As the Thanksgiving season approaches, millions of Americans prepare to journey across the country to celebrate with family and friends. Unfortunately, this festive time also coincides with one of the busiest and most chaotic travel periods of the year. If the thought of long airport lines, crowded flights, and delayed departures makes you groan, flying private could be the perfect solution. Here’s why flying private during Thanksgiving is a game-changer. 

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1. Skip the Crowds and Long Lines

Thanksgiving week is notorious for packed airports and overwhelming security lines. Flying private allows you to bypass the usual chaos. Private aviation terminals, often referred to as FBOs (Fixed Base Operators), offer a quiet and efficient alternative. You can arrive minutes before departure and board your aircraft stress-free—no long waits, no crowded gates, and no running to catch a connection.


2. Choose Your Schedule

One of the greatest perks of flying private is the ability to tailor your travel schedule. Commercial airlines have fixed departure times, and during Thanksgiving, flights are often booked solid. Flying private lets you decide when you leave, ensuring your plans work around your life—not the other way around. Whether it’s a last-minute change or an early start to the festivities, private aviation offers unparalleled flexibility.


3. Access to Smaller Airports

Flying private opens up access to smaller, regional airports that commercial airlines don’t serve. These airports are often closer to your destination, saving you valuable time on ground transportation. This can be especially helpful if your Thanksgiving celebration is in a remote or rural location.


4. More Comfort and Privacy

Commercial flights during the holidays are typically packed, with passengers jostling for overhead bin space and cramming into tight seats. Flying private offers an entirely different experience: spacious cabins, comfortable seating, and the luxury of personal space. Whether you want to enjoy a quiet meal, catch up on work, or relax with family, a private flight ensures a comfortable and private environment.


thanksgiving

5. Bring the Whole Family—Pets Included

Thanksgiving is about bringing loved ones together, and that includes your furry friends. On a private flight, you don’t have to worry about restrictive pet policies or stressful cargo holds. Your pets can join you in the cabin, where they’ll be just as comfortable as you are.


6. Avoid Delays and Cancellations

Winter weather and high travel demand often result in delayed or canceled flights during Thanksgiving Season. Private flights are less prone to disruptions since you have control over your schedule and can often adjust to avoid weather challenges. Additionally, private aviation eliminates the risk of overbooking—a common frustration during peak travel times.


7. Create Memorable Experiences

Flying private isn’t just about convenience—it’s also an unforgettable experience. From personalized service to breathtaking views from the air, it’s a travel experience that will make your Thanksgiving journey as enjoyable as the destination itself.


8. Save Time and Stress

Time is precious, especially during the holidays. With private aviation, you save hours spent navigating crowded airports and waiting for your flight. The streamlined process and efficient boarding mean you can focus on what matters most: enjoying Thanksgiving Season with your loved ones.


Final Thoughts

Flying private during Thanksgiving is more than a luxury; it’s a practical solution for stress-free travel. Whether you’re headed to a family gathering, a vacation getaway, or a reunion with friends, private aviation ensures you arrive relaxed and ready to celebrate.

This Thanksgiving, consider swapping the hustle and bustle of commercial air travel for the convenience and comfort of flying private. It might just become your new holiday tradition! And remember to Be Social, Fly Private!

 

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empty legsHow much to empty legs cost? Private air charter hourly rates can vary depending on factors such as the size of the aircraft, the specific model, its age, availability, route, and additional services requested. However, I can provide you with a general range of hourly rates based on the size categories of private aircraft:

  1. Very Light Jets (VLJs) or Light Jets: These smaller aircraft typically accommodate 4-6 passengers. Hourly rates for VLJs and light jets can range from $1,500 to $3,500.
  2. Midsize Jets: Midsize jets offer more space and can accommodate around 6-8 passengers. Hourly rates for midsize jets generally range from $3,500 to $5,500.
  3. Super Midsize Jets: Super midsize jets provide additional comfort and typically accommodate 8-10 passengers. Hourly rates for super midsize jets can range from $4,500 to $7,500.
  4. Large Cabin Jets: These larger aircraft can accommodate 10 or more passengers and offer spacious cabins with various amenities. Hourly rates for large cabin jets generally start from $6,000 and can exceed $10,000.
  5. Ultra-Long-Range Jets: Ultra-long-range jets have extended flight ranges and can accommodate larger groups of passengers. Hourly rates for these jets typically start from $8,000 and can go well above $15,000.

