16 September 2013

United Airlines Passengers Offered Free Flights

Scheduled carrier United Airlines was unknowingly offering air passengers free flights last week. Flights priced at $0.00 were loaded accidentally on to its flight systems and were then made available to customers on its website.

Airport charges were added on top, but even so, some passengers were able to buy tickets for just $5 or $10. The word spread on social media until United recognised the error, with their website going down while they fixed the prices.

Great at this was for the customers concerned (although it’s not yet clear if United will honour the prices), this type of story is enough to send a shiver down the spine of any technology company.

Empty jet

While PrivateFly hasn’t offered any private jets at $0.00, we do offer some prices that might cause a double take.

Empty legs or empty sectors are the unsold portion of one-way private jet flights.

The aircraft needs to be moved to its next position anyway, so the operator is often prepared to offer huge discounts.

Prices can be up to 75% less than the full charter rate.

This does result in some amazing prices. Last week we were offering a flight from Cambridge to Palma in a 7-seater Citation Bravo for £2,750. This would usually be priced at £11,900.

Empty legs are also available globally and are often (but not always) offered at short notice.

So if you are prepared to be flexible and combine with airline flights, they can allow the experience of private aviation at close to airline prices.

And of course, the cost is for the aircraft regardless of how many passengers are on-board.

Often we will have passengers added onto the flight manifest at the last minute (in fact our customers can do this themselves through the PrivateFly app). Those extra passengers will normally fly for free!

Download the PrivateFly app to keep in touch with latest empty leg offers or to add extra passengers to booked flights.

Related content

07 September 2023

How much luggage can I take on a private jet?

How much luggage you can take with you on a private jet charter flight depends on a few factors. Here PrivateFly's experts explain what to expect from different aircraft types.
24 November 2022

Our latest exclusive Jet Card event at Dom Pérignon Maison

Our new private event series for PrivateFly Jet Card clients continued with an invitation to visit the historic Dom Pérignon Maison in France.
27 October 2022

How clean is the cabin air on a private jet?

The air we breathe – particularly in an enclosed space – can make the difference between staying well or catching an infection, whether that’s the coronavirus or any other airborne disease. So you’ll be pleased to…
Sustainability

PrivateFly is committed to a long term sustainability program, dedicated to going far beyond just carbon offsetting.

Read More
Our Group

PrivateFly is a sister company to Flexjet, which provides shared ownership and programmes for experienced private aviation users who fly 50+ hours per year

Visit The Website
Speak to our flight team 24/7
Connect With Us
Our Websites
Back to top