America West FlightFund (Discontinued Program) - Buddy Pass?

I have a friend who has gotten some Buddy Passes from a HP employee. She was going to use them for a short hop (PHX-PDX). As I understand it, you have to pay a fee, and fly standby.

I'm wondering if they're good for flights to Costa Rica or such. Anyone have details on these?

I haven't used any of these in about 5 years, but I imagine they are still the same rules. When I used them, it was good for SA travel anywhere on the HP system for 10% of the full Y price. You listed yourself prior through general Reservations, and showed up at the airport with them. Don't know if the rules have changed (although I imagine they are the same)...

I called the 800 number listed on the passes, but they didn't have any information, other than automated PBT's and such (that I could find). They also said you could use two passes for a FC seat, which would be a bonus. Thanks for the help.

As an HP employee, I can tell you as previously stated from an earlier thread. The buddy pass is priced to approximately 10% of a Y class fare. A buddy pass can be used anywhere HP flys including Mexico, Canada, and Costa Rica. However, the employee must be present during the time of ticketing transaction for Buddy Pass travel to Mexico and Costa Rica. Also, recently they now allow Buddy Passes on Mesa flights that are part of the HP route system like ASE, BIL, MFR, etc. There are a few cites that are excuded they are HII and PRC, not sure about FLG. Buddy Passes are space-available travel only so HP employees are responsible for Buddy Pass passengers are the rules that go along with stand-by travel.

Considering how airfares have become cheap in the last couple of years or so, HP employees have complained that the cost of Buddy Pass cost almost the same as a 14-day advance regular ticket. Also, standy-by sometimes can be difficult during the major holidays, Florida routes during springbreak, Alaska during the summertime, and Las Vegas on weekends. It is encouraged that if a Buddy-passenger is not flexible with dates and needs to get to point A to point B, to buy a regular tickets. Because when you fly as a non-rev standby be prepared to get bumped if flights are full.

Also, be advised if flying to Costa Rica. There seems to be trouble with weight restrictions flying out of Costa Rica. Last year HP had seats flying out empty out of Costa Rica due to weight restrictions. Other airlines had also weight restrictions so it was not just an HP issue.

Also, Buddy passes can be used for First Class. I am based in PHX. I used to fly red-eyes via LAS and I always got upgraded. A couple of years ago when HP started selling walk-up FC upgrades FC is extremely difficult to get for non-rev travel so don't hold your breath getting FC. As an HP employee I do not expect FC anymore.

Thanks for all the details on the Buddy Pass. I had hoped to be able to use them to Costa Rica, but it doesn't sound good to me. :)

Considering how airfares have become cheap in the last couple of years or so, HP employees have complained that the cost of Buddy Pass cost almost the same as a 14-day advance regular ticket. Also, standy-by sometimes can be difficult during the major holidays, Florida routes during springbreak, Alaska during the summertime, and Las Vegas on weekends. It is encouraged that if a Buddy-passenger is not flexible with dates and needs to get to point A to point B, to buy a regular tickets. Because when you fly as a non-rev standby be prepared to get bumped if flights are full.

Thanks for the details! I've used Buddy Passes a few times in 2004 and expect to use them a lot more in 2005 now that airfares are slowly increasing.

Getting a PHX - CUN flight will be difficult using Buddy Passes, I hope HP adds CZM soon.

As Skyfly and others have said, the BP is 10% fare with standby for F. Works great for last minute casual flying, but if you have some notice confirmed fares are available for similar pricing.

Last one I tried to use was PHX to YVR, but it was full so I took the PNX to SEA and took the shuttle bus to YVR. If your flexible there great, but don't plan your holiday around them.