Empty Leg Flights Explained: How to Save Up to 75% on Private Jets

Empty leg flights are one of the smartest ways to experience private jet travel without paying full charter prices. In this guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about these discounted repositioning flights.

What is an Empty Leg Flight?

An empty leg (also called a "deadhead" or "repositioning flight") occurs when a private jet needs to fly without passengers. This happens in two main scenarios:

1. After dropping off passengers — The aircraft must return to its home base
2. Before picking up passengers — The jet needs to fly to the departure airport

Rather than flying empty, operators offer these flights at significant discounts — typically 50-75% off regular charter prices.

Why Do Empty Legs Exist?

Private jets often operate one-way charters. For example:

A client books a one-way flight from Paris to Nice for the Monaco Grand Prix. The aircraft is based in Paris and must return after the drop-off. This return flight is an "empty leg."

The operator has two choices:

1. Fly the aircraft back empty (losing money on fuel and crew)
2. Offer the return leg at a discount to offset costs

This creates a win-win: passengers get discounted flights, and operators recover some operating costs.

How Much Can You Save?

Here are real examples of empty leg savings on European routes:

The Catch: Flexibility Required

Empty legs come with conditions that make them unsuitable for some travelers:

Fixed Routes

You can't change the departure or arrival airports. The route is determined by the operator's schedule.

Fixed Dates & Times

Empty legs have specific departure windows, often with limited flexibility (usually ±2 hours).

Last-Minute Changes

If the original charter gets cancelled or modified, your empty leg might be cancelled too.

One-Way Only

Most empty legs are one-way flights. You'll need to arrange your own return.

How to Find Empty Legs

1. Charter Broker Platforms

Services like Flyius aggregate empty legs from multiple operators, showing available flights in real-time.

2. Direct from Operators

Major charter companies like NetJets, VistaJet, and Air Partner publish their empty legs online.

3. Subscription Services

Some services alert you when empty legs matching your preferred routes become available.

4. Social Media

Operators often post last-minute empty legs on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Best Routes for Empty Legs

Certain routes consistently have more empty legs due to high one-way demand:

High availability:

• French Riviera (Nice, Cannes) → Paris, London, Geneva
• Alpine ski resorts → Major European cities
• Ibiza → London, Paris, Milan
• Monaco → Anywhere after events

Seasonal patterns:

• Winter: Ski destinations (Geneva, Chambéry, Sion)
• Summer: Mediterranean coast (Nice, Ibiza, Mykonos)
• Event-driven: Monaco GP, Cannes Film Festival, Art Basel

Tips for Booking Empty Legs

1. Be flexible — The more flexible your dates, the better your chances
2. Act fast — Popular routes sell within hours
3. Verify the aircraft — Ensure it meets your passenger and luggage needs
4. Understand cancellation terms — Know what happens if the original charter changes
5. Book early for events — Empty legs after major events are announced weeks ahead

Is an Empty Leg Right for You?

Perfect for:

• Flexible travelers with adaptable schedules
• Budget-conscious first-time private flyers
• One-way trips where you can arrange alternative returns
• Last-minute getaways when timing aligns

Not ideal for:

• Business trips with fixed schedules
• Group travel requiring specific departure times
• Trips where cancellation would cause major issues

Browse Available Empty Legs

Ready to see what's available? Flyius shows empty legs from 15+ operators across Europe, updated in real-time.

View Empty Legs →

Empty leg availability changes frequently. Prices shown are examples and actual discounts vary.