Empty Legs for Helicopter Charters: How to Fly Private for Less

Flying by helicopter is one of the fastest and most luxurious ways to travel—but what if you could enjoy the same experience for a fraction of the price? That’s exactly what empty leg helicopter flights offer. These flights allow travelers to take advantage of repositioning routes that would otherwise fly empty, giving you a chance to experience private aviation at a much lower cost.

What Is an Empty Leg Flight?

An empty leg (sometimes called a “deadhead flight”) occurs when a helicopter needs to reposition from one location to another without passengers. For example, if a client charters a flight from Mykonos to Athens, the helicopter may need to return to Mykonos to pick up the next booking. That return trip would otherwise be empty—unless someone books it as an empty leg deal.

Because the helicopter is already scheduled to fly, operators often offer these seats at significantly reduced rates—sometimes up to 50–75% off the regular charter price.

How Empty Leg Helicopter Flights Work

Empty leg flights are not fixed-schedule services; they depend entirely on existing bookings and helicopter positioning needs. Here’s how they typically work:

• Step 1: A charter flight is booked on a one-way route (e.g., Athens → Santorini).
• Step 2: The helicopter needs to return to its base or fly to another pickup point.
• Step 3: The operator lists that return trip as an empty leg flight—available for anyone to book at a lower rate.

These flights can appear with little notice, so flexibility is key. If your travel dates and times can adjust slightly, you might find an incredible deal on a luxury helicopter transfer.

Benefits of Booking an Empty Leg Flight

Choosing an empty leg flight comes with several advantages:

• Lower Prices: Save up to 75% compared to a full charter.
• Luxury Experience: Enjoy the same aircraft, pilots, and service as any private charter.
• Direct Routes: Fly point-to-point without airport crowds or long transfers.
• Unique Opportunities: Access high-demand routes—like Nice to Monaco or New York to the Hamptons—at reduced cost.

Popular Empty Leg Routes

Some of the most common helicopter empty leg routes include:

• New York → Hamptons (and return)
• London → Paris
• Nice → Saint-Tropez
• Athens → Mykonos
• Monaco → Cannes
• Rome → Capri

These routes are especially common during summer when helicopter operators reposition aircraft between major resort areas and private heliports.

What to Keep in Mind

Because empty leg flights depend on other customers’ bookings, their schedule and availability can change. If the original flight is canceled or rescheduled, the empty leg may no longer be available. That’s why empty leg flights work best for travelers who can stay flexible with timing.

It’s also worth noting that most empty legs are one-way only. If you need a return trip, you’ll have to check if another matching empty leg is available—or book a standard charter for your way back.

How to Find Empty Leg Helicopter Flights

Many helicopter operators and brokers publish current empty leg offers online. You can also check dedicated air charter platforms or contact local operators directly. On our helicopter charter directory, you can find verified operators offering private and shared flights, including last-minute empty leg deals.

Final Thoughts

Empty leg helicopter flights are one of the best-kept secrets in private aviation. They offer the same comfort, speed, and exclusivity as a standard charter—at a fraction of the cost. If you’re flexible with your travel schedule and ready to seize opportunities as they appear, flying private has never been more accessible. Keep an eye on available routes, and your next helicopter flight might just be an empty leg deal waiting for takeoff.