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Empty Leg Flights from Chicago to Los Angeles: One-Way Private Jet Charter to Van Nuys and LAX
Zephyr Jets arranges one-way private jet flights from Chicago to Los Angeles, including discounted empty leg flights when a suitable aircraft is repositioning. You can depart from Chicago Executive (KPWK) or Midway (KMDW) and arrive at Van Nuys (KVNY) or Los Angeles International (KLAX). The average flight takes about 4 hours 10 minutes, nonstop, on a midsize, super-midsize or heavy jet.
An empty leg is a flight an aircraft has to make without passengers so it can reach its next trip or return to its base. The operator can offer that seat at a reduced price because the aircraft is flying the leg regardless.
Chicago to Los Angeles at a Glance
| Typical flight time | About 4 hours 10 minutes |
| Typical aircraft | Midsize, super-midsize, or heavy jet |
| Aircraft Zephyr Jets sources | Hawker 800XP, Citation Sovereign, Falcon 2000, Gulfstream IV, Falcon 900 |
| Chicago departure airports | Chicago Executive (KPWK), Midway (KMDW), O’Hare (KORD), DuPage (KDPA), Gary/Chicago International (KGYY) |
| Los Angeles arrival airports | Van Nuys (KVNY), Los Angeles International (KLAX) |
| Trip types | Empty leg (when available), one-way charter, round-trip charter |
| Time difference | Los Angeles is two hours behind Chicago, so you land earlier on the clock than you left |
What Is an Empty Leg Flight from Chicago to Los Angeles?
An empty leg flight from Chicago to Los Angeles is a one-way private jet flight that a charter operator would otherwise fly with no passengers. It happens when an aircraft delivers a client to Chicago and must return to the West Coast, or when it has to reach Chicago for its next booking.
Empty leg pricing is usually lower than a standard one-way charter on the same route. The trade-offs are:
- Fixed timing. The departure date and window are set by the aircraft’s schedule, not by you.
- Limited availability. A matching flight may not exist for your date. Empty legs appear and disappear as aircraft schedules change.
- Subject to change. Operators can change or cancel repositioning flights, and your advisor will tell you right away if that happens.
If your date and departure time are fixed, a one-way private jet charter from Chicago to LA gives you control over both. Zephyr Jets quotes both options so you can compare them.
Who Books Chicago to Los Angeles by Private Jet?
- Business travelers and executive teams who need to leave Chicago and arrive in Los Angeles in one day, without airline connections or fixed departure times.
- Entertainment, media and sports groups who want to keep a team together and move luggage and equipment in the cabin.
- Families and small groups who prefer a single aircraft and a private terminal over a commercial journey.
- Travelers with flexible schedules who can build a trip around an available empty leg and reduce the cost of a one-way flight.
Why Fly Private from Chicago to Los Angeles
- Nonstop routing. A flight of about 4 hours 10 minutes covers roughly 1,700 miles with no connections.
- Airports built for private aircraft. Chicago Executive (KPWK) and Midway (KMDW) in Chicago, and Van Nuys (KVNY) in Los Angeles, let you avoid the largest commercial terminals.
- Choice of airport at both ends. You can pick the departure and arrival airports that are closest to where you are going.
- A working cabin. You can hold a meeting, make calls, or rest in a private cabin with a group that you choose.
- Lower cost on the right flight. An empty leg can reduce the price of a one-way trip when its schedule matches yours.
Aircraft for Chicago to Los Angeles
The distance of about 1,700 miles puts this route at the upper end for midsize jets and well within the range of super-midsize and heavy jets. For this reason, the aircraft Zephyr Jets commonly sources are:
Midsize and Super-Midsize
Hawker 800XP, Citation Sovereign. These suit smaller groups (typically 6 to 9 passengers), and nonstop capability depends on the model, passenger load and winds.
Heavy Jets
Falcon 2000, Gulfstream IV, Falcon 900. These offer a larger cabin, more baggage space and more range margin for larger groups.
Your advisor will confirm capacity, baggage space and whether a fuel stop is needed for the exact aircraft before you commit. Browse our midsize jets, super-midsize jets and heavy jets galleries.
Choosing Your Airports: Chicago & Los Angeles
| Departing from Chicago | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Executive (KPWK) | 18 miles | A business aviation airport north of the city, formerly known as Palwaukee Municipal |
| Midway (KMDW) | 8 miles | The closest option to downtown, which also handles commercial traffic |
| O’Hare (KORD) | 19 miles | A major commercial airport that also accepts private flights |
| DuPage (KDPA) | 42 miles | A general aviation airport west of Chicago |
| Gary/Chicago Int’l (KGYY) | 36 miles | An alternative in northwest Indiana |
Arriving in Los Angeles:
Van Nuys (KVNY): A major general aviation airport in the San Fernando Valley and a common arrival point for private jet charters to Los Angeles. Often the more convenient choice for the Westside, Valley, Hollywood and Burbank area.
