Do you want a challenging goal for your writing career this year ? Why not aim for the sky? Set yourself the challenge of being published in an inflight publication, one of the publications provided by airlines in the seat pockets in front of each passenger .

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

Why Write for In-flight Magazines?

There are a number of reasons why getting featured in an in-flight magazine is a suitable challenge for your freelance writing career.

Firstly, there’s exposure . Secondly, you will have a very impressive publishing credit to show off in your writing portfolio. Getting assigned other high-paying assignments will become much easier. Thirdly , you will be paid well . Most in-flight publications pay very well, with many paying approximately a dollar per word.

Diverse Passengers, Diverse Subjects

Don’t limit your article ideas to traditional travel writing. Even though a large number of airline passengers are on holiday others are travelling for business or other reasons. Also, since passengers come from various walks of life in-flight magazines publish articles on quite a wide range of subjects . Their content often includes articles on travel and adventure, dining and entertainment, business, cultural events and the environment, and many other subjects .

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

Did I Forget Competition?

There's got to be a catch, right ? Well, getting published in an in-flight magazine will not be a piece of cake . You certainly won't be the only freelance writer pitching your ideas to these busy editors . To suggest it will be highly competitive is possibly an understatement.

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

In-flight Magazines Are Not For Beginners

What should you do if you have just starting out as a freelance writer ? Start elsewhere . Try targeting some local publications. After you have a few features published begin building up to regional magazines. As your portfolio grows you will eventually be ready to target in-flight publications and other leading publications.

Check out this huge list of inflight magazines