Unlimited Flights Around The World | How 'Non-Rev' Travel Works

This video was filmed with approval from United Airlines.

Thanks for watching!

Swayne Martin

_____________________________

I couldn't make this production possible without some amazing videographers, including B-Roll from:

@OHAREAVIATION
@united
@maxenroute
@lotairlines
@SamEckholm

Video Chapters:
0:00 What Is Non-Rev Travel?
0:51 Business Class To Switzerland: $92!
1:24 Types of Non-Rev Travel
1:35 My Travel Map
2:15 Flying Standby On Your Airline
3:19 The Challenges Of Flying Standby
4:01 Seniority vs. Check-In Time
4:23 Categories Of Non-Rev Travelers
4:56 Travel Example: Chicago to Brazil
5:46 ZED Fares - Travel On Other Airlines
6:11 ZED Example: Chicago to Warsaw (LOT Polish)
6:34 Jumpseating For Flight Crew
7:04 Standby Travel Taxes + Fees
7:46 Travel The World!

[SwayneMartinPilot]

Where's your favorite place to travel?

[USNveteran]

As a 32 year retired A&P from a major US carrier I can tell you that the premium non rev days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Good luck on the other days unless you are willing to ride the first flight out in the early morning or the last flight out in the evening. FLY NAVY!!!

[patrickcarver]

Its crazy man. you were about 5 months ahead of me starting at a regional. I learned a lot from your videos and now I am right behind you again at United with a class date of December 6th.

[Micg]

I’m an FO at a regional and I’ve been watching all your old videos again to see the perspective from the other side. Fantastic job, you really are one of the best aviation influencers!

[Gunny]

I don think I could ever give up my non-rev benefits, i've seen 42 countries and counting, and flown a little over 350 flights in the last 5 years working in the airline industry, for leisure travel, let alone the travel my family and companions have been able to do. The savings is immense and its such a cool perk with our industry! Great video!

[dave.cholula]

Swayne, just wanted to take the time to tell you that, IMO, you produce some of the highest-quality YouTube videos that I have ever watched. I know you are busy at your real job (belated congrats on becoming a UA FO!), but I do hope you find the time going forward to produce add'l content for us. I've watched and re-watched your previous videos to the point that I almost have them memorized!🙂

[alexanderhenderson]

My non-rev privilege's have let me see the world in ways I couldn't imagine, Venice, Tokyo, Brazil, you name it. I even went to Switzerland once to get my Mom a box of chocolates. I love my job as a baggage handler and the non-rev perks are like a whole other cake with extra icing. When I'm short on free time I like to go to Key West, Florida. It's a short flight from my station and the beach is right next to the airport. I get off the plane relax by my favorite coconut tree for a couple of hours and come back home refreshed.

[aviator_]

Hey Swayne, I’m 13 and I want to fly at United Airlines on a 787. Your videos really inspire me and I enjoy them very much. I’ve learned a lot from you and I can’t wait to be doing what your doing. Much love💙

[Cloudybox]

I appreciate your videos. I’ve been with my airline for 35 years. I’ve flown Non-Rev just about everywhere you can imagine. It used to be pretty easy to get on First class just about anywhere. Now is generally the easy time to travel prior to the holidays. Good luck with that. The load factor is above 90% everyday. The Revenue standbys are the absolute killer preventing open seats

[jask]

Even as a ground ops employee, my airline allows us to occupy open FA jump seats. It’s a life saver!

[tonyferdaise]

Having been Non-Reving for 40 yrs I can tell you things have changed a lot. Today flights are full and non reving is harder then ever. It really best to just purchase a ticket if you MUST be there

[zacharynascimento]

I was ground crew for United stationed at SFO, and non revving was literally the thing I was looking forward to doing the most when I had my off days. I remember deciding to fly 13 hours to Frankfurt for a beer and 7 hours later flying back...just because I wanted to. I remember ID90'ing on BA to London just to get a flight on the Queen of the skies...also I remember doing countless trips to Hawaii....just because I could. I do have to say I had a knack for somehow always getting on a non rev flight and never missing one. The only time I didn't nonrev was to Sydney because it was my longest flight and it was my first time flying international...I paid $800 for a last minute ticket...which would have cost me $2000 as a regular joe.

[aidenfagundes]

My dads a captain at envoy and man we loved seeing your transition to united it was cool but man was it sad to see you leave envoy Your videos are awesome, Good job Swayne

[richdudebou]

Got my first non rev trip coming up on Friday with United, off to Jamaica!! Super excited for it! Feels great to be rewarded after the summer just gone by!

[montepickett]

I've been stuck around the world !! Paris, Auckland, Santiago!! Public perception of non-rev travel vs reality. Orbitz and Priceline et. al. drastically changed the nature of Non-rev travel.

[wilburhill]

Great hearing from you! We miss your post and eagerly look forward to getting more!

[davegrundgeiger]

Fun video! I'm a student pilot in the Los Angeles area. Being in my upper 50's, ATP isn't in my future, but I love the vicarious connections through you and others. (And no regrets, I love my career! :) )

[carolslater]

What a clear and easy to understand explanation of the perk I used for thirty plus years as an employee at LHRCS and now as a retiree of 17 years 💗 flying United

[jmcmillen]

I can't tell you how nice it is to have non Rev as a privilege. (I am blessed to be a ramper) It helped me in college to fly home close to the holidays to see my folks. Helped me and my now wife go to Italy.
And when I need to get there and have to buy a seat it's nice to get at my airline 20% off a confirmed seat and if you add in 100 dollars round trip in bags it can be a savings so now when I need to go and get there and can justify a ticket I first look and see and do the math and if my airline is let's say only 100-200 bucks more I may as well book on mine and use the miles I get down the line for a huge trip which I can also get 20% off the total miles needed.

[wotan]

I recommended your channel to two young pilots whose parents are friends of mine. One of them is working Delta Connection based in New York City, the other is graduating UND.