Book an Empty Leg Flight: Your Guide to Affordable Private Jet Travel

Hoppyn offers a unique approach to private aviation, making luxury travel more accessible and affordable for its members. For an annual fee, members can browse and book private jet flights that would otherwise fly empty, enjoying the benefits of private travel without the high costs typically associated with it.

Booking an empty leg is a convenient way to access private jet travel at a fraction of regular charter prices. These flights are repositioning or return trips flown without passengers, and by booking an empty leg, travelers can experience private jet luxury at a significantly reduced rate. Learn more about empty leg flights.

The process of booking an empty leg is convenient for travelers seeking discounted private jet travel. With Hoppyn, members can easily search for available flights, join waitlists, and confirm their seats, all through a transparent and user-friendly platform. Discover how to find empty leg flights with ease.

Empty leg flights offer significant savings compared to regular charter prices, making them an attractive option for those who value both luxury and cost efficiency. By leveraging these opportunities, Hoppyn members can enjoy the exclusivity of private aviation while keeping travel expenses in check. For insights on pricing, see are empty leg flights cheaper?

Introduction to Empty Leg Flights

Think flying private is only for celebrities and CEOs? Think again.

Empty leg flights are flipping the script on traditional private aviation. These flights offer up to 75% off standard charter prices — making luxury air travel more accessible to travelers who once thought it was out of reach. Explore the luxury destinations served by empty leg flights.

How? When a private jet is scheduled for a one-way flight for its initial client, the aircraft then flies empty to reposition for its next client. That leg — often called a “deadhead” or “empty sector” — becomes available to book at a steep discount. These empty leg flights are a type of charter flight offered at a discount. Understand why empty leg flights are one-way.

For flexible flyers who don’t need to dictate every detail, empty legs deliver the VIP experience without the VIP price tag. On the empty leg segment, the jet flies without passengers, creating an opportunity for significant savings.

At Hoppyn, we’ve built our entire model around this underutilized slice of the private aviation industry. By offering a flat-rate membership to access daily-updated empty leg inventory, we help our members travel smarter — and in serious style.

What Is an Empty Leg?

An empty leg flight is the unsold segment of a private jet’s journey, typically when the aircraft needs to reposition to pick up its next paying customer or return to its home base after a trip. Learn more about what are empty leg flights.

Here’s how it works:

• A client books a one-way private flight from New York to Miami.

• The aircraft is now in Miami, but its next scheduled client is departing from Atlanta.

• The jet must fly from Miami to Atlanta without passengers.

• That Miami–Atlanta segment is the “empty leg.” Sometimes, the empty leg is the return flight to the aircraft's home base, completed without passengers after dropping off the original client.

Instead of flying empty, operators offer these flights to travelers at a significant discount. Think of it as the private jet equivalent of a flash sale — limited-time, limited-route, but all the luxury still onboard.

Empty leg flights are:

• Pre-scheduled (you can’t change departure time or destination).

• One-way.

• Priced well below standard charter cost.

How Leg Flights Work

Empty leg flights exist because private jets often fly empty one way. This inefficiency creates a win-win opportunity: operators can recoup some cost, and travelers can book luxury flights for less. Read more about how leg flights work.

Here’s the simple process:

1. Jet is repositioned: After dropping off a client, it needs to fly somewhere else to pick up another.

2. Empty leg made available: Operators list that repositioning flight for sale — often at the last minute.

3. You book: If your plans match the route and timing, you can snag the flight at a reduced cost. Planning your travel in advance to align with available empty leg flights increases your chances of securing the best deals.

You get:

• A private cabin to yourself (or to share with your group).

• Access to high-end charter aircraft (light jets to long-range models), all maintained to the highest safety and luxury standards.

• VIP service, minus the premium charter fee.

Empty leg flights work best if you’re flexible with:

• Departure airport

• Timing (often set by the operator)

• One-way routes

Explore empty leg flight routes to understand popular and available options.

Benefits of Empty Leg Private Flights

Why would you ever fly commercial again?

Empty leg flights offer the same luxury perks you’d expect from private aviation — but without the five-figure price tag. These flights provide an exclusive private travel experience, combining affordability with the privacy and comfort of flying on your own schedule.

• Access to premium private jets at a fraction of the usual cost

• Flexible scheduling for spontaneous getaways or last-minute business trips

• Enjoy all the amenities of luxury travel, including privacy, comfort, and convenience

• High standards of service and safety are maintained on all empty leg flights, ensuring a top-quality experience

Key Benefits:

• Cost Savings: Up to 75% off regular charter rates—empty leg flights help travelers save money compared to traditional private jet charters.

