What happens to an aircraft at the end of a one-way flight? If the aircraft is a private charter jet, it must return to its home base. That flight is known as an “empty leg.” You might call it an opportunity.
As a jet owner, you could sell these empty-leg flights and reduce your costs of operations. As a charter passenger, you could experience the luxury of private jet travel at a fraction of the cost.
Since empty-leg flights can benefit both owners and passengers, they are becoming the industry’s most sought-after opportunity.
What Is an Empty-Leg Flight?
An empty leg is one that involves a jet returning home with no passengers on board. These flights are also known as “deadhead” or “repositioning” flights, and they’re incredibly common. Some operators sell seats on these flights at a deep discount.
An empty-leg flight is a win-win for all involved. The operator needs to move the plane anyway, and the seats they sell can offset fuel costs. The passenger gets an amazing deal on a flight.
Why Do Empty-Leg Flights Happen?
An empty leg is an expected outcome of a chartered one-way trip. The passenger books the flight from Point A to Point B. The passenger doesn’t need to go back to Point A, but the aircraft does. That return trip is an empty leg.
Consider these scenarios:
- A client charters a one-way flight from New York (where the plane operates) to Miami. After dropping the client in Miami, the aircraft returns to New York on an empty-leg flight.
- A client in Tampa hires a charter aircraft based in Los Angeles. The plane must fly to Tampa empty to pick up the passenger, and this is an empty leg.
An estimated 30% to 35% of private jet charter flights are empty legs.
Source: Business Travel ExecutiveUnderstanding the Benefits of Empty Legs
An empty-leg flight represents a potential opportunity for both operators and passengers. By selling deeply discounted seats on an empty leg, the charter recoups fuel costs, and the passenger gets a great deal on a flight.
Benefits for Charter Clients (The Flyer)
Empty-leg pricing is typically straightforward and set as a percentage of charter rates. Often, that discount ranges between 30% and 75%.
While the flight is discounted, the experience is not. People on empty-leg flights get the same safety, luxury amenities, and trained staff. They just pay less for the experience of a chartered flight.
For a flexible traveler, this is the smartest way to fly. You can experience all of the luxury involved with private jets without paying a hefty ticket price. I often tell people to use empty-leg flights to see if the charter experience is right for them.
Benefits for Aircraft Owners (The Owner)
An empty flight can be expensive, as operators must purchase fuel, pay the crew, cover associated landing fees, and more. An empty-leg ticket can help an owner recoup the costs.
At Element Aviation, we aggressively market empty-leg flights, ensuring that our owners make the most of each moment an aircraft is in the air.
Active management turns deadheads into dollars. With the right strategy, we can effectively subsidize an owner’s personal trips through empty legs. I emphasize strategy because this takes marketing expertise.
Comparison: Standard Charter vs. Empty Leg
Passengers on empty-leg flights don’t control the time of the flight. In return, they get a deep discount on the cost of the flight.
This table can help you understand the potential cost savings involved, as well as some of the drawbacks:
| feature | standard private charter | empty leg flight |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Market rate (premium) | Discounted (30%-75% off) |
| Schedule | You choose the exact date and time | Determined by the aircraft’s schedule |
| Route | You choose departure and arrival cities | Fixed route (e.g., MIA to TETERBORO) |
| Reliability | Guaranteed availability | Subject to cancellation if primary trip changes |
| Best For | Business meetings, events, fixed schedules | Flexible leisure, spontaneous trips, one-way travel |
| Aircraft Choice | You select the specific jet | You fly on whatever aircraft is repositioning |
The Catch: Flexibility Is King
If you have a rigid schedule, an empty-leg trip may not be right for you. You’re buying a set on a flight that’s already scheduled, and no customization is available.
Similarly, if the primary charter is cancelled, so is the empty-leg trip. You may need to scramble for an alternate mode of travel if the other part of the trip changes — and that’s not something you can control.
An empty-leg flight is typically a good option for people like this:
- Retirees
- Spontaneous weekend travelers
- Flexible business professionals
It’s not a good option for trips on a tight time frame or business opportunities.
How Element Aviation Helps You Find the Deal
At Element Aviation, we believe in the power and the potential of an empty-leg trip. However, we know that empty legs are quick to pop up, so speed is critical. They can disappear in hours — well before they’re even listed on a website. When you work with us, we can maximize your ability to grab these flights.
We have a global network and real-time visibility into fleet movements. With our help, you won’t need to scour the internet for a good deal. We’ll find it for you. Just tell us where you want to go, and we’ll help you get there.
Fact Checked & Reviewed By:
Chris Blanchard has spent more than two decades in the private aviation industry. He began his career with an on-demand charter operator and played a critical role in transforming a small operation into one of the largest and most successful in the country. His experience and commitment to excellence make him a trusted innovator in the field of private aviation.
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Last modified 14 Jan 2026