7 Best Ways to Fly Private Jet Cheap Without Breaking the Bank

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

The private aviation industry has evolved, and today, savvy travelers can access private jets at surprisingly affordable rates. Platforms like Hoppyn.com are helping everyday travelers tap into underutilized assets like empty leg flights, unlocking massive savings without compromising on comfort, convenience, or speed.

This guide breaks down the seven best strategies to fly private at a fraction of the usual cost — no inflated hourly rates, no vague charter quotes. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a last-minute business trip, you can take to the skies in style without breaking the bank.

Types of Private Jet Services

Empty Leg Flights: The #1 Private Jet Hack

Empty leg flights happen when a private jet needs to return to its base or reposition for its next booking without any passengers on board. Rather than flying empty, many operators offer these flights to the public at up to 75% off the normal charter price.

At Hoppyn, empty leg flights are the backbone of our offering. Members gain unlimited access to new flight deals added daily, with no hourly billing or charter markups — just one flat annual fee.

Shared Charter Services

Instead of paying for the entire aircraft, shared charter services let you reserve just one seat on a private jet. This model is ideal for travelers who want the experience of private aviation with fewer costs. Expect prices as low as $249 per seat, depending on the route and demand.

Jet Cards

Jet cards are prepaid programs where you buy flight hours in advance at fixed rates. This provides predictability and guaranteed access, though often at a higher upfront cost. If you fly frequently, jet cards can simplify your logistics.

Membership Programs

Memberships (like Hoppyn’s) offer a middle ground between flexibility and affordability. Instead of paying per flight, you pay an annual membership fee and gain access to deeply discounted flights with no per-leg fees.

Fractional Ownership

Own a share of an aircraft and receive guaranteed flight hours per year. While not the cheapest option, it’s suitable for high-frequency flyers who want to avoid traditional charter hassles.

Affordable Private Travel Options

Empty Legs: Luxury Travel Without Luxury Prices

Empty leg flights offer full access to private jets — minus the full price tag. On Hoppyn’s platform, members regularly see empty legs starting as low as €990 for the entire aircraft, which can seat up to 3 passengers.

Benefits of Booking Empty Legs

• Up to 75–90% cheaper than chartering the same flight outright

• No compromise on jet type, amenities, or speed

• Flights available on popular routes like LA to Vegas, NY to Miami, and more

• New deals added daily via Hoppyn's flight board

Shared Flights and Last-Minute Deals

You can also explore:

• Shared charters for as low as $249 per seat

• Last-minute empty legs, especially within 24–48 hours of departure

• Special seasonal offers for high-traffic destinations

Understanding Private Jet Costs

Base Cost Breakdown

Typical private jet rental rates (charter pricing) range from:

• $2,000/hour – Turboprop and very light jets

• $4,000–$8,000/hour – Midsize and super midsize jets

• $10,000–$14,000/hour – Heavy and ultra-long-range jets

These rates usually include:

• Aircraft rental

• Crew

• Fuel

• Insurance

Additional Fees to Watch For

• Repositioning fees if the aircraft isn’t at your departure point

• Crew overnight fees for extended stays

• Landing and handling fees (especially international)

• Federal excise tax (7.5%) and segment fees

• International fees and customs processing

Platforms like Hoppyn sidestep this complexity by listing flights transparently — no surprises, no per-hour math, and no service charges stacked onto your booking.

Factors Affecting Private Jet Costs

Aircraft Category and Type

Your total flight cost depends heavily on aircraft class:

• Turboprops: ~$2,000/hour

• Light Jets: ~$3,000/hour

• Midsize Jets: ~$5,000/hour

• Super Midsize: ~$7,000/hour

• Heavy Jets: $10,000+ per hour

Newer aircraft typically cost more than older ones. Expect price differences of $500–$1,000/hour depending on age, manufacturer, and interior configuration.

Regulatory and Tax Fees

Don't forget these additional charges:

• Federal Excise Tax (U.S.-based)

• International segment fees

• Airport landing and departure fees

• Crew expenses and hangar charges

By contrast, Hoppyn's flat-fee membership eliminates all those calculations, giving members access to deals without complicated billing.

Booking and Planning

Booking Tips to Save Even More

• Book early: Lock in great rates on high-demand empty legs

• Or book last-minute: Operators often slash prices just to fill a flight

• Be flexible: The more flexible your time and route, the cheaper the options

• Use a platform like Hoppyn to avoid the back-and-forth of brokers

• Track popular routes where empty legs are frequent

Work With Reputable Providers

Platforms like Hoppyn partner only with certified operators who meet all international safety and insurance standards. This reduces risk and increases access to reliable deals.

Popular Routes and Destinations

Best Routes for Empty Leg Flights

• Los Angeles → Las Vegas

• Miami → New York

• Dallas → Aspen

• San Francisco → Los Angeles

• New York → Boston

These routes tend to generate frequent repositioning flights — meaning more empty legs at better rates.

Pro Tip: Fly Into Smaller Airports

Flying into secondary airports (e.g., Teterboro instead of JFK, or Burbank instead of LAX) can cut costs significantly and reduce wait times.

