What is an empty leg flight?
An empty leg — also called a deadhead or ferry flight — is a private aircraft repositioning without passengers after dropping off a client or returning to its home base. Because the aircraft is flying anyway, Direct2 offers these seats at 25–75% below standard charter rates. It is the same aircraft, same crew, and same private terminal experience at a fraction of the normal price.
How much do empty leg flights cost?
On typical Direct2 Western US routes, empty legs range from $500–$2,500 for trips that would normally cost $3,000–$8,000 on a booked charter. Pricing is per trip, not per seat — so bringing additional passengers at no extra cost makes the per-person value exceptional, especially for groups of two to five.
What routes does Direct2 offer empty legs on?
Direct2 primarily operates across the Western US with most empty legs originating from or returning to Bend, Oregon (RDM). Common routes include Bend–Portland, Bend–Seattle, Bend–Boise, Bend–San Francisco, Bend–Las Vegas, and Bend–Los Angeles. Routes across Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, and California also appear regularly. Availability changes based on booked charter traffic.
How do I book an empty leg flight?
Browse available empty legs using the list above and submit a quote request directly through the form. You can also register your preferred routes so Direct2 can contact you when a matching deal appears. Because you are dealing directly with the operator — not a broker — response times are fast and pricing is transparent.
How far in advance are empty legs available?
Most empty legs are announced anywhere from a few hours to a few days before departure — rarely more than a week out. Availability is tied directly to booked charters, which means deals can appear at any time. Flexible travelers who can commit quickly get the best opportunities and the deepest discounts.
What aircraft are used on Direct2 empty legs?
Direct2 operates three aircraft: the Epic E1000 turboprop (up to 5 passengers, cruises at approximately 325 mph), the Cirrus SF-50 Vision Jet (up to 4 passengers, approximately 300 mph), and the Diamond DA62 twin piston (up to 5 passengers, ideal for shorter regional routes). The specific aircraft on a given empty leg depends on which one is repositioning.
Are empty leg flights safe?
Yes. Direct2 operates under the same FAA safety standards on empty legs as on every fully-booked charter flight. Crew certification, maintenance schedules, airworthiness requirements, and operating procedures are identical regardless of ticket price. Safety is never discounted — only the fare is.
Can I change the destination on an empty leg?
Empty legs are fixed-route — the aircraft is already committed to flying from Point A to Point B. That route cannot be changed. However, minor adjustments to nearby airports may be possible depending on timing and airspace. Registering your preferred origin and destination is the best way to be notified when the right match becomes available.
What is the difference between an empty leg and a private charter?
A private charter means you book the entire aircraft for the route and schedule of your choosing — you set the itinerary, timing, and passenger list. An empty leg is a pre-set route at a heavily discounted rate because the aircraft is flying there regardless. Charters offer maximum flexibility; empty legs offer maximum value. Both provide the same aircraft, crew, and private aviation experience.
Do I need to book the whole aircraft on an empty leg?
You are effectively paying for the full repositioning trip, but you can fill every available seat at no additional cost. For two to five travelers, the per-person cost makes empty legs highly competitive even against commercial business class fares on the same route. Solo travelers still save significantly compared to a standard charter booking.
What airports does Direct2 serve across the Western US?
Direct2 can access virtually any airport with a paved runway in the Western US — one of the core advantages of private aviation over commercial. Regularly served airports include Redmond-Roberts Field (RDM), Portland (PDX), Seattle Boeing Field (BFI), Boise (BOI), Sun Valley (SUN), Jackson Hole (JAC), Reno (RNO), San Francisco (SFO), Las Vegas (LAS), Scottsdale (SDL), and dozens of smaller regional strips across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and California.
How is Direct2 different from empty leg listing websites?
Aggregator sites list deals from many operators with no direct relationship to the crew flying the aircraft. With Direct2, you deal directly with the operator — the pilots who own and fly the planes. There are no broker fees, no opaque pricing layers, and no miscommunication about what is included. When you register with Direct2, you are on the list maintained by the people who make scheduling decisions, not a third-party platform.
