An empty leg flight, also known as a deadhead flight, occurs when a private jet flies one way without passengers. This can happen when a jet returns to its base after a charter, needs to relocate for service, or is positioning to pick up passengers following a one-way booking. Empty leg flights offer a cost-effective option for luxury travel, allowing passengers to experience private jet travel at a reduced price due to the aircraft needing to fly the route regardless.
Often referred to as ‘ferry flights’ or ‘deadhead flights’, empty leg flights come into play when an aircraft is scheduled to fly from Point A to Point B with no passengers onboard. These flights typically occur when a private jet is returning to its base after dropping off passengers or is going to another location to pick up passengers.
Empty leg flights are a unique opportunity for savvy travelers to experience the luxury and convenience of private jet travel at a fraction of the cost. Both jet card members and on-demand charter clients often take advantage of these flights, offering optimal pricing and flexibility.
Our platform, JetLevel, provides a user-friendly and intuitive interface to effortlessly browse and book empty leg flights. Not only does JetLevel give you direct access to these flights, but it also provides the flexibility of booking “near-match” flights that have similar routings, subject to additional positioning fees.
For instance, if there’s an empty leg flight listed from New York to Miami, you could utilize this for a trip from New York to Orlando or DC to Palm Beach. It may cost slightly more than a direct match but it’s still a more economical choice compared to booking a round trip.
Empty leg prices depend on a variety of factors including the route, type of aircraft, and other specifics. Here’s what you need to know about evaluating empty leg flight pricing:
When evaluating the cost of an empty leg flight, consider the aircraft’s hourly rate and the flight duration. An excellent price point is one that comes close to the point-to-point value of the aircraft’s hourly rate.
In an ideal situation, the cost of an empty leg flight should equal the product of the aircraft’s hourly rate and flight duration, plus applicable taxes and fees. However, direct matches are relatively rare, especially outside of high-traffic routes. Therefore, “near-matches” are more common, which may require additional fees for positioning the aircraft to your desired location.
Like any other market, the pricing of empty leg flights is influenced by supply and demand. High-demand routes during peak seasons will have higher prices due to increased confidence in finding buyers. On the other hand, less popular routes might offer better deals.
While the term ’empty leg’ often conveys a sense of discounted pricing, the reality can be a bit more complex. Every flight, regardless of whether it’s full or empty, incurs costs for the aircraft owner, such as crew, handling, fuel, and maintenance. When advertising an empty leg flight, owners aim to recover these costs plus earn additional revenue.
As the departure time nears, prices for genuine empty leg flights may drop. However, discounted bookings remain a rarity, particularly for popular routes during peak seasons.
JetLevel, with 20+ years of experience in the aviation industry, simplifies the often complex process of navigating the fast-paced and volatile empty leg charter market, often making it difficult for travelers to secure the best deals.
At JetLevel, we have been partnering with the world’s leading aircraft operators since 2006, serving satisfied clients and bringing the best of private jet travel right at your fingertips. We take pride in our reputation and extensive experience in the private jet charter industry.
Empty leg flights are a key part of our business model. Our dedicated Account Executives analyze every aspect of your booking when sourcing options, maintaining relationships with all reputable operators, and working relentlessly to secure you the best deal on the most suitable aircraft for your trip. Let us redefine your travel experience.
An empty leg flight, also known as a ‘ferry flight’ or ‘deadhead flight’, occurs when a private jet flies without passengers. This can happen when a jet is returning to base after dropping off passengers or flying to another location to pick up passengers.
You can easily book an empty leg flight through our platform, JetLevel. We provide an intuitive interface for browsing available flights, and you can book directly through our platform.
The cost of an empty leg flight varies based on several factors, including the route, aircraft type, and other specifics. Prices can be evaluated based on the hourly rate of the aircraft and the duration of the flight.
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Ricky Gomulka is a highly experienced professional in the private jet charter industry with a remarkable tenure of nearly 20 years. In 2019, fueled by his passion for delivering exceptional luxury travel experiences, Ricky founded JetLevel Aviation, a premier private jet charter company.
With a deep understanding of the industry and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, Ricky has successfully established JetLevel Aviation as a trusted name in the field. Under his leadership, the company has gained recognition for its unwavering dedication to safety, reliability, and unparalleled service.
JetLevel Aviation, under Ricky’s guidance, has earned accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), a testament to their commitment to transparency and ethical business practices. Moreover, the company proudly collaborates exclusively with National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) registered operators, ensuring the highest standards of quality and professionalism.
Ricky’s extensive knowledge, passion for excellence, and dedication to providing the ultimate luxury travel experiences have been the driving force behind JetLevel Aviation’s growth and success. With his visionary leadership, the company continues to redefine the private jet charter industry, offering discerning travelers unparalleled comfort, convenience, and a truly unforgettable journey.
Under Ricky Gomulka’s guidance, JetLevel Aviation is poised to remain at the forefront of the industry, delivering unparalleled expertise, safety, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.
JetLevel Aviation was founded by a team of industry professionals with over 10 years experience in the Private Jet Charter Industry. With access to over 5000 aircraft globally we can provide customized solutions for all of your Private Jet Charter needs.
