COMMERCIAL · GLOSSARY
Empty Leg
Also known as: deadhead, ferry leg, one-way special
A repositioning flight an operator has to fly anyway with no passengers — typically offered to retail buyers at 25-75% off the standard charter price.
Other names for Empty Leg
In the private aviation industry, Empty Leg is also commonly referred to as deadhead, ferry leg and one-way special. These terms are used interchangeably by operators, brokers and crews.
IN PRACTICE
Empty legs are created when a private jet flies one direction with passengers and has to return empty, or vice versa. Rather than burn the cost of an empty cockpit, operators publish these legs to brokers and direct-to-consumer apps in real time.
Empty legs are inherently inflexible: route, date, time and aircraft are fixed. A small schedule change usually breaks the discount because the operator then has to file new permits and pay re-positioning costs.
ON LIMITLESS SKY
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Frequently asked
How much can I save on an empty leg flight?
Discounts of 25-75% off the standard one-way charter price are typical. The deepest savings occur on long repositioning flights between hubs where supply consistently exceeds demand.
Can I change the date or destination of an empty leg?
Rarely. Empty legs only exist because the aircraft has to fly that specific route on that specific date. Any change usually converts the flight into a standard one-way charter at full price.
What does Empty Leg mean in private aviation?
Also called deadhead, ferry leg, one-way special. A repositioning flight an operator has to fly anyway with no passengers — typically offered to retail buyers at 25-75% off the standard charter price.
How does empty leg work in practice?
Empty legs are created when a private jet flies one direction with passengers and has to return empty, or vice versa. Rather than burn the cost of an empty cockpit, operators publish these legs to brokers and direct-to-consumer apps in real time.
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