THE PERKS OF WORKING FOR AN AIRLINE: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

I have worked part-time for Delta Airlines since the summer of 2012. I only planned on staying there one summer before going on to get a real job and start adulting. But things didn’t quite work out that way. The truth is I love travel too much and the benefits are too good to leave. I get asked all the time how I have the time and funds to travel as much as I do. And while I’m open about it to the people who ask, I realized I’ve never answered any of those questions on the blog. So here goes, the perks of working for an airline – your questions answered!

WHAT DO YOU DO?

I am what’s called a Seasonal Ready Reserve Agent. Translation, I’m a part time customer service agent. I work three months each summer (yes, that’s all!) at Laguardia Airport as a ticketing and gate agent. It is not always glamorous, but there is NEVER a dull moment. And I’ve learned to really enjoy the job and the wonderful people I get to work with each year.

DO YOU FLY FOR FREE?

By far, the number 1 question I get asked is, “do you fly for free?!” The answer: Yes, sometimes. All domestic flights are free. That includes U.S. territories like Puerto Rico and St. Thomas. On international flights, I pay the taxes. To give you an idea, a round trip flight from JFK to Paris is $72.02, Detroit to Tokyo is $37.92 and Atlanta to Buenos Aires is $85.61…crazy, right?!

DO YOU EVER GET STUCK?

The catch of basically flying for free is that I only fly if there are open seats on the plane aka standby. This means I have to be strategic and avoid popular destinations during peak seasons. Trying to get to Orlando in the summer is never going to happen. And traveling a day or two before Thanksgiving or Christmas is a nightmare.

I have over-nighted in LAX, Atlanta and Detroit and gotten stuck for days in Rome, Thailand and London. But those instances are relatively few and far between. Especially now that I am better at reading the lists and smarter about when and where I fly.

DO YOU GET TO FLY FIRST CLASS?

Yep! If first class seats are available, I get them. And if I’m not in first, I usually get a seat in Economy Comfort. It is by far one of the best perks. Once you’ve flown on an overnight flight enjoying the luxury of hot towels, gourmet meals, endless champagne and a flat bed, it’s hard to go back to coach!

DO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY GET BENEFITS TOO?

Yes! I can add a companion to my benefits as well dependents or parents (my parents are on my benefits since I don’t have children). My Russian has enjoyed the perks for several years and jokingly says that’s one of the main reasons he stays with me! SO RUDE! In addition, I get 8 “buddy passes” a year, which are each good for one round trip flight.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO YOU HAVE TO BOOK YOUR FLIGHT?

I can list for a flight and activate (check in) up until the gate agent takes control of the flight (typically 1 hour to 45 minutes before departure time). There are times I’ve shown up to the airport with a general idea of where I wanted to go, but the flight wasn’t looking good so I headed to the departure board and just picked another destination! Having that flexibility is incredible.

IS THERE A LIMIT TO HOW MUCH YOU CAN FLY?

Nope. The trick is finding the time to squeeze in all my adventures!

HOW MUCH ARE YOU REQUIRED TO WORK BEFORE YOU GET THESE BENEFITS?

I can only speak for Delta, but once you’re hired there is a 4 week freeze before you’re able to utilize your flight benefits. After that, the world is your oyster!

WHAT HOURS DO YOU WORK?

Airline hours are insane. Shifts start as early as 3am and as late as 12am. I have always worked afternoons. It gives me time in the morning to get things done, or fly in if I’m away. There are also full time and part time positions – 6 hours a day 4 days a week and 8 hours a day 5 days a week. Most people “swap” their shifts which allows for greater flexibility.

HOW MUCH DO YOU MAKE?

I don’t know anyone who goes to work for an airline to make the big bucks. The pay is minimal, but the benefits more than make up for it. I am grateful that I only work there in the summers and have a second job as a discovery attorney that pays well and is flexible so that I can put my benefits to use throughout the year!

HOW CAN I GET A JOB WITH AN AIRLINE?

If you’re interested in snagging these flight bennies for yourself, my best advice is head to your desired airline’s website. Each airline has a careers page and there are ALWAYS openings.

Did I miss anything? I’m happy to answer any other questions you might have! Share your questions & comments below!

***Disclaimer: All views expressed are my own opinions and do not represent official statements of Delta Airlines Inc.