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An empty leg is a one-way flight on a private aircraft with no passengers. It can be the return leg of a chartered flight or a repositioning to another airport to pick up new passengers. Also called a dead-head flight, ferry flight, dead leg flight, or transient flight, an empty leg trip can cost far less than a traditional private charter flight for you and/or your group.

The discount on an empty leg flight can be as high as 75% in some cases. Others may be closer to 25% or 50% below regular charter fare, depending on local demand, included services, seasonal factors, and other charges that private charter flight may have. Empty flights to or from areas with less air traffic may have lower prices.

A dead-head flight makes the convenience and luxury of private charter air travel much more affordable. Instead of navigating large crowds and waiting in long lines, charter flight passengers can board shortly before takeoff at an uncrowded gate at a smaller airport. Comfortable cabins, top-shelf service, privacy, and personal space make private air travel enjoyable and low-stress. Moreover, travelers concerned about environmental impact may find empty leg flights more palatable because each plane is already scheduled to make the trip regardless of whether it’s carrying any passengers.

Empty leg charters departing from major cities and hubs are plentiful, especially along high-demand routes with frequent business travel. However, during peak travel season at popular tourist destinations, you can find many deadhead flights that have delivered their private charter passengers and are heading home, usually to larger cities.

If you have extra time on your hands, booking an empty leg can let you enjoy the private flight experience for less. Because delays and cancellations are relatively common, transient flights are best for travelers who don’t have to reach their destination by a particular time, such as to attend an important meeting or to catch a connecting flight. It also helps if you don’t mind changing your travel and lodging plans with little notice.

Not very flexible, unless you’re willing to pay more. Empty legs are usually the “return-to-base” portions of flights that are already scheduled, so their routes and departure windows are typically non-negotiable, which factors into their low price. That being said, some charter companies may allow minor changes to a “near match” route at additional cost, such as with a positioning fee and other expenses.

It depends on the charter company and the number of seats on the plane. Some sell dead leg flights by the seat, in which case there may be other passengers on your flight. Other companies charter the whole aircraft to a single person or group.

Some charter companies provide the same in-flight services on repositioning flights as they do on conventional charter trips. Others’ empty legs may be more limited in terms of dedicated flight attendant service, dining and drink options, ground transportation arrangements, and other amenities. However, you will still be able to enjoy most of the benefits of private flight, such as easy boarding, premium seating, elbow room, and more.

Empty leg flights require you to be flexible with your travel schedule and have a backup plan (or two). If the first leg of a charter flight gets canceled or delayed, so does its return journey. Some estimates indicate approximately 25% of ferry flights get canceled or rescheduled, so it’s not considered the most reliable method of air travel. Also, because dead leg flights are one-way, you’ll need to book your flight home separately.

Charter Hub makes it incredibly easy and convenient to find available empty leg flights from approved Part 135 charter operators. Search by airport, city, and/or distance from your location on our interactive, global map. You can also browse available flights by date range or charter company. Charter Hub listings include each aircraft’s number of seats and N-number, along with each charter company’s phone number and email address. You can also request a quote by filling out a short online form.