Guillaume Schaer

Did you know there’s a closely guarded secret in the world of private aviation that can drastically reduce the cost of flying private? No, it’s not a secret handshake or a hidden code, but something far simpler – taking advantage of “empty legs”.

In essence, empty leg flights are private jets that are flying without passengers. It might sound strange, but it happens quite frequently. For instance, a jet might fly a client to a destination and then have to return home empty, or maybe it’s required to reposition to another airport for its next client. In the industry, these empty, non-revenue flights are known as “empty legs”.

Sounds wasteful, right? Well, not for you. Here’s the secret: you can book these empty legs at significantly reduced prices.

So why doesn’t everyone do it? Simple. These flights are not public knowledge, and typically only available to those in the know. However, with a little bit of research, it’s possible to access this clandestine world of discounted private aviation.

Now you might be wondering, how do I get on these empty leg flights?

Thankfully, it’s not as hard as you might think. Many private jet charter companies list empty leg flights on their websites. They often offer substantial discounts because flying an empty jet isn’t profitable. But please remember, these flights are unpredictable and often pop up at the last minute. So if you have a flexible schedule and are open to last-minute travel, this might be the perfect option for you.

Remember, these empty leg flights can be a real bargain, but they also come with some unpredictability. They are typically one-way and subject to sudden changes, as they depend on the original passenger’s itinerary. So, if you’re flexible and ready for a bit of adventure, they can be a fantastic way to experience the luxury of private aviation without the exorbitant cost.

Now, aren’t you excited about discovering this well-kept industry secret? Next time you’re considering travel, keep an eye out for these empty leg opportunities. Who knows, you might find yourself soaring above the clouds in the opulent luxury of a private jet… and at a fraction of the usual price.

Welcome to the concluding part of our sustainability in aviation series. So far, we’ve delved into the innovative strides the aviation industry is making towards sustainability, including fuel-efficient aircraft, sustainable fuels, and the role of carbon offsetting and green tickets. If you haven’t yet read the previous articles, we highly recommend catching up on Part 1 and Part 2.

Today, we’re switching tracks from flying high in the sky to gliding along the ground. It might seem unusual, but sometimes, the most sustainable choice isn’t to fly at all, but to take the train instead, especially for shorter distances. Interested? Let’s unpack this further.

When you think of travel between cities or even countries, your first instinct might be to book a flight. But hold on, have you considered taking a train? Particularly for journeys under 4 hours, train travel can be a faster, more efficient, and most importantly, more sustainable choice.

Consider this scenario: you need to travel from Paris to Amsterdam. The flight itself takes roughly 1.5 hours, but let’s add the time spent arriving early at the airport, going through security, waiting to board, collecting your luggage, and then traveling from the airport to the city center. Suddenly, that 1.5-hour flight doesn’t seem so quick.

Compare this to taking a high-speed train directly from city center to city center. You avoid all the airport-related time consumption and hassle. Plus, train stations are typically centrally located and well-connected to local transport, eliminating the need for that costly taxi ride from the airport.

But it’s not just about convenience and speed.

Choosing the train over short-haul flights can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Air travel, especially over short distances, generates a substantial amount of carbon emissions. In contrast, high-speed trains, especially those running on electricity, are a much greener choice.

Numerous airlines and travel agencies are recognizing this and actively encouraging their customers to opt for rail over air where it makes sense. Some are even partnering with railway companies to offer combined tickets, making it even easier for you to make the sustainable choice.

Now, we’re not saying you should swap your transatlantic flight for a transatlantic cruise. But when it comes to shorter distances, consider trading your wings for wheels. Not only will you often get to your destination quicker, but you’ll also do our beautiful planet a huge favor.

We hope this series has enlightened you about the different ways the aviation industry is working towards sustainability, and how you can make more environmentally-friendly travel choices. Because every step – or train ride – counts towards a greener future. Safe and sustainable travels, dear reader!

Welcome back to our series on sustainability in the aviation industry. In Part 1, we discussed the innovative measures that airlines are taking to reduce their environmental impact, focusing on fuel-efficient aircraft, sustainable aviation fuels, and promising developments in electric and hybrid planes. If you missed it, you can catch up here.

Today, in Part 2, we’re turning our attention to another intriguing concept in the world of sustainable aviation: carbon offsetting. We will also delve into the rise of ‘green tickets’, a pioneering approach by some airlines to encourage eco-friendly travel. So buckle up and prepare for takeoff as we explore how airlines are tackling their carbon emissions head-on.

Have you ever wished that you could simply erase the carbon emissions resulting from your flight?

Well, guess what? You’re not alone. In fact, some airlines have devised ways to do exactly that. Welcome to the world of carbon offsetting and green tickets – airlines’ innovative solutions to make your travel more eco-friendly.

Carbon offsetting is a simple concept. It involves compensating for the carbon emissions produced by your flight by investing in environmental projects that reduce carbon emissions elsewhere. These could be anything from wind farms to reforestation projects. So, while we can’t yet erase the emissions from our flight, we can at least balance them out.

