Non-Rev Lounge

Cranky Dorkfest at LAX, Non-Rev Travel Wins, and Rico’s Tips for Brazil, Bali, and FIFA Volunteering

Tyler and Lara record from Los Angeles during Brett Snyder’s Cranky Dorkfest, discussing Monique’s travel difficulties using buddy passes and recapping an LAX ramp tour featuring aircraft including a United Dreamliner, Southwest Independence One, and American’s A321XLR, followed by the In-N-Out gathering and raffles where Lara wins two round trips on Avelo and Tyler wins a model. They reconnect with past guest Chris Laws and meet listener Sarah, who invites them to a Greenland trip. Guest Rico Tor...

Staff Travel Stories with Claire: Bags, Lounges, and Non-Rev Adventures

Tyler and Lara record in LA with guest Claire from Liverpool, who works at Manchester Airport in ground operations, focusing on tracing delayed bags and auditing aircraft cleaning, and discusses how staff travel in the UK differs from US non-revving due to taxes, especially long-haul from London. Claire shares her aviation background starting with British Midland, love of travel and photography, and standout trips including frequent Vegas visits for shows, a whirlwind Shanghai-and-Japan trip with Golden Week crowds, app-based transport issues that sent her to the wrong...

DorkFest On Location: Pacific Surfliner to San Diego, 9/11 Reflections, and a Guam Detour

Lara and Tyler record from DorkFest in Los Angeles with guests Dave and longtime listener DJ, discussing meeting fellow spotters, Hyatt Globalist perks, and their day trip riding Amtrak’s state-supported Pacific Surfliner to San Diego for lunch at the Top Gun–filming Kansas City Barbecue and a Navy SEAL museum visit with friends from across the U.S. DJ shares his lifelong train and plane-spotting background, upcoming New York plans mixing commuter rail and food stops, and bucket-list routes. The group reflects on Sept...

Non-Rev Super Traveler Brooke: 60 Countries, Group Trips, Baby Travel, and a Harry Styles Encounter

The hosts of the Non Rev Lounge (Monique, Tyler, and Lara) welcome coworker Brooke, a frequent non-rev traveler in her early 30s who has visited 60 countries, completed five of the Seven Wonders (missing Christ the Redeemer and the Great Wall), and discusses visas, including China’s challenges for non-revs and India visas. Brooke shares why she joined aviation for flight benefits, her start at Piedmont and move to mainline, and how Express employees often use benefits more. She explains planning group birthday trips, us...

Unreal Lounge: Salt Lake Crew Chief Transfer and Lara’s Mediterranean Cruise

The hosts discuss workplace complaints, joking that accusations of racism trigger management attention, then recap a group river outing and a Phoenix near-miss incident involving two flights with the same flight number. Monique describes a flight attendant focus group about improving the Phoenix base, including rotating reserve and a reminder not to give flight attendants the last row. Tyler announces he was awarded a Salt Lake City transfer as a crew chief, recounting a test mix-up, and talks about SIDA badge background checks and added re...

From River Heat to Melbourne Suites: Travel Updates, StaffTraveler Changes, and Global Entry

Hosts Monique and Tyler recap recent events and travel: a small meetup around Tyler's birthday that included tubing on a very hot day, where Tawny showed signs of heat illness, and Tyler briefly tipped his tube, followed by dinner at Mesa with guests visiting from several cities. They discuss working in extreme Phoenix heat, aircraft cooling issues, and pilots refusing planes with broken APUs. A planned Rio trip using five Marriott nights was canceled due to heavily oversold flights, so they instead flew with...

Non-Rev Tales: Puerto Rico Song Jokes, Italy Highlights, and an Extra-Section Ride Home

The hosts share a running joke about a “Puerto Rico” song, including a supervisor-office moment where the reference fell flat, and later a party clip that accidentally resembled a Nazi salute. They discuss annoyance with social media trend-copying, upcoming meetups and travel plans (Dork Fest, Seattle, Universal), and Lara’s London crew tour to Greenwich that drew complaints despite her planning. Monique recounts an Italy trip with standout hotel-bakery breakfasts, touring a potential wedding villa, and a beach day with reserved chairs, jellyfish warnings, and mi...

Non Rev Lounge: Arizona Meetup Plans and Monique’s Italy Trip, Part 1

Tyler, Monique, and intern Lara return to record in Tyler’s mostly empty house after a slow July of publishing due to busy schedules and monsoon weather, then discuss non-rev travel logistics and costs, including full London return flights and upgrade taxes, United’s added fees, and airport lounge experiences in Philadelphia before their Europe trip. They announce an August 8 Arizona meetup with a Salt River float and dinner near Mesa Gateway Airport, sharing practical tips (water shoes, towels/sheets for hot tubs, sunscreen, hats, no gla...

