The previous poster is being a bit harsh on staff travel.
Yes the company makes a small profit from it, however if the ticket prices seem expensive it is most likely the taxes (which are not discounted). There have been issues with check in staff in the past but generally they have been competent and fair. The biggest problem is issuance of boarding cards 30 mins b4 departure and having to race the 2km to the gate whilst carrying children etc.
As they have always stated, a successful airline and easy staff travel are mutually exclusive. Which would you rather - a secure job, or plenty of empty seats for your Cat A subload travels?
Oh, and I note the previous poster has just joined us from the US. My friend did you not read this forum and take note of all the minuses of an expat life? There are been several years of feedback on this forum. True, some wildly inaccurate and overly emotive but mostly accurate and useful to anyone contemplating leaving home to live abroad. Whilst I sympathise with your feelings EK are not to blame.