A new service promises to make business travel more efficient — and even enjoyable — for Austinites.
Rise, a Dallas-based private flight-sharing company, adds comfort and saves time by transporting members in the swanky confines of a private jet. The first company of its kind to launch in the Southwest, Rise announced service last fall and began beta testing flights in May. Last week, the company launched flights across Texas, including Austin.
The concept is simple: Members pay a flat monthly fee for all the travel they want. They book travel via the Rise app, then hop on board an eight-passenger King Air 350 and head to their destination.
"Because Rise offers private flight-sharing, members enjoy the convenience and personal experience of using the private side of the airport," explains Nick Kennedy, co-founder and CEO. That means "no parking garages, no security lines, and no middle seats." Kennedy asserts that these perks save Rise members three hours on every round-trip flight.
Currently, Rise offers four flights a day between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Dallas Love Field. In the coming weeks, Rise will expand service from Austin to Houston Hobby. Rise also flies daily from Dallas to Houston and offers weekly flights to Midland.
Monthly memberships start at $1,650. That may seem steep, but Rise says it's on par with the cost of frequently flying commercial.
"Our members in Houston, Dallas, Austin and Midland tell us that Rise is life-changing for them because it gives them three hours of their life back," says Kennedy. "We’re making it fast and enjoyable to travel for business in Texas, and we can’t wait to see how business is transformed by this hyperlink between people and industries in this state."
Rise now offers service from ABIA to Dallas Love Field.
A rooftop pool 21 stories up completes the new InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel.
Photo courtesy of InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel