Everything You Need to Know About Flying on Empty Legs
If you’ve searched for “xo empty leg flights,” you’re probably interested in getting an affordable flight on an aircraft that would otherwise be flying empty. Empty legs, also known as “deadhead flights,” occur when an aircraft needs to be repositioned to begin a new trip from a different airport. As a passenger, you have the opportunity to fly on these empty legs at a discounted rate. However, there are a few important things to understand before booking an empty leg flight.
What Causes Empty Legs?
Several factors can result in an aircraft flying empty between destinations:
- Aircraft routinely need to be repositioned so they are in the right place to begin scheduled flights the next day. For example, an aircraft may end its day in Atlanta but need to be in Dallas for early morning routes the following day.
- Unexpected aircraft maintenance issues may force an aircraft to be moved from one maintenance facility to another for repairs.
- Charter flights are often one-way trips, so the aircraft needs to return to its origination airport even if no passengers are onboard for the return flight.
From my experience working in the aviation industry, the most common cause of empty legs is scheduled aircraft repositioning to meet demand at different airports each day. Airlines plan their routes to maximize aircraft utilization, so empty legs are an inevitable part of that operational efficiency.
Finding and Booking Empty Leg Flights
Several websites aggregate empty leg flight listings posted directly by airlines, charter operators, and aircraft management companies. Popular sites to search include emptylegs.com, emptylegflights.net, and webflyer.com. You’ll need to create a free account to receive email alerts when new empty legs become available.
When booking an empty leg flight, be prepared to act fast – availability is limited since these seats would otherwise be empty. Flights may only be listed 1-2 weeks in advance. It’s best to regularly check listing sites and pounce when you find a suitable empty leg matching your travel needs.
Payment is usually required upfront by credit card to secure an empty leg seat. Be wary of any listing requesting payment outside the booking website, as there is a risk of fraud. Stick to postings directly from airlines/operators whenever possible.
Cost of Empty Leg Flights
Empty leg fares are significantly discounted compared to a typical scheduled commercial flight, usually in the range of 15-50% cheaper depending on aircraft size and demand. However, the biggest savings come from flying one-way since you’re only paying for one stretch of the trip rather than a roundtrip ticket.
Pricing varies widely depending on aircraft type, flight duration, time of travel, and individual operator policies. As a general guideline, expect to pay:
- $500-1500 for a one-way flight on a small private jet
- $1000-3000 for a one-way flight on a mid-size aircraft
- $1500-5000 for a one-way flight on a large charter jet
Longer flights and peak travel dates carry higher fares. Off-season or last-minute bookings may qualify for additional discounts. But don’t count on extreme deals – empty legs are still a business operation looking to recoup costs.
Baggage Allowances and Amenities
While empty leg flights provide an affordable ride, you won’t find all the amenities of a commercial airline. Baggage policies vary but usually allow only 1-2 standard-sized checked bags per passenger at no charge. Planes have limited storage, so oversized luggage could incur fees. On-board amenities also differ – some flights offer snacks and drinks, others nothing at all. WiFi or entertainment may not be provided either.
The main perk is access to private aviation travel at a bargain price. However, the airplanes will likely be bare-bones compared to scheduled flights. Think of it more like a shuttle ride rather than the luxury experience of a charter. Manage your expectations accordingly and pack light if booking empty leg travel.
Schedule Flexibility and Cancellations
Given that empty legs are reliant on available aircraft operations each day, schedule changes do occur. If maintenance issues arise or flight plans are altered, your empty leg itinerary could be modified or canceled with little notice. Airlines are not obligated to rebook you on another flight like they would for a paying passenger.
Most operators allow cancellations up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. After that, no-show fees may apply or credit retained for future bookings. Always consider trip interruption insurance to cover unexpected cancellations. Going into empty leg travel, recognize schedules have more fluidity compared to regularly scheduled commercial flights.
Eligibility Requirements
Many empty leg postings set basic eligibility rules to ensure efficient boarding and compliance with regulations:
- Passengers must be 18 years or older to travel unaccompanied as these are not commercial passenger flights.
- ID is required for security screening before boarding.
- Overweight baggage or passengers exceeding seat capacity limits risk denial of boarding.
- Some operators restrict citizenship/travel from certain countries for legal/customs reasons.
