ServicesEmpty Leg Flights
Beech Grove Empty Leg Flights
Empty legs are jets set to fly with no one aboard, most often on the way to their next booking. We keep an eye out for them, walk you through what each one involves and are clear about where the flexibility stops, so you can judge whether it suits your trip.
What an empty leg actually is
When a charter drops passengers in one city and its next trip starts somewhere else, the aircraft has to fly there anyway. That one-way repositioning flight is the empty leg. The operator would rather fill the seats than fly the cabin empty, so these flights are often offered at a lower rate than booking the same aircraft on demand.
The catch is simple. The route, the aircraft and the rough departure time are set by someone else's trip. If that original booking moves, your flight can move with it or be cancelled. We explain that before anything else, because it is the part people are most often surprised by.
Empty legs suit travelers with some give in their schedule. When a date or time cannot shift, a standard one-way charter on a light jet charter or midsize jet charter is usually the better call, and we will say so.
What we take care of when you book an empty leg
- 01
Finding flights that fit
We search for repositioning flights that match your destination and timing. Plenty will not line up, and we say so instead of pushing a weak match.
- 02
Confirming the operator
FAA-certified Part 135 air carriers operate the flights. We verify which one is flying the aircraft and tell you before you commit.
- 03
One all-inclusive quote
The quote covers the flight as described, priced point to point with no hidden costs. You see the whole amount before deciding.
- 04
The aircraft, explained simply
You learn the aircraft type, its seating, its luggage room and whether WIFI is on board. Bringing a dog or cat? We check the operator's pet rules for that flight.
- 05
A fallback option
Empty legs can shift, so we go over what happens if yours does. Often that means a standard charter on a comparable aircraft, priced separately so you can weigh the two.
Questions about Empty Leg Flights?
Call(317) 316-8720When an empty leg makes sense
Your travel dates have give
Being able to leave a few hours sooner or a day later opens up many more choices.
You need a one-way trip
Every empty leg runs one direction. Since our charters never carry round trip pricing, flying out on an empty leg and booking the return separately is a common way to go.
You are flying a popular route
Aircraft often reposition between busy business and vacation cities. Trips from the Indianapolis area to those places find more matches than uncommon routes.
You have a backup plan
That could be an airline seat, a drive or a standard charter. If missing the flight would cost you a meeting or a wedding, skip the empty leg.
The cabin suits your group
The aircraft is set ahead of time. When your passengers and luggage fit it, everything else falls into place easily.
Booking an empty leg, step by step
- 1
Share your trip
Call and tell us your departure and destination, the dates that could work, how many are flying and any pets or heavy bags. A realistic sense of your flexibility helps more than an exact wish list.
- 2
We look at what is repositioning
We find matching repositioning flights and go over each one with you: aircraft, operator, likely departure window and how fixed it is.
- 3
You choose knowing everything
You receive an all-inclusive quote along with a plain note on what happens if the original trip shifts. You join nothing and make no long term commitment.
- 4
The day you fly
Get to the FBO shortly before departure, meet your crew and step aboard. There are no security lines, and your bags stay near the aircraft.
How an empty leg is priced
Because the flight is going whether or not anyone books it, an empty leg is often cheaper than a standard charter. The size of that gap depends on a few things, and the rate may shift as departure approaches. We go through each number on your quote so you can see its source.
- Size of the aircraft
- Whether empty or full, a turboprop or light jet is cheaper to operate than a super-midsize or heavy jet.
- How far and which way
- A longer leg costs more, and a route needing a fuel stop adds both time and fees.
- When you book
- If seats are still open close to departure, operators sometimes change the rate. Holding off can pay, but someone else may book the flight first.
- Requests to change it
- Moving the time or adding a stop can make the flight a regular charter with different pricing. We let you know before that happens.
Common empty leg questions
What if my empty leg gets cancelled?
That happens when the original customer moves or cancels their trip. We tell you the moment we know and go over your choices, including a standard one-way charter priced on its own. That is why we ask about a backup before you book.
Can the departure time be moved?
Only inside the window the operator permits, because the aircraft must make its next trip. A small shift may work. A larger change generally means booking it as a regular charter.
Can my return also be an empty leg?
If one lines up, yes, but it is not something to rely on. Plenty of travelers go out on an empty leg and book a one-way charter back, which works well since we never charge round trip pricing.
Is an empty leg a different type of flight?
No. The aircraft and crew are the same and operate just like any charter. What differs is the reason the flight exists and how much say you have in the schedule.
Can my dog fly with me?
Yes, pets are allowed, following the operator's rules for that aircraft. Tell us how many animals and how large when you call, and we will confirm before you book.
Find out what is flying your way
Tell us where you want to go and how much your schedule can bend. We will explain any matching empty legs, the aircraft and the trade-offs, with the full price up front.