Empty leg flights offer one of the best opportunities to experience private aviation at significantly reduced costs.
What Are Empty Legs?
When a charter aircraft completes a one-way trip, it must return to its base or reposition for its next booking. These flights without passengers are called "empty legs" and are typically offered at 25-75% off standard charter rates.
How to Find Empty Legs
- **Charter operator websites:** Many operators list available empty legs
- **Specialized marketplaces:** Dedicated platforms aggregate empty leg availability
- **Charter brokers:** Brokers often know about upcoming empty legs
- **Social media:** Operators announce last-minute deals on social platforms
Limitations to Consider
- **Fixed schedules:** Empty legs fly on the original booking's schedule
- **Route changes:** If the original flight changes or cancels, your empty leg may too
- **Limited availability:** Specific routes may not align with your needs
- **No return guarantee:** One-way nature means you need separate return arrangements
Tips for Booking
1. Be flexible with dates and airports 2. Book quickly — empty legs sell fast 3. Verify the operator's Part 135 certification 4. Understand the cancellation policy 5. Have a backup plan in case of changes
Typical Savings
A light jet flight that normally costs $8,000-12,000 might be available as an empty leg for $2,000-4,000 — making private aviation accessible to a much broader market.