Aim for the Sky: Write for In-flight Publications

By Gary McLaren

Are you looking to set yourself a challenging goal for your writing career this year? Why not aim for the sky? Set yourself the goal of being published in an in-flight magazine, one of the publications provided by airlines in the seat pockets in front of passengers.

Many freelance writers dream of being published in an in-flight magazine. Imagine your story being read by travelers as they fly all over the globe. Many of those magazines will eventually find new homes - from coffee tables to taxis to dentists’ waiting rooms - after passengers carry them away at the end of their flights.

Why Write for In-flight Magazines?

There are several reasons why being published in an in-flight magazine is a worthy goal for your freelance writing career. Firstly, there’s the exposure. Secondly, you will have an excellent publishing credit to add to your writing portfolio. Winning other high-paying assignments will become just that little bit easier. Thirdly, you’ll be paid well. Most in-flight publications pay very well, with many paying in the vicinity of one dollar per word.

Diverse Passengers, Diverse Topics

Don’t limit your article ideas to traditional travel writing. Although many airline passengers are on vacation others travel for business or other reasons. Since passengers come from all walks of life in-flight magazines publish articles on quite a wide variety of topics. Their content includes articles on travel and adventure, food and entertainment, business, nature and the environment, and many more topics.

Always remember when pitching ideas to an in-flight publication that destinations are critical. Every article must have a connection to the destinations and routes of the airline.

Did I Mention Competition?

There must be a catch, right? Well, getting your work published in an in-flight magazine is not going to be a walk in the park. You will not be the only freelance writer pitching your ideas to these editors. To say it will be highly competitive is probably an understatement.

Editors of in-flight publications demand a high quality of work, and they prefer to work with freelancers who have proven experience and professionalism. 

 

It’s Not For Beginners

What should you do if you have just starting out in freelance writing? Start elsewhere. Try targeting some local publications. After you have a few pieces published begin working your way up to regional magazines. As you build up your portfolio of published credits you will eventually be ready to target in-flight magazines and other leading publications.


Some Examples of In-flight Publications

The following are just a few examples of in-flight publications that you could write for.

Alaska Airlines Magazine
The in-flight magazine for Alaska Airlines, reaching more than a million travelers every month in Alaska, California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Nevada, Western Canada and Mexico. 80% freelance. Columns include Journal (arts and culture), Business, On Location, Profiles, Sports, Technology and Travel. Rates begin at $50 to $100 for shorts through to $300 for columns and $500 for features.
Guidelines:  http://www.alaskaairlinesmagazine.com/contributor/  

Enroute
Air Canada’s award-winning bilingual (English/French) in-flight magazine. This is an upscale travel lifestyle magazine interested in everything from wine to design, popular science to pop music. "As many travellers’ first introduction to Canada, we are proudly Canadian but never parochial about Canadian content." Pay: base rate is CDN$1 per word.

Guidelines: http://www.enroutemag.com/e/writers/index.html

Spirit
Southwest Airlines’ in-flight magazine. A general interest magazine that appeals to the upscale consumer. Explores a diverse array of subjects, including pop culture, business, personal technology, sports, health, food and drink.

Guidelines: http://www.spiritmag.com/pdf/WritersGuidelines207.pdf 


US Airways Magazine

January 2006 marked the debut of this new US Airways magazine. They are looking for writers who can deliver smart, pithy copy. "We like breezy. We like humor. We like a light tone. And we like writers who can deliver short pieces as well as longer stories."

Guidelines: http://www.usairwaysmag.com/pdfs/USAWwriterguide.pdf
 

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