Empty leg flights are essentially repositioning flights for private jets that have already dropped off passengers at their destination and are returning to their base or another location without passengers on board. These flights are often offered at discounted prices to offset some of the operating costs. While it’s difficult to provide an exact cost without specific details, empty leg flights can generally be more affordable than regular private jet charters. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars for shorter domestic flights to several thousand dollars for longer international routes. It’s important to note that these prices are typically significantly lower than the standard rates for chartering the entire aircraft.

Empty legs are often cheaper than regular air charter for several reasons:

  1. Repositioning: Empty leg flights occur when a private jet needs to return to its base or another location after dropping off passengers. These flights are necessary to position the aircraft for its next scheduled flight. Since the aircraft would have flown the route regardless, the operator offers these empty legs at a discounted price to offset some of the operating costs.
  2. Revenue Generation: Empty leg flights provide an opportunity for private jet operators to generate additional revenue from flights that would otherwise be empty. By offering these flights at a reduced price, operators can attract potential customers who are flexible with their travel plans and can take advantage of the discounted rates.
  3. Cost Sharing: Chartering a private jet involves covering the full cost of operating the aircraft, including fuel, crew salaries, maintenance, and other expenses. With empty leg flights, the cost is shared between the original charter and the discounted empty leg customer, resulting in a lower price for the latter.
  4. Marketing and Customer Acquisition: Empty leg flights also serve as a marketing tool for private jet operators. By offering discounted rates, operators can attract new customers who may be interested in experiencing private jet travel for a lower price. It helps operators expand their customer base and potentially convert first-time customers into repeat clients.

It’s important to note that the availability of empty leg flights can be limited, and the routes and timings may not always align with a traveler’s needs. However, for those who have flexibility in their travel plans and can find a suitable empty leg flight, it can be a cost-effective way to experience private jet travel at 50 to 75% less than a normal air charter flight.

Private jet charters typically involve several fees and charges beyond the base hourly rate of the aircraft. While specific fees may vary depending on the operator and the nature of the flight, here are some common fees you may encounter:

  1. Base Hourly Rate: This is the primary cost and is calculated based on the number of hours the aircraft is in use, typically charged from engine start to engine shutdown. The base hourly rate varies depending on the size, type, and age of the aircraft.
  2. Landing and Handling Fees: These fees are charged by airports for the use of their facilities, including landing, parking, and ground handling services. The fees can vary depending on the airport, the size of the aircraft, and the services required.
  3. Fuel Surcharge: Operators may apply a fuel surcharge to cover the cost of fuel. This fee can fluctuate based on fuel prices and is typically calculated as a percentage of the base hourly rate.
  4. Crew Expenses: In addition to the base hourly rate, charter customers are responsible for covering crew expenses. This includes salaries, accommodation, meals, and transportation for the flight crew during overnight stays or multi-day trips.
  5. Catering: If you require catering services during your flight, such as meals, beverages, and snacks, there may be additional charges. The cost of catering can vary depending on your preferences and the level of service you request.
  6. Airport Fees: Some airports impose specific fees for private aircraft operations, such as security fees, facility fees, or passenger facility charges (PFCs). These fees are typically passed on to the charter customer.
  7. Taxes: Depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the flight, there may be additional taxes or fees imposed by local authorities, such as value-added tax (VAT), passenger taxes, or customs fees.

At Emptylegs.net, we prioritize transparent communication with our clients and operators when arranging private jet charters. Our commitment to providing a detailed breakdown of all potential fees ensures transparency, avoiding any surprises along the way. As a trusted air charter partner, we specialize in searching for and arranging flights, including exclusive empty leg opportunities. With our expertise, you can focus on your luxury travel experience while we take care of the intricate details. Stay tuned for our upcoming update on third-quarter luxury travel events, as we strive to keep you informed through our comprehensive events calendar. Trust Emptylegs.net for all your private jet charter needs. Until then, Be Social, Fly Private!

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