All About the Bennies!

(Because it’s not just about the Benjamins—it’s about the benefits.)

One of the biggest blessings in my aviation journey has been flight benefits. And let me tell you—I put them to work.

I’ve walked through the cobblestone streets of Rome, soaked up the sun in Nice, dipped into Costa Rica’s lush jungles, and floated in the crystal-clear waters of Turks and Caicos. All while building my flight hours and balancing jobs that didn’t always pay a lot—but opened doors I’ll never take for granted.

Looking back, I wish I could tell my younger self:

“The money will return, but the time and the memories? They won’t. So go.”

I used to be so locked in on training that I hesitated to travel unless I felt like I “deserved it.” I had a hard time letting myself rest, explore, and live. And while I’m proud of that discipline—it got me where I am today—I also realize now that joy is part of the journey too.

There were trips I skipped because I thought I hadn’t earned them yet. Moments I postponed. But the places I did go? They changed me. Every flight reminded me of what I’m working toward. Every solo adventure deepened my independence, my perspective, and my peace.

So yes, I’m all about the bennie’s—the flight bennie’s, that is. And if you ever get the chance to see the world while you’re building yours, take it. You can always come back to the grind, but you can’t always get back those moments that passed you by.