Free flights…Wait what?

Here at Employment Hack we are all about providing you with interesting out of the box ways to earn money. In the same way, I will be showcasing a few unique types of employment. Today, I will be discussing airline jobs. Did you know that every airline employee receives free standby flights? Wait what? YES this is true and its amazing. This benefit also extends to the employee’s direct family, parents and sometimes even a friend. That’s right certain airlines even allow you to have a specific travel buddy, of your choosing. I know this because I worked in the airline industry for 3 years. In fact, I literally got a job for an airline right out of high school for this very reason. I used the free flight benefits with the intention of traveling somewhere new every single weekend and that is exactly what I did.

Lets discuss, “Flying Standby”

Flying standby just simply means you are allowed to fly when seats are available. The industry jargon is “Standby non-rev” which means you pay no money to the company and you can fly when there is space available. I know what you are thinking. How often is their seats available? The answer is with proper planning there is always seats. It’s important to understand that when flying, “space available” you choose the correct low volume times to fly, this would be the bright and early 6 am flights and middle of the week flights, where flight traffic is minimal. Most airlines provide their employees with very easy to use websites where you can sign in and list yourself on a flight. These websites show you the flights schedule and the amount of seats available. It’s a good rule of thumb to find flights that have at least double or triple the amount of seats you need to make it on the flight. This will protect you against last second passengers.

There are also some other guidelines to follow. Most airlines have a pretty strict dress code for employee travelers. I would call it business casual (i.e. no jean, sneakers and shorts). Did I forgot to mention that they will also let you fly first class for free? This is a game changer for someone like me (6’5″). First class usually requires your Sunday best, button down shirt/pants or dress. Don’t worry they don’t slack on the service either you get free meals and beverages including alcoholic beverages just like the high paying first class customers. I have found that as an employee traveler the flight attendants will give you the good ‘ole hook up, and in most cases treat you better as their fellow co-workers, than the actual customers (e.g. extra drinks and snacks.)  Not only is flying standby great because its completely free but it gives you the freedom to jump on a flight the next day without having to buy a tickets in advance, or pay those ridiculously huge last second rates. My friends and I would plan day trips to San Francisco literally the night before, (I live in Rhode Island.) We would decide to go to MLB playoff games just days before, all because of the freedom of employee flight benefits.

Already have a full time job? Work part time for an airline and get flight benefits. Have your own business? Get flight benefits AND health benefits. There are people I know that work one day a week for the airlines and give away the rest of their shifts to enjoy these great benefits. Some airlines even have flex-time for college students, this gives you the option to work when you want as long as its at least 20 hours per week and while enjoying year around flight benefits. Its time to kiss those expensive Christmas plane tickets home good bye.

Ok, go get your airline job today, I give you permission to travel the world for free! If you like what you have read today help us spread the word by liking us on Facebook. Also, join our email list and I will keep you apprised of new articles every week. Keep it locked on Employment Hack.