Empty-leg flight or standard charter
An empty leg is a repositioning flight with no passengers: the aircraft must fly somewhere anyway, so the seat is offered at a reduced price. It can be a bargain, but it follows the aircraft’s schedule, not yours.
The difference
| Empty leg | Standard charter | |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule | Fixed by the aircraft’s repositioning | Set by you |
| Route | Where the aircraft is going | Wherever you want to go |
| Price | Often well below a standard charter, when available | Market price for the whole trip |
| Flexibility | Low: dates and times may change | High |
| Availability | Occasional and unpredictable | Wide choice of aircraft |
When an empty leg works
- Your dates are flexible by a day or two.
- You can start or finish at an airport close to the one planned.
- The route is a popular one, so repositioning flights are common.
- You are comfortable with changes: the operator may need to cancel or re-time the flight.
When it does not
- Important events or meetings on fixed dates.
- Groups with children or elderly passengers who need certainty.
- Remote routes where repositioning flights are rare.
- Trips where a missed flight costs more than the saving.
How to use empty legs well
- Ask early and ask for alerts on your route.
- Keep a backup: a standard charter option or an airline ticket.
- Read the terms: cancellation, change and what happens if the flight is withdrawn.
- Remember that the operator can alter the route, and the price is for the whole aircraft, not per seat.
Our empty-leg service
See our empty-leg flights page, and the live offers where available. Tell us your preferred routes and we notify you.
FAQ
How much cheaper is an empty leg?
It varies a lot by route and date. When available it can be priced well below a standard charter; there is no fixed discount.
Can an empty leg be cancelled?
Yes: because the flight depends on the aircraft’s repositioning, it can be changed or withdrawn. Read the terms.
Is the price per seat?
No, it is for the whole aircraft, like any charter.
Can I request an empty leg on a specific route?
You can ask for alerts, but we cannot create one: it depends on the aircraft’s movements.
Related reading
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Request a quote →Last updated: November 2026. Services, availability and prices vary by destination and date: we confirm everything in your quote.