Ever dreamed of sipping champagne in a private jet without selling a kidney? What if I told you there's a way to fly private for less than a first-class commercial ticket? Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the world of empty leg deals - the best-kept secret in luxury travel.
What Are Empty Leg Deals Anyway?
Imagine a private jet needs to return home after dropping off some millionaire in the Bahamas. That return trip? It's called an "empty leg" - and airlines would rather sell those seats for cheap than fly empty. It's like the universe's way of saying "here's your chance to ball on a budget."
Why This Isn't Just for the 1%
I know what you're thinking: "This sounds too good to be true." But I've personally scored flights for under $2k, and I'm just a regular guy who likes nice things. Here's why it works:
- Jets need to fly anyway - They're going whether you're on board or not
- Last-minute deals - These pop up 24-72 hours before departure
- No return trip needed - You're just catching a one-way repositioning flight
How to Actually Find These Deals
Now for the good stuff. After booking several empty leg flights (and yes, bragging about it on Instagram), here's my playbook:
1. Sign Up for the Right Services
Not all private jet companies are created equal. These are my go-tos:
- Victor - Best for European routes
- XOJET - Great last-minute US deals
- PrivateFly - My personal favorite for transatlantic hops
Pro tip: Set up alerts. These deals disappear faster than free samples at Costco.
2. Be Flexible AF
We're talking:
- Flexible on dates (obviously)
- Flexible on departure airports (sometimes you need to drive an extra hour)
- Flexible on destinations (but hey, you're flying private!)
The more flexible you are, the better deals you'll find. I once flew from NYC to Miami for $1,500 because I could leave on a Wednesday afternoon. Worth it.
The Catch (Because There's Always a Catch)
Before you start planning your influencer-worthy jet photoshoot, let's talk realities:
- No luggage guarantees - Some jets have strict weight limits
- Flights can cancel - If the original client cancels, so does your empty leg
- No frequent flyer miles - The tradeoff for paying 80% less
Still with me? Good, because the pros far outweigh the cons IMO.
My Best Empty Leg Hack
Here's something most blogs won't tell you: Book through a broker. I've gotten better deals working with middlemen who have access to multiple empty leg inventories. It's like having a luxury travel genie.
My favorite broker? I won't name names (this isn't an ad), but look for ones with:
- No upfront fees
- 24/7 customer service
- Transparent pricing
Ready to Try It Yourself?
If you've made it this far, you're clearly someone who appreciates luxury without the ludicrous price tag (my kind of people). Here's your action plan:
- Sign up for 2-3 empty leg services
- Set price alerts for your preferred routes
- Keep your calendar flexible
- Have your payment info ready to book instantly
The first time you board a private jet for less than a commercial first-class ticket, you'll wonder why everyone isn't doing this. Then you'll remember - most people don't know this hack exists. But now you do. ;)
So, who's ready to make their friends extremely jealous on Instagram? Just tag me when you post those jet photos - I want to see my advice in action!