Originally Posted by under the clocks
What are the benefits, who do they extend to and are they monitored or capped?.
I only know a little bit about QF but speaking from experience on CX (and I'm sure they don't differ that much) you can buy either an ID50, ID75 or ID90 ticket, with the number equating to the discount off the full fare for each respective class. If memory serves me correct, the ID50 is the only firm ticket, but sometimes if a sale is on you are better off purchasing a normal ticket.
When you join the airline, you nominate who is entitled to your staff travel. If you are single, you can nominate two others or if you have a family it applies to your family and the employee's parents (with regards to CX anyway).
Originally Posted by under the clocks
What class are they booked in and what is availabilty?
They aren't a booked ticket unless it is a ID50. With the ID75 and ID90, you turn up on the day and hope there is a seat available. Sometimes you may have a J class ID90 ticket and may be bumped down to Y because that's the only seat available, however you do receive a refund on the difference.
The not so glamorous side to staff travel is that you can be stuck at the airport for days when things go wrong (weather, US aircraft etc) because everyone has priority over you. And if you have only just joined the airline, there is usually a lot more senior people in front of you.
You will find that most staff travel is done over non peak periods to avoid the above problems.