• Luxury Experience: Gourmet catering, leather seats, privacy.

• Time Efficiency: Skip TSA lines, arrive minutes before takeoff.

• Exclusive Access: Fly from smaller private airports closer to home.

• Popular Destinations: Empty leg flights are often available on routes to popular destinations, making luxury travel more convenient.

Whether you’re flying for business, escaping for the weekend, or making a last-minute family trip, empty legs deliver value, flexibility, and class. For a comparison, check empty leg flights vs jet card.

Empty Leg Private Jet Options

Empty legs are not just for one type of traveler. Whether you’re flying solo or with a group, there’s an aircraft for you. Empty leg flights are a type of charter flight, offering the flexibility and privacy of private jet travel at a fraction of the usual cost.

At Hoppyn, we regularly source a range of aircraft types, including:

• ✈️ Light Jets – Ideal for short hops (e.g., NYC–Boston), seating 4–6 passengers. Leg charter and leg charter flights are available for this category.

• ✈️ Mid-Size Jets – Great for regional business trips or family escapes. Leg charter and leg charter flights can also be found in this class.

• ✈️ Super Mid-Size and Long-Range Jets – Perfect for coast-to-coast or international flights, with leg charter and leg charter flights available for global routes.

We update our flight board daily, and members can browse by:

• Departure city

• Destination

• Aircraft size

• Date range

Entire Aircraft Booking

Booking an entire aircraft is the ultimate way to experience private air travel on your own terms. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or colleagues, reserving the whole plane gives you exclusive access to all the comforts and amenities of private jets—without sharing the cabin with strangers. The pricing for empty leg flights is generally for chartering the entire aircraft, not per person, unless booking through specific platforms.

With Hoppyn, you can choose from a wide selection of aircraft, from nimble light jets perfect for quick getaways to spacious midsize and heavy jets designed for longer journeys. This flexibility allows you to tailor your travel plans to your group’s needs, preferred destinations, and schedule.

Last Minute Flights

Spontaneity just got an upgrade.

Empty leg flights are often listed just days or hours before departure, making them ideal for last-minute adventurers and business travelers. However, they are frequently available approximately two weeks before their scheduled departure, giving travelers some time to plan ahead. Travelers who take frequent flights can especially benefit from last-minute empty leg deals, as they can coordinate their schedules to take advantage of these opportunities. Many empty legs become available just a few days before departure, catering to spontaneous travelers. Learn more about last minute empty leg flights.

Here’s why that’s good news:

• You can book a private jet on short notice.

• Flights are deeply discounted when close to takeoff.

• You get a premium experience without premium planning.

Whether your meeting got rescheduled or you’re surprising someone with a getaway, Hoppyn’s last-minute empty legs give you options.

Booking a Flight

At Hoppyn, we make it easy to book an empty leg flight in just a few steps:

1. Join Hoppyn – Gain access to our private flight board with a flat membership fee.

2. Browse Live Inventory – Search by route, date, or aircraft type.

3. Request the Flight – Our team will confirm availability and finalize your itinerary.

4. Fly Private – Show up, step onboard, and enjoy. You can also sign up for alerts from platforms and private jet companies to receive notifications for available empty leg flights.

Need help? Our charter consultants are available to walk you through options and make the process convenient—speak with a consultant today for personalized assistance.

Understanding Leg Flight Prices

Let’s break down what affects empty leg pricing:

Empty leg prices are typically much lower than regular charter prices, offering significant savings for travelers who can be flexible with their schedules.

• Route: Popular routes (e.g., LA–Vegas) may cost more than lesser-known pairings. Empty leg prices can fluctuate depending on the route and timing, especially during peak seasons.

• Aircraft Type: Light jets are cheaper than long-range Gulfstreams.

• Timing: The closer to takeoff, the deeper the discount (usually).

• Operator Policy: Some operators offer ultra-aggressive pricing to fill legs.

Empty leg charters and empty leg charter flights are priced based on supply and demand, and their availability is limited to specific routes and times. The cost of an empty leg charter is often a fraction of the regular price of a full charter.

On average, an empty leg may range from:

• $2,000–$5,000 for light jets

• $6,000–$10,000 for mid-size

• $12,000+ for long-range

Still sounds high? Compare that to a $30,000+ full charter (the regular charter price), and it’s easy to see the savings you get with empty leg charters.

