I apologize if the information is already hidden somewhere, but the search function didn´t bring up the answer I hope to find here:
My boyfriend/fiancé will start flying for an airline soon. I am also a pilot, but I fly helicopters, sometimes abroad. We are already used to travelling a lot and being apart, so that´s not a problem. I am more curious about the travel benefits for pilots: Do we have to be married in order for me to get free or discounted flights? Or can he name one person (me) as his “significant other” who would be considered the primary beneficiary? We have been in a relationship for years and are really not interested in getting married only for flight benefits.
I’m at Hawaiian and we (and most of the airlines I know of) allow you to name a single “travel companion”. That person need not be your spouse or even “significant” other. I know many single pilots who just list their best friend for the benefits.
This will be the first time I ask a, “You’re getting way ahead of yourself,” question. I’m truly just curious and have lurked my way through many forums and discussion strings looking.
Family flies free, correct? I’m sure there are differences airline to airline, but I think that’s fairly common. So here’s the question: Would it be naive to think that my wife or daughter could grab an empty seat to ride a flight I’m crewing so they could see me in-between flights…have lunch or whatever? I truly get that this is not a critically serious question, but I’m just curious and for the early years where family life takes a backseat, it might be a way to steal some extra moments together. Thanks for indulging the question.
I have ridden for free on flights that my father flew and I have had several people come along on flights that I was flying. As long as there are available seats, it should not be a problem. Just remember that if the flight fills up, you are going either way and they will be left on their own.
Some airlines have age restrictions on children taking advantage of the free flights, I am actually not sure if my airline has one or not.
Is there a program/system that airline employees use that will indicate whether there’s a decent shot of getting that standby seat for themself and their family/friends? Thanks
Just my 2 cents, as spouse of a regional pilot: plan A LOT OF TIME to jump on other flights if the one you chose is full. I tried several times to fly standby between Phoenix and Vegas, and the system always showed up to 20 seats available. However, due to all the Boeing MAX 8 still being grounded, a lot of regular flights get cancelled, and passengers get moved onto other flights with very short notice. I decided to book cheap seats at some point to ensure that I really get to fly, as I literally spent whole days at the airport, waiting for a free seat. It might get better once the MAX 8 get back on schedule. Also, it probably is a popular route, even on a weekday…