Maui Trip Recap, Phoenix Salt River Meetup Plans, and Non-Rev Tools & Travel News

Tyler and Monique discuss upcoming work trips and announce an August 8 Phoenix meetup to float the Salt River (tube rental about $25, potential group discount, sunscreen, and water shoes recommended) followed by dinner, with signups via email/Instagram/Twitter. They share a StaffTraveler eSIM ambassador opportunity and how Route Explorer helps plan complex non-rev itineraries. They react to a news story about an Air Canada pilot who flew for 20 years without a pilot’s license and review a non-rev-themed movie, “Travel Companion,” which they disliked. Moniqu...

Girls-Only Non-Rev Lounge: Summer Travel Plans, Italy Tips, and Airline Stories

Monique and Lara host a girls-only Non Rev Lounge episode while Tyler is busy moving, thanking production Dave and Tawny. They discuss Lara’s packed summer travel—Hawaii (including the Road to Hana and seeing Lahaina after the fires), then a quick turnaround to Italy with Zachary, plus a St. George girls’ trip and Dorkfest plans involving a train ride to San Diego. Lara shares Italy recommendations like grappa, Aperol Spritz, pizza differences, and buffalo mozzarella caprese. Monique talks about working London flights, the UK “luxury tax,” bo...

Non-Rev Travel Stories, Gate Challenges, and Airline Benefits Talk

Monique and Tyler record at Monique’s house and discuss recent travel and work experiences in the airline world. Monique recaps a Flagstaff trip for Hayden’s 21st birthday, including tight non-rev flights, a risky slip-and-slide game on gravel, and the stress of getting Zachary home after losing a seat, helped by friends at the airport. They compare non-rev benefits and policies—check-in time vs seniority, buddy passes vs a second registered companion, and not paying for upgrades—and reflect on how flight benefits enable frequent travel and occasion...

Back in the NonRev Lounge: Summer Schedules, Maui Plans, Italy Routing, and a Tucson Museum Trip

Tyler and Monique return after losing a previously recorded episode due to an editing issue and share life updates, including a busy home remodel, an upcoming move, and Tyler’s likely commuting from Salt Lake City while waiting on a transfer. They discuss airline summer schedule changes out of Phoenix (seasonal routes cut, Salt Lake reduced to express flights, Anchorage returning) and frustration with capacity decisions. Monique outlines a packed summer with Flagstaff, Maui, Italy, and St. George trips; they talk ab...

Episode 250: Lara Returns—London Bonus Day, Recurrent Training, and a Venice Bike-and-Barge Adventure

Tyler and Monique celebrate the podcast’s 250th episode by welcoming back longtime guest Laura, who shares updates from flying to London again, joining a company-wide ambassador program to reinvigorate employees, and receiving praise from a passenger who said she felt like she was in first class. The hosts discuss non-rev travel frustrations, a canceled Seattle aerospace dinner trip, and an airport internet outage that forced manual boarding processes. Laura recounts a London “bonus day” after a cancellation, visits to the Churchill War Rooms and Boro...

Non-Rev Basics: Backup Plans, Standby Strategy, and Airport Stories

Hosts, Tyler and Monique, reunite at Monique’s house to catch up on limited recent travel, discuss using United benefits, and recap coordinating family travel to Orange County for a celebration of life. They share two aviation incidents: a passenger stripping naked and causing a disturbance at a Phoenix gate that traumatized agents, and a woman reportedly sneaking onto an international flight again (Newark to Milan) after a prior Delta incident, raising questions about TSA and passport controls. Prompted by new standby influencers, they return to “Non-Rev 101” with listen...

Southwest Seat Assignments, Grief and Travel: Colorado Springs, Costa Rica, and a Points Trip to Cancun

Tyler and Monique return to the Non-Rev Lounge after a delay and discuss recent travel and life updates. They recap a Colorado Springs trip for an Oscars party and Tyler’s first experiences with Southwest’s new seat assignments, including bulkhead storage frustrations, while also noting Southwest removed a policy allowing non-revs to sit in jump seats. Tyler shares a family emergency: Tawny’s mother in California was hospitalized with critically low oxygen, placed in hospice, and died in early March; the fa...

