How to See the World for Free and Occasionally Sleep in Airports

Flying for airlines comes with travel benefits. Here's how to maximize them.

Friday, June 02, 2023 at 12:01 PM ET

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One of the benefits of working for the passenger airlines in the U.S.—and some cargo carriers—is the ability to travel as a “nonrevenue passenger."

Key Takeaways:

Nonrevenue (nonrev) travel allows airline employees to fly standby on empty seats for free or a nominal fee, requiring flexibility, extra time, and a "Zen attitude" due to its unpredictable, space-available nature.
While travel on one's own airline is generally easier with highest priority and online tools, utilizing ZED passes for other airlines (OAL) expands route options and can be strategic, despite lower priority and specific check-in requirements.
Successful nonrevving involves preparing for flights to go out full, having backup plans, dressing nicely, being polite and unobtrusive with airline staff, and understanding the nuances of standby lists and airport procedures.
Nonrev privileges extend to spouses, dependent children, and parents, as well as a limited number of "buddy passes" which have very low priority and require the employee to be responsible for the pass rider's conduct.

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One of the benefits of working for the passenger airlines in the U.S.—and some cargo carriers—is the ability to travel as a “nonrevenue passenger,” or “nonrev.” Over my 19 years of working for three airlines, my wife and I have been avid nonrevs and traveled to more than 60 countries on 27 major airlines from five continents.

Over the years, I have found newcomers to the industry often misunderstand the scope of their travel benefits, their employers frequently put little effort into educating them, and their older coworkers frequently and rather cynically denounce the usefulness of nonrev benefits.