Empty Leg Departure Times: What “Time TBD” Means and How to Book Around It
Quick answer
Empty leg departure times are determined by the operator’s repositioning schedule, not the traveler’s preference. Some listings show a fixed time, while others display a departure window or “Time TBD” until the operator confirms final positioning. Travelers who can adjust their departure time, nearby airport, or travel date have the best chance of finding a discounted empty leg that fits their trip.
Why empty legs have limited schedule control
An empty leg flight (also called a deadhead flight) exists because an aircraft needs to reposition. For example, a private jet drops off passengers in Miami and needs to return to New York. Rather than fly empty, the operator lists that repositioning flight at 25-75% off the full charter rate (source: NBAA).
The departure time, route, and aircraft are all tied to that repositioning need. The operator is not building a schedule around the traveler. The schedule exists because of a prior charter commitment. This is exactly what makes empty legs discounted, and it is also why schedule flexibility is a trade-off travelers accept in exchange for the price advantage.
What “Time TBD” actually means
When an empty leg listing shows “Time TBD,” it means the operator has confirmed the route and approximate date, but the exact departure time has not yet been determined. This typically happens when:
- The original charter’s return timing is still being finalized
- The repositioning schedule depends on another flight completing on time
- The operator is coordinating crew scheduling and has not locked in the departure slot
“Time TBD” listings usually resolve to a confirmed time within 24-48 hours of departure. If you book a “Time TBD” flight, the operator will confirm the final departure window before you travel.
Fixed departure time vs flexible departure window
Empty leg listings fall into three timing categories:
Fixed time
The departure time is confirmed and specific. These listings behave most like a standard flight booking. The operator has a hard repositioning commitment and the time is locked in. Book with confidence if the time works for you.
Departure window
The listing shows a time range, for example “departing between 10:00 and 14:00.” The operator needs to reposition within that window but is not yet locked to a specific time. Your confirmed departure will fall within that range.
Time TBD
No time has been confirmed yet. You know the route and approximate date, but the exact time will be confirmed closer to departure. This type of listing is best for travelers who can stay flexible on the day of travel.
How nearby airports expand your options
Expanding your search to include nearby departure or arrival airports significantly increases your chances of finding an empty leg with a departure time that works. A traveler based in Los Angeles, for example, might find that a flight from Burbank or Long Beach FBO departs at a better time than one from Van Nuys. On the destination side, flying into an FBO 30 minutes from your final destination is almost always worthwhile if it opens up a large price difference or a more convenient departure time.
How deal alerts help with timing flexibility
If you search your route and nothing matches your preferred timing today, set a deal alert. Empty legs are added to SkyAccess, the world’s largest empty leg marketplace, as operators finalize repositioning schedules, often just 48-72 hours before departure. A deal alert puts the right listing in front of you the moment it appears, so you can decide quickly before the flight fills.
When full charter is a better fit
Empty legs are not the right option for every trip. If you need to depart at a specific time for a business meeting, a family event, or a connection, full charter gives you the schedule control that empty legs cannot. You choose the departure time, the aircraft, and the airport, and the operator builds the flight around your requirements. Full charter typically costs 25-75% more than an empty leg for the same route, but for time-critical trips, that premium is the price of certainty.
Frequently asked questions
Can I request a specific departure time on an empty leg flight?
No. The departure time is set by the operator’s repositioning schedule. You can filter for listings with times that fit your needs, but you cannot negotiate the departure time of an existing empty leg listing.
What does “Time TBD” mean on SkyAccess?
It means the exact departure time has not been confirmed yet. The operator will confirm a final departure window before your travel date. “Time TBD” listings are best for travelers who can remain flexible on the day of travel.
How much notice will I get for the final departure time?
Typically 24-48 hours before departure. Some operators confirm earlier. When you book a “Time TBD” listing, ask the operator what to expect for final timing confirmation.
Can I change my departure time after booking?
No. The time is set by the repositioning schedule. If the original charter changes, the operator will notify you. For schedule flexibility, use the departure window filter when searching, or consider full charter for fixed departure requirements.
Are flexible departure empty legs cheaper than fixed-time ones?
Not inherently. Price depends primarily on route, aircraft type, and booking window. However, listings with broader time windows or “Time TBD” status sometimes see lower demand, which can mean better availability on routes you need.
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