What is a Buddy Pass? Your Ultimate Guide to Flying As A Buddy Passrider

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A buddy pass is a discounted standby ticket that airline employees can share with friends and family. You only fly if empty seats remain after paying passengers board, so travel is cheap but never guaranteed — flexibility is essential.

If you’ve ever heard an airline employee casually mention a “buddy pass” and wondered what that actually means, you’re not alone. If used properly, buddy passes can be a golden ticket to affordable travel — but they come with a few strings attached. In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know: what a buddy pass is, how it works, the pros and cons, and tips for making the most of it.

Let’s get into it.

Buddy Pass: The Basics

Think of a buddy pass as a “standby” travel voucher that allows a non-employee (a “buddy”) to fly on an airline at a fraction of the normal ticket cost — provided there’s space available.

These passes are a long-standing airline employee perk and are often treated like a travel favor. They’re not exactly “free” tickets, but they offer substantial savings over regular fares. While you won’t earn miles or loyalty points when flying on a buddy pass, the cost savings can be well worth it — if you understand how the system works.

My recommendation before getting a buddy pass is that if you have to go somewhere and the airfare is reasonable and you can afford it, just buy the ticket. Buddy passes are typically for last minute trips where you have maximum flexibility. If you have to get to a wedding or some other very important family event, just buy a ticket.

Buddy passes are essentially non-revenue standby tickets. This means:

• You’ll only board if there are empty seats after all paying passengers and higher-priority standby passengers (like airline employees or their dependents, vendors working with the airline, travel agents) have been accommodated.

• You are placed on a priority list that determines your boarding position.

• Travel is not guaranteed — flexibility is key!

• Travel is for leisure purposes only.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the process:

1. Get the Pass: The passes are allocated to the airline employee, they then assign them to you.

2. Book the Flight: Typically, the employee will book the ticket using the airline’s employee booking portal and the buddy passrider’s  form of payment to pay for it. You, the buddy passrider will then receive an electronic ticket, knowing that you’re flying standby. This is called a listing. You can change the ticket at no cost to travel on different dates as long as the origin and destinations remain the same. This rule may vary by airline.

3. Check Flight Loads: Typically, the employee will use internal systems to estimate seat availability; this is called checking flight loads.

4. Head to the Airport: Arrive early, dress neatly (some airlines have dress code standards), and prepare to wait. Do not annoy the airline’s employees at the airport. Also, do not ever tell anyone at the airport or on the airplane that you’re using a buddy pass and how much you paid for the ticket. Ensure you follow all the airline’s rules as told to you by the airline employee. You do not want them to lose their job!

5. Wait for Your Name: If there are empty seats at departure time, you’ll be called to board. Some airlines allow you to check your position on the standby list using their App.

🎯 Pro tip: Always have a backup plan or alternative flights in mind. But you may have to coordinate with the person who gave you the ticket in order to take these flights. You can’t just transfer your ticket to another flight or destination. And usually, you have to stay on the airline for which the person who gave you the ticket works. Also, depending on the airline/routing, the employee may have to fly with you. The airline employee will usually let you know all this.

Buddy passes can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Get the full breakdown and expert tips in our Non-Rev Playbooks, designed to help you save time and stress at the airport.

Are Buddy Passes Free?

This is one of the most common questions, and the short answer is: No, buddy passes aren’t free — but they are heavily discounted.

Here’s what you might have to pay:

• Taxes and airport fees (varies by route and country)

• Service charges set by the airline

• International surcharges on overseas flights

Discounts and Benefits of Using a Buddy Pass

There’s a reason people love flying on buddy passes — they can make expensive trips affordable if you’re flexible. Here’s a closer look at the benefits:

🔥 Major Discounts

You’re typically paying only a small percentage of a regular fare.

🧳 Travel Flexibility

If you’re not tied to strict schedules, buddy passes allow you to travel more frequently or to places you wouldn’t normally afford.

✈️ Chance to Fly Premium Cabins

Depending on the airline and flight load, you might even score a business or first-class seat at the standby fare. Not guaranteed, but it happens!

🎉 Bring a Friend

Airline employees often receive multiple buddy passes each year, so if you’re lucky, your friend or relative might invite you along on their next adventure.

Tips for Traveling with a Buddy Pass

Flying on a buddy pass is not like flying on a regular ticket — you’re in the world of non-rev travel now. You can find 15 tips here, but I’ve added some more tips here to make your trip smoother:

1. Be Flexible

Flight full? Weather delay? Crew shortage? All these things can bump you. Flexibility is your superpower. Never argue or complain to the airline staff. Try not to get stuck, like this lady.

2. Pack Light

Use a carry-on bag to stay mobile in case you need to switch flights, airports, or even airlines if your pass allows it (usually, it does not). A backpack is much better as it can fit better than a hard case carry-on.

3. Check Flight Loads Religiously

Monitor flight availability like a hawk. The airline’s internal app and the airline employee are your best friends.

4. Dress Neatly

Many airlines have dress codes for non-rev and buddy pass travelers. It doesn’t mean you have to wear a suit, but avoid ripped jeans, tank tops, or anything sloppy.

5. Always Have a Backup Plan

Stay aware of alternate airports and flights. Have cash or miles handy in case you need to buy a ticket or book a hotel. And get travel insurance.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Buddy Passes

Let’s answer some of the most common questions travelers have:

❓ How do I get a buddy pass?

Only airline employees (or retirees, in some cases) can issue buddy passes. You’ll need a friend or family member who works for the airline to offer one to you. They are not for sale.

❓ Are there blackout dates or restrictions?

Some airlines restrict buddy pass usage during busy travel periods (like holidays or peak summer weekends). Ask the employee issuing the pass about any restrictions.

❓ Can I use a buddy pass for international travel?

Yes, depending on the airline, but you’ll likely pay higher taxes and have more variables to navigate (customs, immigration lines, longer wait times).

❓ How many passes can an employee give?

It varies. Some airlines provide the employee a set number of passes per year. Generally, employees can give out several passes each year to anyone they please.

❓ Can I bring a child on a buddy pass?

Yes, but remember that flying standby with kids can be more stressful. You’ll also want to bring extra snacks, entertainment, and a plan B if the flight doesn’t work out. This is based on the rules of the airline as well. So check with the airline employee.

Conclusion

Buddy passes are a fantastic travel perk if you understand how they work and go in with the right mindset. They’re not for travelers who need rigid schedules, but if you’ve got a little flexibility and patience, you can fly far for less. Just remember that you are representing the employee and the rules of the passes MUST be strictly adhered to or the employee may lose their job.

Whether you’re jetting to New York, hopping to Hawaii, or trying your luck with a transatlantic trip, a buddy pass can help make it happen — just don’t forget to check the loads, pack that carry-on, and wear your standby smile and attire.

Final Thoughts and Call-to-Action

Have you ever flown on a buddy pass? What was your experience like? Share your story in the comments.

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Until your next flight, happy standby travels! ✈️