Coachella Attendees are Paying $800 For Flights To Beat Traffic

While enduring high costs, set time clashes, and festival fatigue is a given at Coachella, the true challenge often lies in the unpredictable journey to and from the desert. The notorious traffic surrounding the Coachella Valley can be a major headache, heavily influencing travel plans and sleep schedules. The iconic music and arts festival is now upon us, taking place this weekend (April 11 – 13) and next (April 18 – 20), and attendees are looking to avoid the infamous traffic by any means possible.

Enter JSX – Aptly Named for the ‘Joyful, Simple Experience’ They Promise to Provide

JSX, a public charter jet service, is offering a solution for those willing to pay a premium for a smoother arrival and departure. For the upcoming Coachella weekend, JSX is providing several semi-private “pop up” flights between Burbank, California, and Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport, conveniently located about 7 miles from the Empire Polo Club.

According to Ben Kaufman, JSX’s senior director of customer experience and brand partnerships, the company aims to democratize the perks typically associated with private jets, making them accessible to a wider audience. These advantages include arriving just 20 minutes before the 30-seat flight departs, the option to bring pets for an extra fee, and the comfort of no middle seats. (It’s worth noting that as of May 7th, a Real ID will be required for these semi-private flights).

This elevated travel experience comes at a cost. A one-way flight from Burbank to the Coachella area with JSX is priced around $499, while the return trip starts at approximately $295. Despite the price tag, Kaufman reports ‘strong’ demand, leading JSX to add an additional flight to accommodate Coachella-bound travelers.

The Future of JSX

While JSX primarily operates in the western U.S., with select routes in Texas, Florida, and Cabo San Lucas, the company envisions becoming the preferred ‘festival flight’ provider. Future plans include expanding these event-specific flights to cater to attendees of Northern California and Napa festivals, as well as the 2027 Sundance Film Festival in Boulder, Colorado. Kaufman acknowledges that the profit margins for these ‘pop-up’ event flights are still being evaluated, stating that the company is less concerned about margins for these special offerings compared to their regular flight network.

Given studies indicating Americans’ willingness to pay more for convenience, JSX’s strategy of offering a way to bypass the infamous Coachella traffic jams might be successful. However, the appeal of semi-private flights to a music festival could be among the first expenses to be cut if economic recession fears materialize. For those seeking a more budget-friendly alternative, an Amtrak train from Los Angeles’ Union Station to Palm Springs offers a one-way trip for around $20.F

Feature Photo: BroBible