How Much are Empty Leg Flights?

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    How Much are Empty Leg Flights?

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    Exploring Empty Leg Flights: Understanding Costs and Savings

    Empty leg flights offer a unique opportunity for travelers to experience the luxury of private jet travel at a fraction of the usual cost. These one-way charter flights occur when a private jet needs to reposition itself without passengers after completing a trip or when it needs to fly empty to pick up passengers from another location.  Understanding the costs associated with empty leg flights is essential for travelers seeking to indulge in exclusive air travel experiences without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that influence the pricing of empty leg flights and provide insights into how much you can expect to pay for this luxurious mode of transportation.

    Factors Influencing Empty Leg Flight Costs:

    1. Distance and Route: The distance between the departure and destination airports, as well as the specific routing of the empty leg flight, significantly impact the cost. Longer flights or routes with less demand may be priced higher than shorter, more popular routes.
    2. Aircraft Type: The type and size of the aircraft used for the empty leg flight also play a role in determining the cost. Larger, more luxurious aircraft typically command higher prices, while smaller, more economical options may be available at lower rates.
    3. Time of Booking: Empty leg flight prices can fluctuate based on the timing of the booking. Last-minute deals or opportunities that arise close to the departure date may be available at discounted rates, while booking well in advance may result in higher prices.
    4. Market Demand: Like any other commodity, the pricing of empty leg flights is influenced by supply and demand dynamics. Flights during peak travel seasons or to highly sought-after destinations may be priced higher due to increased demand.
    5. Additional Services and Amenities: Some empty leg flights may include additional services or amenities, such as catering, ground transportation, or concierge services. These added conveniences can affect the overall cost of the flight.

    How Much Do Empty Leg Flights Cost?

    Empty leg flight prices can vary widely depending on the factors mentioned above. On average, empty leg flights are priced at a discount compared to regular charter rates, often ranging from 25% to 75% off the standard price. However, specific pricing can range from a few hundred dollars for short-haul flights to tens of thousands of dollars for long-distance, luxury jet travel. For example, a short empty leg flight between two nearby cities might be available for a few thousand dollars, while a transatlantic empty leg flight on a spacious, high-end jet could cost tens of thousands of dollars.  It’s essential to research and compare prices across different empty leg listings to find the best value for your desired route and travel preferences. Conclusion: Empty leg flights offer travelers the opportunity to experience the luxury and convenience of private jet travel at discounted rates. By understanding the factors that influence empty leg flight costs and comparing prices across different listings, travelers can make informed decisions and take advantage of these exclusive air travel opportunities.  Whether you’re planning a spontaneous getaway or a cost-effective business trip, empty leg flights provide a unique and indulgent way to reach your destination in style.

    How much does it cost to charter a private jet?

    Below is what you can expect for typical pricing across the U.S. jet charter market.  Actual availability and pricing for a specific date and routing may be a bit lower or higher depending on industry schedules.  Some may ask, “Is it possible for cost be 1/2 of these prices?  Unfortunately no, see also the Jet Charter Pricing Q & A below.

    Many variables go into individual jet charter quotes and pricing for any particular trip. The industry is very diverse, with around 7,000 charter aircraft and 1,650 certificated charter operators in the US alone.

    New Flight Charters has industry-wide reach makes it simple and guarantees the best pricing industry-wide for any specific charter flight.  Get customized make/model quotes if you prefer.  Prefer to see only quotes for the latest models like the new Praetor 600, Legacy 450 or Gulfstream G700?  You got it.  For any request, receive a summary of best available quotes and information for review and comparison.

