Traveling with a dog in California used to mean long road trips or wrestling with complicated airline rules. JSX, a hop-on jet service, is changing the game. Imagine skipping the security lines, dodging the crowds, and walking straight onto a 30-seat jet where your pup is treated like part of the family. For dog lovers, it’s a travel breakthrough that makes spontaneous adventures possible again.
Boarding without the hassle
JSX operates from private terminals and hangars, not the chaotic concourses most travelers know. You can show up about 20 minutes before departure, sip a coffee in a quiet lounge while your dog naps at your feet, and board without stress. The crew checks you in, you stroll across the tarmac, and within minutes you’re airborne.
With just 30 passengers on board and no middle seats, the cabin feels spacious and calm. Dogs pick up on that vibe. Instead of hundreds of strangers and blaring announcements, they get a relaxed environment and friendly attention from the crew. The whole process saves hours compared with commercial flights and keeps everyone’s nerves steady — canine and human alike.
Pet policies made for real dog owners
JSX has one of the most pet-friendly policies in the air. Small dogs and cats can ride in carriers under the seat for a $100 fee each way. The real standout is for bigger dogs: pups up to 79 pounds can ride in the cabin, leashed at your feet, if you purchase the adjacent seat.
That means no cargo holds, no worrying about your dog out of sight. Instead, they’re right there beside you, head on your boots, watching the clouds go by. It’s a rare policy in commercial aviation and one that’s earned JSX a loyal following among dog owners. Staff seem to genuinely enjoy having dogs aboard, often greeting them by name and offering an ear scratch before takeoff.
California routes made for weekend getaways
From Burbank, LAX, and Orange County in the south to Oakland, Concord, Napa, and Monterey in the north, JSX covers key California regions. Seasonal service connects these cities to places like Reno-Tahoe, Monterey, and Napa Valley — all dog-friendly destinations.
A hop from Burbank to Napa gets you from the city to vineyard views in about an hour, with time to hit a trail or a winery patio that welcomes dogs. Concord to Reno-Tahoe saves hours on the road to Lake Tahoe’s alpine trails. From Southern California, you can be on Carmel Beach — one of the state’s top off-leash stretches of sand — by mid-morning if you fly to Monterey.
The short flights and small airports mean more time on the ground exploring and less time in transit. That’s good news for both dogs and their people.
Tips for flying JSX with your dog
• Reserve early for big dogs: If you’ll need the extra seat for a large dog, call JSX to book and complete their pet form.
• Give them a workout first: A walk or play session before the flight helps dogs settle in.
• Pack familiar comforts: Bring a leash, water bowl, and a blanket or toy.
• Mind the manners: Keep your dog leashed and calm — JSX allows up to five pets per flight, so you may not be the only one aboard.
A better way to travel together
JSX turns what used to be a logistical headache into part of the adventure. You can leave Friday after work, spend the weekend exploring a new corner of California with your dog, and be home Sunday night without the exhaustion of a long drive.
For many of us, dogs are more than pets — they’re trail partners, road-trip buddies, and family. JSX gets that. It’s not just the policies that make a difference, it’s the attitude: dogs are welcome here.
Whether it’s wine country, the mountains, or the coast, JSX makes it possible to enjoy California’s best destinations with your best friend by your side.
