Luxe public charter jet service JSX recently launched a new route from Burbank to Napa County, connecting Angelenos directly to wine country.

The air carrier’s private terminal delivers you straight to the heart of Napa, versus the two-hour drive from San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento or San Jose. The quick turnaround puts wine country within reach for travelers short on time, enabling a full Napa experience in 48 hours or less.

© JSX

The route debuted July 3 and will run through Nov. 17 to service passengers throughout harvest season. Priced at $239 each way, my JSX flight cost less than the Uber Black I took to the airport.

JSX, an abbreviation for “joyfully simple Xperience,” launched in 2016 to deliver a private-jet lifestyle on a premium-economy budget. The Dallas-based carrier has grown to operate a fleet of 49 Embraer ERJ family jets serving 28 destinations. (JSX plans to add ATR 42-600 turboprop airliners later this year.)

The value proposition is straightforward: No check-in lines, long waits or TSA body scanners. Arrive at the private airport terminal 20 minutes before takeoff and sail through JSX’s state-of-the-art (TSA-approved) security screening before walking directly onto the plane.

The carrier’s bright, modern cabins provide plenty of legroom, as well as power outlets in every row. JSX has stripped middle seats from the cabin, allowing each passenger ample elbow room.

© JSX

Quickly, you’ll see flying in luxury is about what you don’t notice. Halfway through my flight to Napa, I realized I hadn’t perceived intrusions of any kind. No one walked through the cabin barking reminders to secure carry-ons. No one asked me to push up my seatback. I wasn’t even asked to remove my laptop from my lap for take-off. Seamless Starlink-powered, high-speed WiFi allowed me to work continuously between boarding in Burbank and disembarking in Napa.

Direct flights like JSX’s new routes have pushed lodging interest in Napa up 25 percent year-over-year, according to Expedia. Less than an hour after disembarking at the private terminal, you can waltz into Four Seasons Resort & Residences Napa Valley, opened in 2021 as the only local hotel operating its own vineyard. The sprawling, modern farmhouse chic-style compound features several renowned restaurants in addition to Elusa Winery, where guests can walk through the winemaking process from vine to bottle.

The hotel’s local partnerships make it easy to extend the 5-star experience beyond Calistoga. Four Seasons teamed up this summer with Napa Valley Car Club to outfit guests with Ferraris, Lamborghinis and supercars of similar caliber.