Lurking about, spotted this. The benefit seems to vary a lot . I served 17 years with a ME Carrier. Length of service was rewarded with various benefits, the top asking for 20 years service in exchange for lifetime benefit which also varied (not allFREE ) .
But the administration was grossly corrupt at Base and indeed across the network.
Also made clear was that the benefit could be amended or withdrawn at any time. The Employment Leaving letter made it look like a retirement gift but in practice, not worth the various lengths of service required.,
In my case, having crossed the line of criticising top admin, it was suddenly amended and then withdrawn once I was retired.. Later, I was told that benefits that had fallen under the hammer were being re-instated but Head of Staff Travel never replied to my inquiry even when directed to do so by her Manager. Looks like she was more powerful than he.
So, now, I slip on me Shell Suit , Trainers, and climb down the back of EZ like everyone else. If I have to.
Oh and yes Wanna, there are some folk who hang on to long service just for the hoped for Staff Travel benefit. Oh bless.