What is an empty leg charter flight? Make sure you keep reading below to learn more about this type of flight and how to book one.
Have you ever wanted to fly on a private jet? Or are you looking to cut down your private aviation budget? If so, then empty legs flight could be the answer that you need. Empty leg flights have all the ease and luxury of a private jet but without the cost. Below, we tell you everything you need to know about the empty leg charter flight and how you can book them.
What Is an Empty Leg Charter Flight?
When private charter flights make a trip, they have to return to the airport from which they came. This is after they have dropped off the clients who requested the flight. Very often, they return without any passengers. An empty leg flight is a discount trip on a private charter, as it returns to its base of operations. As this was not the primary booked flight, it is available for a reduced cost. It may also occur when aircraft need to reposition.
What Makes It Different?
What Are the Benefits of Empty Leg Flights?
One of the major benefits is that empty leg flights are often not that dissimilar in price to a standard flight, particularly if you fly business or first class. As they often operate on an all-in price instead of a by the seat cost, if you share a jet with friends or colleagues it can end up being almost the same. They also have an element of spontaneity about them. If you have free time and are not sure where to go on vacation, but definitely want the luxury of a private charter then they are a great option. See where they are flying and pack a bag for a great trip. Even if you need to go at a designated time slot, you can contact a company to be notified when a flight becomes available. Alternatively, if you are flexible about the time you return from a trip you could call the local charter companies to see if they have any flights in the coming days.
How Do I Book an Empty Leg Flight?
Empty Leg Pricing
The price of empty leg flights will vary depending upon the aircraft, route, and dates it is flying. However, you can expect to get a sizable discount on the price of a standard charter. Flights can be domestic or international. The price will typically include an all-in rate. This will include fuel, surcharges, and landing fees. They also do not typically ask for payment per seat, so if the craft has room for 7 passengers, then you can take another 6 people with you and split the cost. Depending upon the company, there may also be some room to negotiate the flight and its prices. Doing this, you could end up with a fairly large discount.
Free Flights
If you are a member of a private jet program, you should check to see if they offer free empty leg flights. Many of them do this as an incentive, some of which let you book unlimited numbers of flights within a 24 hour period. If the high membership fees of these schemes are not applicable to your current budget, then discount schemes are available for a fraction of the cost. They often give you access to special discounted empty leg flights. These schemes typically begin at around $3000 per year.
Start Looking Today
With an empty leg charter flight, the key is to let companies and airlines know your interest. That way, you can be contacted by phone or email as soon as a flight becomes available. AssistAnt is here to help with all of your global concierge services. If you like to travel in style, then we should be your first stop for any requests. Click here to read our guide on how to travel safely during the Coronavirus outbreak, so we can keep you safe while you travel.