Non-Rev Lounge: Recording Mishaps, Travel Updates, and a Move to Salt Lake

Tyler opens the episode explaining Monique’s family emergency, a recording mistake that cut a 70-minute Laura conversation down to about 30 minutes, and brings on his wife, Katie, to join. Tyler and Laura recap their attendance at the Cranky Network Awards, discuss pilot hiring challenges affecting Laura’s son, Drew, and talk about Middle East disruptions, including an American Airlines Philadelphia–Doha flight that turned back over Spain with the crew and non-revenue passengers stuck in Doha. They cover recent Mexico trips, spring travel concerns, a Char...

Africa Highlights and Travel Lessons: Egypt Challenges, Gorilla Trekking, Vic Falls, and Cape Town

Tyler hosts Non Rev Lounge in Austin with returning guest Melissa and her husband Jay, longtime friends who first met Tyler on a Southwest flight and later traveled together to Hawaii. They discuss Melissa and Jay’s multi-week Africa trip planned around Jay’s 50th birthday, including missing Tyler’s family by a few hours in South Africa due to itinerary timing. The conversation covers a difficult, budget-style stop in Egypt (Cairo) with a non-English-speaking driver, getting lost en route to the pyramids, freque...

Standby Airlines and The Non-Rev Lounge: Navigating Crazy Days, Hospital Stays and More

In this episode of The Non-Rev Lounge, Monique and Tyler discuss the unpredictable life of standby airline employees, including personal stories, recent travels, and challenges faced by airline staff. The hosts share humorous anecdotes, address the recent changes in Southwest Airlines' seating assignments, and provide insights into handling escalations and irritations at work. They also highlight the benefits of hotel points and travel perks, making travel rewarding despite the occasional chaos. Additionally, they reflect on the disruptions caused by winter storms and the unique...

Exploring Japan: Tips and Experiences from Frequent Travelers

In this episode of Lounge, hosts Tyler and Monique are joined by seasoned travelers Brenda and Jeremy to discuss their extensive experiences visiting Japan. The guests share insights into the best times to visit, transportation tips, cultural norms, and must-see locations. They delve into their favorite activities, from enjoying convenience store food to exploring tranquil temples and bustling cityscapes. The conversation is filled with humorous anecdotes and practical advice, making it an invaluable resource for anyone planning a trip to Japan.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction
01:01 Work...

Return of the Non-Rev Lounge: 2026 Kickoff and Airline Jobs Discussion

Monique and Tyler return to the Non-Rev Lounge podcast to kick off 2026, reflecting on five years of podcasting, holiday travels, and the excitement of listener feedback. They discuss their recent travel experiences, challenges of airline travel around the holidays, and share advice for non-revenue passengers to ensure smoother travels. The episode also dives into a detailed discussion about the worst jobs in the airline industry, and Tyler shares an exciting personal announcement about gaining flight benefits with a new airline.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back
00:53...

Non-Rev Adventures: From Mongolia to Anchorage – Gate Agent Etiquette

In this episode, Kelsey, Nicole, and Tyler discuss their recent travels and experiences as airline employees. They delve into their career backgrounds, and Nicole shares insights from her previous job in global operations, including process simulations and passenger recovery. The conversation shifts to their latest trips: Tyler's challenging adventure in Mongolia, Nicole's achievement of her 50th state milestone in North Dakota, and Kelsey's memorable experiences in Curacao and Alaska. They also highlight the importance of proper non-rev etiquette, offering practical tips for airline companions, and discuss Temporary Duty (TD...

Our African Safari Adventure: Tyler and Jake's Memorable Trip

In this episode of the Non Rev Lounge, host Tyler and his son Jake discuss their recent family trip to Africa. They recount their exciting safari experiences, including close encounters with elephants and witnessing a leopard drag a zebra up a tree. They also talk about staying at the Black Rhino Reserve, exploring Cape Town, visiting Table Mountain, and seeing penguins at Boulder Beach. They share details about their lodging, local food, like ostrich, and the logistics of their long journey back home. The episode is filled with...

Adventures in Africa: A Journey of Safaris and Family Memories

In this episode of the Non-Rev Lounge, Monique and Tyler discuss their recent trip to Africa, reflecting on their experiences since their emotional last episode, Lara's Retirement, and their grandmother's passing. They bring on a special guest, Kim, to share insights about their African safari adventure, including encounters with wildlife, special moments with elephants, and the challenges of traveling with a family. They also cover logistical issues faced when returning home, highlighting the complexities and surprises of non-rev travel. Monique shares her upcoming plans for a trip...

