Free travel

[Ralph]

One of the reasons I want to be an airline pilot is the free travel. I'm hoping to work for ASA or Comair eventually, how does the free travel work? Where did you get to go for fun?

 

[LAXSaabdude]

Programs vary by the airline. I work for American Eagle, so our travel is the same as AA. We get reduced rate "D2" travel on AA, which is standby, space available basis. It costs roughly 10-18 one way coach domestic travel. I have been here over 5 years, so I am now on the free D2 plan. Immediate family gets D2 passes as well. I can give out D3 (lower priority, more expensive), passes to friends.

I can also jumpseat free on other U.S. carriers, but without actual physical access to the jumpseat (security issues, should be resolved soon), I am basically at the bottom of the barrel to get a seat in the back of the airplane.

I travel all over the US for fun. I have also been to Aruba and Cabo San Lucas. Seems like not a lot of people really take advantage of the travel bennies, but I really like it.

Not sure what else I can tell you, if you have any other questions, post a reply.

LAXSaabdude.

 

[dmspilot00]

Do you mean airline pilot as opposed to a corporate pilot or something like that?

 

[labbats]

still @?

I feel the same way as the original poster. I'd love to tell my relatives they can fly for (almost) free. However, I've heard grumblings that with the state of affairs of the industry they may phase out that perk. Anyone know? Also, are there any airlines that don't allow anyone other than the pilot himself to fly? I'll avoid them when the time comes.

Thanks,

Labbats

 

[FL000]

I haven't heard anything about phasing out the perk, but the perk sure has become unattractive. My parents and I fly free, but on standby. My companion (brother) pays and flies standby, as do my buddies. Many times the companion/buddy pass is nearly as expensive as a ticket, or more so. With loads like they are, it is suicide to try to fly weekends, so those with the 9-5 jobs just don't get to use it. I don't even give out buddy passes anymore. It's too confusing and stressful for the unfamiliar, and can be more hassle than it's worth.

Don't get me wrong. I realize that my employer doesn't exist to cart my family and friends around the globe, and I do greatly appreciate being able to fly for free or take a friend somewhere with me. It's just not the free-for-all that it first appears to be.

 

[labbats]

Thanks, that's what I needed.

By the way, what is with the donut avatar?

 

[105viking]

after three decades of nrsa travel, i can say that it is no longer the attractive benefit that it once was. there is almost nowhere in the DAL system that i have been unable to travel to, BUT in the last 10 years, my ability to get a seat, let alone a good one, has dwindled to d@nm near impossible. if you want to go atl-mlu, you probably can, but forget the prime destinations during any time of the year that you would WANT to go. coach cabins are typically oversold, and all the plutonium medallion club memebers take up the first class seats. add that to the fact that the total number of flights are down since 9/01, and it's difficult. i shouldn't be so negative. since i have never considered nrsa travel as part of my salary, free is free, and that's not so bad. if you are looking at this as a MAIN reason to go to work for an airline, DON'T. it's a great occasional perk, and at times lots of fun, but it is what it is... left over space on a flight that often won't have enough room for the paying passengers.

 

[FL000]

By the way, what is with the donut avatar?

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