Your Guide to Empty Leg Private Jet Flights in Canada
Private jet travel isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy anymore. Thanks to empty leg flights, Canadians can now experience the comfort and flexibility of private aviation at a fraction of the usual cost, often up to 75% less.
Whether you’re heading from Toronto to Montreal, Vancouver to Calgary, or flying internationally, empty legs offer a smart way to fly private without the full charter price tag. Here’s how they work, where to find them, and how Jetbay makes booking simple and transparent. For an overview on private jet flights in Canada, explore The Ultimate Guide to Private Jet Charter Services.
What Is an Empty Leg Flight?
Every time a private jet completes a charter, it often needs to reposition to another airport, either to return to its base or to collect the next passengers. When this repositioning flight is scheduled to operate without passengers, it’s known as an “empty leg” (or “ferry flight”).
Instead of flying empty, operators offer these legs to travellers at significantly discounted rates since the aircraft is already committed to flying that route.
For example, if a client books a one-way charter from Vancouver to Toronto, the return trip to Vancouver may become available as an empty leg flight, allowing another passenger to book the same aircraft for up to 75% off.
How Much Can You Save with Empty Legs in Canada?
Savings depend on the route, aircraft, and timing.
A standard one-way private charter from Toronto to Montreal might cost around CA$15,000. The same route as an empty leg could be priced between CA$4,000 and CA$6,000.
Similarly, a long-haul flight such as Vancouver to Los Angeles could drop from around CA$25,000 to CA$8,000–10,000 — with the same aircraft, cabin, and service.
The trade-off is flexibility. Empty legs are pre-scheduled, meaning departure times and routes are fixed*. But for travellers with adaptable schedules, they offer exceptional value.
*It is important to note that these flights are subject to change or cancellation due to the nature of private aviation scheduling. Travelers should maintain flexible plans and be prepared for potential adjustments.
Where Do Empty Legs Operate in Canada?
In Canada, empty leg routes frequently occur between the country’s busiest private jet hubs, including:
- Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and Montreal-Trudeau (YUL)
- Vancouver International (YVR) and Calgary International (YYC)
- Toronto and New York
- Montreal and Fort Lauderdale during winter months
These routes are particularly common during high-demand seasons such as summer leisure travel and winter relocations to the United States.
Through Jetbay’s AI-powered flight-matching system, travellers can view available empty legs or request alerts for preferred routes, ensuring they never miss a deal.
Who Are Empty Leg Flights For?
Empty leg flights are ideal for a variety of travellers:
- Frequent flyers seeking cost-effective access to private travel
- Leisure travellers flying one-way for holidays or events
- Business professionals with flexible meeting times
- Families or groups who can adjust schedules to match existing routes
They’re also an excellent choice for first-time private flyers, offering a chance to experience the comfort and privacy of private aviation before committing to a full-price charter.
How to Book an Empty Leg Flight with Jetbay
Booking an empty leg with Jetbay is simple and fully transparent.
First, visit the Empty Leg Flights page or contact Jetbay’s 24/7 team directly. You can browse available listings, which include departure and arrival airports, estimated timing, and aircraft type.
If you don’t see your preferred route, Jetbay’s advisors can add you to a route alert list, notifying you when a matching leg becomes available.
Once you’ve selected a flight, Jetbay handles all arrangements from confirmation to catering, ensuring a seamless experience from booking to boarding.
Benefits of Empty Leg Travel
Flying on an empty leg offers the same luxurious experience as a standard private charter, but with a few extra benefits worth noting:
1. Exceptional Savings: Discounts of up to 75% make private aviation accessible to a wider audience.
2. Identical Comfort: You’ll enjoy the same aircraft, amenities, and crew as full-paying clients.
3. Exclusive Privacy: The aircraft is still entirely yours with no shared seating, no strangers, just your group and the crew.
4. Environmental Efficiency: By filling what would otherwise be an empty flight, travellers help reduce waste in private aviation.
5. Spontaneous Adventure: For flexible travellers, empty legs can create unexpected opportunities — a spontaneous trip to Whistler, a weekend in New York, or a last-minute escape to the Rockies.
What to Keep in Mind Before Booking
While empty leg flights offer incredible value, they do come with certain considerations.
Timing: Schedules can shift if the primary client modifies their plans.
Route Specificity: Empty legs follow pre-set routes — usually one-way only.
Availability: Seats are limited and often booked quickly, especially between major Canadian cities.
However, Jetbay’s real-time network monitoring means you’ll always receive the most accurate and up-to-date availability, with clear terms before confirmation.
The Future of Empty Legs in Canada
With the growth of private aviation in Canada, empty leg availability is increasing year-round.
More operators are adopting dynamic pricing models to reduce idle aircraft time and improve efficiency — making empty leg opportunities more frequent and affordable.
Jetbay’s proprietary matching technology connects these repositioning flights to users faster than traditional brokers, allowing clients to secure discounted trips across North America and beyond.
Booking Empty Leg Flights in Canada with Jetbay
With Jetbay’s empty leg flights, Canadian travellers gain access to private aviation’s most exclusive perk — world-class comfort and privacy at exceptional value.
View current empty leg deals today.
Frequently Asked Questions about Discounted Private Jet Flights
1. How far in advance can I book an empty leg flight?
Typically within 3–5 days of departure, though some routes are announced earlier.
2. Are the aircraft different from regular charters?
No. You’ll fly the same aircraft type and receive the same level of service as full-price passengers.
3. Can I choose my own departure time?
Usually not. Empty legs follow the repositioning schedule, though small adjustments may be possible.
4. Are empty leg flights refundable?
They are often non-refundable due to their discounted nature, but Jetbay always provides clear terms before payment.
5. Do empty leg flights include catering?
Yes, light refreshments and standard in-flight service are included. Additional catering can be arranged on request.