Final Episode: Lara's Podcast Retirement & Memorable Non-Rev Journeys

In this episode, the hosts reflect on the positive impact of adding extra production time to their episodes. They discuss humorous ideas for wearing themed shirts inspired by viral trends and amusing t-shirt exchanges. They highlight memorable moments from past trips, including travel mishaps and unique Airbnb experiences. The conversation shifts to their recent travels, rental car logistics, and the occasional complications of standby travel. They recount iconic trips such as Christmas markets and Dork Fest, thanking the many followers and friends they've met through their podcast journey. The...

Navigating Non-Rev Travel: Insightful Stories and Pro Tips with John and Lisa

In this episode, John and Lisa share their captivating experiences and expert advice on non-rev travel, featuring their adventurous journeys, including attending Dork Fest and the Cape of Good Hope. They delve into John's blog, Fly Run Fun, which chronicles his unique travel experiences interlinked with running marathons across continents. Discussing their expertise in using ZED fares, they provide invaluable tips for travelers looking to travel non-rev efficiently. The couple also recounts unique travel stories, including their visit to North Korea, and offers a cohesive...

Aviation History and Plane Spotting at MotoArt

In this episode of the Non Rev Lounge, Laura and Tyler broadcast live from MotoArt in Torrance, California. They are joined by Tim, who has a background in aviation media engineering and is closely associated with MotoArt's unique projects. Throughout the episode, they discuss the recycling of aircraft to create art and bespoke furniture, particularly focusing on plane tags, which have become a significant part of MotoArt's business. Special guest Dave Hall, MotoArt's owner, shares his journey of transforming vintage airplane parts into cherished keepsakes and how the company preserves...

Flight Attendant Dave has his own LA to Vegas moment and shares even more. 

In this engaging episode, hosts Tyler and Laura introduce their guest, David—Laura's husband and a seasoned flight attendant with 41 years of experience. The trio discusses David's long career in aviation, his early days in the industry, and his unique insights on life both in the sky and on the ground. The conversation dives into David's career journey, his time in various airline departments, and memorable family trips. They also touch on humorous and revealing anecdotes from their travel experiences, best practices for han...

Travel Adventures, Airline Experiences, and Navigating Flight Challenges

In this episode, the hosts discuss various travel experiences, including flight delays, navigating airport challenges, and unique interactions with passengers. They recount stories of dealing with travel hiccups like missing connecting flights and coping with frustrating situations involving difficult passengers. The conversation touches on navigating complex flight logistics, new airline policies, and the unexpected costs associated with certain routes. They also provide a humorous account of a smelly situation on board and discuss preparations for an upcoming aviation event. Throughout the episode, they share insider tips and personal anecdotes...

Sky High Conversations: Navigating the World of Frequent Flyers with Henry

In this episode, the hosts delve into a conversation with Henry, an elite status frequent flyer, about his extensive travel experiences. They discuss strategies for booking flights, the nuances of flying semi-private jets, and the lifestyle of a dedicated traveler. Henry shares his love for aviation, memorable destinations, and tips for making the most of airline travel. The discussion also covers the perks and challenges of elite status, including the importance of recognition from airline staff. Additionally, Henry provides insights into the quirks of essential air...

Flight Experiences and Crew Life Insights

In this engaging episode, the hosts share a plethora of amusing and insightful anecdotes from their lives as crew members. From navigating travel with inebriated passengers and dealing with a group of unruly hip-hop dancers, to the intricacies of vacation bidding and the challenges of transitioning from part-time to full-time roles, this script offers a comprehensive look into the daily experiences of airline staff. The conversation also touches on the benefits of tools like Staff Traveler, the peculiarities of airport job dynamics, and the importance of staying hydrated and maintaining a...

Travel Adventures and Lessons from the Amalfi Coast to Flights Home

In this episode, the hosts discuss their recent travel experiences, including the challenges of non-rev travel, visiting Italy's Amalfi Coast, and navigating tricky return flights. They share personal anecdotes about meeting friendly locals, enjoying the delicious food and beautiful scenery of Naples and the coast, and dealing with travel mishaps like delayed flights and unexpected transportation issues. The episode also touches on recent changes in travel protocols and offers practical tips for making the most of your journeys.

00:00 Introduction and Editing Challenges
00:09 Filler...

Travel Mishaps and In-Flight Adventures

In this lively episode, the hosts discuss a wide range of topics from holiday plans and family reunions to hilarious in-flight stories involving passengers and their quirks. They share personal travel experiences, touching on the challenges of traveling with kids, dealing with fellow passengers, and the peculiarities of airline seating. The episode also delves into the nitty-gritty of non-rev flying, exploring the emotional rollercoaster of trying to secure business class upgrades, and the aggravation of dealing with fellow airline employees who seem to know more about flight routes. Listeners will also hear...

