Empty Leg Flights Explained: How to Fly Private for Less

Private jet travel is often associated with exclusivity and high costs. What many travellers do not realise is that there is a way to experience it for a fraction of the usual price. These opportunities are called empty leg flights.

What Are Empty Leg Flights

When a private jet completes a one way journey, it often needs to reposition for its next booking. If a client charters a jet from London to Nice, the aircraft may still need to fly back to London or continue to another airport. That repositioning flight, without any passengers on board, is known as an empty leg.

Industry studies suggest that close to 40 percent of private jet movements are empty legs. This makes them one of the most common and underused opportunities in private aviation.

Why Empty Legs Cost Less

Empty legs are significantly cheaper because the aircraft is already scheduled to fly. The operator’s primary costs are covered by the original client. As a result, empty legs can be offered at discounts of up to 75 percent compared with a standard charter.

The trade off is that these flights are fixed to the original schedule. Routes and times are not flexible, and availability usually appears only a few days in advance.

Benefits of Empty Legs

• Experience private jet travel at a fraction of the cost

• Access the same aircraft, crew, and service as a full price charter

• Perfect for spontaneous trips or for those who want to try private aviation for the first time

• Useful for travellers with flexible schedules who can adapt to the aircraft’s routing

Limitations to Keep in Mind

Empty legs are not the same as a full charter. The most common limitations include:

• Routes and timings are predetermined

• Changes or cancellations may occur if the original client adjusts their plan

• Most availability is announced only two or three days before departure

• Many offers online are outdated or misrepresented

At Pickajet we are transparent about these limitations. We advise clients honestly whether an empty leg is suitable for their journey or whether a traditional charter would serve them better.

Why Work with a Private Jet Broker

Searching for empty legs online can be time consuming and frustrating. Many listings are outdated before you even see them. As a private jet broker, Pickajet monitors operator systems daily, giving clients accurate information and access to the most relevant flights.

Our role is not only to find opportunities but to filter them, confirm availability, and ensure that every option meets our Private Jet Safety Standards. That means clients save money without sacrificing safety, transparency, or reliability.

Example Empty Leg Routes and Prices

To give a sense of what is possible, here are examples of typical empty leg opportunities in Europe. These are indicative only and subject to constant change.

• London to Geneva on a light jet from approximately €3,500

• Milan to Ibiza on a midsize jet from approximately €5,000

• Paris to Zurich on a turboprop from approximately €2,000

Actual prices vary depending on aircraft class, route length, airport handling fees, and timing.

Market Trends

The empty leg market is growing quickly. Analysts estimate the global value of empty leg platforms at around USD 1.5 billion in 2024 with projections of over USD 3.5 billion by 2033. This growth is being driven by technology, digital booking platforms, and increasing demand for cost effective access to private aviation.

Stay Updated on Empty Leg Opportunities

Empty legs are ideal for travellers who are flexible on timing and destination. If you would like to be notified of available empty legs in Europe, Pickajet can provide updates directly.

• Follow us on Instagram to stay up to date

• Request current availability through our team

• [Contact us] if you are considering a specific route

By staying connected, you can take advantage of opportunities as soon as they appear.

Final Thoughts

Empty leg flights are one of the best kept secrets in private aviation. They provide access to luxury air travel at significantly reduced rates, but they are not suitable for every trip. Our responsibility as a trusted private jet broker is to help clients decide when an empty leg makes sense and when a traditional charter is the right option.

For anyone ready to explore empty legs, the first step is a conversation with us. Discover how Pickajet can make private aviation smarter, safer, and more accessible.