Last Updated by Rick: 16 April 2026
The United States is the world’s largest market for private aviation. With thousands of charter flights operating daily across the country, empty legs are consistently available on dozens of domestic routes. For flexible travelers, the US market offers more options, more aircraft types, and more competitive pricing than almost anywhere else.
This guide covers the most active US empty leg corridors, realistic pricing in USD, which airports to look for, and where to search for current availability.
This article is part of our series on empty leg flights and private jet charter.
Back to the main article: Empty Leg Flights — The Complete Guide →
Quick answer
US empty legs start from $2,000 for short hops like LA to Vegas. The Florida corridor, New York, and Los Angeles are the three busiest hubs.
30-35% of all US private jet flights operate as empty legs. Winter is peak season on the NY-Miami corridor. Year-round availability on LA-Vegas and cross-country routes.
Contents
Why does the US have so many empty leg flights?
Most Popular Empty Leg Routes in the USA
The most frequently available empty leg routes in the United States connect major business and leisure destinations. Here are the routes where empty legs appear most often:
East Coast Routes
Teterboro (TEB) to Palm Beach (PBI): $4,500-7,500 (midsize jet, 2.5 hours). This is the most popular USA empty leg route, with peak availability October through April when wealthy travelers head to Palm Beach for winter.
New York (HPN) to Miami (OPF): $5,200-8,000 (midsize jet, 2.8 hours). Steady year-round demand with extra availability during winter months and spring break.
Boston (BED) to Fort Lauderdale (FXE): $5,800-9,000 (midsize jet, 3 hours). Popular with Boston-area travelers heading to South Florida.
West Coast Routes
Van Nuys (VNY) to Las Vegas (LAS): $2,800-4,500 (light jet, 1 hour). Short hop but operators charge the 2-hour daily minimum. Very frequent empty legs due to high charter volume.
San Francisco (SFO) to Los Angeles (VNY): $3,200-5,000 (light jet, 1.5 hours). Business travelers create steady demand and frequent repositioning flights.
Seattle (BFI) to Los Angeles (VNY): $4,500-7,000 (midsize jet, 2.5 hours). Tech executives drive demand on this route.
Cross-Country Routes
Teterboro (TEB) to Los Angeles (VNY): $15,000-22,000 (heavy jet, 5.5 hours). Coast-to-coast business travel generates frequent empty returns.
Miami (OPF) to Aspen (ASE): $8,000-12,000 (midsize jet, 4 hours). Highly seasonal — peak December through March during ski season.
New York (TEB) to San Francisco (SFO): $18,000-25,000 (heavy jet, 5.5 hours). Tech and finance executives keep this route active.
These routes see high charter demand year-round, which means operators frequently reposition aircraft, creating empty leg opportunities. Routes to seasonal destinations like Aspen, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket show the most dramatic empty leg availability during their peak seasons.
Understanding FBOs and Private Terminals in the USA
Unlike commercial airports, private jets in the USA typically use Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) — dedicated private aviation terminals that handle charter flights.
Major USA FBOs
Teterboro Airport (TEB), New Jersey: Primary private jet hub for New York City. Multiple FBOs including Jet Aviation, Atlantic Aviation, and Signature Flight Support. Located 12 miles from Manhattan, TEB handles more than 160,000 private jet operations annually.
Van Nuys Airport (VNY), California: Busiest general aviation airport in the world with 8+ FBOs serving the Los Angeles area. Popular FBOs include Atlantic Aviation, Signature, and Clay Lacy Aviation.
Palm Beach International (PBI), Florida: Winter destination for wealthy travelers. Atlantic Aviation and Signature FBOs handle most private jet traffic from November through April.
Why FBOs matter for empty legs
When booking an empty leg, you’ll depart and arrive at FBO terminals, not commercial terminals. This means:
• No TSA lines — security screening is done at the FBO, typically taking 5-10 minutes
• Drive directly to your aircraft — no gates, shuttles, or long walks
• Wheels up within 15-20 minutes of arrival at the FBO
• Private lounge access with refreshments while aircraft is prepared
• Luggage loaded directly onto aircraft — no baggage claim on arrival
All empty leg flights in the USA operate under FAA Part 135 certification, which regulates commercial charter operations and enforces stricter safety standards than private Part 91 flights.
