When an aircraft has to fly empty to collect its next passengers or return to base, that flight can be chartered for a fraction of the usual cost. It suits flexible travellers very well and everyone else not at all.
Why they exist
Most charters are one-way. A client flies from London to Nice and stays a fortnight, and the aircraft must fly home empty. Another is booked from Geneva on Friday, and the aircraft has to get there from wherever it is on Thursday. Those repositioning flights are empty legs.
The operator would rather carry someone than no one, so the flight is offered at a reduced price. You get the same aircraft, crew and private terminal as a full-price charter. What you give up is control over the timetable.
Good for
An empty leg rewards people who can say yes quickly.
Not for
If missing the flight would be a serious problem, charter it properly.
The catches, stated honestly
How to use them well
Where you travel, roughly when, and how flexible you are on date and airport.
When a suitable leg appears we contact you straight away with the aircraft, timing and price.
Legs are offered to many people at once. A same-day yes is usually needed.
We agree in advance what you would like to do if the leg falls through.
Tell us your route
Tell us the routes and rough dates that interest you and how flexible you are. We will be in touch when something suitable appears. Nothing is booked or charged online.
Prefer to talk? +44 2030 048300 or WhatsApp, at any hour.
Questions people ask
It varies a great deal with the route and how close to departure it is. Savings can be substantial against the same flight at full price, which is why they go quickly.
No. It is the same aircraft, crew and private terminal as any other charter.
Sometimes, by a small amount, if it still fits the aircraft's next commitment and any extra cost is covered. Ask and we will find out.
Yes. Our own chauffeurs cover the London private terminals, and we arrange cars at the other end.
