iscover Affordable Luxury: Your Guide to Discount Private Jet Travel

Private jet travel has long been associated with exclusivity and luxury, but it’s increasingly becoming more accessible to travelers looking for a more convenient and personalized way to fly. From avoiding crowded terminals to skipping layovers and long security lines, flying private offers a tailored experience that puts comfort and control back in your hands.

However, the high costs of traditional charter flights have kept many would-be flyers grounded — until now. With the rise of empty leg flights, affordable private jet travel is no longer a myth. The advantage of empty leg flights is the ability to save up to 75% compared to traditional private jet charter prices, making luxury travel accessible for more people. By understanding how these underutilized routes work, you can tap into major savings and experience the perks of flying private at a fraction of the cost.

If you’re looking for a smarter way to fly, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about empty leg flights, booking tips, cost factors, and how to start your journey with platforms like Hoppyn. Empty leg flights are available for last minute flights around the world, providing a luxurious yet budget-friendly option, though they are bound by predetermined departure points, destinations, and schedules.

Understanding Empty Leg Flight Options

What Is an Empty Leg Flight?

An empty leg flight happens when a private jet flies without passengers, usually to relocate for its next scheduled trip. These empty leg flights are often listed as available flights when a jet is repositioning for its next set of passengers or flights. Rather than letting that route go to waste, charter operators offer these one-way flights at steep discounts to travelers who can fit the schedule, making booking an empty leg a cost-effective way to secure private jet travel. When booking an empty leg, travelers have exclusive use of the entire jet, unless they choose to invite others.

Why Are They So Affordable?

Because the flight is already scheduled to operate—with or without passengers—operators are willing to sell seats at a discounted rate compared to a conventional private jet charter. These empty leg flights can offer savings of up to 75% off the standard charter price. That means you get access to a full private aircraft at a fraction of the regular rate.

What’s the Catch?

Flexibility is key. Empty legs are:

• Typically one-way only

• Have fixed routes and departure times; the departure date and time are usually set a few days in advance and are determined by several factors, including the aircraft's next scheduled trip

• Are subject to change or cancellation

Empty leg flights typically require passengers to be flexible with their travel plans due to fixed routes and departure windows.

But if your schedule aligns, you can score an unbeatable deal on private air travel.

Who Can Use Them?

Anyone—from solo travelers to families or business groups. The entire aircraft is yours, meaning you can bring friends, family, or colleagues along without paying per person.

Benefits of Empty Leg Private Flights

1. Cost Savings

• Enjoy private jet experiences for a fraction of the cost—travelers can save up to 75% compared to standard private jet charter prices

• Great alternative for frequent flyers or luxury travelers on a budget

2. Private Travel Experience

• Booking a private flight allows travelers to avoid long security lines and crowded terminals

• Personalized service, including check-in and boarding

3. Last-Minute Flexibility

• Many empty leg flights, including minute flights and last-minute flights, are published just days or hours in advance

• Perfect for spontaneous travelers or business emergencies looking to take advantage of discounted private jet options

4. Additional Services

• Add-ons like in-flight catering, chauffeured ground transportation, and VIP airport services are often available for a fee, and may incur an additional cost, such as last-minute changes, airport fees, or other surcharges.

Charter Flight Options

Light Jets

• Seats 4–6 passengers

• Light jet is ideal for short trips; for under 2-hour flights, turboprops or light jets may have hourly rates as low as $800

• Ideal for short-haul domestic routes

• Examples: Citation CJ2, Phenom 100

Super Midsize Jets

• Seats 7–9 passengers

• Greater range for cross-country travel

• Examples: Citation X, Challenger 350

Heavy Jets

• Seats 10–14 passengers comfortably

• A heavy jet is specifically designed for long-distance, international travel, offering an extended range of around 7,000 miles for nonstop flights and a large capacity for both passengers and baggage

• Examples: Gulfstream G450, Falcon 900

Booking and Scheduling

How to Book an Empty Leg Flight

You can:

• Browse available flights on platforms like Hoppyn’s live flight board

• Work with a private charter broker, who can assist in finding better deals and negotiating rates for your discount private jet flight

What to Expect

• Fixed departure times and routes

• Last-minute availability is common

• Booking an empty leg offers significant savings, but requires flexibility with the departure date, which is usually set a few days in advance based on the aircraft's schedule

• Booking windows can range from same-day to 3–5 days out

Key Booking Considerations

• Check cancellation terms

• Inquire about add-on costs (e.g., catering, taxes, landing fees). For both leg charter flights and private charter flights, be aware that landing fees, handling charges, and taxes at different airports can vary significantly and may greatly affect your total charter cost.

• Confirm passenger capacity and luggage limits

Last-Minute Travel Options

Empty legs are a dream for the spontaneous traveler.

