Empty Leg Flights 101 – What They Are and How They Work

Empty leg flights are one of private aviation’s best-kept secrets for flying in style without paying the full price of a private charter. A common misconception is that private jets are always astronomically expensive, but empty legs allow travelers to experience ultimate luxury for less.

In this guide, we’ll explain what empty leg flights are, how they work, and how you can book these discounted private jet deals. We’ll also cover examples in Asia (think Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok) to show how empty legs can open up affordable luxury travel in the ASEAN/APAC region.

Whether you’re a curious first-timer or a seasoned high-net-worth traveler, this friendly 10-minute read will answer your questions in an accessible, aspirational, and educational way.

What is an empty leg flight?

An empty leg flight is a private jet journey flown without passengers, usually to reposition the aircraft for its next charter or to return to base. When someone charters a one-way private jet trip, the plane often needs to fly empty to another airport for its next assignment – that empty return or repositioning segment is sold as an “empty leg” flight.

These are also commonly called dead-head flights, ferry flights, or repositioning legs. Rather than fly with no one on board, operators offer the empty leg to other travelers at a steep discount to recoup some costs.

Empty leg flights cost considerably less than a normal private jet charter. The aircraft and crew are already scheduled to make the journey, so any passengers on the empty leg are essentially filling otherwise unsold seats.

Because the primary charter client has often paid for the bulk of the expenses (fuel, crew, positioning) in their one-way booking, the repositioning leg can be offered at just a portion of the usual price.

This makes empty legs a win-win: the operator earns some extra revenue, and travelers get a taste of private jet luxury at a much lower cost than usual.

In summary, an empty leg flight is a one-way private jet flight on a route the jet must fly anyway, sold to last-minute travelers at a big discount.

How do empty leg flights work?

Empty leg flights work by repurposing a private jet’s required repositioning trip for paying customers – essentially filling an empty plane that needs to travel with passengers at a bargain rate.

Here’s how it generally unfolds:

• A private jet is booked for a one-way charter by a client.

• After dropping off that client, the aircraft must relocate, either back to its home base or to another airport for its next scheduled charter.

• Normally that repositioning flight would carry no passengers (hence “empty leg”).

• Instead, charter operators or brokers list this upcoming empty flight as available to others.

Travelers who are flexible with timing and destination can book the empty leg for themselves, effectively chartering the whole jet for that leg. You typically rent the entire aircraft for the empty leg price – whether you fly solo or bring friends, the cost covers the jet (not per seat).

Timing is a crucial aspect. These flights often pop up on short notice – details might only be confirmed a few days (or even hours) before departure. Empty legs have a pre-defined origin, destination, and schedule (set by the needs of the jet’s next charter).

For example, if a jet must reposition from Hong Kong to Singapore on Monday to pick up another customer, an empty leg for Hong Kong → Singapore will be offered on that date. As a traveler, you don’t get to choose the route or time – you’re essentially piggybacking on the jet’s predetermined itinerary.

It’s also important to know that empty leg availability is unpredictable and can be fleeting. Brokers and platforms continuously update listings of empty legs as new one-way charters are booked.

Platforms like Jetscanner360 aggregate these deals from various operators – you can search for current offers and set alerts for routes of interest (e.g., Singapore to Bangkok) among other Ways to Fly.

When you find a match, you typically need to book quickly, as these deals are first-come, first-served and may disappear fast.

Why are empty leg flights so discounted?

Empty leg flights are heavily discounted because the primary charter customer has already covered most operating costs, allowing the operator to offer the remaining flight at 50–75% off the standard charter price.

Private jets are expensive to run – costs include fuel, crew, maintenance, landing fees, etc. When a client pays for a one-way charter, they essentially pay for the aircraft to get to their destination (and often factor in repositioning costs).

Thus, the subsequent repositioning flight’s fixed costs are largely paid for. The jet is going to fly that leg regardless of additional passengers, so any money earned by selling it to you is bonus income.

