Questions about one-way and charter flights

A deadhead, also called a ferry flight, empty leg or repositioning flight, is a flight an aircraft makes without passengers to reach its next job or return to base. Operators often sell these legs at a reduced price rather than fly them empty.

Discounts of roughly 25–75% against the equivalent one-way charter are common. Treat that as an estimate: the price depends on the aircraft, the route, how close to departure it is and whether the operator could sell the leg to someone else.

The repositioning flight can be cancelled with it, sometimes close to departure. Your charter agreement sets out what happens next. Keep a fallback in mind; we can price a regular charter alongside as a back-up.

Small timing changes are sometimes possible if the operator agrees and the crew's duty day allows it. A new stop or a large time change usually turns the flight into a regular charter, priced as one.

Only if another repositioning flight happens to fit. Most travellers fly the empty leg one way and book a regular charter or another option for the return. We can price both together.

Tell us the route, your earliest date and how flexible you are on the one-way deals page. When a flight that fits comes up, your advisor emails the details and an all-in price. There is no obligation.

No. You charter the whole aircraft for that leg, for your group only. The price is for the aircraft, not per passenger, so a full cabin brings the cost per person down.

The charter price plus the 7.5% federal excise tax on domestic US flights, the per-passenger segment fee and the airport and handling charges known when we quote. Anything that can change on the day, such as winter de-icing, is listed separately.

No. Asking costs nothing and needs no account. Money changes hands only after you choose a flight and sign the charter agreement for it.

A direct air carrier holding an FAA Part 135 certificate, or the foreign equivalent outside the US. The operator has operational control of the flight, and we name it before you book.

We confirm the operator's certificate and insurance for the aircraft on your trip and tell you which third-party audits apply, such as ARGUS, Wyvern Wingman or IS-BAO registration.

Yes. Choose multi-city on the quote form and list the further legs and dates in the notes. Repositioning flights can sometimes cover one leg of a longer trip.

Private terminals usually ask passengers to arrive 15 to 30 minutes before departure. Allow more time for international flights, where passports are checked before boarding.

It depends on the aircraft. Light jets hold less than midsize and larger cabins, and soft bags pack better than hard cases. Tell us about skis, golf bags or anything bulky so we offer aircraft that fit.

Plenty of operators take dogs and cats on board, each with its own rules on size and crates. Mention the pet in your request and only aircraft that accept it will be offered.

Government-issued photo ID for domestic flights; passports and any visas for international trips. The operator may ask for passenger names and dates of birth before departure.