Empty Leg Advisory: Capitalizing on Select Repositioning Movements

Empty Leg Advisory: Capitalizing on Select Repositioning Movements

For the savvy and flexible traveler, private aviation offers a hidden gem: the empty leg flight. Also known as repositioning movements, these flights represent one of the most cost-effective ways to experience the luxury, speed, and convenience of flying private.

In this advisory, we explore what repositioning movements are, why they occur, and how you can capitalize on these opportunities for your next journey.

What is a Repositioning Movement?

A repositioning movement occurs when a private jet needs to fly from one destination to another without any passengers on board. This typically happens in two scenarios:

1. Returning to Base: An aircraft drops off passengers at their destination and must return to its home base.
2. Positioning for the Next Charter: An aircraft needs to fly to a different city to pick up its next group of passengers.

Because the aircraft must make this journey regardless of whether anyone is on board, operators offer these "empty legs" at a significantly reduced rate—often up to 75% less than the cost of a standard on-demand charter.

The Benefits of Empty Legs

The primary benefit of booking an empty leg is, of course, the cost savings. You enjoy the full private jet experience—skipping the commercial terminal, enjoying a luxurious cabin, and receiving personalized service—at a fraction of the price.

This makes empty legs an excellent option for:

• Spontaneous Getaways: If you have a flexible schedule and are open to last-minute travel, empty legs are perfect for weekend escapes.
• Flexible Business Travel: If your meeting dates are somewhat malleable, you can align your travel with available repositioning flights.
• Upgrading Your Experience: Travelers who might normally fly first-class commercially can often upgrade to a private jet for a comparable price when booking an empty leg.

The Caveats: Flexibility is Key

While the savings are substantial, empty leg flights come with a few important caveats. The most critical requirement is flexibility.

• Fixed Routes: Empty legs have predetermined departure and arrival airports. While slight deviations (like flying into a nearby secondary airport) are sometimes possible, the general route is fixed.
• Strict Schedules: The departure time is often dictated by the aircraft's primary schedule. If the original charter is delayed, your empty leg departure may also be delayed. Conversely, if you are late, the aircraft cannot wait for you, as it must reach its next destination on time.
• Cancellation Risk: If the primary charter that created the empty leg is canceled or rescheduled, the empty leg may also be canceled. For this reason, it is always wise to have a backup travel plan.

How to Secure the Best Empty Legs

Because empty legs are highly sought after and often book quickly, securing the best routes requires a proactive approach.

1. Stay Informed

The best way to find empty legs is to stay connected with your charter broker. At Elite Fleet, we maintain an updated database of available repositioning movements. You can view our current empty leg specials on our website or subscribe to our advisory emails.

2. Communicate Your Preferences

Let your charter advisor know your frequent routes and general availability. If we know you often travel between New York and South Florida, we can proactively alert you when an empty leg becomes available on that route.

3. Be Ready to Act

Empty legs are often posted just a few days—or even hours—before departure. When you see a route that fits your plans, be prepared to book it immediately.

Elite Fleet's Select Repositioning Movements

At Elite Fleet, we carefully curate our empty leg offerings, focusing on high-demand routes and premium aircraft. Whether you are looking for a Light Jet for a quick regional hop or a Heavy Jet for a cross-country journey, our select repositioning movements provide exceptional value without compromising on quality or service.

Explore our current empty leg opportunities today or contact our team at (727) 615-3130 to discuss your flexible travel plans.