Since 2019, Jonathan and Maureen have been a steady presence in aviation journalism, contributing their unique insights to Metropolitan Airport News authors of our Non-Rev Traveler section. As seasoned travel writers, they have spent the last several years documenting the nuances of the “Non-Rev” lifestyle and the intricacies of global air travel.
Their Journey and Expertise
With over 40 years of experience navigating the skies, Jonathan and Maureen offer a perspective that few can match. Their writing focuses on the practical and the personal, bridging the gap between airline industry insiders and the general traveling public. Since joining Metropolitan Airport News, they have specialized in:
- Non-Revenue Travel Strategy: Helping readers and airline workers understand the “standby” world, from seniority-based systems at carriers like Delta to the “first-come, first-served” approach used by JetBlue.
- The Reality of Standby: Sharing honest accounts of the highs and lows of travel, including the unpredictability of weight restrictions and the occasional necessity of airport floor sleepovers.
- Destination Spotlights: Chronicling their favorite escapes, from the scenic landscapes of Switzerland to the coastal charm of Malaga, Spain, and the domestic comforts of Miami and Hawaii.
Travel Philosophy
Jonathan and Maureen are firm believers in the “work for an airline and see the world” ethos. Their approach is defined by flexibility and spontaneity—often waiting until they are physically on the aircraft before booking a hotel. Whether they are discussing the benefits of ID Travel or sharing tips for navigating social media travel groups, their goal remains the same: to inspire others to explore the globe with grace and etiquette.
Today, they continue to travel as a duo, proving that with the right preparation and a bit of luck, the world is still wide open for those willing to wait for a seat.
1 What is non/rev and how does the non-rev/standby priority hierarchy work?
Jon & Maureen Katz: Non-Revenue Travel(non-rev) is a privilege that must be protected at all times, whether in personal conduct or even the giving of buddy passes to people who do not support airline etiquette. At Delta Airlines, Non-Rev Travel is always via seniority. Current employees get on the plane first (via seniority), then retirees (via seniority), and then other airline
employees (via seniority). Delta allows all current employees and retirees to upgrade their priority to a higher priority using a different standby code eight times a year. JetBlue Airways and other airlines do not use seniority as a basis. Within each standby category (employee, retiree, other airline, etc.), the concept is on a “first-come, first-served basis”.
2 What is the downside of Non-Rev travel
Jon & Maureen Katz: The downside of Non-Rev travel is that this type of travel is always STANDBY SPACE AVAILABLE, and seats must be open to travel on the aircraft. If seats are not open, you don’t get on. Sometimes you can easily tell whether you will get on the aircraft, but at other times, weight restrictions on the aircraft will not allow Non-Revs to board even though seats are available.
We have been very lucky over time, having been treated quite well by all airport crews and definitely as if we were regular passengers.
We have been very lucky over 40 years, not missing many flights, but we have missed flights and had to either travel to another airport, sleep at the airport, or get a hotel room for the night.
3 How do you determine where you want to go?
Jon & Maureen Katz: This is an easy question. We look at flight availability, the weather, and hotel room availability, and if all line up well, we go. We do not make hotel reservations until we are on the aircraft. We always travel as a couple; we have not found travel for two any more difficult than travel for one. Though we need to tell you that family travel with four or more passengers at once is much more challenging.
4 Do airlines promote Non-Rev opportunities to employees?
Jon & Maureen Katz: All airlines advertise and promote their Non-Rev possibilities and travel benefits. This is the greatest benefit of working for an airline. The theory is, “work for an airline and see the world”. Travel benefits include hotel rates, rental cars, and cruises. An excellent benefit, generally unknown to the non-airline community, that is part of most airline benefits is ID Travel. This website is a collection of most of the world’s airlines (your airlines determine your benefits with other carriers) and allows Non-Rev passengers to actually book their own backup tickets with other airlines. You can use this website to fly an entire route or to book a better connection city to your home airline at special standby costs, worldwide. These standby tickets are fully refundable, less a very small service charge.
Both Delta Airlines and JetBlue Airways have travel sites on major social media outlets like Facebook and Instagram.
5 Do you have a favorite destination?
Jon & Maureen Katz: It is very difficult to determine which country is our favorite. Switzerland, Belgium, and Spain seem to be our favorites. Our favorite cities are Zurich, Brussels, and Malaga. Domestically, our favorites are Miami and Hawaii.
