How to Get on an Empty Leg Flight?

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    Unlocking the Secrets: How to Get on an Empty Leg Flight?

    Empty leg flights present a tantalizing opportunity for travelers to experience the luxury of private jet travel at a fraction of the usual cost. ( How Much are Empty Leg Flights? ) However, accessing these exclusive flights requires some insider knowledge and strategic planning. In this article, we’ll explore the secrets to getting on an empty leg flight, from understanding how they work to practical tips for securing your spot onboard.

    Understanding Empty Leg Flights:

    Empty leg flights occur when a private jet needs to reposition itself without passengers after dropping off its previous clients or when it needs to fly empty to pick up passengers from another location.  These flights represent unused capacity and are often sold at discounted rates by charter operators to recoup some of the costs associated with operating the aircraft without passengers. Learn More What is an Empty Leg Flight?

    How to Get on an Empty Leg Flight:

    • Utilize Empty Leg Listing Platforms:
      • There are several online platforms and mobile apps dedicated to listing empty leg flights. These platforms allow travelers to search for available empty leg opportunities based on their desired routes and travel dates.
      • Examples of such platforms include JetSmarter, PrivateFly, and EmptyLegMarket.com. These platforms provide real-time listings of empty leg flights, allowing travelers to browse and book directly.
    • Establish Relationships with Charter Operators:
      • Building a relationship with charter operators or brokers can increase your chances of accessing empty leg flights.
      • Reach out to local charter companies and express your interest in receiving notifications about empty leg opportunities.
      • By staying in touch with charter operators and being flexible with your travel plans, you may be able to secure last-minute deals on empty leg flights.
    • Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates and Destinations:
      • Flexibility is key when it comes to securing empty leg flights. Since these flights depend on the routing of charter aircraft, travelers who can adjust their travel dates and destinations have a better chance of finding suitable options.
      • Consider being open to alternative airports or nearby cities to increase your chances of finding available empty leg flights.
    • Monitor Last-Minute Deals:
      • Empty leg flights often become available at the last minute as charter operators seek to fill unsold inventory. Keep an eye on last-minute deals and be prepared to book quickly when an attractive opportunity arises.
      • Some platforms offer notifications or alerts for new empty leg listings, allowing travelers to stay informed about the latest opportunities.
    • Consider Group Travel or Shared Charters:
      • Traveling as part of a group or joining a shared charter can make accessing empty leg flights more feasible. By splitting the cost among multiple passengers, travelers can enjoy the benefits of private jet travel at even lower rates.
      • Some charter operators offer shared charter programs where individuals can sign up to share the cost of a private jet flight, including empty leg segments.

    Conclusion: Unlocking the secrets to getting on an empty leg flight requires a combination of research, flexibility, and strategic planning. By leveraging online platforms, building relationships with charter operators, and staying flexible with your travel plans, you can increase your chances of accessing these exclusive flights.  Whether you’re seeking a spontaneous getaway or a cost-effective way to experience private jet travel, empty leg flights offer an unparalleled opportunity to indulge in luxury air travel at a fraction of the usual cost.

    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).