How to Book Empty Leg Flights — A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time and Frequent Flyers
.jpg "Booking a private jet empty leg flight on CharterBlast app with flexible travel dates and instant confirmation")
Before You Start — What to Know
Empty legs are created based on operator scheduling, meaning the route and timing are already determined by the aircraft’s original booking. Rather than customizing the flight, the opportunity lies in matching your travel needs to what’s already available. The most successful travelers approach this with flexibility, shifting from a fixed “I need to go from A to B on this exact date” mindset to a more open “I want to go from A to B and can adjust by a day or two.” That small shift is what unlocks the most compelling value in private aviation, often at a fraction of traditional charter pricing.
Step-by-Step Booking Process on CharterBlast
- Set up your travel profile with departure city/region and preferred destinations.
- Enable real-time alerts so you are notified the moment a matching empty leg becomes available.
- Review the details: aircraft type, cabin size, exact departure and arrival airports, and pricing if available
- Submit your booking inquiry directly — no broker intermediary.
- CharterBlast connects you with the operator to confirm details and finalize the booking.
- Receive your confirmation and travel details. Arrange ground transportation separately or ask CharterBlast for coordination.
Tips for Getting the Best Empty Leg Deals
- Be flexible on dates — legs available 24 to 72 hours out are often the most aggressively priced.
- Set alerts for multiple routes rather than one fixed itinerary.
- Consider nearby airports — flying into a reliever airport 20 minutes from your destination often unlocks more availability.
- Groups of 4 to 6 travelers get the most value — the per-person cost of a midsize jet empty leg at $15,000 becomes very competitive when split.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an account to book an empty leg on CharterBlast?
Yes. Creating an account ensures a seamless booking experience, allows you to receive real-time empty leg alerts, and gives you access to booking details, confirmations, and updates in one place. It also enables faster checkout when availability is limited and timing matters.
How quickly is an empty leg booking confirmed?
Most empty leg bookings are confirmed within a few hours. In many cases, confirmation can happen even faster depending on operator responsiveness and aircraft availability. Because these flights are already scheduled, the process is typically much quicker than a traditional charter.
What happens if the empty leg I booked gets cancelled?
Empty legs are dependent on the original booking that created them. If that primary trip changes or cancels, your empty leg may also be affected. In that case, the operator will typically offer alternatives or a refund. This is part of the trade-off for accessing significantly reduced pricing on private flights.
Can I bring pets on an empty leg flight?
In most cases, yes. Many private jet operators allow pets to travel in the cabin with you, often without the restrictions found on commercial airlines. However, policies vary by aircraft and operator, so it’s important to confirm in advance. Some flights may have limits or require approval depending on the size or number of pets.
What should I bring to a private jet terminal?
- A valid ID or passport
- Any required travel documents (international trips)
- Your booking confirmation
Unlike commercial airports, there are no long lines or TSA-style screening. You can usually arrive just 15–30 minutes before departure and board directly from the private terminal (FBO), making the experience fast and seamless.