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 is an airline employee benefit allowing standby travel on available seats, often free or for a nominal fee, but it inherently requires flexibility and a "Zen attitude" due to its unpredictable, space-available nature.
Employees can nonrev on their own airline (highest priority, often free, easy online management) or other airlines via e-ZED passes (lower priority, flat fee based on distance, often requiring airport check-in).
Successful nonrevving demands strategic planning (e.g., combining airlines for international legs), understanding standby priority, maintaining proper etiquette (dressing nicely, being unobtrusive at the gate), and being prepared for potential denied boarding, especially for lower-priority "buddy pass" users.

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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.