Is TSA The Ultimate Job For Frequent Travelers?

Frequent flyers and travel lovers are at the airport so often they may as well live there. For many, the airport is like a second home. There are lounges to relax in, restaurants to eat at, and more than enough space to get your steps in. Frequent travelers can navigate airports blindfolded and have known traveler numbers, status with airlines, a favorite airport bar, and perhaps even a favorite gate agent. If you're at the airport that often, you might as well get paid for being there, right?

There are plenty of job opportunities available at airports but few offer travel benefits. One such job is working for the Travel Security Administration (TSA). One would think that performing arguably the most important and intense job at any airport would come with free flights, a complimentary first-class upgrade, and lounge access, but it actually includes none of the above. In fact, the benefits for TSA workers don't differ much from working anywhere else. They get health benefits, dental and vision care, retirement benefits, life insurance, overtime, and more.

Applying for a TSA position is not a difficult process. To meet the basic requirements, applicants must be at least 18 years old and in possession of a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent credential. They also need to take a TSA assessment, go through a background check, and complete re-employment requirements. It's a solid job if you can overlook the lack of travel benefits.

While working for the TSA doesn't come with extra perks, there are some jobs that are perfect for frequent flyers. One of the best jobs you can have if you love travel and want more benefits is becoming a flight attendant. Along with getting paid to travel for work, flight attendants get discounted rates or free flights for personal travel. This benefit often extends to family. And if being a flight attendant doesn't sound appealing to you, you can apply for other airline positions and earn many of the same benefits. Or, if you want to dream bigger, you can train to become a pilot.

You don't need to work for an airline to access travel benefits through your job. There are plenty of regular careers that will pay you to travel. You can become a tour guide or a travel nurse. You can work as a consultant or a pharmaceutical sales representative. It all depends on what you look for in a job and which travel benefits are important to you.