Los Angeles International (KLAX): 16 miles from downtown Los Angeles and the better choice if you are connecting to a commercial flight or heading to the airport’s surrounding area.
What Affects the Price of a Chicago to Los Angeles Private Jet
Zephyr Jets quotes every trip individually, and the price depends on your itinerary. These factors influence the cost of a private jet from Chicago to Los Angeles:
- Empty leg or standard charter. A matching empty leg can cost less than a standard one-way charter.
- Aircraft size and type. Heavy jets cost more to operate than midsize jets.
- Flight time and fuel. A flight of about 4 hours 10 minutes uses more fuel and crew time than a short hop.
- Aircraft positioning. A one-way charter may include the cost of repositioning the aircraft back to its base.
- Departure and arrival airports. Handling and airport fees differ between KPWK, KMDW, KVNY and KLAX.
- Date and demand. Prices can rise during peak travel periods, holidays and major events.
- Catering, ground transportation and special requests.
Your written quote states the aircraft, itinerary and price. For a firm figure, request a quote with your airports, dates and passenger count.
How to Book an Empty Leg or One-Way Charter
STEP 01
Submit your trip details
Use the quote form or call with your preferred airports, dates and number of passengers.
STEP 02
Review options
An advisor checks current empty legs and available aircraft and explains each one.
STEP 03
Receive your proposal
The quote lists the aircraft, flight details and price.
STEP 04
Confirm and sign
You are not charged until a reservation agent has confirmed all flight details and has received your signed confirmation form.
STEP 05
Fly
Arrive at the private terminal at the agreed time. Your advisor handles any changes before departure.
Why Book Chicago to Los Angeles With Zephyr Jets
Zephyr Jets is a private jet charter broker. We source aircraft from a network of 3,500+ aircraft and arrange the trip on your behalf. Charter flights in the United States are operated by third-party air carriers certificated under FAA Part 135.
- 16+ years in private aviation and 7,500+ flights arranged
- Advisors averaging 15+ years of industry experience. Meet our brokers.
- A vetted network of aircraft and operators.
- 24/7 support from sourcing through flight planning and backup options, including rerouting around weather
- Clear contracts. Your quote states the aircraft, itinerary and price before you confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost depends on the aircraft, date and airports. Empty leg fares are generally lower than a standard one-way charter, but each flight is priced individually. Request a quote for a specific figure.
The average flight time is about 4 hours 10 minutes. Actual time varies with the aircraft, winds and air traffic routing. Los Angeles is two hours behind Chicago.
You can depart from Chicago Executive (KPWK), Midway (KMDW), O’Hare (KORD), DuPage (KDPA) or Gary/Chicago International (KGYY). You can arrive at Van Nuys (KVNY) or Los Angeles International (KLAX).
Van Nuys (KVNY) is a general aviation airport in the San Fernando Valley, often preferred for private flights. LAX (KLAX) is 16 miles from downtown Los Angeles and suits travelers connecting to commercial flights. Choose the one closer to your destination.
An empty leg is a repositioning flight that is already scheduled, so its route and timing are fixed and its price is typically reduced. A one-way charter is booked for your chosen date and time, so the price reflects that flexibility.
Not guaranteed. Empty legs depend on where aircraft need to go, so your date must match an available flight. If none matches, your advisor can quote a one-way or round-trip charter.
Aircraft Zephyr Jets sources include the Hawker 800XP, Citation Sovereign, Falcon 2000, Gulfstream IV and Falcon 900. Availability depends on your date.
Midsize and super-midsize jets generally seat about six to nine passengers, and heavy jets often seat more, depending on the model and layout. Your advisor will confirm capacity and baggage space before you book.
Yes. Round-trip charters, one-way charters and multi-leg itineraries are all available through the quote form or by phone.
Earlier gives you more aircraft and options. Zephyr Jets can also arrange charters on short notice, in some cases in as little as 4 hours, subject to aircraft availability.
No. You are not charged until a reservation agent has confirmed all flight details and has received your signed confirmation form.
Plan Your Chicago to Los Angeles Flight
Tell us your departure airport, arrival airport, dates and number of passengers, and a Zephyr Jets advisor will check current empty legs and charter options for your trip.
Call (888) 442-3131 or (212) 561-5500 (direct and international) | vlad@zephyrjets.com | Contact Zephyr Jets
Related pages: Daily Empty Leg Flights | Empty Leg Specials by Route | Charter a Private Jet | Aircraft Gallery
Zephyr Jets is a private jet charter broker and does not own or operate aircraft. Flights are operated by FAA Part 135 certificated carriers. Empty leg availability changes frequently and is not guaranteed.
