An empty-leg flight refers to the return journey of a private jet booked only one way. These flights must return empty to their home base or next destination. This presents a unique opportunity for spontaneous travel as they’re often offered at significantly reduced prices, making luxury air travel more accessible and flexible for last-minute bookings.
While there are many perks to planning out every detail of your itinerary when traveling, this is not something everyone is interested in doing. After all, some adventurers prefer to wing it for their getaways — seeing what the world offers them at any given moment rather than making plans.
Does this sound like you? Are you someone looking for an adventure without all the stringent planning? If so, perhaps you should consider everything that comes with empty-leg flights, as they are the key to spontaneous travel.
What is an Empty Leg Flight?
An empty-leg flight must travel between two locations without any passengers. It is a travel leg with an empty cabin, hence its name. Because the charter company will still need to pay the cost of moving the jet between locations, including fuel, flight crew, etc., they often offer their flight up to potential passengers for a discounted rate.
In other words, if a jet is in Las Vegas but needs to be in Los Angeles, it can fly back without any passengers and pay the costs. Or, it can offer up its empty leg to passengers going in the same direction. This allows passengers and charter companies to save money since the charter fee helps to offset the costs. It is beneficial to everyone involved.
There are a few limitations when compared to traditional charter flights. For instance, an empty-leg flight must reach where it is going by a certain time. That means you don’t have the flexibility you normally would in choosing travel dates and times.
Further, while you will enjoy all the amenities onboard the jet just as you typically do, the number of personalizations may not be the same. Empty legs are more about getting you (and the jet) to the destination while flying in private luxury. And there isn’t anything wrong with that — it is still an amazing and unforgettable travel experience.
Be Flexible. Be Spontaneous. Reap the Benefits.
If you are flexible in your travel plans and feel like being spontaneous, you can reap the benefits of empty-leg flights.
These flights pop up rather quickly — often only giving you a day or two to prepare.
Many private jets hold off on offering their flight for a discount in case they get a full-fare paying customer. So, when it comes down to the wire, and no one is booked on the flight, the offer will go out with a discounted rate. As a result, you cannot plan for an empty leg because you have no idea what will be available when you are ready to travel.
If you and your family want to visit Chicago for New Year’s, counting on booking an empty-leg flight is not a logical step. There is no guarantee that an empty leg will travel from your location into Chicago during your set time frame. Book a traditional charter flight ahead of time is always a good idea to know you will have a flight when and where you need it.
However, if you know you want to travel for the New Year but are flexible on your destination, you can have many options. Many charter companies list what is available a day or two before the travel day so that you can choose a destination to visit.
What a way to explore someplace new!
Sometimes, the places you would never think to travel are the most impactful — and the greatest experiences. There are no expectations or strict itinerary. You get to enjoy the destination and all it has to offer.
The best part? You get to travel there with all the perks of a private jet without paying full price.
Finding an Empty Leg Flight
How can you take advantage of all that empty-leg flights have to offer?
You can feel confident that any reputable charter company will offer up empty-leg flights as they become available. This is why it is a good idea to find a trusted charter company in your area so that it is conveniently located when you want to travel.
Check out their website, contact their charter team, and learn about their offerings. Many will have flights listed online or send out emails if you may be interested in something that is available.
You may not always be able to find what you are looking for, as these flights pop up periodically throughout the year. So, when you do find a flight, you can always feel good about your decision.
Things to Consider
Empty legs present wonderful opportunities, but there are a few things to know and consider.
- These flights are one-way flights. You will need to secure a return flight from your destination — and, again, there is no guarantee that another empty-leg flight will be available.
- You will have some flexibility as many empty-leg offers allow travel within a few days, rather than leaving at a specific date and time.
- You can bring as many people with you as there are seats on the jet for no additional cost. Remember that you will also have to get everyone back home again.
Get comfortable with empty legs and you will surely find much reward in them.
Book an Empty Leg Flight
When you are ready, book an empty-leg flight with Sun Air Jets. We are constantly updating our available flights online for your convenience. You can also sign up to be notified when flights with your parameters become available.
Want to learn more about empty-leg flights? Contact our charter team. We will walk you through the process, answering any questions.
Where will your travels take you when you allow yourself to have a spontaneous adventure? Find out today!
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