SkyAccess vs PrivateFly: Which Is Better for Empty Leg Flights?
If you are researching private jet options, SkyAccess and PrivateFly represent two distinct approaches to booking. One is a live-inventory marketplace for empty leg flights and whole-aircraft bookings with no membership required. The other is a broker model that sources quotes on request.
This comparison covers the key differences so you can decide which fits the way you fly.
Quick summary
- SkyAccess: Live empty leg marketplace. Search live inventory from 900+ certified operators. Whole-aircraft pricing shown upfront. No membership. Book direct online. Best for travelers who want transparent pricing on discounted repositioning flights.
- PrivateFly: On-demand charter broker. Submit a trip request and receive quotes from their operator network. Best for travelers who want a concierge to source options for them, including full charter.
Pricing model
SkyAccess
SkyAccess lists empty leg flights at whole-aircraft prices. You see the whole-aircraft price before booking, covering the operator’s pricing and SkyAccess fees, and taxes and fees are shown at checkout before you pay. Empty legs are discounted 25-75% compared with full charter because they are repositioning flights operators need to fly regardless.
There are no membership fees, no annual dues, and no minimum spend requirements.
PrivateFly
PrivateFly operates as a charter broker. You submit a trip request, and their team provides quotes sourced from their operator network. Pricing reflects the full charter rate plus broker margin. Empty leg availability through PrivateFly depends on what their network operators have available at the time of your request, and these are not always displayed as live browse-and-book inventory.
Membership requirements
SkyAccess
No membership required. Create a free account and browse live inventory immediately.
PrivateFly
PrivateFly does not require a membership to request quotes. Their parent company (Wheels Up / SATS) offers membership products, but PrivateFly itself operates on a per-trip basis.
Empty leg availability
SkyAccess
Empty legs are the core product. SkyAccess aggregates live repositioning flights from 900+ certified operators as they are posted. You can search by route, date range, aircraft type, and passenger count across 5,000+ live listings. No quote request needed: browse and book directly.
PrivateFly
PrivateFly can source empty leg options through their network, but the empty leg inventory is not published as a live browse-and-book catalog. Availability depends on what their operator contacts have open at the time of your request.
Booking process
SkyAccess
- Search by route, date, and passengers
- Browse live empty leg listings with pricing, aircraft specs, and departure windows
- Book directly through the platform
- Operator confirms, and your trip is set
No call required. No broker loop. Most bookings complete in minutes.
PrivateFly
- Submit a trip request via the website or phone
- PrivateFly sources quotes from operators in their network
- Review quote options (typically provided within a few hours)
- Confirm with PrivateFly, who coordinates with the operator
Works well for custom or complex itineraries but adds a step compared with browsing live inventory directly.
Safety and operator standards
SkyAccess
All operators on SkyAccess hold an FAA Part 135 air carrier certificate (for US operators) or an equivalent certification in their jurisdiction (EASA AOC, CAA AOC, Transport Canada, GCAA, CASA). SkyAccess verifies operator credentials before listing and prioritizes operators with third-party safety ratings from ARGUS, Wyvern, or IS-BAO.
PrivateFly
PrivateFly vets operators in its network against safety standards. They are ARGUS-rated. The specific criteria and the scope of their active network vary; check their current standards documentation directly.
Best fit by traveler type
| If you are… | Better fit |
|---|---|
| Looking for the best price on a private jet with schedule flexibility | SkyAccess |
| Booking a one-way trip and open to discounted repositioning flights | SkyAccess |
| Prefer to see live inventory and book without calling anyone | SkyAccess |
| Need a complex multi-leg itinerary with a concierge to coordinate | PrivateFly |
| Booking a full charter where timing is fixed and non-negotiable | Either, or a dedicated charter broker |
| Want to browse discounted private jet options without a quote loop | SkyAccess |
Honest trade-offs
SkyAccess is stronger for: Live empty leg inventory, transparent whole-aircraft pricing with taxes and fees shown at checkout, no-membership access, and speed of booking. If you want to browse available flights right now and book one without a phone call, SkyAccess is built for that.
PrivateFly is stronger for: Complex itineraries that require concierge coordination. If you need someone to source options across multiple legs, manage ground logistics, and coordinate a crew for a multi-destination trip, a broker model may suit you better.
The trade-off with SkyAccess empty legs is schedule flexibility. You adapt to the aircraft’s repositioning schedule to get the discount. If you have a hard departure time, a full charter or broker-sourced option where you set the schedule is the right fit.
See what is available on your route today
Browse live empty leg listings from certified operators. Whole-aircraft pricing, no membership, no broker quote loop.
Frequently asked questions
Is SkyAccess a PrivateFly alternative?
Yes, for travelers primarily looking for empty leg flights or direct-booking private jet options. SkyAccess offers live inventory browsing with transparent pricing and no membership requirement. PrivateFly is a broker that sources quotes on request across a range of charter options.
Does PrivateFly have empty legs?
PrivateFly can source empty leg options through its operator network, but these are not displayed as live browse-and-book inventory. SkyAccess is purpose-built as a live empty leg marketplace.
Is SkyAccess cheaper than PrivateFly?
Empty legs on SkyAccess are 25-75% below full charter pricing because they are discounted repositioning flights. PrivateFly quotes reflect full charter rates plus broker margin. The comparison depends on the specific route and timing, but for one-way travel with schedule flexibility, SkyAccess empty legs are typically significantly less expensive.
Do I need a membership for SkyAccess?
No. SkyAccess has no membership fees, no minimum spend, and no annual dues. Create a free account and book directly.
Which platform is better for first-time private jet travelers?
SkyAccess is designed for straightforward direct booking. If you want to browse options, see whole-aircraft pricing upfront, and book without a sales conversation, SkyAccess is a good starting point. See our guide for first-time empty leg travelers.
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