What is an empty leg flight?

An empty leg flight is exactly what it says on the tin: a jet flies a certain route or leg completely empty, without passengers. This occurs quite often, for instance when an aircraft needs to be positioned to a specific airport to pick up passengers, or when it flies back to its departure airfield. 

Selling empty leg flights is a win-win situation. The passenger will gain an empty leg – and a unique experience – for a much lower fare, while the airline company is able to earn a little extra income and make better use of their positioning flights.

How does it work?

Securing an empty leg requires a lot of flexibility. Private jet operations are quite dynamic and change regularly. It will therefore be more of a last-minute affair, and you won’t be able to choose the destination (or even the departure airfield). Also, you’ll only be 100% sure of your flight an hour before departure. Once you’ve agreed on an empty leg, the final route offered may change as well.

For instance, let’s say a client is using the private jet to fly from Brussels to Malaga and the jet is due to return to Brussels empty. The empty leg flight is therefore from Malaga to Brussels. However, due to operational reasons the routing could change from Malaga to Antwerp or Malaga to Paris instead.

But a good insider tip: If you are looking for an empty leg from for example Malaga to Brussels, interesting empty legs to search for could also be for instance; Allicante-Antwerp or even Ibiza-Brussels, as the jet is heading in that direction anyway so we might be able to offer a reduced price here too for your Malaga to Brussels trip.

An empty leg can be an interesting opportunity for flexible travelers. Intrigued? Get in touch with Jetters, and we’ll scour our resources to find you the best deal.

How much do I pay for an empty leg?

The billion-dollar question (excuse the pun) is, how much will an empty leg cost me? The fare varies a lot depending on the type of aircraft and the routing. It could be 50% of the original price or even lower. However, it’s important to know that while fares are often greatly reduced, this does not mean you’d be able to secure a flight for a couple hundred euros. After all, the operator is required to pay passenger departure and arrival taxes. 

You might still be looking at a considerable price tag, depending on a variety of factors.

The fare for the empty leg may also increase or decrease, depending on changes to the routing, aircraft type, departure or destination airfields. Of course, you’d always be welcome to cancel if you’re not happy with any of the changes, and we’ll issue you a full refund.

A guilt-free way to fly private

For those passengers who are sustainably-minded, an empty leg is your ticket to an exclusive private jet experience – guilt-free. After all, the empty leg flights need to go ahead, regardless. You wouldn’t be fueling the need for any additional flights and the carbon emissions remain the same.

Still concerned about the impact of private jet flights on our environment? Read our blog article and find out the truth

Our verdict: Are empty leg flights worth it?

For certain passengers, empty legs are absolutely worth it. If you’re after the unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience of flying by private jet and you’re flexible when it comes to the actual flight route, an empty leg flight is the ideal means to elevate your travel experience. While empty legs are by no means cheap, they’re a more affordable way to take to the skies in style.