FAA Regulations and Empty Leg Safety
Empty leg flights in the USA are governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under Part 135 regulations — the same rules that apply to full-price charters.
What FAA Part 135 means
• Operators must hold an Air Carrier Certificate from the FAA
• Pilots must meet higher training and experience requirements than private pilots
• Aircraft undergo more frequent inspections than privately-owned planes
• Operators must maintain drug and alcohol testing programs
• Crew duty time limits are enforced to prevent fatigue
Safety verification
Before booking an empty leg, verify the operator holds:
1. FAA Part 135 certification — Ask for the operator’s certificate number and verify it at faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airline_certification
2. ARGUS or Wyvern safety rating — Third-party audits that go beyond FAA minimums. Gold or Platinum ratings indicate the highest safety standards.
Reputable brokers like Villiers Jets only work with Part 135-certified operators who maintain current safety audits. This ensures every empty leg flight meets the same safety standards as full-price charters.
According to industry estimates, between 30% and 35% of all private jet charter flights in the US operate as empty legs. The sheer volume of one-way charters in a country where private aviation is deeply embedded in business travel creates a constant supply of repositioning flights.
The Florida corridor is particularly active. New York and the Northeast generate significant charter demand year-round. Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Aspen create strong seasonal patterns. Each of these markets produces its own stream of empty legs on a daily basis.
FAA Part 135 regulations
All commercial charter flights in the US, including empty legs offered to paying passengers, operate under FAA Part 135 certification. This applies the same safety and operational standards regardless of pricing. Travelers can verify operator certification through the FAA’s public registry.
What are the most popular US empty leg routes?
The most consistent US empty leg opportunities cluster around a handful of high-traffic corridors. These routes appear regularly in broker listings and represent the most realistic opportunities for travelers searching domestically.
| Route | Flight time | Typical empty leg range | Peak season |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York to Miami | ~3 hrs | $5,000–$12,000 | Winter (snowbird season) |
| Los Angeles to Las Vegas | ~1 hr | $2,000–$5,000 | Year-round |
| New York to Los Angeles | ~5.5 hrs | $15,000–$35,000 | Year-round |
| Miami to New York | ~3 hrs | $5,000–$12,000 | Spring (return season) |
| Los Angeles to San Francisco | ~1 hr | $2,500–$6,000 | Year-round |
| New York to Aspen | ~4 hrs | $12,000–$25,000 | Winter (ski season) |
| Miami to Los Angeles | ~5 hrs | $14,000–$30,000 | Year-round |
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The ranges above reflect the difference between a light jet and a heavy jet on the same route, and between off-peak and peak season availability. Prices fluctuate based on aircraft type, availability, and proximity to departure.
If one of these routes matches your travel plans, searching current listings and setting a route alert is the most practical next step. Our guide on how to find empty leg flights covers the full process.
Good to Know
LA to Vegas from $2,000 for the whole aircraft. Split across 5 passengers, that is $400 per person for a one-hour private flight.
Which US airports are most active for private jets?
Private jets in the US typically use Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) at dedicated terminals separate from commercial airlines. Knowing which airports generate the most empty leg activity helps narrow your search.
The Northeast
Teterboro Airport (TEB) in New Jersey is the primary private aviation hub for the New York area, handling more private jet traffic than any other US airport. White Plains (HPN) and Westchester also serve the New York metro. Boston’s Hanscom Field (BED) and Logan (BOS) are the main options for New England departures.
Florida
Opa-locka Executive Airport (OPF) and Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) handle significant private jet traffic for the Miami area. Palm Beach International (PBI) and Naples (APF) are active winter season hubs.
West Coast
Van Nuys Airport (VNY) is the busiest general aviation airport in the Los Angeles area for private jets. Santa Monica (SMO) and Long Beach (LGB) also serve the LA market. San Jose Mineta (SJC) and Oakland (OAK) complement San Francisco International for Bay Area departures.
Top US private jet airports
What do empty leg flights cost in the US?
