Standby (AKA space-available) travel is one of the most valuable benefits of working for an airline. This perk allows employees and their family members to fly on the empty, un-purchased seats of a plane for little to no cost.
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| Cathay aircraft at HKG airport |
The method of assigning seats for employees/beneficiaries varies from airline to airline; some assign based on seniority (Delta), which others assign based on check-in time (JetBlue). Those with standby flight benefits may also fly on other carriers if their employing airline has an agreement in place, but they're always lowest in priority after the carrier's own employees & buddy passes.
Since flying standby is often a game of guessing flight loads and strategizing anticipated priority/seniority, here are a few resources for playing non-rev roulette.
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| StaffTraveler app |
StaffTraveler
If you're an airline employee and don't have this app yet, download it now. StaffTraveler is a place where those with non-rev benefits can request flight loads on partner airlines (since we can only see our own).
Each request requires a credit, which you can buy for around 50 cents each, OR you can answer load requests for the airline you work for to earn a credit.
I usually don't check flight loads until 1 week out for the best idea on how good my chances are. I check more frequently leading up to departure to get the clearest picture and solidify plans. Once you spend a credit to request a flight load, you'll receive updates on it if anyone else requests the same flight and date.
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| FlyZED Delta info |
FlyZED.info
It can be overwhelming to remember each airline's listing/check-in process, dress code, and luggage allotment. Luckily, FlyZED.info keeps track of this. I usually travel standby on the same handful of carriers, but this is super helpful when trying out new airlines. I would hate to miss out on a seat because my outfit didn't meet the airline's dress code.
This site is helpful for beneficiaries as well since no login is required to access the info if they need a refresher on processes.
HotelTonight.com
Not getting on a flight is part of the standby experience. If you happen to get stranded overnight, HotelTonight is an excellent resource to find a cheap place to shower, sleep, and prepare to try for flights the next day.
The rooms listed at HotelTonight are the property's last effort to fill the room for the night (since some $$$ is better than none if it stays empty), so prices are very reasonable. Bookings here are not limited to just airline employees, so share with family and friends in case any unexpected overnight stays happen.
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| Taken somewhere over the Pacific ocean |
Interline travel deal sites
Flying to your destination for (almost) free is great and all, but you need a place to stay once you land. That's where interline travel sites come in, offering airline employees special rates for resorts and cruises.
A nice perk is being able to share your interline rate if you're on the sailing or staying at the same hotel/resort. This varies by cruise line/hotel, but it's worth looking into to extend your savings to friends and family.
Note, you do have to send proof of employment to book interline rates.
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| Example of PERX rates |
PERX has hotels, resorts, cruises, and tours available at reduced rates for travel-industry employees. I've booked with them 3x now for family-cruises and had zero issues. Their agents are wonderful to work with.
VacationsToGo is another platform with discounted cruise rates. However, they also list special rates for returning guests, military, 55+, etc., so discounts can be found for others as well. I've only booked with them once, but again had no issues!
ID90 also offers discounts on hotels, resorts, and cruises. I had to sign up with my work email to prove eligibility, but they may allow others to sign up as well for a watered-down version of the site with less discounts. I have not yet booked anything through them, but have heard great things from peers. ID90 also stands out since you can self-serve and book yourself for cruises; Perx and VacationsToGo require you to contact an agent to book.
Last thoughts
Flying standby is a different way to travel that takes planning and some getting used to, but it leads to SO many adventures. Be sure to take advantage of your flight benefits to see the world!
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