I’m leaving on a jet plane, don’t know when I’ll be back again
Actually, would-be passengers may not know their destination either as empty leg flights are random offerings at random times
SHOEHORNED into economy at the back of cattle class where toilets rumble and rich odours fill the air, it is easy to dream of the privileged few swooping through the clouds in gleaming private jets. It is then that less heard names such as Beechcraft, Cessna, Gulfstream and Embraer suddenly come into sharp focus and assume a truly exalted status.
Boeing and Airbus have done their bit to sardine-can passengers politely with a civilised sliver of kneeroom. But airline bean counters have knocked out windows to add ever more rows, ensuring that dismal word “knee” never burdens the common flyer’s lexicon. Every inch counts.
Yet the seemingly out-of-reach world of private jets has its own Achilles heel and therein lies a possible entry point for the unwashed masses as toilets overflow and stewardesses abandon their posts to hide weeping in the galleys – this last personally observed by this jaded traveller on several India-bound flights. There is no easy comfort for these damsels in distress nor for those clutching their gurgling tummies.
An upgrade is the only salve. But how? The secret is surprisingly simple.
Private jets often need to fly empty legs to pick up passengers or to return to their home base after the charter, a costly headache for the air company and a boon for would-be Gatsbys. The empty sector is perishable and can be sold to another passenger at a fraction of the private charter cost.
Companies such as Jetbay keep track of empty legs open for purchase. So a Bangkok-Maldives sector might retail for US$51,000 for 16 seats, which works out to about US$3,187 per seat (for a group of friends). A Bangkok-Samui sector might cost US$16,200 on a 14-seat Gulfstream, which works out to US$1,157 per passenger. Charter sectors and dates are listed.
A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU
Friday, 2 pm
Lifestyle
Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself.
Searching online for companies offering empty leg or “deadhead” flights will yield a wealth of options though of course you will need to be entirely flexible on dates. The simple fact is, empty planes need to return to their home base (writing off that entire sector) and regardless of price it is in the operator’s interest to find some modest return. Attractive fares come up on a regular basis then on popular routes.
Best hunting ground
Flightcharter.com.au estimates prices could drop to anywhere from “25 per cent to 75 per cent of the standard rate” for your own plane. It recommends busy short-haul sectors as the best hunting ground. Several companies such as L’Voyage, Globe Air (with a big Europe selection) and Air Charter Service cover empty-leg searches. Globe Air claims you might be able to book your own private jet for just 90 per cent of the actual listed price and fly in comfort and style, perhaps even with your pets.
There are clear downsides. The primary client might cancel or change dates, so there is no guarantee of making that dream flight. Availability might not match your holiday or work calendar. So you need to be flexible. That said, the passenger is entitled to all the privileges of luxury flight – including checking in at private air terminals – and access to all on-board services and amenities. Writes one charter blogger: “It’s a surprising and rather unfortunate reality of the business aviation sector that roughly 44 per cent of private jets fly completely empty – without any passengers or cargo.” But, he cautions: “Make sure the advertised empty legs are actually real.” And beware of hidden costs such as fuel charges and landing fees.
Another option is looking at shared charter services where a consolidator is in a position to sell seats at fractional rates. Or look at semi-private jet flights where private travellers may be combined with small groups.
While travellers race for high-flyer seats, some airlines have taken a dim view of employee perks that include flying business class on work. Air India has decided enough is enough and from April 1, all domestic work flights by company employees (including management) will be on economy. This is to free up space for paying passengers on more lucrative classes. A welcome move by one of the world’s oldest airlines.
While Air India struggles with moaning downgraded executives and impromptu VIP parachute-in attempts by politicos, others can scan the skies – or rather the Internet – for some astounding deals. With a caveat: If it looks too good to be true, it may not be. Always check the company’s track record. And don’t judge a book by its cover – slick Web design is not a guarantor of trust. As one American private jet company reviewer explains: While you may see a cost of just US$111 per seat “…there is a catch: you’ll have to buy all the seats.”
The writer is a Hong Kong-based journalist and editor of the online magazines AsianConversations.com and SmartTravelAsia.com
Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services