Many airlines now offer passengers the option to purchase carbon offsets for their flights. For instance, Delta Airlines provides a carbon calculator to assess the emissions associated with your journey. You can then buy carbon offsets equivalent to your calculated footprint, effectively making your flight carbon neutral. Additionally, independent organizations like MyClimate also offer carbon calculators. Being independent, these organizations provide an unbiased estimation of your flight’s carbon emissions, offering another trustworthy resource for conscious travelers looking to offset their carbon footprint. As a passenger, you have several options at your disposal to make a tangible impact on our planet’s health.

But airlines aren’t stopping there. In a groundbreaking move, some are now offering “green tickets”. These tickets, offered by carriers like Lufthansa and United Airlines, include carbon offsetting in their price, making the flight carbon neutral from the outset. This means every passenger who purchases a green ticket is automatically investing in a greener planet.

Impressive, right? These initiatives show that airlines are genuinely striving to be part of the solution to climate change.

But there is a caveat.

While carbon offsetting is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, it’s not the ultimate solution. It’s a bit like patching a leaking boat; it stops the boat from sinking but doesn’t fix the leak. That’s why the aviation industry is simultaneously investing in more sustainable fuels and technologies, as we discussed in our previous article.

As a passenger, the power is in your hands. By choosing airlines that offer carbon offsetting or green tickets, you can make a tangible impact on our planet’s health.

In our next and final article of the series, we’ll explore situations where taking the train can be an even greener choice than flying. Stay tuned for more eco-friendly travel tips.

Until then, remember, the next time you’re about to book a flight, consider choosing the greener route. The planet will thank you.

In the face of a growing demand for global travel, there is an industry secret that isn’t so glamorous – the environmental impact of aviation. But don’t pack away your suitcase just yet. You see, the aviation industry is well aware of its environmental footprint, and it’s soaring full speed ahead towards sustainability.

The fact is, aviation contributes about 2-3% of global carbon emissions. But before you vow to never set foot on a plane again, understand this: the industry is deeply committed to reducing its impact on Mother Earth. So, how exactly are they doing it?

Firstly, airlines are investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft and engines. Newer aircraft models, such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, use significantly less fuel per passenger than their predecessors, thanks to lightweight composite materials and advanced aerodynamics. This is not just good for the environment, it’s also beneficial to the airlines’ bottom line.

In addition, alternative, sustainable fuels are not just a pipe dream but a budding reality. Biofuels derived from renewable sources like plants, waste oils, and even household waste are making their way into the fuel tanks of commercial flights. While still in the early stages, sustainable aviation fuel holds great promise in reducing the carbon footprint of each flight.

And let’s not forget about electric and hybrid planes. Imagine a sky filled with quiet, emission-free aircraft. It might sound like science fiction, but companies such as Eviation and Zunum Aero are working hard to turn this vision into reality. Though currently limited to smaller aircraft and shorter routes, these technologies have the potential to revolutionize the industry in the years to come.

Now, let’s be clear. The road to sustainability in aviation isn’t a short, one-way trip.

It’s more of a long-haul flight with potential turbulence along the way. But rest assured, the industry is firmly on this journey, fueled by innovation and a commitment to a greener future.

So, next time you’re about to embark on a journey, remember that the aviation industry is doing its best to make your trip as green as possible. Look out for our next articles in the series where we’ll dive into how airlines are offering “green tickets” and how you can even opt for rail travel over short-haul flights for a greener travel choice.

Stay tuned, conscious traveler. Sustainability in aviation is taking off, and we’re all onboard for the ride.

It’s no secret that flying can be a stressful experience. From the long lines at security to the cramped seats on the plane, it’s easy to get frazzled before even taking off. Especially as air travel is picking up again. But there are some simple steps you can take to make your travel experience a little bit easier – and one of those is to give a gift to your flight attendant.

Sure, it might seem like a small gesture, but flight attendants are the ones who can really make or break your travel experience. They’re the one who are responsible for your safety and your well-being. They’re the ones who will help you with anything you need during the flight, from getting you an extra pillow to fixing your in-seat entertainment system. And a little appreciation can go a long way.

Here is how I usually do this:

I usually pack a box of individually-wrapped chocolates and I make sure they’re still in the original packaging, as some flight attendants might not accept food from unknown origin. On the box, I usually write something like: “Thank you from seat 21A”… Then when I board and the flight attendants welcome me and expect that I hand them my boarding pass, I hand them a the chocolates as I tell them that this is to share with the cabin crew. I always like the surprise on their face as they’re not used to that.

Sometimes I add that I know that their job has been difficult since the start of the pandemic and that it’s my way to thank them for the work they do. Then I just go to my seat.

When I travel with my kids, I usually ask them to hand the chocolates to the crew, making an even bigger impact. Last time I’ve done it with the kids, the crew kept coming to see us during the flight to thank us and to bring extra drinks and good snacks.

So next time you’re packing for a trip, make sure to include a small gift for the flight attendant. It will definitely help to make your travel experience a little bit better.