Fly Private
For Less
Discover Empty Leg Opportunities
Private aviation is known for convenience, flexibility, privacy, and efficiency.
A Smarter Way to Fly
Private Aviation Made
More Accessible
What Is an Empty Leg Flight?
An empty leg flight occurs when a private aircraft needs to return to its home base or reposition for another trip without passengers. Because the aircraft and crew are already scheduled, operators can offer these flights at significantly reduced rates.
For travelers with flexible schedules, empty legs provide the same comfort, convenience, and personalized private aviation experience at a fraction of traditional charter costs. Skycharter helps you identify and evaluate these opportunities when they become available.
These opportunities are known as empty leg flights.
WHO BENEFITS
Why Empty Legs Exist
Private aviation operates differently than commercial airlines. Commercial airlines sell seats on scheduled routes. Private aviation revolves around specific client itineraries. Aircraft move wherever clients need them to be.
Because of this, repositioning flights are a natural part of the industry.
Common reasons empty legs occur include:
Returning to a home base
Repositioning for another charter
Maintenance scheduling
Aircraft relocation
Seasonal travel demand
Multi-city charter itineraries
The program is especially valuable for travelers and organizations with recurring charter activity.
Exceptional Value
Why Travelers Love Empty Leg Flights
Empty legs have become increasingly popular because they offer something that many travelers never thought possible:
A chance to experience private aviation at a significantly lower cost.
While availability varies, many empty legs are offered below standard charter pricing.
For travelers who value flexibility, the potential savings can be substantial.
Yet the benefits extend far beyond pricing.
The Benefits of Empty Leg Travel
Reduced Charter Costs
This is the benefit most travelers notice first.
Because the aircraft is already scheduled to fly, pricing is often reduced compared to a traditional charter.
Depending on the route, timing, and aircraft, savings can be significant.
For many travelers, empty legs provide an opportunity to experience private aviation for the first time.
The Same Private Aviation Experience
One common misconception is that empty legs are somehow different from traditional charter flights.
They are not.
Travelers enjoy many of the same benefits:
- Private terminals
- Faster boarding
- Flexible baggage allowances
- Comfortable cabins
- Enhanced privacy
- Premium service
The aircraft, crew, and experience remain the same.
The difference is simply how the flight became available.
Access to Premium Aircraft
Empty leg opportunities may become available across multiple aircraft categories, including:
- Light Jets
- Midsize Jets
- Super Midsize Jets
- Heavy Jets
- Ultra Long Range Aircraft
Travelers occasionally gain access to aircraft categories that might otherwise exceed their preferred budget.
Less Airport Stress
One of the most appreciated aspects of private aviation is simplicity.
No crowded terminals.
No long security lines.
No waiting at busy airline gates.
Private aviation allows travelers to arrive closer to departure time and move through the process more efficiently.
Empty legs provide access to that same experience.
Great for Last-Minute Travel
Because empty legs often become available on relatively short notice, they can be particularly attractive for travelers who have flexibility in their schedules.
Many opportunities emerge just days before departure.
Others may become available even closer to flight time.
Each category serves a different purpose and offers unique advantages.
Opportunity Meets Flexibility
How Much
Can You Save?
This is usually the first question people ask.
The answer depends on several factors:
- Route
- Aircraft type
- Timing
- Market demand
- Positioning requirements
Because every opportunity is different, there is no universal discount percentage.
What matters most is understanding that empty legs are often priced below comparable one-way charter options because the aircraft must already complete the repositioning flight.
For travelers who can align their plans with available routes, the value can be considerable.
Designed For Flexible Travelers
Who Should Consider Empty Leg Flights?
Empty legs are not ideal for every traveler.
They work best for people who value flexibility.
Leisure Travelers
Vacation travelers often have greater flexibility than business travelers.
This makes empty legs especially attractive for: Weekend getaways, Beach vacations, Seasonal travel, Family trips
Couples
Many couples discover empty legs while looking for unique travel experiences. The ability to enjoy private aviation at reduced pricing creates opportunities that may not otherwise be considered.
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs often have more flexibility in their schedules than traditional corporate travelers. When timing aligns, empty legs can be an excellent solution.
Frequent Private Travelers
Even travelers who regularly charter aircraft can benefit from empty leg opportunities when routes align with their travel plans.
First-Time Private Flyers
Many people experience private aviation for the first time through an empty leg flight. The reduced cost can provide a comfortable introduction to private travel.
Important Cosiderations
When Empty Legs May Not Be the Right Fit
As appealing as empty legs can be, they are not appropriate for every trip.