Reasons to Book an Empty Leg

Still wondering if empty legs are worth it?

Here are the top reasons travelers use Hoppyn to book them:

• 🤑 Affordability – Travel like a CEO for a fraction of the price.

• 🛫 Luxury Access – Private terminals, no lines, and top-tier service.

• 🧭 Spontaneity – Take advantage of last-minute getaways.

• 🧑‍💼 Business Efficiency – Save time and reduce stress on tight schedules.

• 🧳 Group Travel – Bring your team, family, or friends — same flat price.

• ✈️ Exclusive Deals – Join our empty leg program to access exclusive discounted flights and enjoy first access to new listings through our leg program membership benefits.

Once you experience the ease, privacy, and comfort of an empty leg flight, it’s hard to go back to economy middle seats.

Empty Leg Private Jet Travel Tips

Making the most of empty leg flights is all about flexibility and smart planning. Here’s how you can unlock the best deals and enjoy luxury private jet flights at a much lower price:

• Stay Flexible: The more adaptable you are with your departure dates, times, and destinations, the more likely you are to find available empty leg flights that fit your travel plans.

• Act Fast: Empty leg flights can appear at short notice and are often snapped up quickly. Be ready to book as soon as you spot a leg flight that matches your needs.

• Travel Off-Peak: Consider flying during less busy periods or on weekdays to access better leg prices and a wider selection of empty leg private jet flights.

• Use Trusted Platforms: Browse online listings or contact a reputable private jet charter service like Hoppyn to find and book available empty leg flights with confidence.

• Compare and Save: Check prices across different charter operators to ensure you’re getting the most cost-effective deal on your private jet flight.

• Consider Entire Aircraft Booking: If you’re traveling with a group, booking the entire aircraft can offer even greater savings and a more exclusive experience.

• Check Safety and Reviews: Always verify the safety records and reputation of the charter operator before booking your empty leg private jet flight.

• Leverage Membership Benefits: With services like Hoppyn, members get access to exclusive empty leg deals, transparent pricing, and dedicated support for a seamless booking experience.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the luxury, convenience, and privacy of private jet travel—while saving money and making your next journey truly unforgettable. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning a special trip, empty leg flights offer a smart, cost-effective way to fly private.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an empty leg flight?

An empty leg flight is a private jet that is flying without passengers to reposition for its next scheduled trip. Travelers can book these flights at a discount. An empty leg charter refers to these discounted private jet flights, offered when the aircraft is repositioning, allowing passengers to enjoy luxury travel at a fraction of the regular price.

How much do empty leg flights cost?

Empty leg prices vary but are typically 30–75% lower than standard charter prices. These empty leg prices are determined by factors such as route, aircraft, and timing.

Can I change the flight time or route?

No. Empty legs are pre-set by the operator and are a type of leg charter with fixed schedules and routes, so changes are not possible. You must be flexible with time and destination to book these flights. Empty leg flights have fixed routes and departure windows, making them ideal for flexible clients.

Are empty leg flights safe?

Absolutely. These flights are operated by licensed private jet companies with experienced pilots and full safety protocols.

Do I have the jet to myself?

Yes. When you book an empty leg, the aircraft is yours exclusively for that segment. Booking an empty leg flight usually allows you to get the entire aircraft to yourself.

Empty Legs and Private Jet Charter

Empty legs are a smart extension of the private jet ecosystem. While full charters allow total customization, empty legs let you experience a private plane at a reduced price — ideal for those who value flexibility and savings.

With Hoppyn, we make it even better by offering:

• Unlimited access to empty legs for a single annual fee.

• Global availability across a curated network of aircraft.

• No per-flight markup — what you see is what you pay.

Safety and Security

Every empty leg flight available through Hoppyn is operated by a licensed and vetted charter operator. These companies:

• Operate charter aircraft maintained to FAA or EASA standards

• Employ professional, experienced pilots

• Conduct routine safety checks

You’re not compromising on safety. You’re just flying smarter.

Conclusion: Ready to Fly Smarter?

Private jet travel isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy anymore.
With Hoppyn, empty leg flights make it affordable, accessible, and seriously impressive.

Whether you're planning a last-minute escape, a business hop, or just want to try private for the first time, we’ve got a jet ready for you. Many private jet charter companies provide online tools and platforms that list available empty legs in real-time, such as XO and VistaJet.

Join Hoppyn now and start browsing empty leg flights today.