Empty leg Chicago to New York
An empty leg Chicago to New York is a repositioning flight sold below the usual one-way rate. The trip covers 619 nautical miles, about 712 miles. Light jets make the run in 1 hour 49 minutes when inventory opens.
Chicago to New York private jet prices by aircraft
From Chicago to New York, a private jet covers 619 nautical miles in 1h 49m on a light jet. One-way estimate: $7,000–$10,500.The table below lines up aircraft classes that can fly this 619 nm leg nonstop. Block times run from 2 hours 28 minutes in a turboprop to 1 hour 41 minutes in a super-midsize or heavy jet. Estimated prices for an empty leg are lower than standard charter and vary with notice.
| Aircraft class | Flight time | Estimate one-way | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop | 2h 28m | $5,500–$8,500 | Direct, no stops |
| Light jet | 1h 49m | $7,000–$10,500 | Best fit |
| Midsize jet | 1h 47m | $9,000–$14,000 | Direct, no stops |
| Super-midsize jet | 1h 41m | $12,000–$17,000 | Direct, no stops |
| Heavy jet | 1h 41m | $16,000–$24,500 | Direct, no stops |
Ballpark per aircraft, not per seat, before federal excise tax and segment fees. Duration covers taxi, climb and descent.
Why this trip suits a light jet
The light jet suits this 619 nm regional leg. Two common types, the HondaJet Elite II and Citation CJ4 Gen2, cruise at 422 and 451 knots and carry 5 to 7 passengers. A light jet makes the run in 1 hour 49 minutes, only two minutes behind a midsize on this 619 nm route. If you need more cabin height, then a midsize adds a little room for a modest price step, but the light jet keeps the empty leg economics intact on this distance.
Heavy jets and super-midsize aircraft also cover the route, though they cost more. The heavy jet range and cabin size are useful for longer legs, not this 619 nm regional route. For most travelers booking a repositioning flight from Chicago to New York, the light jet is the practical pick: it is fast enough, fits the distance, and often has the most empty leg inventory on regional routes.
Embraer Phenom 300E
- 7 seats
- 464 kt cruise
- 2,010 nm range
Cabin 4 ft 11 in tall, 17 ft 2 in long. Baggage 84 cu ft.
Pilatus PC-24
- 8 seats
- 440 kt cruise
- 2,000 nm range
Cabin 5 ft 1 in tall, 23 ft long. Baggage 90 cu ft.
Leaving Chicago
Most empty leg flights leave from Chicago Midway International Airport, which has a 6,522-foot runway and sits close to the city. Check which Chicago airport your operator lists for the empty leg before you book ground transport. Chicago Executive Airport, with a 5,001-foot runway, is another option for light jets and turboprops.
For a 619 nm flight, an early morning departure reduces the chance of weather delays in the afternoon. If your schedule is flexible, then a midday or evening slot may be offered at a lower cost because the jet needs to reposition for the next morning.
Arriving in New York
On the New York end, Teterboro Airport has a 6,997-foot runway and is the standard general aviation gateway for Manhattan. Both New York airports put you closer to the city than the commercial terminals at JFK or Newark. Westchester County Airport, with a 6,549-foot runway, serves the northern suburbs and Connecticut.
If you land at Teterboro, then you are a short drive from Midtown, but expect peak traffic on the approach roads. Westchester can be quicker for Greenwich, Stamford, or White Plains addresses. Ask the operator which New York airport the empty leg is filed to before you pay.
| Airport | Code | Runway |
|---|---|---|
| Teterboro Airport | KTEB / TEB | 6,997 ft |
| Westchester County Airport | KHPN / HPN | 6,549 ft |
| Chicago Midway International Airport | KMDW / MDW | 6,522 ft |
| Chicago Executive Airport | KPWK / PWK | 5,001 ft |
When empty leg prices rise
Demand for private jet charter on the Chicago to New York route peaks on weekday mornings and Sunday afternoons. Empty leg flights are more likely midweek, when operators reposition after weekend trips on this 619 nm route. If you can travel on a Tuesday or Wednesday, then you have a better chance of finding an empty leg at a lower estimate.
Book ahead when you need a specific date. Empty leg listings move fast, and a light jet seat on a 619 nm leg may not be available a week out. Sign up for alerts so a new empty leg Chicago to New York shows up before it is gone. If you are comparing empty leg flights to standard charter prices, then act as soon as you see a match.
Private jet routes similar to Chicago to New York
These 6 private jet routes span 279 to 949 nautical miles; one-way light jet estimates run $4,000 to $15,000.
Questions about this route
What is an empty leg Chicago to New York?
It is a repositioning flight that a Part 135 operator sells because the aircraft must move from Chicago to New York without passengers. The distance is 619 nautical miles. Prices for these legs are estimates and usually below standard charter rates. The operator keeps operational control, and the broker arranges the booking under DOT Part 295 rules.
How long does the flight take?
A light jet flies the 619 nm route in 1 hour 49 minutes. A midsize jet takes 1 hour 47 minutes, and a super-midsize or heavy jet takes 1 hour 41 minutes. A turboprop takes 2 hours 28 minutes. Those are block times; the actual gate-to-gate time depends on routing, winds, and air traffic.
What does an empty leg Chicago to New York cost?
Light jet estimates start around $7,000 and run to about $10,500 for this 619 nm leg. Midsize jets are $9,000 to $14,000, and heavy jets are $16,000 to $24,500. Empty leg prices are often lower than these standard charter estimates, but they are not fixed and change with availability.
Which airports serve this route?
In Chicago, flights depart from Midway International or Chicago Executive. In New York, they arrive at Teterboro or Westchester County. Teterboro has a 6,997-foot runway, and Westchester has a 6,549-foot runway. Confirm the exact airport on the empty leg listing before you book ground transportation.
Can I book a same-day round trip?
Sometimes. An empty leg is one-way by nature, but the operator may have a return leg later the same day. On a 619 nm route, a light jet round trip is feasible in a day if both legs line up. Ask the broker to check return inventory before you commit to the outbound empty leg.
What should I check before booking an empty leg on this route?
Confirm the operator holds Part 135 certification and that the broker is acting as your agent under DOT Part 295. Check the departure airport, the arrival airport, and the 619 nm distance matches the quote. Empty leg prices are estimates, so get the final number and cancellation terms in writing before you pay.