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Great second job idea: airline jobs

Andréa Coutu

Consulting

2006-10-24 00:24:49

Yesterday, I wrote about second job ideas. A reader wrote in to suggest airline jobs as great second jobs. Apparently, if you actually work for the airline, you may get all sorts of deals on flights, including free flights for you and your family. Even if you're making a low wage at an airline call center or ticket office, the free flights may make it seem like you're earning much more.

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Comments

Some of the airline perks aren't what they used to be. I had a neighbor who used the free travel (you still pay taxes). The tickets are standby, and with planes so full now, it's not a very dependable way to fly. I would also think about the stress component--the airlines are feeling a lot of pain, and working for them could introduce a lot of stress in your life. Not exactly ideal for a second job if the first job requires a clear head.

— Nathan Gilliatt

Thanks for your insightful comments. I think it's always important to evaluate a job opportunity. You're right about needing to pay taxes and other fees. However, where I am, many of the airline jobs are unionized and there are more measures that protect workers. Still, any second job introduces stress and it's important to make sure you're making the right decision.

— Andrea

Definitely not as good as they used to be. I grew up in an airline family, flew for free everywhere typically first class. Family still flies for free, but kids after they turn 23 no longer do. I get 'buddy-passes' from parents/family still and it is no where near the cost of even just taxes. I would still look into it.

— Aaron

Good luck on this one. Airline jobs are not so great these days with downsizing, etc. My spouse is an airline employee and we took a 40% pay cut and lost our retirement, as well as spending three years without work. We are looking at losing his job (until the company needs him back) again very soon. It is a tough place to make a living.

— do

Your points are very valid. I was positioning airline jobs as good means of supplementing your income, as opposed to making up the bulk of it.

— Andrea