Private jet travel is known for its luxury, speed, and convenience—but it also comes with a reputation for high costs. For savvy flyers, one of the best-kept secrets in private aviation is the empty leg flight. These flights are often marketed at a significantly reduced price compared to traditional charters, offering a chance to experience private jet travel without the full cost. But there’s a catch: not all discounted flights are true empty legs.

In the world of private aviation, understanding the difference between a true empty leg and a float flight (also known as a repositioning flight) can save you thousands—and help you make informed decisions that match both your travel needs and budget.

What Is a True Empty Leg Flight?

A true empty leg flight occurs when a private jet needs to reposition after completing a one-way charter. For example, if a client charters a flight from Toronto to New York, the aircraft still needs to return to Toronto or continue on to its next pick-up location. That return flight, now empty of passengers, represents a cost to the operator.

Instead of flying the aircraft back empty, many charter operators offer these legs to new customers at a discounted rate—often 30% to 70% less than the cost of a typical private jet charter. That’s because the aircraft is already scheduled to fly that route, and the majority of costs (such as crew, fuel, and positioning fees) have already been covered, either fully or partially, by the original client.

In essence, you’re paying only for the convenience of hopping on an existing flight, not chartering the entire trip from scratch.

What Is a Float or Repositioning Flight?

A float flight, sometimes mistakenly marketed as an empty leg, occurs when an operator intentionally moves an aircraft between cities to meet demand. For example, an operator may fly a jet from Miami to Teterboro without any booked passengers, hoping to pick someone up in New York later that day. To offset the cost of this move, they offer the empty leg to prospective clients at a discounted rate.

While the flight may still be one-way and cost less than a full charter, the key difference is that there’s no original client subsidizing the cost. The operator still needs to make the trip profitable, meaning the price for these flights can be much higher than a true empty leg.

Real-World Pricing Example

Let’s compare two flights between Teterboro and Miami on the same aircraft type:

• True Empty Leg: $11,000

• Float Flight: $17,000

At a glance, both flights appear similar—same aircraft, same route—but the pricing reveals the underlying economics. In the first case, the flight was paid for by another client who booked a one-way trip. In the second case, the operator is covering the entire cost of the flight without any previous payment, so the full burden of profitability falls on the new client.

This kind of difference isn’t always obvious when browsing listings online, which is why working with a trusted charter provider is critical.

Why It Matters: Transparency Saves Money

As demand for private travel continues to grow, more operators are marketing float flights as “empty legs” to attract budget-conscious clients. While this isn’t necessarily misleading, it can cause confusion—especially if travelers assume all “empty legs” come with the same value.

To make the most of your private flying experience, be sure to ask:

• Is this a true empty leg, or a float flight?

• Has another client already paid for part of the trip?

• What is the operator’s pricing model for this flight?

By understanding these differences, you can align your travel plans with real opportunities—and avoid overpaying for what might seem like a bargain.

Book with Confidence

At Flightpath, we believe that transparency builds trust. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate the world of private aviation with clear pricing, honest recommendations, and tailored solutions that fit your schedule and lifestyle.

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute empty leg or exploring charter options for an upcoming trip, we’re here to help you fly smarter—without the guesswork.

Watch the Full Video:

📺 Private Jet Economics – Empty Leg Pricing

Have questions about private jet pricing or want to book your next flight?

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