My ID Travel Guide for Airline Discounts

Travel dreams often come with a hefty price tag, especially when it comes to airfare. But what if there was a secret world of deeply discounted flights, accessible to a select group of travelers? For those connected to the airline industry, this isn't a dream—it's a reality, thanks to platforms like My ID Travel. This comprehensive My ID Travel Guide for Airline Discounts will unlock the mysteries of interline travel, helping eligible individuals navigate the system to save significantly on their next adventure.

Whether you're an airline employee, a retiree, or an eligible family member, understanding My ID Travel can transform your travel possibilities. This guide will walk you through what My ID Travel is, who can use it, how to book, and crucial considerations to ensure a smooth, budget-friendly journey.

What is My ID Travel?

My ID Travel is an exclusive online portal designed by Lufthansa Systems specifically for airline industry personnel. It serves as a central hub where eligible individuals can book deeply discounted, non-revenue (non-rev) or standby interline leisure travel with participating airlines. Think of it as a private network for those within the airline world, offering access to Zonal Employee Discount (ZED) fares.

This platform facilitates agreements between hundreds of airlines, allowing their employees and eligible family members to fly on each other's aircraft at significantly reduced rates. It's a cornerstone of airline employee benefits, extending travel privileges beyond their primary employer's network.

Who is Eligible for My ID Travel Discounts?

Access to the incredible savings offered by My ID Travel is not for the general public. It's a privilege extended to those with a direct connection to the airline industry. Typically, eligibility includes:

• Active Airline Employees: Full-time employees of participating airlines are generally eligible, often after a certain tenure (e.g., 6 months of hire).
• Retired Airline Staff: Many airlines extend these benefits to their retirees, often with specific requirements such as age and years of service (e.g., retired after age 55 with at least 10 years of service).
• Eligible Family Members/Dependents: In most cases, spouses, children, and sometimes parents of active or retired employees can also utilize My ID Travel benefits. However, the specific family members covered and the extent of their privileges can vary significantly by airline and must be registered by the employee.

It's crucial for the airline employee to book tickets on behalf of their eligible travelers. Each airline has its own specific rules regarding who qualifies, so always check your employer's internal policies or the "ID Agreements" section on the My ID Travel website for precise details.

Understanding ZED Fares: The Core of My ID Travel

At the heart of My ID Travel for Airline Discounts are ZED fares, short for Zonal Employee Discount. This is a standardized system of agreements between numerous airlines that determines the pricing for interline staff travel.

ZED fares are structured based on mileage zones and are categorized into three tiers:

• ZED Low (ZL): Generally the most affordable option, often available through strategic airline partners or alliances.
• ZED Medium (ZM): A mid-range discount.
• ZED High (ZH): The least discounted of the ZED fares, but still significantly cheaper than public fares.

The price you pay for a ZED ticket is a flat rate based on the distance of your flight segment, regardless of the time of year or how full the flights are, though taxes and fees are additional. The specific fare level (ZL, ZM, or ZH) depends on the agreement between your airline and the operating airline.

How to Navigate My ID Travel for Best Deals

Ready to book your next adventure using My ID Travel for Airline Discounts? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you find and secure those coveted low fares:

1. Access the Platform: Begin by logging into the My ID Travel website using your airline-specific credentials. This is usually provided by your employer's staff travel department.
2. Select Travelers: On the homepage, choose the individuals who will be traveling from your list of eligible dependents. Your name and registered family members should appear here.
3. Search for Flights: Enter your desired origin, destination, and travel dates. While you can specify dates, remember that flexibility is your greatest asset for standby travel.
4. Review Flight Options: The system will display available flights. Most My ID Travel tickets are for "standby" (space available) travel, meaning you're not guaranteed a seat until closer to departure. Some airlines might offer "bookable" or "confirmed" options, but these are less common for interline travel.
5. Understand Fare Codes & Loads: My ID Travel provides "fare codes" and "load" indicators (often color-coded: green for higher availability, red for lower) to give you an idea of how many seats might be available. However, these are often estimates and don't reflect the real-time standby list.
6. Create a Listing (If Required): Some airlines require you to create a "flight listing" before you can officially check in. This involves entering basic travel details. Follow the on-screen prompts.
7. Proceed to Payment: Once you've selected your flight, review the details, including the ZED fare and any associated taxes and fees. You'll typically pay using a credit or debit card.
8. Confirm and Receive E-ticket: After payment, you'll receive a confirmation screen with your itinerary and e-ticket number. It's advisable to print this confirmation or save it digitally.