Common Use Cases:

• Business meetings in another city

• Weekend getaways: Empty leg flights are ideal for a short trip, such as a quick leisure-focused journey or brief vacation, making them perfect for weekend getaways.

• Escaping busy airports during peak seasons

Popular Empty Leg Routes:

• New York to Miami

• Los Angeles to Las Vegas

• Teterboro to Westchester County

• Toronto to Vancouver

Hoppyn’s platform updates new empty-leg routes daily, making it easy to check for spontaneous deals.

Cost Considerations

How Much Do Empty Leg Flights Cost?

The cost of booking a plane for an empty leg flight can range from $2,500 for short domestic routes to $10,000 for international routes. The cost can vary greatly depending on the route, aircraft type, and several other factors. Prices vary based on aircraft, route, and demand. On average:

• Short domestic flights: Start around $2,500–$4,000

• Longer or international routes: Range from $6,000 to $15,000+

What’s Included?

• Full access to the aircraft (not just a seat)

• Basic service and crew

Additional Costs:

• Taxes and airport fees

• Catering and special requests

• Ground transportation (optional add-on)

A good provider will give you a transparent cost breakdown before you book.

Choosing the Right Aircraft

Factors to Consider

• Passenger count

• Flight time and range

• Luggage capacity: In private aviation, private charter flights and private jet charters can accommodate more luggage than commercial airlines, offering greater flexibility for travelers with extra baggage.

• Desired comfort level

Popular Aircraft Models

• Gulfstream G IV: Known for long-range luxury and cabin space

• Citation XLS+: A popular midsize jet for regional hops

Private jet platforms like Hoppyn allow you to view specs and amenities for each aircraft before booking.

Travel Flexibility

Be Ready to Adapt

Flexibility in your travel date, schedule, and destination increases your chance of scoring a top-tier empty leg deal.

Tips for Flexibility:

• Have a window of travel dates instead of fixed dates, as this increases your chances of matching with an available flight and allows you to take advantage of flexible departure dates.

• Be open to nearby airports or alternate destinations

• Pack light when possible to increase available jet options

Platforms That Help

• Hoppyn allows you to browse by location, dates, and aircraft type

• Their membership model gives access to unlimited free flight bookings for an annual flat fee

Planning Your Trip

Step 1: Define Your Travel Needs

• Where are you going?

• When do you want to leave?

• How many people are flying?

Private charter flights, especially for business travel, often come with a dedicated charter consultant who assists clients throughout the booking process, ensuring convenience and tailored options for executives and corporate personnel.

Step 2: Explore Flight Options

• Check Hoppyn’s listings for flights near your dates and route

• Set alerts for new empty leg flights that match your preferences

Step 3: Evaluate the Offer

• Review aircraft, schedule, pricing, and service level. The cost of a private jet flight varies based on distance, aircraft type, and additional services requested.

• Ask questions before booking (flexibility, fees, add-ons)

Step 4: Book and Prepare

• Confirm details with your provider

• Pack according to aircraft capacity

• Arrive early for a smooth private terminal experience

You can also book a return flight or even fly to multiple destinations in a single day with a private jet charter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Main Difference Between an Empty Leg and a Standard Charter?

Empty legs are pre-scheduled repositioning flights sold at a discount, offering significant savings compared to a conventional private jet charter. A conventional private jet charter is a customized trip planned entirely around your itinerary, while empty legs follow a set schedule based on the aircraft's repositioning needs.

Can I Choose the Destination?

No — empty leg flights are pre-set routes. You can only book them if the destination and timing fit your needs.

Can I Share an Empty Leg Flight With Others?

Yes — you rent the entire aircraft, so you're free to bring friends, family, or colleagues. The more people you bring, the better the per-person value.

Are Empty Leg Flights Reliable?

Generally, yes, but they can be subject to cancellation if the main booked leg changes. A good platform will notify you quickly and offer alternatives.

Conclusion: How to Start Flying Private for Less

Empty leg flights are revolutionizing private jet travel, offering deep discounts without sacrificing luxury. By leveraging unsold inventory on private jets, travelers can enjoy all the benefits — privacy, comfort, speed — for a surprisingly accessible price. Empty leg flights are available around the world, making luxury private jet travel accessible globally.

With a platform like Hoppyn, you can:

• Browse daily updated empty-leg listings

• Book unlimited flights for a flat annual fee

• Skip the high hourly charter costs

Booking in advance and traveling during off-peak times, such as midweek, can yield better prices, and choosing secondary or regional airports over major hubs can significantly reduce landing and handling fees.

Whether you’re a first-time private flyer or a seasoned traveler seeking better value, now is the time to explore a smarter, more affordable way to fly. Shared charters also allow you to book seats on private jets, significantly lowering per-person costs.

Explore empty leg flights and join the membership at Hoppyn.com. Luxury, meet accessibility.