When we contemplate private aviation, the initial images that typically manifest are those of celebrities, business moguls, and astronomical expenses. There exists a widespread belief that chartering a private jet is a luxury exclusively reserved for the top 0.1% of the population.
But, what if I told you that there is a logistical "inefficiency" in the aviation sector that allows one to fly on a private jet for a price quite similar (and sometimes lower) than that of a last-minute Business Class ticket offered by commercial airlines?
Welcome to the world of Empty Legs, the best-kept secret among savvy travelers.
What exactly is an "Empty Leg"?
To comprehend this, one must visualize the logistics of an aircraft. Unlike commercial airlines, which follow fixed routes (Madrid-London-Madrid) regardless of how many passengers are on board, private jets fly on demand.
Imagine this typical scenario at JustFly Executive: A client charters one of our jets to fly from Madrid to Paris on a Friday for the weekend. The jet lands in Paris, disembarks the client, but its home base is in Madrid and must return that very night for its next service or to enter the hangar.
This return flight (Paris -> Madrid) is scheduled to occur regardless. The aircraft will fly empty. No passengers, no luggage, only the crew aboard.
This route is referred to as an Empty Leg. For the air operators, a jet flying empty constitutes a substantial cost (fuel, fees, crew). Therefore, we prefer to sell this journey at a significant discount to recover costs rather than generating no revenue.
The Mathematics of Luxury: How much is really saved?
This is where the proposition becomes irresistible. Discounts on Empty Leg flights typically range between 50% and 75% below the usual charter price.
Let's conduct a quick comparison:
Conventional Charter: A light charter flight for 6 people within Europe can cost around €12,000.
Empty Leg Price: That same flight could enter the market for about €4,000 or €5,000.
If you divide this cost among the 6 passengers, the price per person is less than €1,000. If you attempt to purchase a last-minute Business Class ticket with a commercial airline, you are likely to pay a similar amount but with a vastly different experience.
Do I receive "Low Cost" service? Absolutely not
It is crucial to dispel a common misconception: paying less does not equate to receiving lesser service. The aircraft is not aware that it is on "special offer."
When you book an Empty Leg, the onboard experience is identical to that of a full-fare charter flight:
Executive Terminals (FBO): No interminable security lines. You arrive 15 minutes before departure and take off.
Total Privacy: The jet is for you and your companions. You do not share the cabin with strangers.
Catering and Crew: You will enjoy the same standard of safety, expert pilots, and onboard service.
The only differences lie in the price and the flexibility.
The fine print: Is an Empty Leg for you?
At JustFly Executive, we believe in complete transparency. Empty Legs are a fantastic opportunity, but they are not for everyone. They come with very specific rules you must be aware of:
Fixed Routes and Schedules: Unlike conventional charters where you dictate "where and when", in an Empty Leg the aircraft sets the timetable. If the jet returns from London at 16:00, that is your schedule.
One-Way Only: Virtually 100% of these flights are one-way trips. You will need to find a way back (whether via commercial flight or another charter).
The risk factor: The Empty Leg exists because there is a principal flight that generated it. Should the original client decide to cancel or alter the timing at the last minute, the Empty Leg could be rescheduled or disappear entirely.
Therefore, this type of flight is ideal for spontaneous, flexible travelers or individuals who need speedy movement between major cities and can adapt to the jet's logistics.
How to secure these flights before anyone else
Due to their pricing and exclusivity, an Empty Leg does not remain available for long. Sometimes, just a matter of hours. It is akin to a race against time.
Many of these flights do not even get listed on general aviation websites because they are sold to the operator's preferred client list.
Would you like to be the first to know?
Do not let your next journey be a commercial boarding queue. If you have flexibility and wish to experience private aviation at a smart price, subscribe to our Priority Alert List.
We will send you a WhatsApp or Email only when an opportunity matching your preferred routes arises, before it is publicly announced.
When we contemplate private aviation, the initial images that typically manifest are those of celebrities, business moguls, and astronomical expenses. There exists a widespread belief that chartering a private jet is a luxury exclusively reserved for the top 0.1% of the population.
But, what if I told you that there is a logistical "inefficiency" in the aviation sector that allows one to fly on a private jet for a price quite similar (and sometimes lower) than that of a last-minute Business Class ticket offered by commercial airlines?
Welcome to the world of Empty Legs, the best-kept secret among savvy travelers.
What exactly is an "Empty Leg"?
To comprehend this, one must visualize the logistics of an aircraft. Unlike commercial airlines, which follow fixed routes (Madrid-London-Madrid) regardless of how many passengers are on board, private jets fly on demand.
Imagine this typical scenario at JustFly Executive: A client charters one of our jets to fly from Madrid to Paris on a Friday for the weekend. The jet lands in Paris, disembarks the client, but its home base is in Madrid and must return that very night for its next service or to enter the hangar.
This return flight (Paris -> Madrid) is scheduled to occur regardless. The aircraft will fly empty. No passengers, no luggage, only the crew aboard.
This route is referred to as an Empty Leg. For the air operators, a jet flying empty constitutes a substantial cost (fuel, fees, crew). Therefore, we prefer to sell this journey at a significant discount to recover costs rather than generating no revenue.
The Mathematics of Luxury: How much is really saved?
This is where the proposition becomes irresistible. Discounts on Empty Leg flights typically range between 50% and 75% below the usual charter price.
Let's conduct a quick comparison:
Conventional Charter: A light charter flight for 6 people within Europe can cost around €12,000.
Empty Leg Price: That same flight could enter the market for about €4,000 or €5,000.
If you divide this cost among the 6 passengers, the price per person is less than €1,000. If you attempt to purchase a last-minute Business Class ticket with a commercial airline, you are likely to pay a similar amount but with a vastly different experience.
Do I receive "Low Cost" service? Absolutely not
It is crucial to dispel a common misconception: paying less does not equate to receiving lesser service. The aircraft is not aware that it is on "special offer."
When you book an Empty Leg, the onboard experience is identical to that of a full-fare charter flight:
Executive Terminals (FBO): No interminable security lines. You arrive 15 minutes before departure and take off.
Total Privacy: The jet is for you and your companions. You do not share the cabin with strangers.
Catering and Crew: You will enjoy the same standard of safety, expert pilots, and onboard service.
The only differences lie in the price and the flexibility.
The fine print: Is an Empty Leg for you?
At JustFly Executive, we believe in complete transparency. Empty Legs are a fantastic opportunity, but they are not for everyone. They come with very specific rules you must be aware of:
Fixed Routes and Schedules: Unlike conventional charters where you dictate "where and when", in an Empty Leg the aircraft sets the timetable. If the jet returns from London at 16:00, that is your schedule.
One-Way Only: Virtually 100% of these flights are one-way trips. You will need to find a way back (whether via commercial flight or another charter).
The risk factor: The Empty Leg exists because there is a principal flight that generated it. Should the original client decide to cancel or alter the timing at the last minute, the Empty Leg could be rescheduled or disappear entirely.
Therefore, this type of flight is ideal for spontaneous, flexible travelers or individuals who need speedy movement between major cities and can adapt to the jet's logistics.
How to secure these flights before anyone else
Due to their pricing and exclusivity, an Empty Leg does not remain available for long. Sometimes, just a matter of hours. It is akin to a race against time.
Many of these flights do not even get listed on general aviation websites because they are sold to the operator's preferred client list.
Would you like to be the first to know?
Do not let your next journey be a commercial boarding queue. If you have flexibility and wish to experience private aviation at a smart price, subscribe to our Priority Alert List.
We will send you a WhatsApp or Email only when an opportunity matching your preferred routes arises, before it is publicly announced.
