Summer flying is here, it’s as chaotic as ever, and travel plans are once again all over the place.

Beyond the 98.6°F heat here in Philly, you know what’s hotter? Being fully prepared for your summer escapades. Besides just wishing for good weather, it is essential to set the proper expectations when non-revving.

In this article, we’re going to share our practical non-rev travel guide to survive the summer fiasco! Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts!


What is Non-Rev Travel?

Non-rev, or non-revenue travel is an airline perk that allows crew members to fly with their loved ones anywhere their airline flies for free or at highly discounted prices.

While non-revving is a great perk for us flight attendants, there are no guaranteed seats for us. We only get a seat when all regular customers have been boarded or if there are any available seats left over. The unpredictability can be stressful and worrisome. Just imagine a missed connection or an entire trip falling apart because of a flight delay.

Lucky for you, we are experienced non-revvers! Yes, we get stressed sometimes, but we absolutely know how to make the most out of this amazing perk.


Our Top 7 Non-Rev Travel Tips

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Flexibility is everything

You’ve got to be prepared for any possible delay and pivot when necessary. At the end of the day, getting out of the city that you’re in is more important than getting to your final destination. Once things go haywire, it might take hours or even days to get out of your starting point.

Remember, a seat is a seat and home is home.

Avoid peak travel times

Just don’t fly on weekends or during national holidays! Mid-week travel is your best friend, so it’s important to check the calendar and ask yourself: “What could be causing this day’s flight loads to be insane?”

Drew agrees that this tip might be the hardest to follow— after all, what about the big 4th of July party you don’t want to miss?

Book the first flight of the day

If you want to make it to that huge family event, always take the first flight of the day. As much as it frustrates you to wake up early, this is the time when most travelers are still sleeping in or packing their bags. Honestly, this is the best tip to follow if you want to be where the party is!


Always have a backup plan

Having backup plans from A to Z is absolutely essential. Make it a habit to check your travel apps and have an emotional support backup plan—your favorite snack or a partner to lean on.

Sometimes, your backup plan doesn’t have to be elaborate. It can be as simple as extending your vacation for a bit and only traveling when you’re calm and recharged.


Pack for every possible scenario

Packing for every possible scenario can be hard when you’re fitting everything into a roller bag or backpack, but it’s not impossible. Why do it? Because we never know who we are going to meet when we travel.

For instance, Rich packs a bathing suit, a ball gown, and a matching bow to ensure all bases are covered. Drew does the opposite: packing the basics first, then buying the dinner suit when they get to their destination. In short, you need to identify your style and understand your itinerary before packing anything.

9 Essentials Every Non-Rev Traveler Needs to Bring:

  • Portable charger
  • Snacks
  • Portable fan
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Medications
  • Extra underwear
  • Extra shirt
  • Toiletries
  • A hoodie

Dress smart and comfortable

You have to feel comfortable on every trip, but looking presentable is equally important. When we say comfortable, we don’t mean traveling in your pajamas! There are so many stylish ways to stay warm and comfortable during your flight.

After all, dressing well and comfortably can significantly lift your mood.


Final Thoughts

Non-revving during the summer season is chaotic, but as we said, it doesn’t always have to be stressful or a major cause of your anxiety. Always remember to prioritize your safety, pack an extra tablespoon of patience, and do your research before booking that trip.

We hope that you found our travel tips and advice useful!