Is a part-time travel job the newest travel hack you should consider?

As airlines and hotels desperately seek reliable staff, is taking a part-time job the best travel hack you could employ right now? It just might be and it’s definitely worth considering. Here’s why.

At United Airlines the minimum number of hours to work to maintain a tremendous benefit is 15. Part-time and full-time employees can fly themselves and a loved one standby anywhere in the US for free and international travel is deeply discounted. That’s a weekend’s worth of work to enjoy free airfare (as long as you have a flexible schedule).

Part-time hotel employees often receive generous benefits as well including deeply discounted hotel rates on lodging and food items. For example, Hilton employees (both full and part-time) get up to 50% discounts on these items under the Go Hilton program.

Working for a travel provider like an airline or hotel to take advantage of employee benefits is not a new travel hack, however, in recent years the job climate was tilted towards the employer which made it a little more difficult to land a job – not insurmountable, but employers could be pickier.

Now, however, travel providers across the globe are desperate for staff as travelers that have been cooped up for 2-years during the pandemic are out and ready to see the world.

Many travel providers are offering hefty signing bonuses or relocation costs in a bid to lure employees to their firms. One is even offering a free tattoo for employees who stick around for six months.

The New York Times recently shared a story of two retired women who are taking advantage of this job climate to reduce their travel expenses as they enjoy the world. One of the women works as a part-time baggage handler at Ontario Airport while her wife works as a part-time desk clerk at a local hotel. They both work weekend shifts which leave Monday – Thursday for their trips. As a result, they are able to enjoy incredible savings during their travel journeys, and at a time when travel costs are soaring these savings are more meaningful than ever.

If you are a college student looking to travel, a retiree wanting to see the world, or just someone who has a bad case of wanderlust, taking advantage of one of the best labor markets in a long time could be a game changer. Plus, you get to put a few extra bucks in your pocket.

• Did you know: in the camping industry, the “workamper” has long been a great way for folks to earn a few bucks while keeping their camping costs down.

So, while this isn’t a “new” travel hack, per se, it’s certainly new to many, and one of the hottest travel hacks you can employ right now! If you need us we will be filling out applications at our local Hampton Inn. Happy traveling folks.