Empty Leg Flights: A Smart Way to Fly Private (If You Know How)
When it comes to private aviation, there are a few insider secrets that make flying even more strategic.
One of the best kept? Empty leg flights.
At PorterJets, we guide our clients through every type of charter opportunity – and empty legs are one of the smartest ways to access private aviation, whether you’re flying last-minute, planning flexibly, or simply optimizing how you travel.
Here’s what you need to know to take full advantage.
1. What Exactly Is an Empty Leg?
Every time a private jet is booked for a one-way trip, the aircraft eventually needs to return to its home base – or reposition for its next client.
That “empty” return or repositioning flight still takes off – whether or not anyone is onboard.
These repositioning flights are known as empty legs – and they’re often offered at significant discounts compared to standard charter pricing.
At PorterJets, we help clients tap into this hidden market when it fits their timing, routing, and lifestyle needs – without sacrificing the quality, aircraft options, or service experience.
2. The Advantages of Flying on an Empty Leg
Savings – Depending on the route and timing, empty legs can offer savings of up to 50% to 75% off standard charter prices.
Same Private Experience – The jet, the crew, and the service are the same – you’re simply stepping in for a flight that was already scheduled to move.
Flexibility for Frequent Flyers – If you travel often between major hubs (Miami ⇄ NYC, LA ⇄ Aspen, etc.), empty legs can provide a smarter, more cost-efficient way to stay mobile.
For flexible travelers – or those who appreciate opportunity – it’s an elegant way to experience private aviation with a strategic advantage.
3. The Fine Print – What to Know Before You Book
While empty legs offer tremendous value, they’re not for every trip. A few important realities:
Fixed Departure Windows: Empty leg flights operate on a set timeline – if you miss the window, the flight departs without you.
Limited Routes: You’re flying from the scheduled departure point to the scheduled arrival point – no mid-route changes.
Availability Changes Fast: Empty legs often appear 24–72 hours before departure, especially during busy seasons.
That’s why PorterJets monitors upcoming repositioning flights constantly – so when opportunities align with your needs, we can move quickly to secure them.
4. When Empty Legs Make the Most Sense
Last-Minute Getaways:
Thinking about a spontaneous long weekend? Empty legs often match well with quick-turn leisure trips.
Secondary Travel Homes:
If you own homes in Aspen, Palm Beach, or the Hamptons, chances are good empty legs align with your seasonal travel needs.
Flexible Business Travel:
When timing matters less than comfort, an empty leg can provide first-class privacy at business-economical rates.
Return Flights:
If you’ve flown one-way on a charter, our team can often secure an empty leg for your return – optimizing the entire journey.
5. How PorterJets Makes Empty Leg Booking Seamless
Unlike automated platforms that simply show a long, confusing list of available flights, PorterJets matches empty leg opportunities only when they fit your schedule, standards, and aircraft preferences.
We curate options with:
Hand-vetted operators
Premium aircraft
Clear pricing – no surprises
Full trip support through our Lifestyle Services team if you need accommodations, dining, or ground transport
Empty legs are valuable – but they still deserve a full luxury experience, not a compromise.
Final Thoughts
Empty leg flights aren’t about sacrificing quality for savings – they’re about smart travel for those who understand how to move through the world more efficiently.
At PorterJets, we view empty legs not as discounted flights – but as opportunities to add value to your lifestyle, time after time.
Whether you’re a seasoned private flyer or considering your first charter, we’ll guide you through when – and how – empty legs make sense for you.
Because private aviation isn’t just about getting somewhere faster. It’s about traveling better – on your terms.
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