local vendors (like Erewhon in Los Angeles), hand-stitched Italian leather seats, mood lighting, and a 24/7 concierge service. Staff and hosts undergo training with the British Butler Institute.
Aero’s route network includes Los Angeles to Los Cabos, Napa Valley, Aspen, and Idaho's Sun Valley. With fewer seats and a more luxury-focused image, expect one-way fares to be steeper than, say, JSX. For example, an upcoming one-way flight from Los Angeles to Aspen will cost about $1,950.
Perhaps most well-known for its airport helicopter service, Blade also has the option to charter a private jet and crowdsource the unused seats — which means travelers can often snag great deals on by-the-seat flights on popular routes. On certain flights, you may receive a helicopter transfer.
Family-owned and operated over the last two decades, Tradewind Aviationoperates a range of charter and scheduled flights based out of the Northeast U.S., Southeast Florida, and the Caribbean.
In the Northeast, Tradewind flies seasonally between New York’s Westchester County Airport, and New England vacation spots like Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts and Newport, Rhode Island. Tradewind also offers scheduled service between Caribbean destinations including Anguilla; Antigua; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas; and St. Bart's, with what the company calls “first-class island hopping.”
Pricing starts at $200 one-way for the Caribbean flights and $865 one-way for Northeast service.
While primarily a charter-based company, XO has a growing number of regularly scheduled flights, as well as crowdsourced flights based on demand. In 2023, XO expanded its scheduled service between New York and South Florida, with up to four daily flights on refurbished Bombardier CRJ-200 planes with 18 seats.
XO members are given priority seat selection in advance of the flight and the remaining seats are assigned by XO prior to departure. XO members can request flights on up to 2,400 aircraft across the world, so there's likely a route that fits your needs. Prices start at $1,690 each way.
Launched in 2013, Surf Air was one of the pioneers of the all-you-can-fly concept. Surf Air currently offers both a charter and scheduled service focused on regional flights, expanding its U.S. presence through partnerships with Southern Airways Express in and Mokulele Airlines.
Membership starts at $295 per month ($3,540 per year), and flights can be booked within 15 minutes of takeoff when seats are available (each business-class-style). Scheduled service is limited to California destinations: the San Francisco Bay Area, the Los Angeles area, Truckee in Lake Tahoe, and Santa Barbara. You can also find great deals on "empty leg" routes whenever an aircraft needs to be relocated.
Operating between West Palm Beach and the Caribbean, Tropic Ocean Airways is the largest commercial seaplane airline in the world with a variety of charters, yacht transfers, and semi-private options serving 72 destinations. Based in Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach, the airline provides flights throughout Florida, the Bahamas, and the Hamptons to hit the beach in style. Plus, flying semi-private internationally makes clearing customs a breeze in comparison to commercial airlines.
Each seaplane seats up to nine passengers. Scheduled routes are often consistent and listed online, so it would be an easy option for commuters and travelers frequently visiting a vacation home or beloved hotel. The airline is also pet-friendly and highly rated for safety (it was cofounded by a military veteran), with each employee maintaining weekly safety trainings. The fleet of 14 aircraft includes 8-seater and 9-seater planes each with mostly single window seats. Prices range from $237 to $450 per seat.
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