There’s a little-known gem in the private aviation world that allows travelers to score impressive deals on luxury travel. If you’ve ever dreamed of flying privately, we may have just the ticket to avoiding the steep price tag. With a little bit of flexibility, you can step onto a private jet for a fraction of the cost. Here’s everything you need to know about how empty leg private flights work and how you can score premium travel within your budget.
What Are Empty Leg Flights and How Do They Work?
It’s common practice in private aviation to hire a jet for a one-way flight. After dropping off the passengers, the crew must reposition themselves and the plane for their next trip or return to their base. These flights often go out empty.
This creates a unique opportunity for you. Instead of flying empty, the company can sell the flight at a steep discount to boost revenue while repositioning the aircraft. If your travel plans match the route, you get the benefit of a private flight at a fraction of the usual cost.
If your travel dates and destinations align with the jet’s empty leg route, it’s the perfect way to secure premium travel for less than you would usually pay for the same flight. These flights sometimes cost up to 75% less than a standard charter flight, creating a win-win for you and the airline. 1
Why Empty Leg Flights Make Sense for Business and Leisure
When you fly private, you get to enjoy the perks of time savings, comfort, and privacy meant for busy professionals and high-net-worth individuals. Empty leg flights offer these benefits at a significantly more affordable price, making luxury travel more accessible.
For business travelers, empty leg flights mean you can arrive at your destination faster and more comfortably, with the ability to work, relax, or hold meetings in a distraction-free environment. You’ll board faster, avoid security lines, and gain control over your flight experience.
For leisure travelers, an empty leg flight can turn a standard vacation into a luxury experience. Imagine flying privately to your next holiday destination, whether it’s a ski resort, beach getaway, or remote location, all while enjoying the comfort of your own jet, the highest levels of privacy, and the convenience of bespoke service.
The Main Challenge of Booking Empty Leg Flights
While this all sounds like a dream, there are some things you should know before getting your hopes up about finding an empty leg flight. The savings come at a cost. Since these flights are one-way, the availability and schedule may not always align with your ideal travel dates. Empty leg flights depend on the flight path of a private jet’s return journey, which means you may need to be flexible to take advantage of these deals.
For example, if you’re planning a business trip and an empty leg flight aligns with your schedule, you could secure a luxury flight at a much lower price. However, if you have firm plans with little to no flexibility, it may be more challenging to find an empty leg flight that fits your schedule. There’s always a chance your schedule will coincide with the jet’s existing flight plan. In many cases, flexibility is a key factor when booking empty leg flights.
To maximize your chances of booking an empty leg flight, work with a trusted private aviation provider who can alert you to empty leg opportunities as they arise. They can help you monitor these options and secure the best deals, allowing you to take advantage of the savings without the hassle of searching on your own.
How to Book and Find Empty Leg Flights
Finding and booking empty leg flights is relatively simple, especially with the help of a professional aviation concierge. Many private aviation companies offer platforms where you can search for empty leg flights based on your preferred departure location, destination, and travel dates. Alternatively, you can contact a private jet charter service who will assist in sourcing empty leg opportunities.
Here’s how you can find the best deals on empty leg flights:
1. Sign up for Alerts
Aviation companies often send email notifications when empty leg flights become available, which makes it easy to stay updated on new offers.
2. Work with a Travel Advisor
A concierge team can help you find empty leg flights that align with your schedule and book additional services like ground transport, hotel bookings, and customized itineraries.
3. Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates
The more flexible you are, the better your chances of finding available empty leg flights.
Is an Empty Leg Flight Right for You?
Empty leg flights are best suited for travelers who can be flexible with their schedule and destinations. Business travelers, in particular, can take advantage of these opportunities when their plans involve multiple cities or last-minute changes.
By opting for an empty leg, you gain access to the comfort and convenience of private aviation without paying the full charter price. This can make tight schedules more manageable, allowing you to focus on meetings or important tasks instead of long airport waits and commercial flight logistics.
Leisure travelers can also benefit from empty leg flights, especially if they are planning a getaway to a popular destination or a seasonal retreat. These flights provide an opportunity to enjoy the luxury, privacy, and speed of private travel at a reduced cost. Whether traveling with family, a partner, or a small group of friends, empty leg flights allow you to bypass the typical hassles of commercial travel while making the most of your time at the destination.
The key advantage is the combination of convenience and value, allowing you to experience private aviation in a way that is rarely accessible otherwise.
The Future of Empty Leg Flights in Luxury Travel
As demand for private aviation continues to grow, empty leg flights are becoming an increasingly popular option for savvy travelers. More jets are offering empty leg opportunities, so you can expect to see an expansion in availability and variety, making it even easier to enjoy luxury travel at a fraction of the cost.
As private jet companies enhance their offerings with more sustainable fuel options, better route planning, and improved customer service, empty leg flights will continue to provide high-end travel solutions that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
The future of luxury travel is evolving, and empty leg flights are the perfect opportunity to dip your toe into this exclusive travel experience.
1https://thepointsguy.com/travel/private-jet-empty-leg