Deadhead in aviation

Deadhead in aviation is the practice of an airline repositioning its crew members, such as pilots, flight attendants, ground staff, etc. The employees are not on duty and travel as passengers for free to a location where they are needed for future assignments.

Deadheading allows airlines to reposition staff without incurring extra costs associated with hiring separate transportation. It also helps maintain the airline’s operations by ensuring the right crew is at the right place at the right time.

For example, a pilot finishes a flight in Los Angeles and is scheduled to fly out of New York the next morning. The airline books a deadhead flight from Los Angeles to New York. The pilot follows standard passenger procedures during boarding and is not responsible for any in-flight service or operational duties.