Understanding their limitations is important.
Fixed Routes
Unlike traditional charters, empty legs operate on predetermined routes. The aircraft is already scheduled to travel between specific locations. Travelers must align their plans with the available itinerary.
Schedule Changes
Because empty legs depend on the original charter, changes can occasionally occur. If the original charter is adjusted or canceled, the empty leg opportunity may also change.
Flexibility is important.
Limited Availability
Empty legs are not guaranteed.
Availability depends entirely on aircraft movements within the charter market. Popular routes may appear frequently, while others may be less common.
Choose What Fits Your Journey
Traditional Charter
vs. Empty Legs
Traditional Charter
Advantages:
- Complete flexibility
- Custom scheduling
- Route customization
- Greater itinerary control
Best for:
- Time-sensitive travel
- Corporate meetings
- Complex itineraries
Empty Leg Flights
Advantages:
- Reduced pricing
- Same private aviation experience
- Access to premium aircraft
- Excellent value
Best for:
- Flexible travelers
- Leisure trips
- Last-minute opportunities
- Exploratory travel
Neither option is inherently better. They simply serve different travel objectives.
Empty Leg Access
Popular Empty Leg Routes
Availability changes constantly, but some markets tend to generate more opportunities than others.
Examples may include:
TORONTO
YYZ
NEW YORK
TEB
TORONTO
YYZ
MIAMI
MIA
NEW YORK
TEB
FLORIDA
MCO
LOS ANGELES
LAX
LAS VEGAS
LAS
Seasonal destinations often generate additional opportunities.
Popular vacation regions, ski destinations, and major event locations frequently create repositioning activity.
Stay Ahead of Opportunities
How to Find Empty Leg Flights
The best opportunities often move quickly.
Because availability can change, travelers benefit from staying informed.
At Skycharter, we help travelers:
- Monitor available routes
- Evaluate opportunities
- Understand aircraft options
- Compare pricing
- Book efficiently
Our goal is to simplify the process and help travelers identify opportunities that align with their travel goals.
The Skycharter Difference
Why Work With Skycharter?
There are many ways to search for empty leg flights.
What makes Skycharter different is our advisory approach.
We do more than share available routes.
We help travelers understand whether an opportunity truly fits their needs.
Our team provides:
- Personalized guidance
- Aircraft recommendations
- Route evaluation
- Transparent communication
- Responsive support
Whether you’re flying privately for the first time or regularly charter aircraft, we’re here to help.
The Truth In Private Aviation
Common Misconceptions About Empty Legs
“Empty Legs Are Less Safe”
. False .
Empty leg flights operate under the same operational standards as traditional charter flights. The aircraft, crew, maintenance programs, and regulatory requirements remain unchanged.
“Only Experienced Private Flyers Use Empty Legs”
. False .
Empty leg flights operate under the same operational standards as traditional charter flights. The aircraft, crew, maintenance programs, and regulatory requirements remain unchanged.
“The Aircraft Are Different”
. False .
The aircraft are the same aircraft that operate traditional charter flights.
“Empty Legs Are Always Available”
. False .
Availability depends entirely on market activity and aircraft movements.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Empty Leg
Clearly Explained
What is an empty leg flight?
An empty leg flight is a repositioning flight that becomes available when an aircraft needs to travel without passengers.
Are empty leg flights safe?
Yes. They operate under the same safety standards as traditional charter flights.
Why are empty leg flights less expensive?
The aircraft is already scheduled to fly, allowing operators to offer the route at reduced pricing.
Can I change the departure time?
Generally, empty legs operate according to predetermined schedules.
Can I choose my destination?
Empty legs follow specific routes that have already been scheduled.
What aircraft types are available?
Opportunities may become available across all major aircraft categories.
Are pets allowed?
Many operators accommodate pets, though requirements vary.
Can empty legs be canceled?
Because they depend on the original charter, schedule changes can occasionally occur.
Are empty legs available internationally?
Yes. International opportunities may become available depending on aircraft movements.
How often are new empty legs added?
Availability changes constantly as aircraft schedules evolve.
Is an empty leg right for me?
If your travel plans are flexible and align with available routes, empty legs can provide exceptional value.
Every journey is unique
Experience Private Aviation Differently
Private aviation is often associated with convenience, comfort, and flexibility.
Empty leg flights provide a unique opportunity to enjoy those benefits while taking advantage of available repositioning routes.
For travelers willing to embrace flexibility, the opportunities can be remarkable.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, exploring private aviation for the first time, or simply looking for smarter travel options, our team is here to help.