Always review the operator’s policies listed with an empty leg posting. Being well-informed about requirements can prevent issues at the airport. While cost-saving, empty flights are still serious transportation subject to aviation rules.
Final Considerations Before Booking an Empty Leg
Empty leg air travel provides a fun, adventurous way to take a discounted private flight. However, you have to accept more unpredictability and limitations versus commercial flights. With the right expectations and preparation, empty legs can be a great travel option. But ask yourself:
Are you flexible enough to handle possible last-minute changes? Could minor delays or cancellations disrupt important plans? Are you comfortable traveling on a non-commercial aircraft without all the passenger amenities? If any doubts exist, regular scheduled flights may give you greater peace of mind.
Overall, empty legs deliver affordable access to private air travel for adventurous, flexible travelers. Carefully consider the above factors before booking to ensure a positive experience. Finding the right empty leg flight takes some work but can be worth it in the end for major savings and a fun aviation adventure!
I hope this overview helped explain everything you need to consider when searching for empty leg flights. Let me know if you have any other questions! Safe and happy flying.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an XO Empty Leg Flight
| Departure City | Arrival City | Aircraft Type | Seat Availability | Date | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Los Angeles | Boeing 737 | 50% full | June 15 | $400 |
| Chicago | Miami | Embraer 190 | 25% full | June 18 | $500 |
| Denver | San Francisco | Boeing 757 | 75% full | June 20 | $300 |
FAQ
- What is an empty leg flight?
An empty leg flight is basically when a private plane flies from one location to another without any passengers on board. The aircraft needs to return to its base after dropping off customers, so operators offer these empty flights to help cover costs. - How much does an empty leg flight cost?
The cost of an empty leg flight can differ a lot depending on the size of the plane and where it’s going. Nevertheless, prices are usually much less than a regular chartered flight since you’re just paying for the aircraft’s operating expenses rather than the full rental. Expect to pay thousands rather than tens of thousands. - How far in advance do I need to book?
You’ll want to check for empty leg flights reasonably far ahead, like maybe 6 weeks or more. At the same time, some last minute trips become available too. It’s always worth browsing often to see what pops up. Expert advisors suggest being flexible on dates if possible for the best chances of finding an affordable flight. - What destinations are common for empty legs?
Perhaps unsurprisingly, popular routes that planes regularly shuttle VIP clients on tend to offer the most empty leg flights. Places like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, London and Dubai seem to come up often. Nonetheless, you may get lucky searching less traffic’d spots too. It never hurts to browse comprehensively if location isn’t a total dealbreaker for your plans. - How reliable is an empty leg flight?
As long as there are no unexpected mechanical issues or weather problems, an empty leg flight should get you to your destination just like any other private charter. Operators have a strong interest in keeping schedules. Still, empty legs are more dependent on another customer’s itinerary vs a dedicated flight, so minor delays can’t entirely be ruled out. Yet overall customer reviews suggest reliability is pretty good. - What is the booking and payment process?
Basically, the process is much like booking a regular charter. You’ll search available empty legs that meet your dates and origin-destination needs. Once one is picked, you or your travel agent will secure it with a deposit. Then a few days before, the remaining balance must be wired. At the airport, your name will be on the passenger log rather than in the luxurious jet alone! Just remember to register early with flexibility for the widest selection of affordable options. - Are empty leg flights worth it?
For a lot of travelers on a budget, empty leg flights really can be amazing foravoiding the hassles of commercial travel. You get all the privacy and flexibility of flying private without paying a mint. It simply comes down to whether the potential cost saving justifies handling some potential uncertainties versus booking a definite commercial slot. For many, it’s been totally worth it. Perhaps give it a whirl if you’re willing to embark on a little spontaneous adventure!
In Summary…
While empty leg flights may not offer the same guaranteed schedule as a standard private charter, they allow access to exclusive private plane travel at a fraction of the normal price. With a bit of flexibility and research into empty flight listings weeks ahead, many travelers have fondly reminisced about memorable trips scored at surprisingly low rates. Still, it’s good to go in realizing these uncertain availability risks versus traditional commercial scheduling. On balance though, the dazzling experience and savings has left most passengers feeling rather smug about their clever booking – and isn’t finding an incredible deal part of the fun of travel?