Why Empty Leg Flights Are the Secret to Affordable Private Jet Travel

Flying private used to be a luxury reserved for celebrities, executives, and the ultra-wealthy. But the private jet industry has changed, and fast. Today, travelers who value time, flexibility, and comfort are turning to private jets not just for status, but for efficiency. Luxury travel is now more accessible, offering a premium, personalized experience for those seeking high-end travel options. Low-cost private jet options make luxury travel more accessible than ever. Whether it’s a quick business meeting across the country or a last-minute getaway with friends, flying private offers a level of convenience commercial airlines simply can’t match. Booking during off-peak seasons or midweek can lead to lower prices for private jet travel, making it even more attainable.

What’s even more surprising? Private jet travel is no longer out of reach. Thanks to “empty leg flights,” you don’t need to be a billionaire to board a Gulfstream. Private jet travelers can avoid the congestion, long lines, and limitations of commercial airports and commercial flights, enjoying greater flexibility and comfort. You just need to know where to look and how to book smart.

What Are Empty Leg Flights?

Empty leg flights, also known as “deadhead flights,” are private jet trips scheduled to fly without passengers. These usually occur when a jet needs to reposition for its next paying customer or return to its base. Instead of flying empty, operators often offer these flights at a steep discount. Learn more about what empty leg flights are.

Unlike traditional charter flights or a private jet charter service, where you book an entire aircraft for a specific route and time, empty leg flights provide significant cost savings and added flexibility by utilizing otherwise unused flight segments.

That’s where Hoppyn comes in; we’ve built a platform that surfaces these daily deals and gives members access through a flat annual fee. No hourly charter pricing, no last-minute surprises, just real private flights at a fraction of the cost. Members can also access exclusive jet offers and special deals not typically available through standard booking channels. Many membership programs provide access to exclusive flight routes not typically available to the public, further enhancing the value of joining.

Types of Private Jets

Very Light Jets (VLJs)

These are the smallest jets on the market, typically seating 4 to 6 passengers. They're perfect for short regional hops and quick day trips. Turboprop Aircraft typically seat 5-9 passengers and are great for shorter trips, offering an alternative for those seeking efficiency and cost savings. Opting for a Very Light Jet (VLJ) or a turboprop for shorter trips can significantly reduce costs due to lower fuel consumption and operating expenses.

• Ideal for: 1–2 hour flights

• Perks: Land at smaller airports, fast boarding, lower fuel costs

• Examples: Eclipse 500, Citation Mustang

VLJs offer an easy entry point into private flying, and they’re often the most available for empty leg deals.

Light Jets

With seating for up to 8 passengers and more cabin space, light jets are great for medium-range travel. You’ll usually find upgraded amenities like small galleys and entertainment options.

• Ideal for: Business day trips or leisure weekends

• Examples: Hawker 4000, Learjet 75

These jets are common in the empty leg space, offering more comfort without stretching your travel budget.

Large Jets

Large jets are built for long-haul flights and high-capacity groups. Think boardroom in the sky, full-size galleys, plush seating, and sometimes even bedrooms. These aircraft feature luxurious interiors, offering spacious cabins, advanced amenities, and comfort features that define the experience of flying on a luxurious private jet. Heavy Jets cater to larger groups and long-distance flights, offering spacious cabins and advanced amenities for an unparalleled travel experience. Large Jets are best suited for longer flights and larger groups, capable of carrying up to 12 passengers.

• Ideal for: Cross-country or international travel

• Examples: Gulfstream G650, Bombardier Global 7500

Though pricier to charter, large jets occasionally show up on the empty leg market at rates that rival first-class commercial fares.

Heavy Jets

The most luxurious tier in private aviation, heavy jets often feature conference areas, showers, and extended range for global trips.

• Seating: Up to 19 passengers

• Examples: Airbus ACJ320, Boeing BBJ, Bombardier Challenger (see more about the Bombardier Challenger)

Passengers on heavy jets can expect white glove service and personalized service, ensuring every detail is tailored for a seamless and exceptional travel experience.

They’re rare, but when a heavy jet pops up as an empty leg, it’s one of the best deals in aviation.

Aircraft Selection: Matching Your Needs to the Right Jet

Choosing the right aircraft is the key to unlocking a truly personalized private jet travel experience. With so many private jets available—ranging from nimble very light jets to spacious heavy jets—matching your travel plans to the right aircraft type ensures you get the best value, comfort, and efficiency every time you fly. Private jet charters can accommodate different aircraft types depending on the group size and trip requirements, making it easier to tailor the experience to your specific needs.

Here’s what to consider when selecting your private jet:

• Passenger Count: Are you flying solo, with a partner, or bringing a group? Smaller aircraft like light jets are perfect for intimate trips, while larger jets accommodate bigger parties and more luggage.

