Intra-California connectivity – XJet’s strategy

California is a huge state, and driving distances can be daunting. Enter another option to the automobile: ExpressJet. The carrier is increasing California flights, with new nonstop service on a slew of intra-state routes, as well as runs to nearby states.

Beginning November 11, ExpressJet will launch service from three cities: Long Beach (LGB), Santa Barbara (SBA), and Reno/Lake Tahoe (RNO). The routes its rapier-like EMB-145 regional jets ply are aimed at offering new, non-hub connecting opportunities for flyers.

City by city, here’s a rundown of the new routes:

- From Long Beach, ExpressJet will fly nonstop to Reno/Lake Tahoe, Fresno (FAT), and Monterey (MRY);

- Just in time for ski season, the carrier will ply routes out of Reno/Lake Tahoe to Long Beach, Ontario (ONT), Spokane (GEG), and Tucson (TUS);

- Out of Santa Barbara, look for nonstop options to Sacramento (SMF), and San Diego (SAN).

Not all commuter/regional airlines offer in-flight entertainment. This one does. ExpressJet passengers have access to more than 100 channels of XM® Satellite Radio, a nice way to pass the time while the scenery of one of the most sublime states in the Union passes below.

© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler