Fly Private for Less: A Guide to Empty Leg Flights in 2023

Understanding Empty Leg Flights

Empty Leg Flights, also known as “dead-heads,” “repositioning legs,” or “ferry flights,” are scheduled flights to travel without any passengers. They usually occur when a chartered aircraft needs to return to its base or reposition for another charter. Around 30%-50% of the private jet charter fleet flies empty, allowing travelers to score highly discounted private jet charters.

Empty Leg Flights vs. Traditional Charters

When it comes to delivering a luxurious and convenient travel experience, Empty leg flights and traditional charters are two sides of the same coin. However, the cost narrative takes an exciting turn with Empty Leg Flights. Often seen as the savvy traveler’s secret, these flights can offer the same high-end experience at a price whittled down by as much as 70%, making the seemingly unattainable world of private jet travel a more affordable reality.

However, they come with a catch. Due to their nature, empty leg flights are often unpredictable. They can be canceled anytime due to mechanical issues or the jet getting booked for another full-priced charter. Moreover, these flights are typically one-way, so you must usually arrange your return trip.

Booking an Empty Leg Flight

You need to be flexible and patient to book an empty leg flight. These flights show up last minute, and their routes are random. But you can find these special flights online through companies like Victor, VistaJet, Jettly, and New Flight Charters.

Some websites let you pick your preferred airport and will let you know when there are new deals. It’s smarter to book directly, not through a broker, to avoid paying extra fees.

If you’re interested in booking a private flight to Vegas, you can get a free quote with us to catch an empty leg flight to Las Vegas.

The Empty Leg Flight Experience

Even though the flights are cheaper, the experience on empty leg flights is almost as luxurious as a conventional charter flight. You can arrive just minutes before your flight. However, these flights follow stricter schedules, so you can’t afford to be late.

The catering service on these flights is usually basic, with light prepackaged snacks, soft drinks, and basic alcoholic beverages. But the entire jet is yours for the duration of the flight!

Empty Leg Flight Prices

The cost of empty leg flights can deviate significantly depending on factors like route, aircraft type, dates, and other details. For instance, an empty leg flight from New York to South Florida might set you back anywhere from $9,000 to $12,000. But chartering a mid-size jet for the same trip could cost more than $20,000.

Membership Programs

Some private jet programs give their members the perk of free or almost free empty leg flights. If you’re a Delta Private Jets Sky Access member, you can book all the empty leg flights you want that leave within 24 hours.

Wheels Up also has different membership levels. The cheapest one costs $2,995 for the first year and then $2,495 yearly moving forward. All members can book Hot Flights, which are discounted empty leg flights.

The Catch

While empty leg flights offer an affordable way to experience private jet travel, there are a few downsides. These flights are subject to last-minute cancellations and thus potentially disrupting your travel plans. Also, since empty leg flights are usually one-way, you need to make your own arrangements for the return journey.

Are Empty Leg Flights Right for You?

If you’re flexible with your travel plans and okay with the chance of last-minute cancellations, empty leg flights can be a great choice. But if you need to be sure about your flight or if you’re going round trip, it might be better to look at other options, like semi-private flights or membership programs.

Alternatives to Empty Leg Flights

If you find the unpredictability of empty leg flights daunting, other ways exist to enjoy the private jet experience. Companies like Blade and XO let you book by the seat on regularly scheduled flights. There are also airlines like JSX and Boutique Air that offer near-private experiences at commercial travel prices.