London to Chicago Empty Leg Flights: Transatlantic Private Jet Guide
Quick answer
Empty leg flights from London to Chicago are transatlantic repositioning flights on ultra-long range private jets. These flights become available when an operator needs to move an aircraft across the Atlantic after a charter, and they sell at 25-75% off the full charter rate for the same aircraft. SkyAccess, the world’s largest empty leg marketplace, lists available London to Chicago empty legs from CAA-certified (UK) and FAA-certified (US) charter operators. Because this is a long transatlantic corridor, aircraft are typically Gulfstream G550, G650, Falcon 7X, Falcon 8X, or Global 6000 class jets.
Why London to Chicago empty legs exist
An empty leg flight (also called a deadhead flight) is created when a private jet operator needs to reposition an aircraft. On the London to Chicago corridor, this typically happens when:
- A US-based operator charters a flight from Chicago (or a nearby US city) to London, drops off passengers, and needs to return the aircraft home
- A UK or European operator charters a flight eastbound (UK to US) and the aircraft needs to reposition westbound for its next booking
- A multi-leg charter ends in London and the operator’s next commitment is in the US
In each case, the aircraft must cross the Atlantic regardless. The operator lists the repositioning leg as an empty leg at a significant discount rather than flying the aircraft empty at full cost. The flight operates on the same aircraft, with the same crew, meeting the same safety standards as any full charter on that route.
Aircraft types on the London to Chicago route
The London to Chicago route is approximately 3,950 nautical miles (depending on departure and arrival airports). Only ultra-long range jets can fly this corridor nonstop. The aircraft types you will typically find on this route as empty legs include:
- Gulfstream G650 / G650ER: Range of 7,000+ nautical miles. Seats 8-19 depending on configuration. The most common ultra-long range type on transatlantic repositioning routes.
- Gulfstream G550: Range of approximately 6,750 nm. Seats 8-18. Slightly shorter range than the G650 but covers London to Chicago nonstop with normal payload.
- Dassault Falcon 7X / 8X: Tri-engine ultra-long range. Range of 5,950+ nautical miles. Seats 8-14.
- Bombardier Global 6000 / 7500: Range of 6,000-7,700 nautical miles. Seats 10-19. The Global 7500 is particularly capable on this corridor.
- Bombardier Global Express / XRS: Range of 6,000+ nautical miles. Seats 8-14.
Mid-size and super-midsize jets do not have the range for a nonstop London to Chicago flight. If a listing on this route shows a smaller aircraft, it will include a fuel stop, typically in Iceland (Reykjavik BIRK), Ireland (Shannon EINN), or Newfoundland (Gander CYQX).
Departure airports on the London end
London has several private aviation terminals (Fixed Base Operators, or FBOs) that handle transatlantic departures. The main options:
- Biggin Hill Airport (EGKB / BQH): The primary private aviation hub in the greater London area. Located approximately 14 miles south of central London in Kent. Handles most ultra-long range departures.
- Farnborough Airport (EGLF / FAB): Business aviation airport approximately 35 miles southwest of London. Used heavily for transatlantic charters from the financial sector.
- London Luton Airport (EGGW / LTN): Mixed commercial and private. Good FBO facilities. Approximately 30 miles north of London.
- Stansted Airport (EGSS / STN): Mixed commercial and private. Large freight-handling facility with private jet capabilities.
- Northolt Airport (EGWU): Primarily military, with limited civilian private charter access. Closest airport to central London but most restricted for civilian operations.
Arrival airports on the Chicago end
Chicago has strong private aviation infrastructure. The main FBO options for arrivals:
- Chicago Midway International (KMDW): Shared commercial and private. Private terminal available. Accessible to central Chicago and the South Side.
- DuPage Airport (KDPA): General aviation airport approximately 25 miles west of Chicago. Lower traffic, faster ground handling. Well-suited for private jet arrivals.
- Chicago Executive Airport (KPWK): General aviation airport approximately 25 miles northwest of Chicago. Primary private aviation hub for the North Shore and northern suburbs.
- Gary/Chicago International (KGYY): Approximately 30 miles southeast of downtown. Used for some private charters.
What the pricing looks like
A full charter from London to Chicago on an ultra-long range jet, booked conventionally, typically costs substantially more than a transatlantic commercial first-class ticket. NBAA and Avinode data places heavy jet full charter rates at $7,000-$13,000 per flight hour, and the London to Chicago route is an 8-10 hour flight. Empty legs on the same route and aircraft sell at 25-75% off that rate because the operator needs to move the aircraft anyway.
The empty leg price is for the entire aircraft, not per passenger. If you travel with a group, everyone shares the same aircraft cost. A group of 8-12 people on an ultra-long range transatlantic empty leg is one of the most price-competitive ways to cross the Atlantic privately.