International Flying Considerations

If you're flying abroad:

• Ensure your operator has international operating rights

• Understand customs regulations at the destination

• Make sure your aircraft carries appropriate insurance for overseas travel

Special Services for Frequent Flyers

Membership Perks

Frequent private flyers benefit most from membership models like Hoppyn’s, where a flat annual fee gives access to unlimited flight listings without additional charges.

Jet Cards vs Memberships

Jet cards offer fixed-hour access but require large upfront payments. Hoppyn’s membership provides unlimited browsing and booking of empty leg flights for a fraction of that.

Bonus Services

Some operators (including Hoppyn partners) may also offer:

• Gourmet onboard catering

• Concierge booking for hotels or cars

• Door-to-door transportation

Luxury and Specialty Services

Beyond the Flight

Flying private isn’t just about skipping TSA lines — it’s about a seamless, stress-free journey from your doorstep to the skies.

Premium services may include:

• Chauffeur and ground transfer

• Lounge access at private terminals (FBOs)

• In-flight gourmet meals

• VIP boarding assistance

Even with empty leg pricing, many flights retain these luxury services — making the experience feel five-star even if you paid 70% less than the next passenger.

Empty Leg Flight Deals

How to Score the Best Deals

• Use dedicated platforms like Hoppyn with real-time listings

• Check often: Flight inventory updates daily

• Be open to new destinations — sometimes the deal is worth a detour

• Sign up for notifications of last-minute empty legs on preferred routes

At Hoppyn, members get instant access to a global board of empty leg flights, often booked for under $1,000 for the entire aircraft.

Leg Flight Options

What Are Leg Flights?

“Leg flight” is industry shorthand for single-direction flights, whether they’re repositioning (empty legs), shared flights, or scheduled non-charter options through direct air carriers.

Leg flights are:

• Often cheaper than a round-trip

• Easier to book last-minute

• Frequently available on high-demand corridors

Choose Your Jet Size Wisely

For best pricing:

• Very Light Jets (VLJs): 2–4 passengers, short-haul

• Light Jets: 4–6 passengers

• Midsize Jets: 6–8 passengers, great for coast-to-coast

• Super Midsize & Ultra-Long Range: For cross-country and international routes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are empty leg flights?

Empty leg flights are one-way private jet journeys that occur when an aircraft is relocating either back to its home base or to pick up its next group of passengers. These flights are offered at significantly discounted rates—often up to 75% off regular charter prices—because the plane would otherwise fly empty.

How much can I save by booking an empty leg flight?

You can typically save between 30% to 75% compared to conventional private jet charter prices. The exact discount depends on the route, aircraft type, and timing.

Are empty leg flights flexible in terms of schedule and destination?

Empty leg flights have fixed routes and departure windows since they are based on pre-scheduled repositioning. They are best suited for travelers with flexible travel plans who can adapt to the available flights.

Can I book just one seat on a private jet instead of the entire aircraft?

Yes, shared charter services allow you to book a single seat on a private jet, which can be a more affordable alternative to chartering the entire plane.

What additional fees should I expect when renting a private jet?

Besides the hourly rental rate, additional costs may include repositioning fees, crew overnight fees, landing and handling fees, federal excise tax, segment fees, and fuel surcharges. These fees vary depending on the aircraft type, route, and airport.

How do jet cards and membership programs work?

Jet cards let you prepay for flight hours at fixed hourly rates, offering predictability and guaranteed access. Membership programs typically require an annual fee and provide access to discounted flights without hourly billing, making them ideal for frequent flyers.

Is flying private safer than commercial flights?

Private jets operate under strict regulations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other authorities. Operators carry additional liability insurance and maintain their fleet to high safety standards, often exceeding those of commercial flights.

Can I fly internationally on an empty leg flight?

Yes, but the aircraft operator must have international operating rights and carry appropriate insurance. Additionally, you should be aware of customs and immigration requirements at your destination.

How do I find and book empty leg flights?

Platforms like Hoppyn.com, Victor, and PrivateFly provide live access to empty leg flight listings. Signing up for notifications can help you get the best deals as soon as they become available.

What types of aircraft are available for private jet charter?

Private jets range from very light jets and light jets suitable for short trips to super midsize, heavy, and ultra-long-range jets designed for longer distances and larger groups. The aircraft type affects the cost, speed, and comfort of your flight.

Conclusion: Flying Private Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

You don’t need to charter a $12,000/hour jet to fly private.

With tools like Hoppyn.com, travelers can now enjoy private jet travel at a price that makes sense — no guesswork, no haggling, no sky-high hourly fees. By leveraging empty leg flights, shared charters, and membership models, private jet travel is finally within reach for the smart traveler.

Whether you're chasing convenience, luxury, or efficiency, there’s a cost-effective way to fly private that fits your lifestyle — and your wallet.

Ready to Fly Private for Less?

Explore empty leg flights today at Hoppyn.com and start your journey with smart, affordable private jet travel.