bigstupidjerk

I am planning on a 4 year aviation degree(probably at UVU/UVSC or ASU East). I am looking for a career in the industry that pays decent(management type) and affords my family paid flights. Would I get this working AT an airport or would I have to work FOR an airline? Thanks!

Led Zep

First, I wouldn't base any career decision on whether or not you would get free flight passes.

Second, be informed that free travel isn't anywhere near what it used to be, nor is there any reason to believe it will continue indefinitely. When you fly stand-by, it is on a space-available basis. Sometimes you and your family will get on and sit next to each other, other times you may have to split up and take separate flights, and still other times you may end up watching your flight leave while you plan on sleeping in the terminal.

My advice: aim for a good salary and just purchase the tickets.

rickair7777

You have to work for an airline. I do know people who have taken non-pilot positions (management, etc) for that specific reason.

But the value of the benefits depends on a lot of things...

- Where the airline flies.
- Where you live/work.
- The kind of travel you want to do.
- Your personal flexibility...if you have three kids under age 6, you have no flexibility at all. Just you and the spouse, with six weeks off...you could probably make it work out.


As was mentioned, travel is standby, and seats are often limited. Pilots have the best opportunity, then non-pilot company employees in seniority (date of hire) order. After that comes employees of other airlines.

I wouldn't accept an airline job for less pay than you are worth elsewhere because of travel bennies, but if you can find a good airline job, then the travel is a bonus.

Airhoss

In today's overbooked limited seat capacity world. Flight benefits can be next to worthless. I sure as heck wouldn't base any career decisions on the whether or not you'll be getting flight "benies".

Hallsy

This is very true. I've worked on the ramp for an airline for a year and a half and lately I'm lucky to get on a plane anywhere. The only flights I ever get on are early early morning or red eyes. I've been stranded at airports all day or overnight several times too.

HoursHore

Having had flight benefits in the past, ans now working for a company that doesn't, I'll pile on that Non Rev privileges are way over rated.