Charter-A matches travellers with empty legs from London, Manchester and other UK airports to the most popular European destinations, giving you the private jet experience for typically 25–75% less than an on-demand charter. Availability changes daily, so the smartest way to catch the right one is to tell us your routes and dates and let us alert you. If your plans are fixed, we will always offer a guaranteed on-demand charter alternative.
Get empty leg alerts +44 (0)20 7781 8094
What is an empty leg flight?
When a private jet completes a charter, it often has to fly on empty, either back to base or on to its next client. These repositioning sectors are called empty legs, or “dead legs”. The aircraft, crew and slot are already committed, so operators would rather sell the flight at a reduced rate than fly it empty. That is your opportunity: the same aircraft, the same private terminals and the same door-to-door speed as a full-price charter, for considerably less.
The trade-off is flexibility. Empty legs run on the routes and dates the aircraft is already scheduled to fly, so they suit travellers who can be a little flexible on timing. If you are happy to work around availability, the savings are well worth it.
How much can you save?
Because an empty leg is priced against a flight that is already happening, expect to pay roughly 25–75% less than booking the same route on demand; one-way UK–Europe legs are often listed from around £1,500–£8,000. The exact figure depends on the aircraft, the route and how close to departure you book. For the full picture of standard pricing, and how empty legs compare, see how much it costs to charter a private jet. For a live empty-leg price, just ask.
Popular empty leg routes from the UK
These are among the most requested empty-leg corridors between the UK and Europe. Open a destination to explore it, then ask us what is currently available on that route.
| From | To | Flight time |
|---|---|---|
| London | French Riviera | about 1 hr 50 min |
| London | Geneva | about 1 hr 25 min |
| London | Ibiza | about 2 hr 25 min |
| London | Palma de Mallorca | about 2 hr 20 min |
| London | Málaga | about 2 hr 50 min |
| London | Paris | about 45 min |
| London | Cannes | about 1 hr 50 min |
| London | Milan | about 1 hr 45 min |
| Manchester | Palma de Mallorca | about 2 hr 40 min |
| London | Faro | about 2 hr 55 min |
| London | Zurich | about 1 hr 25 min |
| London | Olbia | about 2 hr 25 min |
Flight times are approximate, for a light jet. See all private jet destinations for the full list.
How to book an empty leg
Tell us your plans
Your preferred cities, travel window and passenger count, through the form on this page or by phone.
We watch the market
The moment a matching empty leg appears, we alert you with the aircraft, timing and price.
You confirm
Happy with the option? We book it and handle catering, transfers and any special requests.
Turn up and fly
Arrive around 20 minutes before departure at a private terminal. No queues, no crowds.
Empty legs or on-demand charter: which is right for you?
Choose an empty leg if you have some flexibility on date, time or airport and want the best possible price. Choose an on-demand charter if your schedule is fixed and you need a guaranteed aircraft on a specific route: you pick the airport, timing and aircraft, and nothing depends on someone else’s itinerary. Not sure which fits? Tell us your trip and we will recommend the smarter option honestly. How a charter works, step by step.
Our aircraft
Empty legs come up across the full range of aircraft we work with, from light jets seating four to six for short hops, to midsize and larger cabins for longer European routes. Capacity is fixed to whichever aircraft is operating the leg. Explore the whole fleet, or for a UK regional trip a turboprop may suit.
Empty leg flights: your questions answered
What is an empty leg flight?
An empty leg (also called a repositioning or “dead leg” flight) is a private jet flying without passengers, typically after dropping travellers off or repositioning to collect them. Because the aircraft is moving anyway, these one-way flights are offered at a significantly reduced price.
How much can I save on an empty leg?
Empty legs are typically 25–75% cheaper than booking the same route on demand, with one-way UK–Europe legs often listed from around £1,500–£8,000. The exact price depends on the aircraft, route and timing; ask us for the live price on any available leg.
Are empty leg flights reliable?
Empty legs depend on an existing booking, so schedules can change if the original charter moves or cancels. We always offer a guaranteed on-demand alternative if your plans are fixed, and we advise you honestly on the risk before you commit.
Can I choose the date and route of an empty leg?
Empty legs run on the routes and dates the aircraft is already flying, so flexibility gives you the best chance of a match. Tell us your preferred cities and travel window and we alert you the moment a suitable leg becomes available.
How many passengers can travel on an empty leg?
The same as the aircraft would normally carry, from light jets seating four to six up to larger cabins. The seat count is fixed to the aircraft operating the leg; we confirm capacity for each option.
How do I book an empty leg with Charter-A?
Call our team 24 hours a day on +44 (0)20 7781 8094, or request alerts using the form on this page. We confirm availability, price and aircraft, and handle the booking end to end.