How Much Free Stuff and Special Treatment Do We Bloggers Get?

I’m a big fan of “behind-the-scenes” content. I love reading about and watching what goes into putting on major events. I seek out memoirs and first-hand accounts of various jobs, projects, and headlines. Even though I worked in a hotel for years, I still enjoy watching videos that take us into the “Employees Only” areas of resorts and other properties. I’ll watch airport ramp worker YouTubes for hours.

But I’m surprised at how many people are interested in the behind-the-scenes operations of blogging. Maybe they’re naturally curious people who love learning. Perhaps they want to start their own blog. They might wonder how such an operation makes any money. Are those “travel bloggers make millions of dollars on credit card commissions!” assumptions real? (They sure as heck aren’t for this one.)

I recently saw something on Reddit, Facebook, TwXitter, or another blog’s comment section. I honestly don’t remember where. But it went something like this:

You bloggers get everything for free because companies want good reviews! You get special treatment! You don’t have to pay for anything!

I figured this presented a good opportunity to do a behind-the-scenes (or “BTS” as we call it in the entertainment and media industry) post — and address the general topic of free stuff and preferential treatment. I can only speak for René and me. Other bloggers may do things differently. But the ones I actually know are pretty much in line with how we operate.

Do We Get Everything for Free and Special Treatment?

We do enjoy some fun experiences here and there — but probably not to the extent many people assume.

Airport Lounge Previews

Let’s start with airport lounges. We’re often invited to media-only lounge previews. (We have to clear security — no CLEAR or TSA PreCheck — with everyone else.) We get our run of the lounge to take pictures, sample some of the services and amenities, eat the food, and drink the beverages. We usually get 10 or 20 minutes to interview airline or credit card representatives.

Never has an airline or credit card company’s representative told me what to write. They don’t tell me, “You have to write a good review or you’re not welcome again!” or anything like that. There aren’t any quid pro quos. In fact, some reps have “jokingly” brought up criticisms I made in my posts.

I usually state all this in my airport lounge preview posts. But I’m not compensated to attend these previews. They aren’t paid junkets. The only complimentary “perks” I receive are:

• Whatever food and beverages I consume during the preview
• Getting to see the lounge that day only without paying a fee
  • But this isn’t “enjoying” it like you would before or after a flight.
• Promotional items — if any — such as commemorative luggage tags, pens, copies of artwork, etc. (Guests who visit the lounges during the first few days usually receive them, too.)
• Parking at the airport for the day of the event only (sometimes, when local)
• Rideshare discounts to/from the airport on the day of the event only (occasionally)

The blog (meaning “my company” / “I”) pays all other related costs: flights, hotel, meals, ground transportation, etc.

For example, Delta does not provide me complimentary or discounted airfare when I fly from my Los Angeles home to review a Sky Club in another city. They don’t make American Express charges disappear. When I travel to preview their Sapphire Lounges, Chase doesn’t credit my Chase Sapphire Reserve® account for out-of-pocket expenses.

I spend my company’s and my own money, points/miles, hotel free night certificates, and credit card statement benefits when I travel.

Free Stuff

I’m offered all sorts of promotional items in exchange for honest reviews: clothing, liquor, beds (yes, beds), kitchenware, electronics, and other goods.

I rarely accept such offers. Most of the stuff isn’t relevant to our blog. I’m a pretty creative person. But I don’t know how to tie beds and kitchenware into honest blog posts on a site that focuses on travel and points/miles. “I Didn’t Have to Leave the House to Sleep Like I Was On Vacation, Thanks to My Brand X Bed!” That’s weird, right?

When I do accept an item, I follow through on my agreement to review the product. I give honest opinions, stating what I like and what falls short.

But I also state in the review posts that I accepted the item in exchange for an honest review. I think that’s important.

For example, Eye of the Flyer reader Kish and his wife started Nomad Lane — a travel bag and accessory company. They sent me Bento Bags to review. I got to keep the bags — and my wife and I still use them because we actually like the products!

Also, credit card companies don’t treat me any differently for being in their affiliate programs. I still have to pay my bills on time or get the same late fees and interest as everyone else.

During the now-rare times one of my clients sends me on a trip and I decide to review something, I mention that in my post.

Special Treatment When Traveling

When I check in for a flight, hotel stay, or sit down at a restaurant, I don’t introduce myself as a blogger. There are three reasons for this.

First, that’s obnoxious.

Second, I don’t think they care.

Third, I don’t want any special treatment if they do care. When I’m reviewing an airline, hotel, restaurant, or whatever, I want to experience it like everyone else. (The exceptions are invitation-only events like lounge previews, soft openings, etc.) Writing reviews like, “I got this suite upgrade and comped meal because I write a blog — here’s my review of something you probably won’t get!” isn’t my style, nor is it helpful to readers.

If I get upgraded, I want it to be something “organic” — from elite status, a credit card benefit, a customer service offering, etc. You know — topics we cover on the blog anyway. Kind of like how restaurant critics don’t announce themselves. They want the real experience.

If I was upgraded or given other special treatment because I run a blog, I was never told about it. (And I know Eye of the Flyer doesn’t have as much clout as sites like The Points Guy, View from the Wing, One Mile at a Time, Frequent Miler, etc.)

There are times I mention the blog to staff members. But those instances are usually toward the end of a flight, hotel stay, meal, etc. When I do say something, it’s to tell someone how much they and/or their business impressed me and I’d like to mention them by name in a blog post. Some people might be excited to see their name mentioned positively in a review; and if it helps them when employee reviews or bonuses come around, then even better!

Final Approach

So, there you have it. Long story short: we don’t get much for free. We let you know when we do. We prefer the “undercover reviewer” style of work.

Any questions about this topic?