Pro Tip: While you can often book tickets up to 30-90 days in advance, booking early does not give you higher priority on the standby list. Priority is usually determined by factors like check-in time and employee seniority.

Key Considerations When Using My ID Travel

While the allure of deeply discounted flights is strong, My ID Travel for Airline Discounts comes with specific considerations that are vital for a successful trip:

Standby Travel: Flexibility is Paramount

The most important rule of My ID Travel is understanding that most tickets are for "space available" or "standby" travel. This means your seat is not guaranteed until just before departure, if at all.

• No Guaranteed Seat: You are essentially hoping for an empty seat after all revenue passengers and higher-priority non-revenue passengers have been accommodated.
• Be Flexible: Always have a backup plan. This might mean being prepared for delays, taking a later flight, or even switching to a different route or airline if your desired flight is full.
• Priority: Standby priority generally follows a hierarchy: paying customers first, then your own airline's employees (often by seniority or check-in time), and finally, other airline employees (usually by check-in time).

Dress Code Requirements

Many airlines have specific dress code expectations for non-revenue travelers. While not always strictly enforced, it's generally advised to dress professionally (business casual or smart casual) when flying on standby. Avoid overly casual attire like shorts, flip-flops, or ripped jeans. You can check the "ID Agreements" section on My ID Travel for specific airline requirements.

Baggage Policies

Unlike regular revenue tickets, baggage policies for My ID Travel tickets can vary. Some airlines might offer free checked bags, while others may charge standard fees. Always check the specific baggage allowance and any associated costs for the operating airline before you travel. It's better to clarify than to be surprised at the airport.

International Travel

Yes, My ID Travel can be used for international flights! However, it's your responsibility to ensure you (and any accompanying travelers) meet all international travel requirements, including valid passports, visas, and any necessary health documents for your destination and any transit countries.

Check-in Procedures

Checking in for a My ID Travel flight might differ slightly from a standard booking. You'll typically log into the platform, pull up your trip details, and follow the airline-specific instructions for online check-in. In some cases, you may need to check in at the airport counter, especially for international flights or if you have checked baggage.

Beyond Flights: Other Potential Perks

While My ID Travel primarily focuses on discounted flights through ZED agreements, some related platforms or airline employee benefit programs might extend to other travel services. Some My ID Travel interfaces may offer features like "My Stay" for hotel bookings and car rentals, though the primary focus remains on flights. Additionally, a separate app called MyIDgo is available for active staff in the travel industry, which can be linked to MyIDTravel to view bookings and offers that might extend beyond flights. Always verify what benefits are available through your specific airline's agreements.

Conclusion

My ID Travel is an invaluable resource for airline employees, retirees, and their eligible family members, offering the incredible perk of deeply discounted air travel. By understanding the intricacies of ZED fares, standby travel, and specific airline policies, you can unlock a world of affordable adventures. While flexibility and preparedness are key, the savings and travel opportunities make navigating this unique system well worth the effort.

Have you used My ID Travel before? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below – your insights could help fellow travelers make the most of their airline discounts!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is My ID Travel?

My ID Travel is an online booking platform specifically for airline employees, retirees, and their eligible family members to book discounted, non-revenue (standby) flights on participating airlines through Zonal Employee Discount (ZED) agreements.

Who is eligible to use My ID Travel?

Eligibility is generally restricted to active full-time airline employees, airline retirees, and their registered dependents (such as spouses, children, and sometimes parents). Specific eligibility criteria, including tenure or years of service, vary by airline.

Are My ID Travel tickets guaranteed seats?

No, My ID Travel tickets are typically for "standby" or "space available" travel, meaning a seat is not guaranteed. Travelers are accommodated only if there are empty seats after all paying passengers and higher-priority non-revenue travelers have boarded. Flexibility with travel dates and times is highly recommended.

Can I use My ID Travel for international flights?

Yes, My ID Travel supports booking international flights. However, it is the traveler's responsibility to ensure they have all necessary travel documents, such as valid passports and visas, for their destination and any transit countries.