Empty Leg Flights - Save 50-75% on Private Jets | FlyAXS
Empty leg flights — also known as repositioning flights or deadhead legs — are private jet flights offered at 50-75% below normal charter rates when aircraft need to fly without passengers. FlyAXS connects travelers with verified Part 135 operators offering real-time empty leg availability across the United States.
What are empty leg flights?
Empty leg flights occur when a private jet needs to reposition — flying to pick up passengers for the next charter, returning to its home base after a one-way trip, or moving to a maintenance facility. Since the aircraft is flying regardless, operators offer these seats at significant discounts. Approximately 33% of all charter flights fly empty, representing billions in wasted capacity that empty leg marketplaces help recover.
How much can you save on empty leg flights?
Empty leg flights typically cost 50-75% less than equivalent on-demand charter rates. A flight that would normally cost $15,000-$25,000 on a light jet might be available as an empty leg for $4,000-$8,000. Heavy jet routes that normally run $40,000-$80,000 could be available for $12,000-$25,000. Savings depend on the aircraft type, route, timing flexibility, and operator pricing strategy.
How to book empty leg flights on FlyAXS
- Browse Real-Time Listings: Search the FlyAXS marketplace for available empty legs by departure city, destination, date, and aircraft type.
- Set Up Alerts: Create alerts for your preferred routes and aircraft types to get notified when matching empty legs become available.
- Book Directly: Reserve your empty leg flight directly through the platform with verified Part 135 operators.
- Flexible Search: Empty legs require flexibility — dates and times are set by the operator's scheduling needs, but the savings make flexibility worthwhile.
Empty leg flights FAQ
Are empty leg flights safe?
Yes. Empty leg flights operate under the same FAA Part 135 regulations as any other charter flight. The aircraft, pilots, and operator must meet all FAA safety standards. The only difference is pricing — the aircraft is repositioning anyway.
Can empty leg flights be cancelled?
Empty legs are subject to change if the original charter booking changes. Operators may modify departure times, cancel, or reroute based on their primary charter schedule. Flexible booking policies help manage this uncertainty.
How far in advance are empty legs available?
Empty legs are typically listed 1-7 days before departure, though some may appear weeks in advance. Last-minute availability is common as operators finalize their charter schedules.