I’m leaving on a jet plane, don’t know when I’ll be back again.

{“jets often need to fly empty legs to return to their home base... a costly headache for the air charter company and a boon for would-be Gatsbys...”

Companies like JETBAY keep track of empty legs open for purchase. So a Bangkok-Maldives sector might retail for US$51,000 for 16 seats, which works out to about US$3,187 per seat (for a group of friends). A Bangkok-Samui sector might cost US$16,200 on a 14-seat Gulfstream, which works out to US$1,157 per passenger. Charter sectors and dates are listed.

Searching online for companies offering empty leg or ‘deadhead’ flights will yield a wealth of options though of course you will need to be entirely flexible on dates. The simple fact is, empty planes need to return to their home base (writing off that entire sector) and regardless of price it is in the operator’s interest to find some modest return. Attractive fares come up on a regular basis then on popular routes.

Flightcharter.Com.Au estimates prices could drop to anywhere from “25% to 75% of the standard rate” for your own plane. It recommends busy short-haul sectors as the best hunting ground. Several companies like L’Voyage, Globe Air (with a big Europe selection) and  Air Charter Service cover empty-leg searches. Globe Air claims you might be able to book your own private jet for just 90% of the actual listed price and fly in comfort and style, perhaps even with your pets.

There are clear downsides. The primary client might cancel or change dates so there is no guarantee of making that dream flight. Availability might not match your holiday or work calendar. So you need to be flexible. That said, the passenger is entitled to all the privileges of luxury flight — including checking in at private air terminals — and access to all on-board services and amenities. Writes one charters blogger, “It’s a surprising and rather unfortunate reality of the business aviation sector that roughly 44% of private jets fly completely empty—without any passengers or cargo.” But, he cautions: “Make sure the advertised empty legs are actually real.” And beware of hidden costs like fuel charges and landing fees.

Another option is looking at shared charter services where a consolidator is in a position to sell seats at fractional rates. Or look at semi-private jet flights where private travellers may be combined with small groups.

While travellers race for high-flyer seats some airlines have taken a dim view of employee perks that include flying business class on work. Air India has decided enough is enough and from 1 April all domestic work flights by company employees (including management) will be on economy. This is to free up space for paying passengers on more lucrative classes. A welcome move by one of the world’s oldest airlines.

While Air India struggles with moaning downgraded executives and impromptu VIP parachute-in attempts by politicos, others can scan the skies — or rather the Internet — for some astounding deals. With a caveat: If it looks too good to be true it may not be. Always check the company’s track record. And don’t judge a book by its cover — slick web design is not a guarantor of trust. As one American private jet company reviewer explains: while you may see a cost of just US$111 per seat “…there is a catch: you’ll have to buy all the seats.”

Send us your Feedback / Letter to the Editor

▲ top