So I’m going to share a little secret with you, although I suppose if you’re interested in the world of travel to the extent that you’re a regular reader of the content on this blog, it’s something you at least have a faint idea about. But then again I only really found out about it just three short years ago, going on to make full use of it, I must add… Of course I’m talking about the travel perks you enjoy as someone who works in the aviation industry, particularly if you work for a major airline like a national carrier.
You won’t believe what these people get and in some instances they can share those perks with someone they list as a primary companion and with a list of people who they list under “friends!”
I’ll just briefly run through the best of these perks, which is flying on the rebates tickets, meaning that you get up to 12 air tickets to any destination flown to by the airline, at 100% of the price off and you just pay the airport taxes! I kid you not and there’s more which I won’t get into here. One of those flights is upgradable to business class too and there is an agreement between airlines which are of the same alliance, like the famous Star Alliance…
So anyway, that is how many travellers who work in the airline industry get to travel so frequently, but imagine being listed as a companion in such a programme if you’re something of a digital nomad and you don’t have to report back to a formal workplace anytime soon!
This post isn’t about the insane travel discounts and perks though, but before I get into the meat of the matter, which is the selection of secondary and tertiary careers to get into in the travel and tourism industry, I must mention the catch, which is that those would be stand-by tickets you effectively pay next to nothing for. So if the flight is full then you don’t get a seat…Shame!
Now, getting into the careers, this was sparked by the fact that the friend of mine who put me up as a companion doesn’t even directly work in the travel and tourism industry, although she works for an airline. She’s an aircraft technician, which means she fixes aeroplanes, but gets to enjoy all the perks that someone like a cabin crew member enjoys.
So, the aviation industry offers a vast array of secondary and tertiary career opportunities beyond the cockpit, providing individuals with a passion for aviation a chance to contribute to the seamless operation of flights. Careers in aviation span a wide spectrum, from air traffic controllers ensuring safe takeoffs and landings to aircraft mechanics meticulously maintaining the mechanical integrity of planes.
Ground handling and support personnel also play a crucial role, in managing the logistical aspects of aviation operations. For those interested in this facet of the industry, consider pursuing a career in ground support equipment procurement. This allows you to build relationships with Pilot John International and similarly reputed vendors, ensuring that airports and airline operations have access to top-notch equipment, facilitating smooth turnarounds, and enhancing the overall passenger experience. Exploring careers in aviation beyond the conventional roles opens doors to diverse opportunities that contribute significantly to the industry’s functionality and success.
The travel and tourism industry also offers a wide range of career options beyond the primary roles of tour guides and travel agents. In the secondary and tertiary categories, there are numerous fascinating career paths to explore. One such option is becoming a scuba diving instructor. This profession allows individuals to combine their love for the ocean with their passion for teaching.
Another career option within the travel and tourism industry is working as a private shuttle service driver. If you are aiming for this role, you will have to demonstrate excellent driving skills during your test, as they are crucial for transporting individuals or groups to various destinations in a comfortable and timely manner (check out online for more driving test tips). Private shuttle service drivers often need to work with hotels, resorts, and tour operators to provide reliable transportation services for tourists. Hence, this job requires extensive knowledge of the local area and exceptional customer service.
Foreign language teaching is also a popular career choice within the travel and tourism industry. With globalization, the demand for language instructors has increased significantly. Many people are eager to learn new languages to enhance their travel experiences or to communicate better with international colleagues. As a foreign language teacher, you have the opportunity to share your knowledge and help learners develop their language skills.
What you’ll often find is that there are so may perks tied to these careers as well, which is why they’re such sought-after careers for people who themselves harbour a passion for travel, but could otherwise not afford to travel nearly as much as what those positions would allow them to.
Matthew Cecil / 2 months ago