Imagine boarding a Gulfstream G650, sipping champagne in a lie-flat seat, and crossing the Atlantic—all for the price of a standard commercial business class ticket.
It sounds like an industry myth, but it is a daily reality in private aviation. It’s called an Empty Leg Flight.
At Charter Wind, we believe private travel should be transparent and accessible. While traditional charters offer bespoke luxury on your specific schedule, empty legs offer an incredible opportunity for the flexible traveler to experience the pinnacle of aviation at up to 75% off the standard charter rate.
Here is everything you need to know about how empty legs work, the risks and rewards, and how you can secure your seat on one today.
What Exactly Is an Empty Leg Flight?
In the aviation industry, efficiency is everything. However, logistics often demand that aircraft fly empty.
An “Empty Leg” (also known as a “deadhead” or “ferry flight”) occurs when a private jet is booked for a one-way trip and must return to its home base or fly to another airport to pick up the next client.
Here is a typical scenario:
Client A books a one-way charter from New York (TEB) to Miami (OPF) for a weekend vacation.
The aircraft lands in Miami, drops off Client A, and is now sitting on the tarmac.
The operator needs that jet back in New York for a Monday morning flight.
The flight from Miami back to New York is currently empty.
That return flight is the Empty Leg. Since the aircraft has to fly that route anyway, operators are willing to sell that leg at a massive discount just to cover fuel and crew costs, rather than flying it empty and making zero revenue.
The Mathematics of Savings: Real Price Examples
The primary allure of empty leg flights is the cost. Because the “primary” charter client has already covered the bulk of the operational costs for the aircraft’s deployment, the empty leg is priced simply to offset the return trip.
While prices vary based on aircraft type and fuel costs, the savings are typically between 50% and 75% off the standard charter price.
Route: New York to South Florida
Standard Charter: $18,000 – $25,000
Empty Leg Price: $5,000 – $9,000
Route: Los Angeles to Las Vegas
Standard Charter: $6,000 – $9,000
Empty Leg Price: $1,500 – $3,000
Route: London to Nice
Standard Charter: €12,000 – €18,000
Empty Leg Price: €4,000 – €7,000
Note: These are estimated ranges. For live pricing, check our Instant Quote Tool availability.
The Pros and Cons (Is an Empty Leg Right for You?)
Before you book, it is crucial to understand that empty legs operate differently than standard Executive Charters. They are a product of opportunity, not a bespoke service.
The Benefits: Luxury for a Fraction of the Price
Unbeatable Value: Access heavy jets and ultra-long-range aircraft for the price of a light jet or commercial ticket.
Spontaneity: Perfect for last-minute weekend getaways or flexible Leisure Charters.
The Full Experience: You receive the same white-glove service, private terminal access, and luxury amenities as a full-price charter client.
The Trade-Offs: Flexibility is Key
Fixed Schedule: The aircraft must depart at a specific time to meet its next commitment. You cannot choose your departure time; you must fly on the operator’s schedule.
Risk of Cancellation: This is the most important factor. If the primary client (Client A in our example) cancels their trip or changes their schedule, the empty leg may disappear.
One-Way Only: Empty legs are almost exclusively one-way. You will need to arrange your own return travel (or find another empty leg!).
Popular Empty Leg Routes to Watch
Empty legs are most common on high-traffic “shuttle” routes. If you live near a major aviation hub, your chances of finding a deal are significantly higher.
Seasonal Migration: New York to/from Florida (especially during winter).
Event-Driven: Los Angeles to/from Las Vegas.
European Summer: London to/from Ibiza, Nice, or Geneva.
Frequently Asked Questions About Empty Leg Flights
What is an empty leg flight?
An empty leg flight (or “ferry flight”) occurs when a private jet is booked for a one-way trip and must fly empty to return to its home base or reposition for the next client. Operators sell these return legs at a significant discount to cover fuel costs.
Are empty leg flights cheaper?
Yes, empty leg flights are significantly cheaper than standard private charters. Savings typically range from 50% to 75% off the regular hourly rate because the aircraft’s primary operational costs are covered by the original booking.
Can empty leg flights be cancelled?
Yes. This is the main trade-off. Empty legs are subject to the schedule of the primary charter client. If the original client changes their schedule or cancels, the empty leg may be cancelled or rescheduled. Flexibility is required when booking these flights.
How to Find and Book Empty Legs with Charter Wind
Unlike membership programs that hide these deals behind a paywall, Charter Wind offers transparent access to the global market.
Because we are a broker and not a single operator, we don’t just show you our empty legs—we scan the availability of over 5,000 aircraft worldwide to find routes that match your needs.
Browse Live Availability & Set Alerts: Use the tool below to see real-time inventory. If you don’t see your specific route in the list below, enter your email to get an instant alert the moment a match becomes available.
Don’t see your route? Empty legs change by the minute. If you don’t see a match above, Contact Our Team and we will set up a custom alert for you.
