Español English Português Français
Instant quote
A genuine opportunity

When a jet flies empty,
you could be on board.

Every time a private aircraft has to reposition empty — flying back to its base or heading to pick up its next passengers — there is a real opportunity: that segment can be offered at a reduced price. That is an empty leg.

It is not a lower class of flight or a compromised experience. It is the same aircraft, the same crew and the same level of service as any private charter — simply at a substantially lower rate, because the operator would rather generate some revenue on that segment than fly it empty.

For the traveller with some schedule flexibility, empty legs represent one of the most intelligent ways to access private aviation. This guide explains exactly how they work, what conditions apply and how to take advantage of them in Argentina.

30–70%
Typical discount off charter rate
100%
Same service level
24/7
Availability alerts
6+
Frequent routes in Argentina
The concept

What exactly is an empty leg?

01
Where empty flights come from

In private aviation, aircraft are chartered for complete itineraries. When a client books a flight from Buenos Aires to Mendoza, the aircraft must return to its base or position itself at a new point for the next operation. That return or repositioning segment — if no passengers are assigned — is an empty leg.

02
The repositioning flight

Also called a repositioning flight, an empty leg does not exist independently: it is linked to a primary flight that precedes or follows it. The route, date and schedule of the empty leg are a direct consequence of the operation to which it is attached. They cannot be modified on their own.

03
Same aircraft, different price

A passenger on an empty leg travels in the same aircraft as any other charter client: the same cabin, the same certified crew, the same onboard service. The only difference is the price — substantially lower — and the reduced flexibility in flight conditions.

04
Identical safety and regulation

Empty legs operate under exactly the same safety standards and certification requirements as any private charter flight. The operators Argentina Fly works with are certified by Argentina's ANAC under RAAC Part 135 and Part 121 regulations, regardless of the type of flight.

The pricing logic

Why are empty legs cheaper
than a standard charter?

The reason is straightforward: the operator's fixed costs are already covered by the main flight. The fuel, crew hours, airport fees and aircraft availability have already been factored into that day's operations. The empty segment will happen regardless — with or without passengers. Any additional revenue it generates is preferable to flying it empty.

Why the operator offers it cheaply
  • Fixed costs for the segment are already absorbed by the main flight
  • The aircraft will fly anyway — with no passengers there is no revenue
  • Any fare is better than a zero-revenue segment
  • Improves the overall economic efficiency of the operation
  • Introduces the service to new clients who may return for full charters
Typical discount range
  • Typical discounts: between 30% and 70% off standard charter rates
  • Short routes with lower demand: deeper discounts
  • Midsize and long-range jets: greater absolute saving in USD
  • Last-minute bookings: sometimes the best available rates
  • Availability is limited and unpredictable — flexibility is key

The actual discount depends on route, aircraft type and lead time. For a specific estimate, contact our team directly with your route of interest.

Why choose them

The advantages of flying
on an empty leg

Empty legs are not right for every traveller profile — but for those with some schedule flexibility, the advantages are real and significant.

01
Significantly lower price

The saving compared to a standard charter can range from 30% to 70%. On midsize and long-range jets, that percentage translates into a substantial difference in absolute USD terms. It is the most accessible way to fly privately without compromising on the quality of the aircraft.

02
Same aircraft, same service

An empty leg passenger travels in exactly the same aircraft as any standard charter client. The cabin, crew, safety protocols and onboard service are identical. The price is lower; the experience is not.

03
Ideal for flexible itineraries

If you already know your destination and can adapt on dates and times, an empty leg can fit perfectly into your plans. It is particularly well suited to leisure travel, weekend getaways or transfers where the exact date has some room for adjustment.

04
Access to higher categories

Empty legs make it possible to fly on midsize or long-range jets at rates that would be considerably higher on a standard charter. It is a genuine opportunity to travel on an aircraft category that might otherwise be out of range for a given budget.

05
Efficient for groups

If a group of travellers already has a destination and date in mind, an empty leg allows the cost to be shared among multiple passengers — further improving the value compared to conventional transport. The flight is chartered for the whole aircraft, not by seat.

What you need to know

Conditions and limitations:
the honest picture

Empty legs are a real opportunity, but they come with concrete constraints. Understanding them clearly is the difference between making the most of them and being frustrated by them.

01
Route and date are fixed

The fundamental condition of an empty leg is that the origin, destination and date are determined by the main flight to which it is linked. They cannot be changed. If your itinerary requires complete flexibility on destination, a standard charter is the right option.

02
Can be cancelled without warning

If the primary flight changes route, is cancelled or rescheduled, the linked empty leg may also be affected. This is inherent to the model. We advise against booking non-refundable hotels or transfers until the flight status has been confirmed closer to the date.

03
Unpredictable availability

It is not realistic to plan an entire trip around finding an empty leg on a specific date. Availability depends on the active fleet schedule, which changes week to week. The key is staying informed and responding quickly when the right opportunity appears.

04
Full aircraft or individual seat

In most cases, an empty leg is chartered for the entire aircraft — just like a standard private charter. Occasionally, operators offer the leg in shared-flight mode, with individual seats available to different passengers. Argentina Fly will confirm the format and pricing when availability is checked.

Argentine market

Most frequent routes
for empty legs in Argentina

Empty legs appear most frequently on routes where private charter demand is high and repositioning flights are recurring. In Argentina, these are the routes where availability is most likely.

Private flight Buenos Aires Mendoza empty leg
Frequent route
Buenos Aires — Mendoza
~1h 20min flight

One of Argentina's most active private aviation routes. Executive and group flights to the Cuyo wine region generate frequent repositioning movements throughout the year. Empty legs on this route appear year-round, with higher concentration during the harvest season and long weekends.