All-in pricing on SkyAccess includes operator costs, SkyAccess fees, applicable taxes, and standard landing fees. Review the cancellation policy on each listing before booking.
Regulatory note: operators on this route
UK and European operators on the London end hold Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). US operators returning their aircraft to Chicago hold FAA Part 135 air carrier certificates. Both are the commercial air transport equivalent for their respective jurisdictions. All operators on SkyAccess are verified against their jurisdiction’s certification requirements before listing.
How to book a London to Chicago empty leg
The booking window for transatlantic empty legs is typically 48-72 hours before departure, though some appear further in advance when operators finalize complex multi-leg charters. The key steps:
- Search SkyAccess: Use the empty leg search with London as departure and Chicago as destination. The marketplace pulls live operator inventory in real time.
- Set a deal alert: If nothing matches today, set an alert. The route is not daily, but repositioning flights do occur regularly based on charter demand patterns. An alert puts the listing in front of you the moment it appears.
- Confirm aircraft range and fuel stops: Check whether the listed aircraft can cover the route nonstop. Ask the operator before booking if the listing does not specify.
- Review terms before booking: Cancellation terms on transatlantic empty legs matter more than on domestic routes because of the downstream logistics involved. Read the policy before paying.
No membership is required to search or book on SkyAccess. No broker quote loop. Browse live inventory and book directly with the certified operator.
When full charter makes more sense than an empty leg
Empty legs are the right tool for flexible travelers. For a transatlantic trip, that flexibility means your departure date, departure airport, and arrival airport may shift when the operator’s repositioning schedule firms up. If your London to Chicago travel:
- Is date-flexible within a 1-2 week window
- Involves a group that makes the per-person economics competitive with business class
- Can tolerate some last-minute schedule adjustment
…then an empty leg is worth monitoring closely. If your crossing is date-critical, booked around specific meetings or events, or you need a specific departure city, a full charter where you control the schedule is the right choice. SkyAccess shows both options on the same platform so you can compare pricing before committing.
Frequently asked questions
Are there direct empty leg flights from London to Chicago?
Yes, but they require an ultra-long range jet capable of the 3,950+ nautical mile crossing. Not all private jets have this range. Listings on SkyAccess show the aircraft type; if you need a nonstop flight, filter for ultra-long range aircraft or confirm range with the operator before booking.
Which London airport do private jets typically use for Chicago flights?
Most ultra-long range transatlantic departures from London operate out of Biggin Hill (BQH) or Farnborough (FAB). Luton (LTN) and Stansted (STN) are also used. The specific airport depends on the operator’s basing and FBO arrangements. Check the listing for the departure FBO before booking.
How long is a private jet flight from London to Chicago?
Approximately 8-10 hours nonstop depending on winds and routing. The North Atlantic Track system affects routing; westbound flights (London to Chicago) typically take longer than eastbound (Chicago to London) due to headwinds, though aircraft with sufficient speed and range can mitigate this. Specific aircraft routing details come from the operator.
Is a London to Chicago empty leg safe?
The aircraft and crew on an empty leg are identical to those on a full charter on the same route. The discount reflects booking mechanics, not reduced operational standards. UK and European operators hold CAA or EASA AOC certification; US operators hold FAA Part 135 certificates. Both require meeting stringent maintenance, training, and operational standards. SkyAccess verifies operator certification before listing.
Can I bring my dog or cat on a London to Chicago empty leg?
Many operators permit pets in the cabin on private jets. Transatlantic pet travel requires specific documentation: a USDA-endorsed health certificate, proof of vaccination, microchip meeting ISO standards, and compliance with UK and US import requirements. Confirm pet policies and documentation requirements with the operator before booking. See our full guide to pet-friendly empty leg flights.
How often do London to Chicago empty legs come up?
The corridor sees regular private charter traffic, particularly for business travel and seasonal leisure. Empty legs on this specific route are not daily but appear with some regularity when major charters operate in the corridor. Setting a deal alert on SkyAccess is the best way to catch one when it appears.
Search London to Chicago empty leg flights
Browse live transatlantic empty-leg inventory from CAA and FAA-certified operators on SkyAccess, the world’s largest empty leg marketplace. All-in pricing, no membership required.
Related reading
- Empty leg flights UK: airports, routes, and how to book (2026)
- What are empty leg flights? The complete 2026 guide
- Empty leg flight cancellations: the real rate, why they happen, and how to book smart
- Can you bring a pet on an empty leg flight? A traveler’s guide
- Empty legs: domestic vs. international, and what changes
- Are empty leg flights safe? What Part 135 certification means for you
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