Ever notice.....

How many airline employees don't use the travel benefits?
It is amazing to me.

The usual excuse is "I can't afford it".
Well, we are a family of three, with an income of about $20,000 a year and we travel monthly, with at least three trips overseas in the year as well.

The other excuse is "I don't speak the language".
I am lucky if I can get proper english out of my mouth.

Another excuse is safety. We have been to over 25 countries and I have never felt less safe than I do at home. I actually felt safer in Beirut than in most large American cities.
When we went to South Africa the first time, I was told by some fellow employees, thing like "It was nice knowing you" or "don't let the lions eat you" or even "watch out for the race riots".
I am thinking, are you kidding me? If you only knew.

Anyone else have similar stories?

I actually have met a few UA employees that always buy regular tickets because they are too traumatized at the idea of not getting to where they need to go when they want to go. Some of them are even elite level mileage members. Good thing they get a 20% discount off of the fares.

I have noticed that a large number of the people in my office do not use their benefits. They either don't like to travel or they are worried about not getting on their desired flights. Me, I don't worry that much. The only time I've ever had trouble was getting out of Tampa during spring break. Okay, that wasn't the smartest move I've ever made but, to me, part of the reason I accept a lower salary than I might make elsewhere is the fact that I can jump on a plane anytime with no notice!

I wish I traveled as much as you do, vulindlela, but I can't do much during the school year.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I wish I traveled as much as you do, vulindlela, but I can't do much during the school year </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Donna,
We will be joining you on that one as our daughter turns school age this year.

Yes, I've heard the excuses too.
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
--- Too expensive (exchange rate)
--- I might catch some weird disease
--- I can't figure out Travel Planner
--- Just can't do 10-12 hours in a middle seat
--- Don't want to end up on a cot at DFW. http://www.nonrev.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/list]
Personally I don't mind the middle seat, or a cot in DFW http://www.nonrev.net/infopop/emotic...on_biggrin.gif

BTW Vulindlela, you've been nonreving 15 years and have never been stuck in another city...I am impressed. You must know somebody. http://www.nonrev.net/infopop/emotic...on_biggrin.gif

Welcome aboard Vulindlela, I see you hit the ground running. http://www.nonrev.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Keep'em flying

I completely concur! I just can't stand it that very few of us actually use our benefits. Or the other thing that bothers me are the one's that only go to LAS! They would never consider any other place in the country not to mention overseas! People in my office are always asking me what exotic locale were off to next. I quickly remind them that they have the same opportunities.

But on the other hand, if everyone used their benefits then we would have a tougher time getting a seat. Maybe we should be grateful they don't travel!

People always question me about safety when we travel abroad. I am quick to point out that we live in Chicago, which has had the distinction of being the murder capital of the U.S. off and on for years! Statistically we are much safer when we leave Chicago than when we're home!

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">But on the other hand, if everyone used their benefits then we would have a tougher time getting a seat. Maybe we should be grateful they don't travel! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Good point!

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">BTW Vulindlela, you've been nonreving 15 years and have never been stuck in another city...I am impressed. You must know somebody.

I have been lucky.
I did have a few close calls though.
One that I remember is in ATL late one night. I was waiting for the flight and the Agent told me it was over by 40 and that I was better off getting a hotel and trying the next day.
I waited and did get on, with seats to spare.



Welcome aboard Vulindlela, I see you hit the ground running.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Thanks for the welcome!
I am happy to check loads for NW, XJ, and 9E.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by uainhnl:
I actually have met a few UA employees that always buy regular tickets because they are too traumatized at the idea of not getting to where they need to go when they want to go. Some of them are even elite level mileage members. Good thing they get a 20% discount off of the fares. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>It could be becaue the system wide load factors are in excess of 83%!

Hey, it may suck for us non-revvers, but it is good for the industry's bottom line, which means a slightly better chance of our jobs not disappearing.