    Quick Jet Charter Example Pricing:

    Executive Turboprops (up to 8 passengers)

    • A 1-hour drop off is typically $8,000 – $10,000
    • A 2-hour drop off is typically $14,000 – $16,000
    • A 2-hour two day round trip is typically $15,000 – $18,000

     

    Light Jets (up to 7 passengers)

    • A 1-hour one-way flight is typically $10,000 – $12,000
    • A 2-hour one-way flight is typically $12,000 – $15,000
    • A 2-hour flight round trip over 2 days is typically $20,000 – $25,000
    • A one-way flight between New York and Florida is typically $15,000 – $20,000
    • A round trip between New York and Florida over 3 days is typically $30,000 – $40,000
    • A round trip between Texas and New York over 2 days is typically $30,000 – $35,000


    Midsize Jets
    (up to 8 passengers, stand-up cabin)

    • A 2-hour one-way flight is typically $15,000 – $20,000.
    • A 3-hour three day round trip is typically $40,000 – $50,000


    Super-Midsize Jets
    (up to 9 passengers, coast to coast range)

    • A 4-hour one-way from either coast is typically $26,000 – $34,000
    • A 5-hour coast-to-coast one-way flight nonstop is typically $30,000 – $40,000
    • A round trip California to Hawaii over 7 days is typically $90,000 – $120,00


    Heavy Jets
    (up to 16 passengers, inter-continental range)

    • A one-way flight between Hawaii and California one-way is typically $40,000 – $70,000
    • A round trip California to Hawaii over 7 days is typically $110,000 – $130,000
    • A one-way flight between the US and Europe is typically $60,000 – $100,000
    • A round trip New York to Europe over 7 days is typically $110,000 – $150,000

     

    Regional Airliner Charters (up to 30 passengers)

    • A 2-hour one-way flight is typically $40,000 – $60,000
    • A 3-hour flight round trip over seven-days for 20-30 passengers is typically $100,000 – $130,000
    Jet Charter Pricing Q & A:
    Q: Can I get a private jet charter flight for under $10,000?

    A: It’s very rare. If a flight of 1-hour or less matches up with a light jet empty leg, it may be under $10,000 total.  Executive turboprops such as the Pilatus PC-12 or King Air series will typically be under $10,000 for a 1-hour flight or same-day round trip in many parts of the country.  See example costs above.

    Q: What about the articles I see about empty legs for dirt cheap, same as airline fares, or even 1/2 price?

    A: There is a market for all flights, and a well-fitting empty leg will typically be around 75% of standard pricing. Keep in mind, Empty Legs are a convenient marketing angle to attract interest.  Like they say, if it sounds too good to be true…

    Q: How far in advance is best for quotes and booking? The earlier the better?

    A: Not usually. Different from the airlines, the best jet charter quotes and availability are less than 2 months in advance, often less than 1 month. Typically specific aircraft availability and pricing are not set further in advance.

    Q: When is the best time to find an empty leg?

    A: Most jet charters book less than 2 weeks in advance, so that is when the most empty legs become available in aircraft schedules.

    Q: I hear about floating fleets with one-way pricing, what is that?

    A: The biggest trend in jet charter the past decade is specific fleets that string one-way flights together in their schedules, reducing the positioning costs of traditional charters, thus allowing for reduced ‘one-way’ pricing. These are often the best cost options for one-way flights of 2 hours or more. These are the same fleets most jet cards and memberships use to minimize their costs below the rates their customers are paying.

    Q: Are there exceptions? If a jet is flying empty anyway, won’t they take me for cheap for at least some income?

    A: There is a market for flights in the charter industry, so each flight has a market value even up to hours before. Also, flying under charter’s FAA Part-135 regulations is more restrictive, expensive and consuming than flying empty repositioning under Part-91.

    Q: The airline tickets for this trip are so expensive, if 6 of us chartered our own jet could it be similar or not much more?

    A: See the above actual average costs

    Q: Are the above example charter costs your set rates or guaranteed?

    A: No, but they are typical and what we would expect as every-day best in the charter market. For a specific date and itinerary quotes may be a little lower or a bit higher, however we would expect in most cases to be in this range. We do have the widest availability and guaranteed best price industry-wide.

    Q: How can I get a quick real estimate of what a flight might cost, for our decision-making?

    A: Jet charter has so many variables, get helpful easy answers from a friendly expert at 888-701-3843 (no sales pitches, guilt or commitment).