Adventures and Misadventures in Non-Rev Travel: From Almost Missing Flights to Flying First Class

In this episode, the hosts share humorous and insightful stories about their travel experiences. Topics include the challenges of non-rev travel, such as almost getting in trouble for taking photos on the ramp, missing safety debriefings, and dealing with cranky flight attendants. They also discuss their recent trip to Australia, covering everything from initial travel preparations and snorkeling attempts at the Great Barrier Reef to flying different airlines like Jetstar, Virgin, and Qantas. Additional highlights include a visit to a koala sanctuary, navigating...

Summer Adventures and Travel Misadventures

In this episode, Monique and Lara chat about recent and upcoming travel plans, including family trips, work-related travel experiences, and vacation destinations. The episode kicks off with technical difficulties before diving into updates on Tyler's travels to Puerto Rico and Sydney, Monique's California adventures, and Laura’s trips to Mexico and London. The hosts also share humorous and stressful workplace stories, such as seating disputes on flights and unexpected encounters with entitled passengers. Amid the lively discussion, the importance of using travel tools like Staff Traveler and understanding ZED travel rules is hi...

Travel Tales: Airline Etiquette and In-Flight Shenanigans

In this episode of Leonard Lounge, Tyler and Monique and Lara discuss their return to recording in Laura’s kitchen and share their experiences and plans following Memorial Day weekend. They dive into various travel-related topics, including the quirks of working as flight attendants, handling new colleagues, the logistics of tipping van drivers, and the ongoing debate over hotels versus Airbnbs for travel. They highlight the culture within their crew, dealing with passengers’ unique demands, and the unexpected encounters with friendly pilots. This episode is filled with humorous anecdotes, behind-the-scenes insi...

Adventures in Travel: Gym Mishaps, Ticket Trades, and Flight Stories

In this episode, the hosts share a variety of personal stories and experiences. Lara recounts a humorous incident with her cycling instructor at the gym. The group discusses selling concert tickets to a listener and their encounters with a sweet fan named Marilyn who exchanged gifts with them. They delve into detailed travel stories including navigating crowded flights, ticketing issues, and favorite international destinations. The episode wraps up with some amusing and heartwarming anecdotes about inflight experiences and encounters with passengers.

00:00 Gym Trainer Drama
01:38...

Adventures and Anecdotes: Catching Up Over Flights and Fun

In this episode, hosts Tyler, Monique, and Lara catch up on their recent activities and share engaging anecdotes from their lives. They discuss Sam's Club meetings, bartending jobs, and coordinating their matching shirts. The conversation transitions to their Mother's Day celebrations, detailing Monique's Mexican dinner, Laura's trip to Chicago for a college graduation, and Tyler's flight challenges from Salt Lake. They bring up amusing encounters with coworkers, flight attendant protocols, and industry gossip particularly surrounding Southwest Airlines. Special moments include Monique meeting a fan of their podcast and...

Travel Stories, Resort Fun, and Airport Antics

In this lively episode, Tyler, Lara, and Monique share various anecdotes from their recent adventures and trips. They discuss everything from cartooning themselves, attending the Cranky Network Awards, and family vacations, to funny and outrageous moments at adult resorts. The group dives into their experiences of navigating airport hassles, the challenges of flying with kids, and the absurdities encountered on airplanes. They explore humorous trade offers among flight attendants, the quirks of non-rev travel, and the mishaps of unprepared passengers. Tips are shared on how to handle emergency evacuations, connecting...

Navigating Non-Revenue Travel: Tips, Tricks, and Personal Stories

Join Lara, Monique, and Tyler as they welcome back one of their favorite guests from Staff Traveler, Guillermo, to the Non-Rev Lounge! The episode dives into a year filled with non-rev travel stories, recent Staff Traveler updates, and incredible tips for non-rev travelers. Guillermo, who has recently become a father, shares his latest travel adventures with his baby daughter, Eleanor, and some fascinating tales from his non-rev experiences. The episode also delves into the much-anticipated new features in Staff Traveler version three, including a priority request system. With a...

Experiences and Adventures of a Dedicated Plane Spotter

In this episode, Tyler, Monique, and Lara welcome Michael, a loyal listener and aviation enthusiast. They discuss the unique collectibles they wear and how they met during various aviation events. They dive into Michael's career in healthcare administration, his passion for aviation, and his extensive plane spotting experiences spanning over three decades. Michael shares his fascinating journey to Europe with his family, detailing their itinerary from exploring Munich and Zurich to visiting historic sites like the Dachau Concentration Camp and the Neuschwanstein Castle. The conversation also touches upon tips...