Short regional hops
Short routes of under two hours, such as Los Angeles to Las Vegas or New York to Boston, are the most accessible category for first-time empty leg travelers. A light jet or turboprop on these routes typically ranges from $2,000 to $6,000 for the whole aircraft. Split across four to six passengers, the per-person cost can rival premium commercial fares.
Cross-country routes
Transcontinental routes like New York to Los Angeles or Miami to Los Angeles require a midsize or heavy jet and are priced accordingly. Expect $15,000 to $35,000 depending on aircraft type. The range reflects the significant difference between a midsize Citation and a large Gulfstream on the same corridor.
Seasonal pricing patterns
The New York to Miami corridor sees its highest empty leg activity in winter, when snowbird charters create a large volume of one-way southbound flights. Prices on this route in January and February can be considerably lower than in summer because supply outpaces demand. The reverse applies in spring when the return flow creates southbound empties back to Florida.
For a full breakdown of pricing by aircraft type, see empty leg flights price. For European and UK routes, see empty leg flights Europe and empty leg flights UK.
When prices drop on key corridors
What do travelers say about US empty leg flights?
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Positive experiences
American travelers on aviation forums consistently cite the Florida corridor and the Los Angeles to Las Vegas route as the most accessible entry points. Groups of four to six passengers frequently report per-person costs that compare favorably to first class commercial on the same route, particularly on shorter hops. The speed of FBO processing, no security lines, and direct ramp access to the aircraft are mentioned as the most tangible advantages over commercial travel.
Common concerns
The most cited issue is last-minute cancellation. Forum members note that the New York to Florida corridor in particular can see empty legs cancelled when the primary charter books a return passenger at full price. Aviation communities advise against using an empty leg for a flight with a hard deadline, such as a connecting flight or a business presentation. Availability is limited and routes change frequently, so flexibility with both dates and departure airports increases your chances considerably.
For the best platforms and apps to search US empty legs, see best empty leg flights websites and the best empty leg apps.
Good to Know
Never rely on an empty leg for a flight with a hard deadline. The NY-Florida corridor is particularly prone to last-minute cancellations when the primary charter fills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the most US empty leg flights available?
The Florida corridor, the New York to Los Angeles route, and the Los Angeles to Las Vegas corridor generate the most consistent US empty leg inventory. New York metro, Miami, and Los Angeles are the three busiest hubs for private aviation in the country.
How much do US empty leg flights cost?
Short regional routes typically range from $2,000 to $6,000 for the whole aircraft. Cross-country routes run from $15,000 to $35,000 depending on aircraft type. The range reflects differences in aircraft size and seasonal demand. Prices fluctuate based on availability and proximity to departure.
Which airport should I use for private jets in New York?
Teterboro Airport (TEB) in New Jersey is the primary private aviation hub for the New York area. White Plains (HPN) is a good alternative for travelers coming from the northern suburbs. Both offer dedicated FBO facilities with no commercial traffic.
Are US empty leg flights regulated by the FAA?
Yes. All commercial charter flights in the US, including empty legs offered to paying passengers, must operate under FAA Part 135 certification. This applies the same safety standards regardless of pricing. Operator certification can be verified through the FAA registry.
When is the best time to find empty legs on the New York to Miami route?
Winter is the most active period. Snowbird charters create a high volume of one-way southbound flights from November through March, which generates a strong supply of repositioning flights heading back north. Pricing on this corridor tends to be most competitive in January and February.
Can I piece together two empty legs to create a round trip?
Sometimes, though it requires flexibility and timing. Travelers on aviation forums report success in combining two separate empty legs when staying at a destination for several days, allowing enough time to find a matching return. It is not a reliable strategy for short trips.
Do all US charter operators list their empty legs publicly?
No. Some operators only market empty legs to known clients or through broker networks before listing publicly. This is one reason why working with a broker who has direct operator relationships can surface deals that do not appear on public platforms.
How quickly do US empty legs sell?
Popular routes like New York to Miami or Los Angeles to Las Vegas can sell within hours of listing. Less common routes may stay available for several days. Setting up route alerts on a platform like Villiers Jets or Jettly gives you the best chance of securing a deal.