LONDON — In the world of luxury air travel, “first class” has long been synonymous with comfort, exclusivity, and elevated service. But for savvy group travelers in Europe, a different, lesser-known option is taking off: the private jet dead leg.
Also known as empty-leg flights, these discounted private jet journeys—typically flying without passengers on repositioning routes—can offer the kind of savings that disrupt assumptions about what it costs to fly private. And when compared to booking multiple first-class seats on commercial airlines for short-haul routes, the numbers become compelling.
This article explores how dead-leg flights stack up against first-class commercial travel in Europe—using real pricing data, steelmanning both arguments, and helping travelers determine when one option clearly outweighs the other.
What Are Dead Legs—and Why Are They So Cheap?
A dead-leg flight occurs when a private jet must reposition—either returning to its base or flying to pick up its next client. Since these jets would otherwise be flying empty, operators often offer the leg to the public at steep discounts to recoup costs.
In Europe, private jet brokers like GlobeAir and LunaJets list hundreds of these flights each month. For short-haul city hops, prices often range from €1,300 to €2,500 per aircraft, regardless of how many people are on board. Most jets on these legs accommodate 4 to 6 passengers, allowing for dramatic savings when the cost is split.
A one-way flight from Zurich to Berlin, for instance, might be listed for €1,690 total. If four travelers share the plane, each pays roughly €422—a fraction of what a single commercial first-class ticket would cost for the same route.
Commercial First-Class: Reliable, Premium, but Pricey
On the commercial side, short-haul first-class flights in Europe—offered by carriers like Lufthansa, British Airways, and KLM—provide a refined experience: priority check-in, lounge access, gourmet meals, and premium seating. But that comfort comes at a cost.
Average round-trip fares within Europe fall between €2,700 and €4,000 per person, depending on route, demand, and booking timing. Occasionally, promotions or mileage redemptions can bring this down to €1,800–€2,000, but such deals are increasingly rare.
And while these flights are convenient and predictable, they lack the privacy and exclusivity of private aviation—and they cost significantly more, especially when traveling as a group.
A Data-Driven Price Comparison
To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of flying private, we compared real-world prices for popular short-haul routes across Europe. Here’s how the two options stack up:
| Route | Dead Leg (One-Way, Entire Jet) | First-Class (Round Trip, Per Person) |
| Zurich → Berlin | €1,690 | €3,200 |
| Rimini → Chambery | €1,490 | €3,000 |
| Olbia → Milan | €1,390 | €2,800 |
| Ljubljana → Berlin | €1,690 | €3,200 |
| Marseille → Nice | €2,490 | €2,500 |
Note: Dead-leg flights are one-way but cover the full jet, often for 4+ passengers. First-class fares are round-trip per person.
The Case for Flying Private on a Dead Leg
When viewed through a purely economic lens—particularly for group travel—dead-leg flights can offer tremendous value.
If a group of four books a €2,000 empty-leg, that’s just €500 per person—often a quarter of the price of one first-class seat. For six travelers, the cost can drop below €350 each, while enjoying a fully private aircraft.
Beyond pricing, the comfort and convenience are unmatched: no TSA lines, no boarding zones, and no baggage restrictions. Private fliers typically depart from dedicated terminals and board just minutes before takeoff.
For those traveling with bulky luggage, musical instruments, or pets—or groups seeking quiet space to conduct meetings mid-air—flying private offers a level of flexibility that commercial flights can’t match.
Moreover, while private jets have a reputation for environmental inefficiency, some argue that dead legs are going to fly empty anyway. Filling those flights with paying passengers could be viewed as reducing net waste—though this point remains a subject of debate.
The Case for Commercial First-Class
Despite its high cost, commercial first-class still has powerful advantages, especially when it comes to schedule certainty, route availability, and network integration.
Dead-legs are limited by where private jets need to reposition, and they’re only available when such flights happen to align with your itinerary. Commercial flights, by contrast, run daily on most major routes and offer extensive booking options well in advance.
Then there’s airline loyalty programs. First-class travelers often earn valuable frequent flyer miles, elite status, and upgrade credits. In the event of a delay or cancellation, major carriers provide customer service, alternative routings, and compensation—luxuries not typically guaranteed in private aviation.
For solo travelers or couples, the cost gap between first-class and a shared private charter may not be enough to justify the hassle of coordinating a dead-leg. And when schedule precision is non-negotiable—such as for connecting international legs—commercial flying wins hands down.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Private Jet (Dead Leg) | Commercial First-Class |
| Cost (per person) | €350–€600 (if 4–6 people) | €1,500–€2,000 |
| Comfort | Ultimate privacy, custom service | Premium cabin, shared experience |
| Scheduling | Limited, route-dependent | Fixed, frequent, reliable |
| Flexibility | High on-board, low in availability | High route/network flexibility |
| Loyalty/Perks | None | Miles, lounges, elite status |
| Environmental Case | Debated; better if replacing empty | Lower emissions per passenger |
When Does Each Option Make Sense?
Dead-leg flights are ideal for:
- Groups of 3 to 6 traveling together
- Flexible itineraries and spontaneous schedules
- Travelers seeking exclusivity and premium service without the full private jet price tag
Commercial first-class is better suited for:
- Solo travelers or pairs
- Trips with firm departure/arrival requirements
- Those invested in loyalty programs or frequent flyer miles
- Travelers who need backup options or customer support
Strategic Travel Tips
- Monitor listings on sites like GlobeAir and LunaJets for live updates on available empty-leg flights.
- Book early for commercial first-class to secure the best pricing, especially during low seasons.
- Combine both: use a dead-leg for one leg of the trip and commercial first-class for the return.
- Bring a group: the cost-effectiveness of private increases dramatically with more travelers onboard.
Final Thoughts
In a world where private aviation was once reserved for the ultra-wealthy, the rise of affordable dead-leg flights is redefining what’s possible. For small groups willing to coordinate and stay flexible, flying private in Europe can actually cost less than booking multiple first-class tickets on a commercial airline.
Yet, for those who value consistency, global route networks, and airline perks, traditional first-class still offers unmatched peace of mind.
As always in travel, the best choice depends not just on price—but on purpose, priorities, and the experience you want at 30,000 feet.
Sources: GlobeAir, LunaJets, Lufthansa, British Airways, KLM, CN Traveler, The Manual, Reddit r/Europe & r/Travel, TravelPander.com.
