As an employee in the airline industry, one of the most sought-after perks is the ability to travel for free or at a heavily discounted rate. While not all airlines offer this benefit, many do, and it can be a significant factor in attracting and retaining talent. In this article, we will explore which airlines give free flights to employees and what the requirements are to qualify for this benefit.
Major Airlines That Offer Free Flights to Employees
1. Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines is known for its generous employee travel benefits. Employees and their eligible dependents can travel for free on Delta flights, as well as on flights operated by Delta’s partner airlines. The benefit also extends to retirees and their eligible dependents. To qualify, employees must have completed at least six months of service with the company.
2. American Airlines
American Airlines offers a similar benefit to its employees, allowing them and their eligible dependents to travel for free on American Airlines flights and flights operated by its partner airlines. The benefit also extends to retirees and their eligible dependents. To qualify, employees must have completed at least six months of service with the company.
3. United Airlines
United Airlines offers a comprehensive employee travel program that includes free flights for employees and their eligible dependents on United Airlines flights and flights operated by its partner airlines. The benefit also extends to retirees and their eligible dependents. To qualify, employees must have completed at least six months of service with the company.
4. Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is known for its unique corporate culture, which includes a generous employee travel program. Employees and their eligible dependents can travel for free on Southwest Airlines flights, as well as on flights operated by its partner airlines. The benefit also extends to retirees and their eligible dependents. To qualify, employees must have completed at least six months of service with the company.
5. JetBlue Airways
JetBlue Airways offers a comprehensive employee travel program that includes free flights for employees and their eligible dependents on JetBlue Airways flights and flights operated by its partner airlines. The benefit also extends to retirees and their eligible dependents. To qualify, employees must have completed at least six months of service with the company.
Requirements to Qualify for Free Flights
While the specific requirements may vary by airline, there are some general qualifications that employees must meet to be eligible for free flights:
1. Length of Service
Most airlines require employees to have completed a minimum length of service before they can qualify for free flights. This is typically six months to a year, depending on the airline.
2. Employment Status
Employees must be in good standing with the company and actively employed to qualify for free flights. This means that employees who have been terminated or who have resigned are not eligible for the benefit.
3. Eligible Dependents
Most airlines allow employees to include their eligible dependents in the travel benefit. Eligible dependents typically include spouses, domestic partners, children, and parents.
4. Travel Restrictions
While employees and their eligible dependents can travel for free, there are often restrictions on when and where they can travel. Employees may be required to fly standby, and there may be blackout dates or restrictions on popular routes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, many major airlines offer free flights to their employees as a valuable employee benefit. To qualify for this benefit, employees must meet certain requirements, including length of service, employment status, and eligible dependents. While there may be restrictions on when and where employees can travel, the ability to travel for free or at a heavily discounted rate is a significant perk that can help attract and retain talent in the airline industry.
