Flight Benefits
Flights are one of the most practical (and most asked about) benefits in an international teaching contract. Whether it’s flying you out at the start of your contract, flying your family home each summer, or covering your repatriation when you finish at the school, these perks can add serious financial value to your package.
Why Flights Matter Financially
- An annual return flight for a family of four (on Skyscanner) between Asia and North America can cost USD $3,000–$6,000+ during peak travel season.
- Over a two year contract (assuming annual flights for a family of four), the total value of covered flights can reach tens of thousands of dollars – effectively a major hidden salary boost.
- For families with multiple children, having flights covered annually for the whole family (or even bi-annually) can make or break affordability for your move.
Related: Flights Home – Why This Benefit Matters More Than You Think
What Flight Benefits Schools Typically Offer
Initial Flights
Economy ticket to your new country to start your role.
End of Contract Flights
Flight back to your home of record at the end of your contract.
Booking vs Reimbursement
Some schools book for you, others reimburse you after purchasing. And some provide an allowance for you (but check if this is a taxable benefit).
Annual Flights or Travel Allowance
Either a return flight home each year or a set stipend you can use to go home (or travel elsewhere, or save).
Dependent Coverage
Policies at each school vary. Most well established international schools will cover your spouse and kids (sometimes capped at a set number of dependents, e.g. two kids).
Common Policies by School Type
Top-tier international schools
Mid-range schools
Small or start-up schools
Flight Benefit Changes
Each international school will have specific policies relating to flight policies. But be prepared that sometimes these policies can change mid-contract.
Depending on your destination and local employment laws, you may have limited options if things change. Be sure to find out upfront about what’s included – and see if you can speak to current teachers (or do some research) to see if there have been any recent changes to teacher benefits.
‘At our last school the policy for covering children’s flights changed mid-contract of our second year – from 100% coverage to 80%. All staff were forced to sign an addendum or their next pay would be withheld.’
Trailing Spouse with three childrenAre There Regional Differences?
While flight packages as part of your teaching benefit typically vary between individual schools, there are some regions that typically offer more value for families.
Asia & Middle East
Usually offer the most generous flight packages, often covering flights for the whole family either annually or biannually.
Flights can be tied to “home of record” only – depending on your school.
Europe
Flight benefits are usually less generous. Most schools only provide a one-way flight at the start and end of contract (and some schools don’t offer any flights).
Annual flights are usually uncommon, and allowances are often capped.
Africa & South America
Very mixed depending on the school. Some schools match top-tier packages, while others offer very little in terms of flight benefits.
Do your research to establish what’s offered at each school.
Hidden Rules on Flight Benefits Teachers Often Miss
- “Point of Hire” vs. “Home of Record” – Flights might only cover where you were hired from, not your passport country.
- No Cash-Out – Some schools won’t let you exchange an unused flight for cash.
- Peak Season Restrictions – Flights may only be bookable at certain times (e.g. fixed summer dates).
- Baggage Allowance – Some schools offer extra luggage instead of shipping. While this is helpful, it can be limiting for families with lots of baggage (e.g. furniture).
Real Teacher Scenarios
- Teaching couple in the Middle East with two children: Four annual return flights covered – worth over USD $15,000 across a three-year contract.
- Teacher in Europe with a non-dependent partner: Only the teacher’s ticket was covered; partner paid out of pocket for all flights.
- Teacher in Asia with trailing spouse and three kids: Initial flight covered all dependents, but annual flights capped dependents (spouse and two children so third child out of pocket).
These examples show why it’s crucial to check the fine print.
Key Questions for Families to Ask About Flight Benefits
Who’s included?
Do flight benefits cover just the teacher, or dependents as well? If an allowance, does it cover baggage fees or upgrades?
How often?
Are flights annual, start/end of contract only, or is there a set stipend?
Any limitations?
Do you choose dates/airlines, or go through the school’s provider? What happens if you leave early or break contract?
Are flights a taxable benefit?
Are flights taxable in the host country? How will that impact your finances?
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
Quick Flight Benefits Checklist
Getting an offer at an international school is exciting, but make sure you check out the finer details of what your flight benefits include. Costs can quickly add up if you’re paying for your own flights with a family.
Timing
Annual flights or only at the start and end of contract?
Family covered
Are all your family members covered?
Booking process
Does the school book for you or do you need to get reimbursed?
Restrictions
Any there any restrictions you need to know about?
Flight Benefits: Final Tips
Flights may seem like a “bonus” for some people, but for international teachers, especially families, they’re often essential. A package with annual flights for dependents included can end up saving you thousands. While an offer without any flight benefits could mean significant costs over the length of your contract.
Always get flight benefit details in writing, compare across schools, and weigh these benefits alongside relocation support for a full picture of value.
Read next: Relocation Assistance for International Teaching Families