What Is an Empty Leg Flight? Empty Legs Explained

An empty leg is a private jet flight that would otherwise fly without passengers. It usually happens because the aircraft is repositioning after dropping off a one-way charter, or flying out to pick up its next trip. The operator is paying for that flight either way, so it will often sell the seats for less to recover part of the cost.

The trade-off is that someone else's trip sets the schedule, the route and the aircraft, and empty legs are usually non-refundable. If your plans are flexible, that can mean a larger cabin for a much lower price than a standard charter.

Why empty legs exist

Most charter quotes include the cost of getting the aircraft back to base. When a client books a one-way trip, say Los Angeles to Dallas, the aircraft still has to fly home or on to its next job. That repositioning flight is the empty leg. Selling it, even at a discount, is better for the operator than flying it empty.

How much cheaper is an empty leg?

It depends on how closely the empty leg matches your trip. A flight that must move on your exact route and date can cost a fraction of a normal one-way charter. More often, an aircraft that's already heading roughly your way lowers your price because less repositioning is built into the quote.

The main types of empty legs

• True "must-move" empty legs. The aircraft has to get somewhere, either because it's pre-sold to that destination or needed for its next trip, and the operator wants revenue to cover the repositioning.
• Exact-match empty legs. The operator has a flight that lines up exactly with your dates, times, passenger count and airports. These are rare, but they produce the best pricing, because there's no extra repositioning in the quote.
• Semi-empty legs. These are the most common. An aircraft moving in the general direction you need can still cost less than a full round-trip quote. For example, a jet flying Oakland to Dallas might take a client from Fresno to Austin, with a little repositioning built in at each end.
• Floating-fleet pricing. Some operators, particularly in the super-midsize and heavy-jet market, don't have a home base, so they quote A to B with little repositioning. For a one-way such as Los Angeles to Miami with a week's stay, this is often the cost-effective choice.

For a closer look at how each type affects price and negotiation, see our guide to the different types of private jet empty legs.

The catches

• Usually non-refundable. Empty legs are typically 100% non-refundable once booked. If your plans change, you still pay for the flight.
• The schedule isn't yours. The empty leg only exists because of another client's trip. If that trip moves or cancels, the operator can move or cancel your flight too. You're typically refunded if that happens, but you'll need a backup plan.
• Flexibility on time and place. Departure times depend on the operator's schedule and crew duty limits. For the best price, you may need to use a different airport. If a jet is advertised from Albuquerque to Los Angeles and you asked for Santa Fe to San Jose, the best price means departing from Albuquerque.
• Flexibility on dates. The best empty leg may be the day before or after you planned to travel. Shifting a day can save a lot.
• One-way only. Plan your return separately.

Empty leg vs. regular charter

How to find and book an empty leg

1. Tell your broker the trip and how flexible you are: route, a range of dates, passenger count and luggage. Being flexible by a day or a nearby airport makes the biggest difference.
2. Check the operator, not just the price. An empty leg is flown by the same operator and crew as any charter on that aircraft, so vet them the same way. Here's what to look for in private jet safety.
3. Read the terms before you pay, especially what happens if the operator cancels.
4. Plan the return. Watch for an empty leg heading back, or book a standard one-way.

TruNorth Jets books empty legs for clients regularly, and we'll tell you when a standard charter is actually the better deal. Request a quote with your route and travel window.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an empty leg flight?

An empty leg is a private jet flight that would otherwise fly without passengers, usually because the aircraft is repositioning after a one-way charter or heading to pick up its next trip. Operators often sell those seats at a reduced price to recover part of the cost.

How much does an empty leg cost?

It depends on how closely the flight matches your trip. A must-move empty leg on your exact route can cost a fraction of a standard one-way charter. More often, an empty leg heading roughly your way lowers the price by cutting the repositioning an operator would otherwise build into your quote.

Can an empty leg flight be canceled?

Yes. The empty leg exists because of another client's trip, so if that charter changes or cancels, the operator can move or cancel your flight. If that happens you are typically refunded, but you will need a backup plan. If you cancel, empty legs are usually non-refundable.

Can I book an empty leg as a round trip?

Rarely. Empty legs are one-way by nature. For the return, you can watch for another empty leg heading back or book a standard one-way charter.

Are empty leg flights safe?

An empty leg is flown by the same operator, aircraft and crew under the same FAA rules as any other charter on that aircraft. Vet the operator exactly as you would for a full-price charter.