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 perk allowing them to fly standby on available seats for free or a nominal fee, enabling extensive and affordable global travel.
This "space available" travel is inherently unpredictable, requiring passengers to be flexible, patient, and adopt a "Zen attitude" due to potential last-minute changes, flight cancellations, or denied boarding.
Successful nonrevving involves understanding airline-specific policies for one's own and other airlines, dressing appropriately, being discreet and polite with staff, and taking responsibility for the conduct of any family or "buddy pass" travelers.

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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.