• Flight Distance: For short hops between cities, very light jets and light jets are cost-effective and quick. For longer journeys or international flights, midsize or large jets offer the range and amenities you need. Shorter flights typically incur lower costs than longer flights because they consume less fuel. Opting for a Very Light Jet (VLJ) or a turboprop for shorter trips can significantly reduce costs due to lower fuel consumption and operating expenses.

• Amenities & Comfort: Looking for a quiet space to work, or a luxurious interior for relaxation? Different aircraft types offer varying levels of in-flight experience, from basic seating to full galleys and entertainment systems.

• Budget: The right aircraft balances your desired level of luxury with your budget. Smaller jets are generally more cost-effective, while larger jets provide more space and features for longer flights. Opting for a Very Light Jet (VLJ) or a turboprop for shorter trips can significantly reduce costs due to lower fuel consumption and operating expenses.

• Airport Access: Some private jets can land at smaller airports, getting you closer to your final destination and saving valuable time.

With Hoppyn, you can browse a wide selection of empty leg flights on different aircraft types, making it easy to find the right jet for your next trip—without the guesswork or high private jet charter cost. Booking platforms and apps, like XO and Jettly, list available empty leg flights and real-time deals for better pricing. Whether you’re planning a quick business meeting or a luxurious getaway, matching your needs to the right aircraft ensures every private flight is tailored to you.

Private Jet Charter vs Membership Options

You have options when it comes to accessing private flights: on-demand charters, jet cards, or membership programs. Private charter, private charter flights, and private jet charters all offer personalized, luxury, and on-demand air travel, typically with flexible scheduling and premium services, ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Booking a private jet charter service typically begins by filling out a form with trip details to receive estimated costs. After reviewing a personalized private charter quote, customers confirm their booking and finalize details, including flight schedule and crew members. Upon booking, the charter company will handle logistics to provide a smooth flight experience.

In contrast, Hoppyn focuses exclusively on empty leg flights, providing access through a flat annual fee, which can offer significant cost savings compared to traditional private charter options. Booking in advance can save money on chartered flights, as many companies offer lower rates for early reservations. Flying to alternate airports can save money on charter flights, as some locations may have lower rates than major airports, and they often experience less congestion.

Here’s what that means for you:

• Charter pricing: You pay per hour, with costs ranging from $2,000 to $15,000+ (charter jet options often include one-way flights as a cost-saving strategy—learn more about why empty leg flights are one-way)

• Jet cards: Pre-pay for a set number of hours (still expensive). Jet cards allow frequent flyers to purchase a block of hours at a fixed rate, which can be cheaper than pay-as-you-go chartering.

• Hoppyn membership: Flat fee for access to discounted empty legs, updated daily

• One-way flights: One-way flights may be available for charter at reduced rates to fill empty seats on repositioning aircraft.

It’s a smarter way to fly private, especially for travelers with flexible schedules.

The Real Cost of Flying Private

Purchase Price (If You’re Buying a Jet)

Owning your own private jet means more than just the upfront cost:

• New aircraft: $5 million to $75 million

• Pre-owned: $1 million to $50 million

• Ongoing costs: Fuel, fuel consumption, maintenance, crew, insurance, hangar fees

Unless you’re flying 300+ hours per year, ownership usually doesn’t make sense. That’s why charter and membership models are growing fast.

Operational Costs

Every flight hour includes operational costs influenced by both flight time and total flight hours:

• Fuel: Bigger jets burn more, and fuel prices fluctuate. Choosing a smaller aircraft can result in less fuel consumption and lower costs.

• Maintenance: Scheduled inspections, part replacements

• Crew: Salaries for pilots and flight attendants. Costs can increase if crew members are required to stay overnight.

• Landing fees: Set by the airport authority, these fees vary by airport and aircraft size.

• Fuel surcharge: This fee may be added depending on fuel prices, aircraft type, and flight duration.

• Airport fees: Additional charges, including landing charges and ramp fees, are often added to the charter cost and can range from $100 to $1,500.

• Additional fees: Catering and ground transportation can also influence the overall cost of a private charter flight. See more about concierge services and additional fees.

It can run $500K–$1M annually, even without factoring in hangar space or insurance.

Federal Excise Tax (FET)

If you’re flying domestically on a charter jet, the U.S. federal excise tax (FET) adds 7.5% to most private jet flights, including all domestic flights. That adds up fast.

What is the benefit of using empty legs? The pricing is already discounted, so even with FET, the all-in cost is dramatically lower than traditional charter.

Benefits of Flying Private

• No TSA lines

• Arrive 15 minutes before departure

• Land closer to your destination

• Flexible schedules and itineraries

• Privacy for business or family time

When you choose to fly privately, you unlock incredible benefits that set private air travel apart from commercial flights. Enjoy unmatched convenience, comfort, and efficiency every step of the way.

