Guide · Empty Legs
What are empty leg flights?
When a private jet has to fly empty to pick up its next clients or return home, that one-way trip is sold at a big discount. You get the whole aircraft for a fraction of the normal charter price.
How empty legs work
A client books a jet from Miami to New York. After dropping them off, the aircraft has to get back to Miami, or on to its next pickup. Instead of flying empty, the operator sells that return flight, the empty leg, at a reduced price.
You book the entire aircraft, not a seat, so you can bring your family, friends or colleagues up to the jet’s seat limit at no extra cost.
How to book in three steps
Pros & cons
Why people love it
- Usually 60–80% below the regular charter price
- The whole jet is yours, with no strangers on board
- Same private terminals, crew and service as a full charter
- Great for flexible travellers and last-minute trips
Good to know
- Route, date and time are set by the operator
- Usually one way only
- The flight can change or be cancelled if the original charter changes
- Less choice of aircraft type
Questions & answers
How much does an empty leg cost?
Empty legs are typically 60–80% cheaper than chartering the same jet. Short routes can start from a few thousand dollars for the whole aircraft, for example New York to New Jersey from about $800.
Can an empty leg be cancelled?
Yes. If the original client changes or cancels their trip, the empty leg may move or be cancelled. You are refunded or offered an alternative, so it suits travellers with flexible plans.
Can I change the departure time of an empty leg?
Sometimes slightly, if the operator agrees and the next booking allows it, but the schedule is mainly set by the original charter.
Can I book an empty leg round trip?
Empty legs are one way. For the return you can look for another empty leg, book a seat on a shared flight, or charter.
Are empty legs safe?
Yes. They are the same aircraft, crew and operator as a full charter, flown under the same safety rules.
Ready to try empty legs?
Book the FlightPrices and specifications are typical figures for guidance and vary by aircraft, operator, date and route. Summit Jet LLC is an air charter broker; all flights are operated by FAA Part 135 (or equivalent) certificated carriers.