This is why operators can afford to sell empty legs at bargain rates. It’s not uncommon to see empty leg deals advertised at 50%–75% cheaper than usual private jet prices. For instance, a charter that might normally cost $20,000 could be offered as an empty leg for $5,000 – $7,000.

For travelers, this translates into remarkable savings. An empty leg flight can sometimes cost comparable to a first-class commercial airline ticket on the same route, especially if you fill all the seats.

Imagine flying on a private jet with your family or colleagues for a price that rivals (or even undercuts) buying first-class seats for each person – that’s the value proposition of empty legs.

Why consider an empty leg flight? (Pros)

Empty leg flights offer an affordable taste of the private jet lifestyle, combining luxury, convenience, and privacy at a much lower cost than usual.

Key benefits:

• Huge Savings with Luxury Intact: Enjoy the same VIP experience – plush cabin, spacious seating, personalized service – at a fraction of the cost.

• Exclusive Amenities and Privacy: The entire aircraft is yours (and your invited guests). You also get access to private terminals (FBOs), expedited security, and often custom catering.

• Convenience and Time Savings: Private jets can use smaller airports closer to your origin or destination. You skip long security lines and crowded terminals.

• Flexibility in Comfort: You set the passenger list – bring friends, family, or even pets. It’s perfect for group getaways or special occasions.

Are there any drawbacks or risks? (Cons)

Empty leg flights do come with trade-offs. The biggest is lack of scheduling control. These flights:

• Have fixed routes & times – you must adapt to what’s available.

• Are one-way only – you’ll need to plan your return separately.

• Can be canceled last-minute if the original charter client changes plans.

• May come with limited extras (e.g., simpler catering) compared to a bespoke full-price charter.

Empty legs are best for flexible travelers who can take advantage of opportunities rather than those with immovable schedules.

How do I find and book an empty leg flight?

Finding empty leg flights is easiest through brokers and platforms that list current deals – then booking fast before they disappear.

Steps:

1. Check platforms like Jetscanner360 Search Flight for updated empty leg listings.

2. Set alerts for common routes (e.g., Singapore ⇄ Hong Kong, Bangkok ⇄ Phuket).

3. When you see a match, act quickly – they are first-come, first-served.

4. Always keep a backup plan in case of cancellation.

Ready to explore? See Ways to Fly, learn How It Works, or go straight to Search Flight to browse current deals. For personal assistance, Contact Us.

Are empty legs available in ASEAN/APAC?

Yes – empty leg flights are available worldwide, including throughout Asia-Pacific.

Popular regional routes include:

• Singapore ⇄ Hong Kong

• Singapore ⇄ Jakarta

• Bangkok ⇄ Phuket

• Hong Kong ⇄ Tokyo

While availability in APAC can be less predictable than in the U.S. or Europe, demand is growing rapidly.

More one-way charters mean more repositioning flights – and more empty leg opportunities in the region.

Is an empty leg flight right for me?

An empty leg is perfect if you’re flexible, spontaneous, and looking to enjoy private jet luxury at a fraction of the cost.

It’s ideal for:

• Leisure travelers open to last-minute trips.

• Groups or families splitting costs.

• High-net-worth individuals wanting to experience private aviation more often.

It’s less suitable for:

• Business-critical, time-sensitive travel.

• Travelers who require guaranteed round-trips.

Quick FAQs

What is an empty leg flight?
A discounted one-way private jet flight the aircraft must fly anyway to reposition for its next mission.

How much can I save?
Typically 50–75% off standard private jet charter rates, especially on short notice.

Can I book per seat?
Most empty legs are sold as the whole aircraft. Some routes may offer by-the-seat options; availability varies.

Is it right for me?
Great if you’re flexible on dates/routes and want private jet comfort for less; not ideal for time-critical trips.

Key Takeaways

• Empty legs = one-way private jet repositioning flights sold at huge discounts.

• Save 50–75% while enjoying the same luxury and privacy.

• Flexibility required – flights are last-minute, one-way, and can change.

• Best for opportunistic travelers in ASEAN/APAC and globally.

• Start browsing deals now via the Search Flight page.