And if you’re booking an empty leg with Hoppyn, you’re getting all of that, without the sticker shock.

Private Jet Size and Your Trip

Not all jets are created equal. Private jet options are available for various budgets, and choosing to fly from different airports can help optimize both cost and convenience. Semi-private airlines operate scheduled flights on smaller jets, offering a private jet experience at a price close to commercial first-class tickets. Here’s what to consider:

• VLJs & Light Jets: Great for short trips, low cost, limited baggage. Very Light Jets are perfect for quick hops between cities, especially avoiding commercial airports.

• Midsize & Super Mids: Cross-country comfort

• Large & Heavy Jets: Global travel with full luxury

Empty leg availability depends on fleet movement. Some days you’ll find VLJs for regional hops. Other times, large jets flying from NY to LA appear at 80% off the market price. Empty leg flights are discounted flights to reposition a jet without passengers, offering discounts of up to 75% off regular rates. Learn more about are empty leg flights cheaper.

Small Private Jets: The Underrated Powerhouses

Small jets are the workhorses of the empty leg market. They’re more fuel-efficient, easier to reposition, and fly into smaller airports.

Small private jets often use fixed base operators (FBOs), which are exclusive private terminals and hangars adjacent to major airports. FBOs provide a more streamlined, efficient, and luxurious airport experience, with private lounges and less crowded environments compared to traditional commercial airport terminals. Flying into regional airports can reduce landing fees and travel time, resulting in lower overall costs.

They’re also:

• Faster than first class

• Private, even when priced like commercial business class

• More flexible with availability and landing locations

When you fly via Hoppyn, this is your most likely ride, and that’s a good thing.

Trends in the Private Jet Market

The private aviation space is evolving fast:

• Increased demand for affordability: Empty leg access is booming, and the industry now flies more empty legs to meet demand.

• Digital platforms like Hoppyn are disrupting old models

• New aircraft tech is improving range and efficiency

• Younger travelers are entering private aviation earlier

• Post-COVID travel values time and control more than ever

• Flexibility: Members of private jet subscription services can access flights with little notice, enhancing flexibility.

Many customers who have flown with Hoppyn appreciate the flexibility and savings the service provides. Companies like Surf Air and Set Jet offer simplified membership structures for regular travelers. Booking the same route repeatedly can also lead to additional savings or special rates for frequent travelers. See more about empty leg flight routes.

Whether it’s a group of friends heading to Aspen or a solo exec flying to a pitch meeting, private flight demand is diversifying, and so are the access models.

Sustainable Aviation: What's Changing

Private jets aren’t immune to the climate conversation. Some operators are adopting:

• Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)

• Carbon offset programs

• Next-gen electric aircraft prototypes

Turboprop Aircraft can land on more rugged or remote airstrips, making them ideal for off-the-beaten-path travel. Hoppyn supports operators prioritizing cleaner flight paths and carbon reduction efforts, and as the industry innovates, so will the options we offer. Learn more about eco-friendly empty leg flights.

Hoppyn supports operators prioritizing cleaner flight paths and carbon reduction efforts, and as the industry innovates, so will the options we offer.

Why Empty Legs Are the Smartest Way In

Here's the real takeaway: You don’t need to spend $50K to fly private. Empty leg flights give you the same aircraft, the same crew, and the same speed, at a fraction of the cost.

With Hoppyn’s flat-fee membership, you’re not paying per flight. You're simply getting access to flights that were already scheduled to fly empty. It’s not too good to be true; it’s just smart logistics.

You're helping the operator fill a seat. They're helping you skip the TSA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an empty leg flight?

An empty leg flight is a private jet flight scheduled to fly without passengers, usually to reposition the aircraft. These are offered at reduced prices to avoid flying empty. Read more at what are empty leg flights.

How much do empty leg flights cost?

Prices vary, but many empty legs are offered at 60–80% off standard charter rates. With Hoppyn, you get access via a flat annual fee instead of per-flight charges. Learn more about are empty leg flights cheaper.

How do I know what empty leg flights are available?

Hoppyn updates our flight board daily with new global empty leg listings. Members get full access, no hidden fees or upcharges. Explore how to find empty leg flights.

Is there a catch?

Just one: you need to be flexible. Empty legs have fixed routes and dates, based on repositioning needs. But if you can travel on short notice, the savings are massive. Check out last minute empty leg flights.

Final Thoughts: Flying Private Just Got Practical

Private jet travel doesn’t have to be expensive. Empty leg flights are the insider secret, and Hoppyn makes them accessible without playing the charter pricing game.

If you're looking for:

• Smart alternatives to business class

• Flexible private travel on real jets

• A simple, flat-fee membership to book empty legs

…then you're ready to take off with Hoppyn.

**Ready to explore real empty leg flights?
**Visit www.hoppyn.com and browse today's available