Many people believe that airline employees and their families fly for free, but that’s only partially true. In reality, airline employees typically pay taxes and fees associated with their flights, and in some cases may receive heavily discounted fares rather than entirely free tickets. These trips are referred to as “non-revenue” or “non-rev” travel, meaning the airline isn’t earning money from the seat, and as such, these travelers are the lowest priority when it comes to boarding—falling behind paying customers and even those using frequent flyer miles.

If you work for an airline—whether you’re a pilot, flight attendant, gate agent, or in a corporate support role—you’ve likely taken advantage of these travel perks. But beyond standby travel, there are more ways to save on flights, hotels, car rentals, entertainment, and travel essentials—and that’s where EmployeeAndMemberDiscounts.com comes in.

Airline employees are often placed on standby lists when flying for personal travel. While this system can be a great way to get from point A to point B at a lower cost, there’s a catch: you may not make it onto the flight. If a flight fills up, you’re bumped—sometimes for hours or even days.

Popular travel destinations like Hawaii, Europe, or the Caribbean can be particularly difficult to access on standby, especially during peak seasons or holidays. That’s where hotel discounts, flexible car rentals, and other travel perks can come in handy to manage delays and unexpected layovers. And yes, being stranded can get expensive.

Whether you work for a major airline or a regional carrier, airline employees across the board can take advantage of perks both within and outside their company travel programs. Some of the top airlines offering employee travel benefits and discounts include:

• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• United Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• Alaska Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• Allegiant Air

While these airlines offer employee discounts primarily for flights, EmployeeAndMemberDiscounts.com complements those perks with exclusive hotel deals, rental car savings, attraction discounts, and more—often without the restrictions of standby or non-rev travel.

Even though non-rev travel offers significant savings, international trips still come with security fees, fuel surcharges, and airport taxes that can total hundreds of dollars. Employees also often need to be flexible, pack light, and adhere to dress codes (usually business-casual) when flying on standby.

That’s why having additional ways to save is a game-changer. EmployeeAndMemberDiscounts.com helps airline employees book discounted hotel stays, theme park tickets, car rentals, and more—without the complications that come with standby travel.

Here’s a snapshot of what you can access:

• Hotel discounts in major airline hubs and destinations
• Rental car deals for layovers or extended stays
• Attraction tickets to places like Disney, Universal, and local landmarks
• Theme park access for vacations with family or friends
• Wellness perks, including gym discounts, vision care, and therapy services
• Electronics and wireless discounts for when you’re on the go

Most airlines offer employees buddy passes—a way to let friends and family fly at a discount. However, these passes come with even more restrictions. Passengers fly at the lowest boarding priority, meaning they’re the first to be bumped if a flight fills up. Additionally, coach seating is typically the only option available for buddy pass users, even if first class seats are empty.

Users of buddy passes also must maintain professional conduct and dress appropriately—often business-casual—just like the employee traveler. Misbehavior or poor etiquette can lead to denied boarding or revoked privileges.

There are times when even seasoned airline employees avoid traveling on a discount, including:

• Major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter
• Holiday weekends like Memorial Day or Labor Day
• Weather disruptions like snowstorms or hurricanes
• Spring break and summer peak travel times

During these periods, paying passengers get first priority, and flights are often overbooked. Airline employee hotel discounts and other travel perks may also have limited availability.

If you’re looking for stress-free travel savings that don’t require you to fly standby, EmployeeAndMemberDiscounts.com offers a powerful solution. The site provides free access to exclusive employee discounts that were once limited to other groups like alumni associations, credit unions, or student organizations.

As an airline employee, you can:

• Instantly access discounted rates on hotels, car rentals, and attractions
• Enjoy perks that don’t rely on flight availability or priority boarding
• Get group savings for family vacations and buddy travel
• Build your own custom discount program for your team or department

Whether you work for Delta, United, Southwest, or any other airline, EmployeeAndMemberDiscounts.com is a smart way to get more out of your travel benefits—without the uncertainty of standby seats. Visit EmployeeAndMemberDiscounts.com today to start browsing offers on hotel stays, rental cars, vacation deals, entertainment, and more.

Want to set up a discount program for your airline crew or department? Contact us online or by phone to learn more. You’ve earned your travel perks—now it’s time to get even more from them.