Empty Leg Flights: How They Work and How to Book One
Empty legs are the most affordable way to fly on a private jet. Here is what they are, where the catch is, and how to book one with confidence.
What is an empty leg?
An empty leg is a private jet flight that would otherwise fly without passengers. When a client books a one-way charter, the aircraft often has to return to its base, or fly to the starting point of its next trip. That repositioning flight is the empty leg.
Instead of flying empty, operators offer these flights at a significant discount compared with a regular one-way charter. You book the whole aircraft, not a single seat, so you travel privately with your own group.
Typical reasons for an empty leg
- Return to base after a one-way charter
- Positioning to the start of the next booked trip
- Transfer to or from a maintenance facility
- Seasonal moves, e.g. to ski or summer destinations
Empty leg or regular charter?
Empty legs save money. In return, the original booking decides the route and the timing.
| Empty leg | Regular charter | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Often well below a one-way charter | Full one-way or return price |
| Route | Fixed by the original flight | Your choice |
| Date & time | Fixed, small adjustments sometimes possible | Your schedule |
| Aircraft | Whatever is repositioning | Chosen for your trip |
| Reliability | Can change if the original trip changes | Confirmed for you |
| Best for | Flexible travellers, leisure trips, trying private aviation | Fixed dates, important meetings, events |
What decides the price
- Aircraft category and age
- Flight time and route
- How soon the flight departs (prices often drop closer to departure)
- Airport, handling and overnight costs
- Demand on the route and in the season
The risks, and the plan B
- If the original client changes plans, the empty leg can move or be cancelled
- Departure times can shift at short notice
- Luggage space depends on the aircraft that happens to be available
- I always prepare a backup option, e.g. a regular charter or another departure
Booking an empty leg with CrisColorado Jets
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Share your trip
Route, rough date and passengers. The more flexible you are on date, time and airport, the more options there are.
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Get verified options
I search operators and brokers, check aircraft, luggage limits and total cost, and compare with a regular charter.
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Confirm and fly
Once you decide, I coordinate with the licensed operator until departure, including the backup plan.
Fixed advisory & coordination fee: €500 – €2,500 depending on the flight price (US$575 – 2,850). Agreed before you commit, final prices only.
Where to find this week's empty legs
Empty legs change daily, so they are not listed on this website. Instead, a weekly selection is posted on Instagram:
- Saturday: Europe
- Tuesday: worldwide (outside Europe)
Prices shown are final prices. For your specific route, ask me directly for live options.
Tip: Popular routes such as London – Nice, Geneva – Paris or flights to the Mediterranean in summer and the Alps in winter have the most empty legs. If your dates are flexible by a day or two, your chances improve considerably.
Not sure if an empty leg fits your trip? See Private Jet Charter Advisory for fixed-date travel.
Empty leg questions
How much can I save with an empty leg?
Empty legs are often priced well below a regular one-way charter on the same route, because the aircraft would otherwise fly empty. The exact saving depends on aircraft, route and how close the departure is.
Can I book a single seat on an empty leg?
Usually not. An empty leg is a private charter of the whole aircraft, so you fly only with your own group. Shared seat offers exist, but they work differently.
What happens if my empty leg is cancelled?
The operator can change or cancel an empty leg if the original trip changes. In that case the flight price is normally refunded under the operator's terms. I discuss a backup option with you upfront, such as a regular charter or another departure.
Can the departure time or airport be changed?
Sometimes, within limits. Small time shifts or a nearby airport may be possible if the operator's schedule allows it. Any change can affect the price.
How far in advance are empty legs available?
Most empty legs appear a few days to two weeks before departure, as operators confirm their charter schedules. Short-notice travellers often find the best deals.
Why aren't empty legs listed on this website?
They come from many different operators and brokers and change daily. A weekly selection is posted on Instagram, and live options are searched for each request.
Looking for an empty leg?
Tell me your route and how flexible you are. I'll check what's available right now.