Empty Leg Secrets: How to Save Up to 75% on Private Jet Travel

Empty leg flights are the private aviation industry's best-kept secret. These repositioning flights offer the same luxury experience at a fraction of the cost—sometimes up to 75% off regular charter prices. Here's how to find and book them like a pro.

What Are Empty Leg Flights?

When a private jet completes a one-way charter, it must return to its home base or reposition for the next booking. These "empty leg" flights would otherwise fly without passengers. Rather than absorb the cost, charter operators offer these flights at steep discounts to offset expenses.

The catch? Limited flexibility. Empty legs have fixed departure times, routes, and dates. But if your schedule aligns, the savings are extraordinary.

How to Find Empty Leg Flights

1. Subscribe to Alert Services

Most charter operators maintain empty leg alert lists. Sign up with multiple providers to receive notifications about available flights matching your preferred routes. A2B Jets offers instant alerts via email and SMS for new empty legs.

2. Check Regularly

Empty legs are listed 1-14 days before departure, with most appearing 3-7 days out. Check daily if you have flexible travel dates. Peak seasons (holidays, summer) see more inventory as demand for one-way charters increases.

3. Be Flexible with Timing

The most successful empty leg bookers maintain flexibility on departure dates and times. If you can travel within a 3-5 day window, your chances of finding a match increase dramatically.

4. Consider Nearby Airports

Empty legs often fly between private aviation hubs. If your departure or arrival airport doesn't have listings, check nearby alternatives. For example, if searching for flights to Los Angeles, consider Van Nuys (VNY), Burbank (BUR), or Santa Monica (SMO) in addition to LAX.

Maximizing Your Savings

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  Book Round-Trips:

  Create your own empty leg by booking a round-trip charter with a short turnaround. The return flight becomes your discounted empty leg.

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  Travel with Groups:

  Split the already-reduced cost among 6-8 passengers. Empty leg flights on midsize jets can cost less per person than first-class commercial tickets.

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  Popular Routes:

  High-traffic routes (NYC-Florida, LA-Las Vegas, Texas Triangle) have more frequent empty legs due to one-way demand.

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  Seasonal Patterns:

  Winter sees more southbound empty legs to Florida and Caribbean. Summer features increased westbound flights to Europe and Mediterranean destinations.

Important Considerations

While empty legs offer incredible value, keep these factors in mind:

• • Limited Flexibility: Departure times and routes are fixed. Changes or cancellations by the operator (rare but possible) may occur if the primary charter changes.
• • Quick Decision Required: Empty legs are first-come, first-served. Hesitate, and someone else books it.
• • Payment Terms: Most require immediate payment or deposit to secure the flight.
• • No Guarantees: Availability fluctuates. Don't rely on empty legs for time-critical travel unless you have a backup plan.

Start Your Search Today

Empty leg flights democratize private aviation, making luxury travel accessible to more people. With the right strategy and flexibility, you can experience the convenience and comfort of private jets without the premium price tag.