Are you tired of dealing with the hassles and delays of commercial air travel? If so, you might be considering the reliability, convenience and comfort of private jet travel. One cost-effective option that may experienced jet travelers take advantage of is booking empty-leg on private jet flights. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of empty-leg private jet travel, including how to find and book empty-leg flights, the benefits and drawbacks of this travel option, and some tips for making the most of your empty-leg experience.

What is an empty leg?

First, let’s define what empty leg flights are. Also known as “deadheads”, these are private jet flights that are scheduled to fly without any passengers on board, either to reposition the aircraft for a future flight or to return the aircraft to its home base. In order to recoup some of the costs of the flight, the private jet operator may offer discounted rates for travelers looking to book a one-way trip on the empty-leg flight.
Empty leg jet charter travel, also known as empty leg flights, can offer numerous benefits and opportunities for travelers such as a luxurious and personalized travel experience, with amenities such as comfortable seating, gourmet catering, and a dedicated flight crew. It’s worth noting, however, that the availability of empty-leg flights can be unpredictable and route options may be limited. This means that you may not always be able to find an empty-leg flight that fits your travel needs or that offers significant cost savings. Additionally, empty-leg flights are generally non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled, so it’s important to be sure of your travel plans before booking.

Main benefits of booking empty legs

Now that you know a little bit about how to find and book empty-leg private jet flights, let’s take a look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of this travel option. One of the biggest advantages of empty-leg private jet travel is the cost savings. As mentioned earlier, empty-leg flights are often offered at discounted rates, making private jet travel more accessible for those who might not be able to afford it otherwise.

Significant Cost Saving

One of the main benefits of empty leg flights is cost savings. Since the operator is looking to recoup some of their sunk costs (usually on behalf of their client who is the defacto aircraft owner and who also shoulders the burden of those costs), they will often offer discounted fares that can be significantly lower than the typical cost of a private jet charter. This can make private jet travel more accessible and affordable for those who may not have considered it in the past. It’s difficult to give a specific answer to this question as the cost savings of booking an empty-leg flight can vary widely depending on a number of factors. Some of the factors that can impact the cost savings of an empty-leg flight include the route, the type of aircraft, the time of year, and the length of the flight.
In general, however, you can expect to save anywhere from 20% to 75% off the cost of a traditional private jet charter by booking an empty-leg flight. For example, if a traditional private jet charter from New York to Los Angeles costs $20,000, you might be able to book an empty-leg flight for $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the factors mentioned above.
It’s important to do your research and compare prices when looking for empty leg flights, as the cost can vary significantly depending on the operator and the route. Some operators may offer more competitive prices, while others may have more stringent terms and conditions. By comparing prices and reading reviews, you can find the best empty leg flight for your needs and budget. Also keep in mind that empty leg flights may not be available for all routes and may not offer the same level of flexibility as a traditional private jet charter. However, for those who are able to take advantage of these discounted fares, empty leg flights can offer a cost-effective and identical luxurious travel experience as a traditional jet charter.

Good for the Environment

Empty leg flights can also be a good option for travelers looking to offset their carbon footprint. Since the aircraft would be flying empty without passengers on board, booking an empty leg flight can be a way to offset the carbon emissions of the flight. This can be a good option for travelers who are conscious of their impact on the environment and want to offset their carbon emissions in a responsible way.
To get a better idea of the potential cost savings of booking an empty-leg flight, it’s a good idea to compare prices and options from different private jet companies and empty-leg search platforms. Keep in mind that the cost savings of an empty-leg flight may be less than the cost of a traditional private jet charter, but the convenience and flexibility of private jet travel can still make it worth the investment for some travelers. However, there are also some drawbacks to consider when it comes to empty-leg private jet travel which we will explore next.

Drawbacks of empty legs and how to mitigate them

As mentioned earlier, the availability of empty-leg flights can be unpredictable and route options may be limited. This means that you may not always be able to find an empty-leg flight that fits your travel needs. Additionally, empty-leg flights are generally non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled, so it’s important to be sure of your travel plans before booking. Despite these limitations, empty-leg private jet travel can be a great option for those looking to experience the convenience and luxury of private jet travel at a more affordable price. If you’re interested in giving it a try, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your empty-leg experience:

  • Be flexible with your travel dates and route. As mentioned earlier, the availability of empty-leg flights can be unpredictable, so being flexible with your travel plans can increase your chances of finding a flight that works for you.
  • Book as far in advance as possible. Empty-leg flights are often booked on a first-come, first-served basis, so the earlier you book, the better your chances of securing a spot on the flight.
  • Compare prices and options. As with any travel booking, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare prices and options from different private jet companies and empty-leg search platforms.
  • Review the terms and conditions carefully. As with any travel booking, be sure to carefully review the terms and conditions of your empty-leg flight to ensure that you understand any restrictions or limitations.

Overall, empty-leg private jet travel can be a cost-effective way to experience the convenience and luxury of private jet travel. With a little bit of planning and flexibility, you can enjoy all the benefits of private jet travel without breaking the bank.

How can you find and book empty legs?

So, how do you find and book empty-leg private jet flights? There are a few different ways to do so. Many private jet companies offer a search tool on their website where you can input your desired route and see if any empty-leg flights are available. You can also sign up for email alerts from private jet companies, third-party empty-leg search platforms, which will notify you when empty-leg flights that match your travel preferences become available.
Another option for finding and booking empty leg flights is to use an online platform or app that specializes in empty leg flight booking, such as TappJet.com, whose web and mobile app platform brings together a variety of commercially-licensed private jet operators, making it easier for travelers to search and compare empty leg flights in a single place.
Once you’ve found an empty-leg flight that works for you, the booking process is similar to booking a regular private jet charter. You’ll need to provide your personal and payment information and may be required to pay a deposit at the time of booking. It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your empty-leg flight, as these may differ from those of a regular private jet charter. Despite these considerations, empty leg flights can still be a great option for travelers looking to experience the convenience and luxury of private jet travel at a discounted price. By keeping these points in mind and being flexible with your travel plans, you can take advantage of these deals and enjoy a memorable and cost-effective travel experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, empty-leg private jet travel is a cost-effective way to experience the convenience and luxury of private jet travel. With discounted rates for one-way trips on privately chartered jets returning to their home base without passengers, empty-leg flights can offer significant cost savings compared to traditional private jet charters.
However, the availability of empty-leg flights can be unpredictable and route options may be limited, so it’s important to be flexible with your travel plans and compare prices and options from different private jet operator and broker companies, empty-leg search platforms and apps like Tappjet.
Despite these limitations, empty-leg private jet travel can be a great option for those looking to enjoy the benefits of private jet travel at a more affordable price. So, if you’re tired of dealing with the hassles and delays of commercial air travel, consider the convenience and luxury of private jet travel, including empty-leg flights as a cost-effective option.