Empty Legs
Empty Leg or Standard Charter: Which Should You Book?
By Starr Luxury Jets ·
Choose an empty leg when your plans can move and price matters most. Choose standard charter when the route, timing and aircraft need to be guaranteed. The difference between them is certainty, not service quality.
Price
Empty legs are priced to fill a flight that is already happening, so they undercut standard charter substantially. Standard charter is priced for the aircraft to fly your trip specifically.
Flexibility
Standard charter lets you choose departure time, airports and aircraft. An empty leg gives you a fixed route and window set by somebody else's booking.
Reliability
A standard charter is contracted for your trip. An empty leg depends on the original booking remaining unchanged.
Who each suits
Empty legs suit leisure travel, flexible schedules and opportunistic trips. Standard charter suits business travel, connections and anything time critical.
Frequently asked questions
Is an empty leg less comfortable than standard charter?
No. It is the same aircraft and crew, simply flying a repositioning route.
Can I book an empty leg for a business meeting?
It is risky if the meeting cannot move, because the flight can be retimed or cancelled.
Do empty legs include the same service on board?
Yes, though catering choices may be more limited at short notice.
Can I add passengers to an empty leg?
Up to the aircraft's capacity, subject to operator approval.