Popular Empty Leg Routes from Van Nuys (VNY) and Camarillo (CMA)

For savvy travelers in Southern California, the secret to experiencing the pinnacle of luxury aviation at a fraction of the traditional cost lies in a single term: “empty legs.” As the primary home bases for Sun Air Jets’ world-class fleet, Van Nuys (VNY) and Camarillo (CMA) serve as the epicenters for some of the most frequent and sought-after repositioning opportunities in the country.

Whether you are looking for a spontaneous weekend getaway or a strategic business trip, understanding the mechanics of Van Nuys empty leg flights can unlock access to heavy jets and mid-size cabins that would otherwise be flying without passengers.

What Are Empty Leg Flights?

In the world of private aviation, an empty leg—often referred to as a “ferry flight” or “deadhead”—occurs when an aircraft needs to fly to a different location to pick up its next group of passengers or return to its home base after a one-way mission.

Because these flights are already scheduled and the operational costs are largely covered by the initial private plane charter, operators offer these seats at significant discounts, often ranging from 30% to 75% off standard rates. For residents near the San Fernando Valley or Ventura County, this creates a goldmine of opportunity for private jet charter Van Nuys and Camarillo.

Frequent Empty Leg Routes from VNY and CMA

Because Sun Air Jets maintains a robust fleet based at VNY and CMA, certain “hot corridors” emerge naturally due to high-demand travel patterns. Here are the most common routes where you are likely to find a deal.

VNY to TEB (Van Nuys to Teterboro / New York City)

The VNY to TEB empty leg is perhaps the most iconic route in private aviation. As the two busiest private jet hubs in the United States, there is a constant “bridge” between Los Angeles and the New York metropolitan area.

• Why it happens: Corporate executives often book one-way transcontinental flights. When a Gulfstream or Global Express finishes a mission in Teterboro, it must return to its home base in Van Nuys to prepare for the next Southern California departure.

Empty Leg Flights Los Angeles to Las Vegas

If you are looking for empty leg flights Los Angeles to Las Vegas, Van Nuys is your primary departure point. This route is a staple for entertainment industry professionals and weekend travelers.

• Why it happens: Short-hop charters to Harry Reid International (LAS) or Henderson Executive (HND) are incredibly frequent. Often, a jet will drop a group in Vegas for a residency or a convention and then be needed back in LA for a different client the following morning.

CMA to SJD (Camarillo to Cabo San Lucas)

While Van Nuys handles the bulk of high-traffic volume, Camarillo airport empty legs offer a unique, more localized advantage, particularly for leisure travelers heading to Mexico.

• Why it happens: Many homeowners in the Santa Barbara and Ventura areas charter flights to Los Cabos. When these aircraft return to CMA to reside in their home hangars, savvy local flyers can snag a luxury return leg for a price comparable to a commercial first-class ticket.

The Strategic Advantage of VNY and CMA vs. LAX

When searching for private travel, many people instinctively look toward Los Angeles International (LAX). However, for the private flyer, LAX is often the least convenient option. Here is why flying out of Sun Air Jets’ home bases in Van Nuys and Camarillo is a superior experience:

Speed and Accessibility

At LAX, you are fighting through some of the worst traffic in the world before you even reach the terminal. Conversely, VNY and CMA are designed specifically for private aviation. You can drive your vehicle directly to the FBO (Fixed Base Operator), where you are often met at your car by the flight crew. From the time you arrive at the airport to wheels-up can be as little as 15 minutes.

Privacy and Discretion

Van Nuys is world-renowned for its discretion, serving as the preferred choice for celebrities and high-net-worth individuals who wish to avoid the prying eyes of the general public at LAX. Similarly, Camarillo offers a quiet, “country club” atmosphere that is completely free from the chaos of major commercial hubs.

Reduced Costs

Operating costs at smaller, dedicated general aviation airports are typically lower than at major international hubs. These savings are often passed down to the client. Furthermore, because Sun Air Jets owns its facilities and hangars at these locations, the efficiency of the operation is maximized, increasing the likelihood of available private jet charter Van Nuys opportunities.

How to Capture an Empty Leg

Booking an empty leg requires a blend of flexibility and readiness. Because these flights are dependent on the original charter’s schedule, they are often posted with short lead times—sometimes just 24 to 48 hours before departure.

Pro Tip: Sign up for Sun Air Jets’ Empty Leg Alerts. By specifying your preferred routes (like VNY to Las Vegas or CMA to New York), you will receive real-time notifications when a repositioning flight becomes available.

Essential Considerations:

• One-Way Only: Remember that empty legs are one-way. You will need to arrange your own return travel, whether that is another empty leg, a full charter, or a commercial flight.

• Subject to Change: If the original passenger cancels their flight, the empty leg is canceled as well. Always have a “Plan B” in place.

• Fixed Destinations: You cannot change the arrival or departure airport of an empty leg without incurring “repositioning fees,” which can quickly negate the discount.

The high-demand corridors between Southern California, Nevada, and the East Coast ensure that Van Nuys empty leg flights and Camarillo airport empty legs remain a consistent reality for the modern traveler. By choosing to fly from these dedicated private hubs rather than the congested terminals of LAX, you gain not only a significant price advantage but also the gift of time.

Whether it’s a VNY to TEB empty leg for a business merger or a quick hop to the desert, Sun Air Jets provides the local expertise and the elite fleet to get you there in style. Contact us today to learn more about our empty leg flights!