Do Airplane Pilots Collect Frequent Flyer Miles When They Fly?

Confusion often arises when it comes to whether airplane pilots can collect frequent flyer miles when they fly. The answer depends on the airline's policies and the type of travel involved.

General Overview of Pilot Miles Collection

Typically, pilots flying for their airline do not earn frequent flyer miles for flights they operate, as these are considered part of their job duties. However, when pilots travel on personal trips or as passengers on another airline, they can indeed earn frequent flyer miles just like any other traveler.

Specific Scenarios

Flying as a Paid Passenger

When pilots fly as paid passengers on a published fare revenue ticket, they can earn frequent flyer miles. Additionally, they receive the same benefits as any other paid passenger, including access to premium class lounges and other perks associated with a premium cabin ticket.

Flying on Staff Tickets

Flying on airline staff tickets, whether for positioning, industry discounts, or other reasons, does not earn pilots frequent flyer miles. These tickets are typically used for less frequent travel and do not qualify for frequent flyer programs.

Common Travelling Arrangements for Pilots

Most of the time, when pilots are in the air, they are either on duty flying the aircraft, positioning the airline, or using company/staff travel with cheap tickets on standby travel. While these trips do not earn frequent flyer miles, they ensure that pilots are available when needed.

Exceptions and Variations

Some pilots, for various reasons, might still purchase a revenue ticket. This could be due to a lack of staff travel availability, a need to avoid the hassle of staff travel, or a desire to be certain of a seat on a specific flight. However, even these instances do not typically result in frequent flyer miles.

Benefits and Drawbacks

It's important to note that pilots often fly for free when on vacation, as their service means they frequently benefit from free or discounted travel. Among major airlines, American Airlines stands out as one of the few that do not provide free flights to their pilots, an exception to the norm.

However, the rationale behind this policy is clear: pilots would be the top flyers in any frequent flyer program if they were allowed to collect miles for their flying duties. Hence, having a distinct set of rules for pilots ensures the fairness and integrity of the frequent flyer program.

Conclusion

While airplane pilots can potentially earn frequent flyer miles when traveling on personal trips or as passengers on other airlines, they cannot earn miles for flights they operate as part of their job. The specific rules and exceptions can vary by airline, making it essential for pilots to understand their airline's policies for frequent flyer miles.