A man who’s declared himself an ‘airline nepo baby’ shared the perks he gets thanks to daddy dearest working for United Airlines.
Joshua Crawford has been enjoying a lavish life, which includes free flights and first-class upgrades thanks to his connections.
Having been fed the silver spoon of travel perks since his birth after his dad made a career in cargo at the Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, US for over three decades, Joshua is now spilling the tea on what it’s like.
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The 23-year-old has actually been on over 120 flights in his life, and thinks he has saved more than $100,000 in fees thanks to his first-class upgrades.
Joshua, who is a grocery store worker, admits to flying 'standby', which means he doesn’t know if he’ll get onto a flight until the last second.
But he feels 'grateful' to be able to enjoy great food, alcohol, slippers and even a face mask along with 'top notch' service in his first-class lounge and wishes everyone could 'fly for free'.
Joshua said: "For me, the best perk is being able to be upgraded to first class.
"I'm very grateful for it. I could never afford it if I didn't have this perk.
"I've just been from LA to London two weeks ago for my birthday but the flight to London I got upgraded to business class.
"Round trip, that's a £7,000 ticket. I don't even have that in my account right now.
"United's business class is the best. It includes premium alcohol, slippers, pyjamas, a self-care kit with a face mask.
"The seat turns into a lay down bed. The customer service is top notch."
It sounds top-notch too, as Joshua also revealed that you get 'a couple of meals throughout the flight' and if you get a window seat, then you get your 'own little pod'.
"I fly standby as much as I can as it saves me a lot of money. All I'd have to pay for is taxes if I'm flying internationally and these are really low." he said.
"If you consider the first class seats, that would rack up a bunch of money. I wanna say I've saved more than $100,000."
Joshua, how does it feel to live my dream?
Having embraced the term ‘nepo baby’ (a term for children following in the footsteps of their well-connected parents in their industry), Joshua said: "I just poked fun at the term 'nepo baby'.
"My father works for United Airlines and I'm very fortunate.
"Essentially I fly 'standby' which is where you wait until the last minute to get a seat on the plane so if there's any open seats you get put on the flight.
"Sometimes it can be a bit hit and miss, but I can check the seats beforehand so usually I won't list on busy flights.
"Every airline employee can see the number the flight has.
"Because I've been doing it for so long, I'm quite savvy about what flights to get on now.
"Over time you learn how many seats are being bought and the best routes to go."
While these perks are usually available to employee's children until they turn 26, Joshua has managed to extend it due to being listed as his father's 'primary friend'.
"I'm my dad's primary friend, so it doesn't cut off for me. Even after he retires, I'll still be able to fly standby but it's a lower priority." he explained.
Recalling his first flight, Joshua explained: "I remember my first flight was to Tennessee when I was a little kid. It was really fun but I was really nervous getting on the plane.
"I don't think I realised how beneficial and grateful I was for the perk until I got a bit older in my teen years.
"Now, I've been to about 25 US states, 12 countries, and four continents. I definitely want to reach all seven continents one day."
In a video he posted to TikTok, he claimed to have travelled 1.1x the distance to the Moon and 10.4x around the Earth.
And his 'top three trips' so far were to the Amalfi Coast in Italy, The Great Barrier Reef and then Tokyo, Japan.
"It was beautiful and such a clean city and the culture and people were amazing." he said.
"I can't even say in words how grateful I am and how much of a great father I have. Even just allowing me to travel when I was a bit younger.
"We've had amazing trips together and with the family.
"I wish everyone could fly for free."
LADbible contacted United Airlines for comment.
Topics: Travel, United Airlines, TikTok
Britt Jones