ExpressJet began service under its own banner earlier this year and launched JetSet on April 2nd, the same day they began flying. We spoke with Carrie Davis Cary, Director of Marketing, about the airline’s new frequent flyer program.

InsideFlyer
How has the response been for JetSet?
Cary
Very positive, considering we launched operations in April, the size of our fleet and route structure. Our customers have been eager to join the JetSet and are very satisfied with our product that saves them time while providing comfort and convenience.

IF
Can you share how many members you now have?
Cary
We have over 70,000 members currently.

IF
Have there been any surprises — any aspect of introducing the program that you didn’t expect?
Cary
We have been pleasantly surprised by the response to our JetSet Program. We have had a lot more customers sign up for the program than we originally anticipated and our customers have enjoyed the simple program structure.

IF
Why points instead of miles?
Cary
We like to make things as simple as possible for our customers here at ExpressJet, and the JetSet Program is no different. We chose points versus miles because it is much easier to calculate exactly what you are receiving each time you fly on ExpressJet. For every one-way trip on ExpressJet, our customer receives one point. 16 points = a roundtrip Travel Award on ExpressJet. No fuzzy math or calculator required!

IF
Members are not yet able to access their accounts online. Do you know when online account access will be available at the Web site?
Cary
We are working at providing online account access as soon as possible. We have been pushing through a database construction phase the last few months in order to provide this type of service. We are happy to say that by the end of September, JetSet members will be able to login online to view account statements, change contact information, and view reservations made on XJET.com. We will continue to upgrade online capabilities as we go forward to help build a better online user experience.

IF
ExpressJet currently operates services for Continental Express and Delta Connection. In the future, do you expect JetSet to partner with either OnePass or SkyMiles?
Cary
We are currently exploring partnership opportunities with other airline carriers. Stay tuned.

IF
Can you share with us any news about upcoming program partners?
Cary
On September 12th, we announced our first JetSet partner, Avis and Budget Rental Car. ExpressJet customers can get great deals and reserve rental cars on XJET.com and through ExpressJet phone reservations. Beginning on November 1st, JetSet members can receive one JetSet point every time they rent with Avis or Budget Rental Car.

We are actively working on adding other JetSet partners and non-travel awards and look forward to making many more exciting announcements for our JetSetters in the future.

IF
Any upcoming promotions?
Cary
We are currently running the Fly 4, Fly 1 promotion through the end of October. For every four roundtrip flights flown on ExpressJet by Oct.31st, one roundtrip Travel Award, good for travel on the ExpressJet network will be awarded. Details are available on XJET.com.

In addition, we will be running the Happy Flights. Joy Rides. sweepstakes with Budget Rental Car from October through December. Beginning in October, you can register on XJET.com to win two free roundtrip flights on ExpressJet Airlines and a car rental with Budget. Details will be available in the beginning of October. Best place to check for any new promotions is on the XJET.com Web site.

IF
Do you have any plans to introduce an elite program?
Cary
We appreciate all of our JetSet members regardless of how often they fly with us. However, we are researching the possibility of adding special rewards/perks for JetSet members who fly frequently on ExpressJet.