Questions, answered plainly.

A one-way flight an aircraft has to make with no passengers aboard, usually to return to its base after dropping clients off, or to reach the airport where its next trip begins. Operators sell these flights at a discount rather than fly them empty.

The original client has already paid for much of that aircraft’s day, so the operator can price the repositioning flight well below a normal one-way charter and still come out ahead. How empty-leg pricing works.

Empty legs are often 25–75% below a comparable one-way charter. That is an estimate, not a promise: the operator sets each price, and it depends on the aircraft, the route and how soon the flight leaves. Our quotes are all-in, so the figure you see includes taxes and standard fees.

Only within limits. The aircraft is whatever is repositioning, and the route and departure window come from the original trip. Some operators can move a departure slightly or use a nearby airport, usually for an added cost. If you need control over all three, a regular charter is the better tool.

The empty leg can move or be cancelled, because the paying trip comes first. Your advisor will tell you and can quote a regular charter for the same journey. What is refunded is set out in your charter agreement. What happens when the original trip moves.

It is possible but rare for matching legs to line up in both directions. Most travellers take an empty leg one way and return on a regular charter or a scheduled flight.

You tell us a departure airport or city, a destination or anywhere, your earliest date, how flexible you are and the number of passengers. When a repositioning flight matches, your advisor emails you the aircraft, the operator, the departure window and an all-in price. You can set an alert here.

Nothing. There is no membership, deposit or sign-up fee. You pay only for a flight you confirm with a signed charter agreement.

Sometimes within a few hours. Empty legs rarely stay open for long, and the operator can sell or change them at any time until a charter agreement is signed. Your advisor will tell you whether an option can be held. How to decide quickly.

The whole aircraft. The price covers the jet, the crew and everyone on your passenger list, up to the seats available.

Yes. For fixed dates, round trips or several stops, request a charter quote. If an empty leg happens to fit the same trip, we will show it alongside.

The flight, the crew and standard fees, plus taxes. On domestic US flights that means the 7.5% federal excise tax and a per-passenger segment fee of about $5 per leg. Variable costs, such as winter de-icing, catering, Wi-Fi or international fees, are listed in the quote when they apply.

Only after you sign a charter agreement. Payment terms are set out in that agreement, and charter is normally paid in full before departure.

Cancellation terms are written into your charter agreement before you sign, so you know them in advance. Read them closely for empty legs, where the operator can also cancel if the original trip changes.

A certificated air carrier. Empty Leg Alerts is a broker and does not own or operate aircraft. In the United States, flights are operated under FAA Part 135; abroad, by an operator holding the local equivalent certificate. The operating carrier is named in your charter agreement.

Independent audits help. ARGUS rates operators Gold, Gold+ or Platinum; Wyvern recognises operators that meet its Wingman standard; IS-BAO registers operators at stages 1 to 3. Ask your advisor for the audit standing of any operator you are offered.

Government-issued photo ID for domestic flights. For international trips, a valid passport and any visas the destination requires. Your advisor confirms the private terminal and timing before you travel.

Plenty of aircraft take pets; the operator has the final say. Mention them, with size and number, when you request a quote or set an alert.

It depends on the aircraft. Light jets fill up quickly with skis, golf bags or large hard cases, while larger cabins carry much more. Tell us what you are bringing so we only send aircraft that can take it.