Typical aircraft: light and midsize jets. Meaningful discounts compared to standard charter rates.

Destination
Mendoza
Check availability
Empty leg Buenos Aires Bariloche private aircraft
Frequent route
Buenos Aires — Bariloche
~2h flight

Northern Patagonia is one of Argentina's premier interior destinations. Private flights to Bariloche multiply during winter (ski season) and summer (nature tourism), generating a consistent supply of repositioning segments throughout the year.

Peak activity: July–August (winter) and December–February (summer). Aircraft: light and midsize jets.

Destination
Bariloche
Check availability
Private flight Buenos Aires Córdoba empty leg
Frequent route
Buenos Aires — Córdoba
~1h flight

Argentina's second city generates a steady flow of executive and corporate private flights. Repositioning movements on this route are frequent and regular, making it one of the most active for empty legs throughout the year.

Regular activity year-round. Common in light jets and advanced turboprops.

Destination
Córdoba
Check availability
Empty leg Buenos Aires Salta Iguazu private aircraft
Northern routes
Buenos Aires — Salta / Iguazú
~2h to 2h 30min

Argentina's northwest — Salta, Jujuy, Catamarca — and Iguazú Falls are high-demand destinations during peak tourist seasons. Empty legs on these routes tend to concentrate in the months of highest traffic and can represent particularly attractive discounts given the base cost of the operations.

Peak activity: March–May and August–October. Aircraft: light and midsize jets.

Destinations
Salta · Iguazú
Check availability
Empty leg Buenos Aires Punta del Este private flight
International
Buenos Aires — Punta del Este
~40min flight

Punta del Este generates the highest volume of private aviation operations across the Río de la Plata during the summer season. Repositioning movements between Argentina and Uruguay are very frequent from December through March, creating a notable supply of empty legs on this route — including higher-category aircraft.

High season: December to March. Also active at Easter. Light, midsize and long-range jets.

Destination
Punta del Este
Check availability

Empty leg availability varies with the active fleet schedule. See all available empty legs now

The process

How to book an empty leg
with Argentina Fly

The process is straightforward. No complex registrations or subscriptions required. It simply takes clarity about your route of interest and the readiness to act when the right opportunity comes up.

Steps to book an empty leg
  • Check current availability on our empty legs page
  • Or contact us directly with your route and preferred date range
  • Receive availability and pricing information for the available segment
  • Confirm your booking and coordinate boarding details
  • Receive flight status updates through to the day of operation
Practical recommendations
  • Know your routes of interest before availability appears
  • Do not book non-refundable services until the flight status is confirmed
  • Respond quickly — these opportunities go fast
  • Consider multiple possible dates to increase your options
  • Ask about routes close to your ideal destination as well

Our team is available 24 hours a day to inform you about empty leg availability and manage your booking when the right opportunity arises.

Real-time availability

See available empty legs
in Argentina right now

Browse current repositioning flights — routes, dates, aircraft and reduced fares. Updated in real time based on the active fleet schedule.

See available empty legs →
Need more flexibility?

If an empty leg doesn't fit,
quote a charter on your terms.

A standard private charter gives you full control over the date, route and timing. If your itinerary cannot flex, our online quoter displays indicative rates by aircraft type for your route instantly.

Get my quote Contact via WhatsApp
Frequently asked questions

Questions about
empty legs in Argentina

What is an empty leg in private aviation?

An empty leg is the flight segment a private aircraft must fly empty to reposition itself for its next operation. Because the operator's fixed costs are already covered by the main flight, that segment can be offered at a significantly lower price — typically 30% to 70% less than a standard charter. The aircraft, crew and service level are exactly the same.

How much cheaper are empty legs compared to a standard charter?

The typical discount ranges from 30% to 70% off the standard charter rate. The range varies depending on the route, aircraft type and how far in advance the booking is made. In absolute USD terms, the saving can be very significant on midsize and long-range jets.

Can the date or destination of an empty leg be changed?

No. The date, origin and destination of an empty leg are fixed — they are determined by the primary flight to which it is linked. No modifications are possible. This is the fundamental condition of the model, which is why empty legs are best suited to travellers with flexible itineraries.

What happens if the main flight is cancelled or changed?

If the primary flight linked to the empty leg is cancelled, rerouted or rescheduled, the empty leg can be affected in the same way. This is an inherent characteristic of the model. Argentina Fly informs clients as early as possible of any changes that may affect their booking.

How do I find out when an empty leg is available on my route?

You can check real-time availability on our empty legs page, or contact us directly with your route and preferred dates. Our team can also notify you when availability appears for your itinerary.

Is it possible to book an empty leg at short notice?

Yes, and it is quite common. Many empty legs are confirmed with just hours or a few days' notice, as they respond directly to each aircraft's operational schedule. Flexibility on timing and date is the key to making the most of them when they appear.

What types of aircraft typically have empty legs in Argentina?

The most common empty legs in Argentina involve light and midsize jets — the Phenom 100, Learjet 45 and Learjet 60 are frequent examples — though turboprops and larger jets also appear depending on active operations. Availability varies by season and the routes with the highest charter demand.

Are empty legs private or can they be shared?

In most cases, an empty leg is chartered for the entire aircraft. Occasionally, operators offer the leg in shared-flight mode, with individual seats available to different passengers. Argentina Fly will inform you of the available format when you enquire about availability.

Empty leg enquiries and bookings