How it works

Simple to book. Honest about the risks.

Booking an empty leg with Empty Leg Exclusive takes three steps: tell us the route, the dates you could travel and passenger numbers; we check repositioning flights from licensed operators and price a standard charter for comparison; you choose, and we confirm the flight with the operator and name the carrier and aircraft on the quote. Nothing is charged until a charter agreement is in front of you.

Key facts
Steps	Three: tell us the trip, we check, you choose
Time to a quote	Usually the same day
What you pay for	The whole aircraft, one way, at a fixed price
Who operates	A carrier holding an Air Operator Certificate, named on the quote
If the flight moves	Full refund or an alternative; your choice
Our role	Air charter broker, not an operator

The three steps.

Tell us the route and your flexibility

Tell us the route, the dates you could travel and passenger numbers. The more dates, nearby airports and aircraft sizes you can accept, the more likely a match.

A two-minute form, or a message to the team.

We check repositioning flights

We check repositioning flights from licensed operators and price a standard charter for comparison, so you always have a fallback.

Only operators holding a valid Air Operator Certificate or FAA Part 135 certificate.

You choose

If an empty leg fits, we confirm it with the operator and name the carrier and aircraft on the quote. If none fits, we set an alert for your route and tell you the moment one appears.

Clear terms on timing changes before you commit.

Why is the price low, and what do you give up?

The operator has already been paid for the original charter, so anything recovered on the positioning sector is a bonus and it is priced to sell; in exchange you accept a fixed route, a fixed date and the chance the flight moves.

	Empty leg	Standard charter
	Empty leg	Standard charter
Price	25–75% lower	Full rate
Schedule	Fixed by the operator	You choose
Route	Fixed, small changes sometimes possible	Any suitable airports
Notice	Usually days ahead	Hours to months ahead
Risk of change	Higher: depends on another booking	Low
Best for	Flexible leisure trips, one-way journeys	Fixed plans, events, business

You book the whole aircraft, one way.
The schedule is set by the operator.
If the original booking changes, the empty leg can change too.

What is included in an empty leg price?

The whole aircraft for the listed number of seats, the crew, fuel, standard handling and airport fees at both ends, and the operator’s standard catering.

Not included: ground transport, catering beyond the standard offering, de-icing in winter (charged at cost) and any change to the route or timing beyond the flexibility shown, which turns the flight into a charter at a charter price. Every quote itemises what is included before you pay.

What happens if the flight moves or is cancelled?

You receive a full refund, or we find an alternative, whichever you prefer.

An empty leg exists because of another client’s booking. If that booking changes, the operator may move or cancel the positioning flight. The listing shows how much the time can move; if the new time does not suit you, the money comes back in full. If you need certainty on the date, a standard charter is the right product and we quote both so you can decide with the numbers in front of you.

Dassault Falcon business jet with the airstair down

Questions before you enquire

How far in advance are empty legs available?

Most appear between a few days and about two weeks before departure, because they depend on other bookings being confirmed. Some are published 24–48 hours ahead.

Do you pay per seat or for the whole aircraft?

Almost always the whole aircraft. An empty leg on an eight-seat jet costs the same for one passenger or eight, which is why empty legs work best for groups. A few operators and apps sell single seats on selected flights; where that applies, the listing says so.

Can I change the time or airport of an empty leg?

Sometimes, within limits. An operator may move a departure by a few hours or use a nearby airport if the aircraft can still meet its next commitment. Larger changes turn the flight into a standard charter at a higher price.

Can an empty leg flight be cancelled?

Yes. An empty leg exists only because of another customer’s booking. If that customer changes date or route, or cancels, the empty leg may be rescheduled or withdrawn. Refund terms are set out in your charter agreement, and consequential costs such as hotels or replacement flights are not normally covered. Check the terms before you pay. No audited industry cancellation rate is published.

Are empty legs always one way?

Yes, by definition. Many travellers pair an empty leg in one direction with an airline ticket or standard charter in the other.

Can I bring pets or extra luggage?

Usually, subject to the operator’s approval and the aircraft’s hold. Tell us at enquiry.

What documents do I need?

A passport for international flights and government photo ID for domestic flights. Visa rules are the same as for airline travel.

When do I pay?

Normally in full at booking, because departure is close. Exact terms are in your charter agreement.

Sources

UK Civil Aviation Authority, Air Operator Certificates, 2026 (accessed 2026-09-20). UK requirement for commercial air transport operators.
European Union Aviation Safety Agency, Air Operations, 2026 (accessed 2026-09-20). EU air operations regulation (Regulation (EU) 965/2012).
Federal Aviation Administration, 14 CFR Part 135, 2026 (accessed 2026-09-20). US operating rules for commuter and on-demand operations.
Business Travel Executive, "Empty Legs, Empty Promises?", 2023-02-02 (accessed 2026-09-20). XO estimate that 30–50% of the charter fleet often flies empty; Victor on savings of up to 75%; Chapman Freeborn on change and cancellation risk.

Last reviewed 20 September 2026 by Empty Leg Exclusive Editorial Team.