A privately chartered aircraft often needs to reposition itself after dropping off passengers. This return trip, or sometimes the outbound flight to pick up passengers at a different location, is flown without any paying customers. This repositioning flight is known as an empty leg. For instance, if a client charters a jet from London to Nice, the aircraft must eventually return to London or its home base. This return journey to London represents a potential cost saving for a new client.
These flights present a unique opportunity for travelers seeking luxury and convenience at significantly reduced prices. Historically, these empty sectors were unavoidable expenses for charter operators. However, the rise of online platforms and increased awareness have transformed them into valuable opportunities for both operators and passengers. This allows operators to recover some operating costs and provides travelers with access to private aviation at a fraction of the usual charter price.
