I decided to wax nostalgic with this entry, in light of the fact that we are now fully into the Summer Travel Season.
I remember my experience of flying Non-Rev for the first time several years ago. I had a lot of fun, with the added adrenalin rush of not knowing if I would make the flights, and which flights I would make. (I did make all of the flights I planned.) Having only flown Positive Space before then, this was definitely an eye-opening experience.
Since then, I have taken many more trips this way, so it has become a normal routine for me.
NOTE: I'm not going to divulge any information on specific carriers or employment, so please don't ask. Sorry, but this is my secret life, after all.
I was in the air every day - Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, as I traveled to multiple cities on the East Coast and back.
Before the trip, I read and studied up on threads on the board, the information on the back of the pass, and information on the airline's website, about all that would be expected of me, so I would know what I needed to do and not feel like I was lost or out of place.
For those of you who may be doing this in the future, here are a few things to keep in mind that will make your experience the best:
- Pack Patience. If you've flown ever Standby for an earlier flight, put in for a bump from one flight to another, or put in for an upgrade from Coach to Business Class or First Class before, you know that you need to be patient in waiting for your name to be called, and you need to make sure you're where you need to be in terms of having signed in, checked in, and on the lists when you need to be. The same thing applies here. If you've never done any of the above, then you need to be patient while your requests are processed.
- Space Available means Space Available. You have to select your flights carefully. If you don't know how full a flight will be, or you are unsure as to whether space will be available for your flight, you may have to choose the earliest flight and work down the schedule. If you only choose the last flight of the day and it's full, then you won't be able to get on, and if you're trying to get back home, you would then have to wait until the next morning before trying again. If you're on an airline that uses connecting segments and for some reason the last flight is late, then you would miss the connection and have to wait until the next day.
In some cases, you could even have to fly in a different direction to start off before flying to your intended destination. I remember someone posting on a bulletin board that sometimes to fly from Hawaii back to the Mainland USA, you have to fly to Japan first, since more space is generally available on those flights (and subsequent connecting flights from Japan to the USA) versus direct flights back.
In this country, I've flown east a few times to catch flights heading back west, as seats were limited for direct service where I needed to go.
- Be Low-Key. You have to be clandestine and quiet in your actions. If for some reason you get bumped at the last minute after boarding, you have to quietly get your things and exit the aircraft. If you're asked to gate check your bag, do so without any issues. Since you will more than likely be boarding last, you may be getting a seat in the rear of the aircraft. If the airline has open seating like Southwest, you should proceed to a seat in the rear. Back there, you may encounter employees and/or their pass travelers.
Quietly go about your business while onboard the aircraft. Don't demand anything from anyone (remember how much you paid for the travel - nothing), and always follow Flight Crew instructions. Humility goes a very long way here.
One thing that I found as interesting the first time is that employees, even those of other carriers, can spot other people traveling NRSA (Non-Revenue Space Available) because of the way they act and dress (some carriers have specific Dress Codes for pass travelers).
I remember a Deadheading Crew Member asking me if I was on a pass, because they couldn't help noticing how I was being very quiet and low-key. I said, "It's that obvious, eh?", and they replied, "Ummmm, YEAH", but they said that I was doing all of the right things. Being spotted is really a good thing, because when you've been discovered, the employees treat you like family and can help you greatly if you need any assistance or guidance.
- Represent. What you do during your travel reflects heavily on your relative, friend, spouse, or significant other who secured the pass for you. In most cases, the airline's policy allows for significant disciplinary action (up to and including termination) against the employee whose pass travelers cause problems or violate regulations or policy. Think about it as a reflection of the employee's judgment in the company's eyes. If they exercise poor judgement in allowing someone onboard who will behave poorly, then what kind of judgement do or will they exercise in the course of their work?
- Enjoy the trip! It is, after all, free, which means more money for other expenses when you arrive at your destination. There is nothing like hitting a local watering hole after touchdown with extra coin in your pockets.
Have a great time if you are traveling this season!
