Do pilots' families fly for free? (2024)

FAQs

Do pilots' families fly for free? ›

Airline pilots and their immediate families usually are entitled to free or reduced-fare flights. Federal regulations set the maximum work hours and minimum requirements for rest between flights for most pilots.

This benefit varies from airline to airline. Family members may fly free when space is available or at discounted rates. Flying stand-by is a common benefit, but it can be challenging when there is a group. Some airlines provide “buddy passes” to pilots to share with friends and families.

"Normally, an employee and his or her immediate family members, partners, and/or a designated companion are entitled to complimentary space-available travel." Retired airline employees might also be eligible for such benefits, depending on how long they worked for the company.

Yes, pilots generally have plenty of time to spend with family. Most pilots get two days off between flights, so they would be able to spend a good amount of time with their families most weeks.

Take Family & Friends Flying

They've all heard how much you love flying and how much you've learned from your flying lessons. So show them what it's all about! Private pilots are allowed to carry passengers, just not for hire. Interestingly enough, private pilots can split the costs of a flight with friends and family.

Employees have free, unlimited travel privileges for themselves and eligible dependents on Southwest Airlines. Eligible dependents include spouse or committed/registered partner, eligible dependent children under 19 years old (or up to age 24 if a full-time student), and parents.

American Airlines Benefits

Unlimited space available travel for free for all employees, domestic partners/spouses, children, parents/in-laws (small fee) and 16 buddy passes/year (small fee). Can travel anywhere, anytime on AA, Delta, United and all other partner airlines.

The states and districts that pay Pilots the highest mean salary are Washington ($278,260), Florida ($270,720), California ($252,110), Michigan ($236,970), and New York ($229,120).

The airline handles and pays for accommodations for crewmembers when they are on a trip. Many pilots do not live where they are based and choose to commute. Generally, if pilots need to travel and stay away from home when they are not on a trip, they are responsible for their own accommodations.

A difference in life expectancy of more than 5 years longer was found for our sample of retired airline co*ckpit crew members. Half of the pilots in this sample retiring at age 60 were expected to live past 83.8 years of age, compared to 77.4 years for the general population of 60 year-old white males in 1980.

How many days off do pilots get? ›

Commercial airline pilots typically have between 9 and 15 days off a month without including any leave, although this depends on the airline and type of operation.

Considering the personal and business opportunities, flexibility in travel, and freedom it offers, obtaining a private pilot license is definitely worth it. The ability to fly to remote destinations and having control over your own flight path opens up endless possibilities.

Flight instructors hear this question often. The answer is, as long as you can pass the third-class medical exam, it is doable. There is no maximum age limit for private pilots. However, there is one for airline pilots.

Free and Discounted Flights

Delta Airlines employee perks include occasional free and discounted tickets. Family members can also get discounted tickets.

Most major airlines will let babies on board for free, provided they don't take up a seat. American Airlines, for example, has a pretty standard policy: Kids under 2 years old can travel free on the lap of an accompanying passenger age 16 or older on domestic flights.

In the US, most airlines let pilots 'jump seat', even if they work for another airline. Deadheading: This is a common courtesy practice among airlines. It is also extended to flight attendants. Deadhead: A non-revenue flight or passenger.

In terms of actual days, some publications say most short-haul pilots will either travel home every day if possible or work for five days and then spend three or four days at home. Long-haul pilots are said to spend more time away from home, although they do get 10 to 15 days off per month to see their families.