A deadhead flight, also known as a positioning flight, is a flight without passengers or cargo that is required to position the flight crew or an empty aircraft to another airport. Deadheading allows airlines to efficiently move crew members or planes to where they are needed next.
Why do airlines operate deadhead flights?
There are several reasons why airlines operate deadhead flights:
- To move flight crews to their next departure airport. Pilots and flight attendants regularly deadhead to ensure they are in position for upcoming scheduled flights.
- To reposition empty aircraft. Airlines may need to reposition aircraft to an airport where it is scheduled for its next flight, or for maintenance.
- After the completion of a charter flight or due to a cancellation, the aircraft may need to be repositioned without passengers.
- To transport an aircraft undergoing maintenance to a repair facility.
Deadheading is generally more cost-effective for airlines than having crew members or planes sitting idle. It allows them to maximize utilization of resources.
How do deadhead flights work?
Deadheading flights operate just like regular passenger flights, except without passengers on board. The pilots and flight crew being repositioned will travel in the main cabin or crew rest area. All standard flight procedures regarding safety checks, takeoff and landing, etc. still apply.
Airlines try to schedule deadheads at less busy times or combine them with regular scheduled flights to maximize efficiency. For instance, a deadhead flight may take off just before a scheduled flight using the same aircraft. The pilots and crew can deadhead into position, then operate the commercial flight immediately after.
Are crew members or off-duty employees the only passengers on deadheads?
Usually deadhead flights are just crew members, but policies vary by airline. Some airlines allow off-duty airline employees and eligible pass travelers to occupy seats on these flights. Policies may restrict it only to certain deadhead routes or flights at certain times.
Airlines also commonly use deadheads to transport high-priority cargo like mail, medical supplies, or critical spare parts. This allows them to make productive use of the empty aircraft on its repositioning route.
How are deadhead flights tracked and designated?
Deadhead flights are designated differently from regular passenger flights in airline scheduling systems, flight numbers, and computer reservations. This allows airlines to track them for operational purposes. Some examples of deadhead designations include:
- Special flight numbers just for deadheading flights
- Regular flight numbers marked with a “D” (ex. Flight 123D)
- Descriptive labels (Ferry Flight, Repositioning Flight, Tech Flight for maintenance)
Passengers will not find deadhead flights in online booking systems or schedules unless seats are made available for non-crew travelers.
Are there specific regulations for deadheading crew?
Yes, deadheading crews must follow some specific regulations:
- Pilots deadheading as passengers cannot be in the cockpit or take part in operating the flight
- Mandatory rest times apply to pilots and flight attendants, even when deadheading
- Crew members must have proper uniforms and identification when deadheading on flights
There are also occupational safety regulations for deadhead flights. For instance, flight attendants must receive a safety briefing, be assigned emergency positions, and have access to escape devices.
Do deadhead flights generate revenue for airlines?
No, deadhead flights do not directly generate revenue for airlines since they operate without ticketed passengers. However, they provide an important operational function that allows airlines to position crews and aircraft where they need to be. This supports the overall profitability of scheduled passenger service.
Some key ways deadheading improves revenue potential:
- Allows aircraft to be in place to start profitable scheduled flights
- Gets crews in position to legally operate upcoming flights
- Moves aircraft to maintenance facilities to minimize downtime
While deadheads themselves are a cost center, they optimize utilization of key assets – crews and planes. Airlines analyze deadhead costs and try to schedule them as efficiently as possible.
Are there any passenger benefits to deadhead flights?
For passengers, having deadhead flights allows airlines to:
- Start scheduled flights on time with crews in position
- Minimize flight cancellations due to crew availability
- Perform maintenance efficiently to maximize aircraft availability
Passengers benefit from greater flight reliability and better access to departure options when airlines can deadhead resources where they are needed most.
Key Facts About Deadhead Flights
| Purpose | Reposition flight crews and aircraft without passengers |
|---|---|
| Common Deadheaders | Pilots, flight attendants, maintenance techs, off-duty airline employees |
| Designations | Special flight numbers, regular flight numbers marked “D”, ferry or repositioning labels |
| Regulations | Rest requirements and policies for crews, safety briefings and equipment |
| Revenue | No direct revenue but allows profitable scheduled flights |
Conclusion
Deadhead flights are an important operational tool for airlines to position crew and aircraft. By shuffling resources efficiently, deadheads allow airlines to maximize profitability of regular passenger service and improve the flying experience. While not revenue flights themselves, deadheads enable airlines to generate income from planned flights.