Private Jet Empty Leg Deals: How to Score Luxury Flights at Deep Discounts

What Are Private Jet Empty Leg Deals?

Empty leg deals (also called repositioning flights or ferry flights) occur when a private jet needs to fly without passengers either returning to base or repositioning to pick up a new client. Rather than flying empty, operators often offer these flights at significantly discounted rates.

These flights are typically one-way: the jet flies from A to B without a paying customer on board for that leg. Offering the empty leg at a discount helps operators offset fuel and crew costs. Because the operator already plans to fly that segment regardless, the incremental cost of carrying a new passenger is lower.

Empty leg deals are attractive because they allow access to private aviation at prices closer to first or business class commercial fares while preserving privacy, flexibility, and comfort.

Why Empty Leg Deals Are Attractive (and What to Watch Out For)

Benefits of Booking Empty Leg Deals

Cost Savings
One of the primary draws is price. Empty leg flights are often offered at 30% to 80% off the equivalent full charter cost. Because the operator is trying to avoid flying empty, they provide these deals to fill seats or the whole jet.

Luxury Access on Short Notice
Empty leg listings often appear with little lead time. For travelers who are flexible, this provides an opportunity to fly luxury on short notice without paying full charter rates.

Access to Premium Airports & Privacy
Despite being discounted, empty leg flights still offer private jet amenities: private terminals or FBOs, expedited security, bespoke service, and flexibility in routing. You still avoid the hassles of commercial terminals.

Risks and Constraints to Consider

One-Way Only
Empty leg flights are almost always one-way. If you need to return, you’ll likely need to book a separate flight or charter the return leg, which may reduce the overall savings.

Schedule & Route Rigidity
You must accept the departure time, route, and airport that the jet is repositioning for. Flexibility is essential—if you demand precise timing, want to choose your airports freely, or shift plans, empty legs may not work.

Possibility of Cancellation or Change
Because the empty leg is secondary to the operator’s primary charter, it might be canceled or modified if their schedule changes. Always confirm and stay updated.

Limited Availability
Not all routes or aircraft generate empty legs, and routes are unpredictable. You may find desirable deals only on popular corridors or during peak relocation cycles.

Real Aircraft & Examples That Frequently Appear in Empty Leg Listings

Below are examples of aircraft that commonly appear in empty leg deals, along with typical use and considerations.

Cessna Citation XLS

The Citation XLS is a popular midsize jet often used in charter fleets because of its balance of cabin comfort and range. Its frequent use makes it more likely to appear in empty leg markets.

Typical features: seating for 8, good short-to-mid range performance, and access to many airports. Because of its utility and demand, its empty legs may be more frequent and accessible to buyers.

Embraer Phenom 300

The Phenom 300 is a light jet widely used in private charter. Its popularity and broad operational footprint increase its presence in empty leg offerings.

It offers a comfortable cabin for 6–8, efficient speed, and operational flexibility ideal for regional repositioning flights.

Bombardier Challenger 3500

This Super-Mid or midsize jet is used for longer or interregional legs, so its repositioning flights may yield good empty leg deals over longer distances. It’s known for cabin comfort and strong performance.

Gulfstream G500

High-end or heavy long-range jets like Gulfstreams may show up in empty leg markets when repositioning for transcontinental or international flights. These are rarer, but the discounts can be substantial for long routes.

Pilatus PC-12

While not technically a “jet,” high-quality turboprops like the PC-12 are often repositioned and may appear in empty leg listings for regional hops or feeder segments. They fill gaps between large-jet routes.

Use Cases & Problems Solved by Empty Leg Deals

Scenario: Last-Minute Business Trip with Tight Budget

A consultant must fly from Boston to Chicago tomorrow for a meeting. Instead of paying standard charter rates, they monitor empty leg listings and secure a discount one-way flight aboard a mid-size jet. They accept fixed departure time but gain privacy and speed over commercial options.

Scenario: Luxury Vacation to Remote Private Island

A family wants to reach an exclusive resort near coastal islands. A repositioning jet is assigned to pass nearby. They book that empty leg, land at a private airstrip, bypass usual transfers, and enjoy first-class arrival all at a lower cost.

Scenario: Upscale Experience without Full Charter Cost

A couple wants the private jet experience (no queues, full service, privacy) but doesn’t need to pay full charter. Booking an empty leg gives them that experience at a fraction of cost, as long as they’re flexible in schedule.

Best Practices: How to Find & Book Private Jet Empty Leg Deals

Step 1: Sign Up with Multiple Empty Leg Platforms & Operators

Subscribe to notifications from platforms that aggregate empty leg deals. Examples include:

• Catch-a-Jet they list empty leg flights globally and send alerts

• JFT Jet empty leg services a charter operator offering empty leg matching

• SuperFly Aviation publishes empty leg deals for certain routes

By subscribing across providers, you increase chances of finding a match.

Step 2: Be Flexible in Your Timing, Airports & Routes

Flexibility is key. Because you don’t request the jet, you accept its repositioning path. If you can adapt to slightly different airports or times, you open up more possible deals.

Step 3: Monitor Frequently & Act Quickly

Empty legs are time-sensitive and often booked fast. Set alerts, check listings daily, and be ready to commit quickly when a good deal appears.

Step 4: Ask for Full Disclosure & Confirm Terms

Before booking:

• Confirm the aircraft, crew, route, departure airport/time

• Ensure ground handling, catering, and fees are included or disclosed

• Ask about cancellation policy, backup plan, and flexibility

Step 5: Book & Stay Informed

Once booked, maintain communication with the operator or broker. Watch for schedule changes or aircraft swaps. Be prepared for last-minute reroutes.

Tips to Maximize Value from Empty Leg Deals

• Book Return Separately or Combine with Commercial Flight: Use empty leg one-way, and return via charter or premium commercial.

• Coordinate Ground Transport: Make sure ground transfers align well with fixed departure/arrival airports.

• Travel Light, Limit Baggage: Some empty legs may have restrictions.

• Negotiate Slight Flexibility: If the operator has slack, they may shift timing slightly to accommodate you.

• Join Membership Programs: Some brokers give priority access or early notifications to members.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How much can you save with a private jet empty leg deal?
A: Savings typically range from 30% to 80% off a standard charter price. The discount depends on route, aircraft, and how close to departure the booking is made.

Q2: Can I book empty leg for international routes?
A: Yes, but cross-border empty legs require handling of customs, overflight permits, and landing rights. Some international repositioning flights are available, though less frequent.

Q3: What happens if the empty leg is canceled?
A: Operators usually reserve the right to cancel or change empty legs due to schedule shifts in their primary charter. Always confirm cancellation terms in advance and have a backup plan.