A common misconception about private charters is that they’re always astronomically expensive – read on to learn how to level the playing field, travelling in ultimate luxury for less with an empty leg flight.
Empty legs on private jets – what you should know
A common misconception about private charters is that they’re always astronomically expensive – read on to learn how to level the playing field, travelling in ultimate luxury for less with an empty leg flight.
What is an empty leg flight?
An empty leg flight is a private jet flight needed in order to reposition an aircraft – usually containing no passengers. This can occur when a private jet has completed a one-way trip, and the aircraft needs to head on to the next charter’s departure, or reposition back to base.
Also referred to as ‘dead-heads’, ‘ferry flights’, and ‘repositioning legs’, these flights cost considerably less than normal private jet charters – it allows the aircraft owner or operator to recoup some of the costs associated with an empty aircraft, whilst also offering a luxury experience for passengers.
Benefits of empty leg charters
Benefits include:
- Value for money
Offered at highly discounted prices, empty legs are ideal if you want to experience the luxury of private travel at excellent value. - Exclusive amenities
Private travel offers access to amenities not available on commercial flights; from private airports (Fixed Base Operators [FBOs]) to tailored catering, empty legs offer a taste of a different class of travel. Extended flexibility can allow your pet to fly with you on board, subject to the operator’s terms and conditions. - Convenience
Offers the ability to fly closer to your final destination – private jets can often land at airports otherwise inaccessible by scheduled flights, also ensuring you avoid queues and crowded airports for a seamless travel experience. - Privacy
Whether flying solo, or with family and friends, you can enjoy the peace of mind which comes with a trip that’s entirely dedicated to you. - Negotiation on price
Unlike commercial flights, the pricing of empty legs can often be negotiated – though bear in mind that this has to be beneficial to both the owner/operator and the traveller.
Key considerations of empty-leg flights for passengers
If you are considering travelling on an empty leg flight for your next trip, there are some things to bear in mind. Travelling this way requires both schedule and destination flexibility, because flights usually become available at the last minute, travelling to an already-determined location.
Empty leg flights are subject to cancellation at any time – either because another private booking may have taken precedence for that repositioning route, or jet maintenance is needed. It is also worth noting that catering options may be limited or entirely unavailable on an empty leg flight due to the short-notice, and quick turnaround these flights require.
If you’re working to a tight schedule, or have meetings to attend, relying on, and planning around, empty leg flights isn’t advised; essentially, the flights work to the operator’s time and schedule, so if urgency is a necessity for a particular trip, empty leg flights are best avoided.
An empty leg flight is a one-way deal, and while it is mutually-beneficial for both passengers and owner/operators, additional arrangements are needed on your part to arrange your return journey (if you require one). There are many benefits to taking an empty leg flight – including a big cost incentive, but there are certainly some practicalities to navigate and considerations to make before committing to travelling this way.
Contact us for more information on empty leg flights, and how we can facilitate luxury travel experiences for less.