Empty Leg Flights

Tips for Booking an Empty Leg Charter Flight

Empty leg flights can come and go very quickly.  If you are presented with an empty leg, you should be ready to move quick if one is a match.  In the world of private travel, first come, first signed and first paid gets it.  You will want to request a contract and have payment ready to go immediately.

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Empty Legs - Pros and Cons

If you are in the market for a private jet for an upcoming trip, an empty leg can provide substantial savings.  But there are some strings attached.

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1.  The carrier will have favorable cancelation terms in the contract.  If for whatever reason the carrier no longer needs to reposition the aircraft, you will likely lose the plane.  This could include if the guest they were picking up changed their plans, or if somebody else booked the aircraft at market rate and they need to go pick them up instead.  

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2.  Be prepared to be very flexible, including last minute changes to the itinerary.  

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3.  An empty leg typically will not help if you are planning a trip well in advance or if you are traveling on a tight schedule.  If you are traveling for a business meeting, or planning a big family vacation, an empty leg price may look nice, but if it falls through or the schedule changes substantially, you could be in a bind.  3

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What does Transient Availability mean?

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Transient availability refers to a carrier with an aircraft stationed outside of its typical hub for a designated period of time.  Lets say a carrier keeps its fleet in New York, but is flying a group to Charleston for 7 days.  If that aircraft is not booked in between, it may make more sense for the operator to leave the aircraft and crew in Charleston.  

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If you are flying in or out of Charleston during these dates where the aircraft is transient, you may potentially be see some nice savings.  The plane is already in position, and the carrier may significantly reduce their rate for a trip that fits their schedule.

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