What Is an Empty Leg Flight? Your Guide to Discount Private Jet Travel

If you’re wondering, “What is an empty leg flight?”, it’s one of the best-kept secrets in private aviation. Empty leg flights are repositioning trips that jets must make. By offering them to travelers at a discount, they provide a more affordable way to experience private aviation. Passengers get to enjoy the comfort, speed, and convenience that come with these jets, but with fixed routes and schedules. For those who are flexible, empty legs remove cost barriers and make private jet travel highly accessible.  

Flying private always sounds like a good idea if you want comfort, flexibility, and time savings. But the price tag that comes along with it can halt your plans before they even get started. This is usually based on an assumption—the idea that private aviation is only for celebrities, pro athletes, or high-level executives with infinite budgets. And as long as you continue to assume, you will be stuck in the endless cycle of crowded terminals, long lines, and inconvenient airline itineraries. 

Unfortunately, most people do not realize that there is a smarter, more affordable way to fly private: empty leg flights. Check out our guide to discount private jet travel. 

What Is an Empty Leg Flight?

What is an empty leg flight? Sometimes referred to as a repositioning flight, an empty leg flight occurs when a private jet needs to fly without passengers—such as dropping clients off and repositioning for a pickup at another airport, or simply returning to home base. 

The aircraft is going to fly, whether passengers are onboard or not. There will even be a flight crew, fuel, and logistics ready to move forward. So, rather than letting the jet travel empty, charter companies can offer the flight at a substantial discount. In turn, flexible travelers can take advantage of private travel at a fraction of the cost. Consider it a win for both parties. 

Why Discount an Empty Leg Flight?

Securing a charter jet means that you are responsible for paying for the exclusive use of the aircraft, crew, scheduling, and routing—not just a seat. But with empty leg flights, much of this cost is already covered by the original booking. Thus, allowing lower rates. 

Because it is common for a jet to head back to home base or reposition, pricing is typically reduced in hopes of offsetting the operating costs with a passenger heading in the same direction. 

Empty legs tend to remove the barrier that traditional pricing maintains. Offering the flight at a lower rate allows the door to open for more potential clients to have the unique opportunity to experience private aviation at a more affordable cost. 

The Appeal of an Empty Leg Flight

What could be more appealing than flying on a private jet without paying full charter prices? There are many reasons why people get excited about these flights. 

The most obvious appeal is the discounted price. Empty-leg flights are perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly way to experience private aviation. Pricing varies by aircraft type, route, and demand, but regardless of what is available, the savings are always substantial. 

Another benefit of empty legs is that you still get to enjoy all the perks of private travel. There are no long security lines or crowded terminals. You get to enjoy a calm, comfortable cabin with in-flight entertainment without any other strangers around you. What’s more, you will depart as scheduled, avoid layovers entirely, and save time on travel without having to arrive hours in advance. 

Finally, for those who have never flown on a private jet charter before, empty legs are an excellent way to experience it without committing to full charter pricing. If you take the leap and give it a try, you will quickly see how private aviation transforms what air travel is all about.

Don’t Overlook the Trade-Offs

Sure, empty legs can provide the opportunity to experience private travel at a reduced rate. But, because transparency is so important, there are a few things you should know. 

Limited Flexibility

One of the perks that draws so many into this type of luxury travel is that flights are flexible and convenient. And they usually are. However, with empty-leg flights, the routes and schedules are mostly fixed. After all, an empty leg flight exists in the first place because of a specific operational need. 

You may find that there is some wiggle room on departure time, but this is not always a guarantee. Rather than the private flight being flexible, the traveler must be. 

Last Minute Availability

You won’t always find an empty leg headed to your specific destination. If you get lucky and do, note that they often come with short notice. For popular routes, you will want to act fast to secure your flight, or it may be gone. 

At The Early Air Way, many of our empty leg flights are posted to our website for your convenience. 

Potential for Changes

The original charter takes priority, meaning that empty leg flights can be rescheduled or canceled altogether if the aircraft’s primary flight changes. While this does not happen often, it can—just another reason to remain flexible. 

Nonetheless, travelers who understand these limitations often still find that the trade-off is worth it. 

Private Flights: A New Narrative

Empty leg flights change the narrative around private aviation. No longer is flying private just about luxury. Rather, it is about efficiency and flexibility. As long as you are willing to stay open to the timing and routing of the flights offered, you can enjoy the perfect combination of value and experience. 

With some smart decision-making, you can remove any financial barriers while still getting the perks of private jet travel. 

The Early Air Way is the Smarter Way

Once you understand the answer to “What is an empty leg flight?”, it becomes clear that private aviation is no longer reserved for a select few. It may feel intimidating or out of reach, but with an empty leg flight, you can open yourself up to a whole new world of travel possibilities. 

The Early Air Way is a charter company that connects travelers with the right aircraft and the right time for the right opportunity. And we offer empty leg flights that are available for anyone to take advantage of. 

If you are ready to discover just how effortless private jet travel can be, let’s talk. Contact us today to learn more or get a quote online.