What Is an Empty Leg Flight?
When a private aircraft is chartered for a one-way trip, the aircraft must physically return to its home base — or reposition to pick up the next client. That repositioning flight is called an empty leg or "deadhead flight." Since the aircraft is flying anyway and earning nothing on that leg, operators offer these seats at heavily discounted rates — typically 40–60% below standard charter pricing.
Example: A client charters a Gulfstream G450 from Las Vegas to Raleigh-Durham. After dropping the client, the aircraft needs to return to Las Vegas. That LAS-bound repositioning flight is offered as an empty leg — potentially at half the normal charter rate.
Why Do Empty Legs Exist?
Private jet charter is fundamentally a one-way business. Clients rarely want to use the same aircraft for the return trip, and operators can't simply "park" an aircraft far from its home base. Industry estimates suggest that nearly 30–40% of all private jet flights operate as empty repositioning legs — a significant volume of discounted inventory available to travelers who know where to look.
How Much Can You Save?
- 40–50% discount: Fairly common, booked 1–7 days in advance
- 50–60% discount: Available as departure approaches and the leg remains unsold
- 60%+ discount: Rare, but possible same-day on certain legs
Real example: Standard charter rate RDU → LAS (midsize jet): ~$21,900. Same route as empty leg: $10,000–$13,000 range.
What Are the Limitations?
- Fixed route. You get the specific city-pair of the repositioning flight — you can't change the origin or destination.
- Fixed date. The empty leg flies when the operator needs it to reposition, not when you want to travel.
- Subject to change. If the underlying charter cancels, the empty leg disappears. Reputable brokers are upfront about this risk.
- Limited passenger capacity. You're buying the available aircraft as-is.
Who Are Empty Legs Best For?
- Travelers with flexible schedules (leisure trips, non-critical business travel)
- Groups who can fill the aircraft and split the cost
- Frequent flyers who monitor availability and book opportunistically
- Anyone whose route matches an available leg
How to Find and Book Empty Leg Flights
Charter brokers are the most reliable source. A good broker maintains real-time relationships with multiple operators and can alert you when a leg matching your preferred route becomes available — seeing inventory across dozens of operators simultaneously. En Route Jets maintains live empty leg listings for departures from the RDU and LAS markets.
Tips for Booking Empty Legs Successfully
- Move fast. Popular empty legs sell quickly, especially on high-demand routes.
- Be genuinely flexible. If you can travel anytime within a 3-day window, your chances increase significantly.
- Travel in groups. Empty legs are priced for the aircraft. The more people sharing the cost, the better the per-person economics.
- Use alerts. Tell your broker your preferred routes and travel windows. A good broker will notify you when matching inventory appears.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are empty leg flights safe?
Yes. The same FAA Part 135 regulations apply to empty leg flights as to full-charter flights. The aircraft and crew certifications are identical — what changes is the price.
Can I change the destination on an empty leg?
No. The route is fixed by the repositioning requirement. In some cases your broker may be able to arrange a slightly modified routing — ask, but don't count on it.
What happens if my empty leg gets cancelled?
If the underlying charter that created the empty leg cancels, the empty leg cancels as well. Reputable brokers disclose this risk upfront and will work to find an alternative aircraft.
Do I need to fill all the seats?
No — you buy the aircraft, not individual seats. You can fly solo on a 10-seat aircraft if the price makes sense. Most travelers use the extra seats to bring along family, clients, or team members.