NHFL9

Of course Just saying it can work. I suppose like you can score a low level BE award to SYD

moondog

Why not? While I understand that DL employees may be forbidden to offer details about Buddy Passes here, since many of us have friends that work for DL, it's nice to know the ropes in case we wind up with nice birthday presents.

SamuelS

Because there are other forums and websites for airline staff and pass travellers, and this forum is ostensibly for frequent flyer programs and issues on DL of concern to regular flyers.

And on a side note, travellers on buddy passes should really be 'invisible'. Most airlines, as part of the T&C of Companion Passes or Buddy Passes, prohibit you from even discussing the fact that you are using or travelling on buddy passes. An airline employee or non-rev site may be a better place for discussion of airline employee benefits IMHO.

JSFox

About half my friends are airline employees. I and the other half have flown gobs of flights on buddy passes (thank you airline friends!). As long as you can be a little flexible they are a great way to fly. Prob 80% of flights have been on the day planned, 15% next day, and 5% 2nd day. I don't know that any of us have ever gone past 2 days. BE on TATL/TPAC is more likely than unlikely.

For best results: Dress well, be nice to GA's/FA's, and pack very very lite.

JasonZimmerman

hmmm but guys, do you know the destinations these places travel to?

My main question is where can buddy passes take me?
Japan
Australia
Europe
Hawaii
Mexico
UK
Dom.Republic.

any of those? (especially the first 3 or 4 I named)

that's my main question. John isn't sure that's why I'm asking here.

paterwdb

This question is incoherent. Places don't travel anywhere. Are you asking where in those countries Delta flies? Go online, do a search.

But the bottom line is that it will take the sponsor who gave you the buddy passes to understand their terms, how they work, where you can fly, and what it will cost.

allergictocoach

Indeed. So as a Mod wouldn't you want to just close the thread?

NWA IS

JasonZimmerman - I hate to be blunt, but you need to be asking your sponsoring employee these questions. If your sponsoring employee isn't sure, he needs to contact his supervisor or the employee pass travel office to get more details. FlyerTalk isn't going to help you answer these questions as FlyerTalk is mostly made up of "regular" passengers who pay for their tickets with dollars and miles.

To others: you may think it's harmless to post details about how much your benefits cost you, but that is in fact proprietary information to Delta and shouldn't be disclosed.

You are taking a risk with any information you post that is not in the public domain.

majorwibi

This is where Delta flies

http://delta.innosked.com/

moondog

True, but there's nothing preventing those of us who don't work for airlines to talk about how we believe the system works. Of course, such accounts are not as reliable as those from airline employees, but they are harmless as long as readers understand such.

As for those people who maintain that, "we only talk about miles here," to me this topic is more relevant/interesting than "where should I sit on my upcoming hour on a DC-9?" threads.

I guess I'm a bit surprised by the, "hush, hush," reception. Are buddy passes supposed to be so secret that we're not supposed to be aware of their very existence? Are recipients of buddy passes and ex-employees bound by lifetime gag orders?

SamuelS

As posted earlier, at many airlines (United for instance) it is part of the T&C of use that you do NOT discuss/disclose you are travelling on a companion pass or employee reduced rate. I'm guessing most airlines have similar verbiage.

thezipper

I guess no one got it the first time... THIS forum is for Delta SKYMILES related travel and benefits, not buddy pass... take that to another forum.

thezipper
Delat Co-Moderator

maracuyalove

Anyone know if a ticket can be used for a non us res to visit the states? Thanks

usa18dca

First of all, welcome to FlyerTalk!!!

*Steps up on the Airline Employee Soapbox*
I would not recommend posting employee pass travel benefits, buddy passes, or stories of screwing paying customers over on FlyerTalk, as well as other sensitive information, Delta would not appreciate that. I'd recommend going to an airline employee forum where passengers have no business in "empirically speaking".

Now to answer your question about the usage of Delta Buddy Passes, they are YOURS to use as you please within legalities and regulations of the Federal Guv'Mint.

If they are an non-US resident and come from a country that has a bilateral agreement for say a 90 day visit without a Visa, you may issue them a pass that is valid from the date of arrival into the US + 90 Days. If you do not do this and immigration officials notice this, they may revoke entry to the US and subject your friend or whoever to immediate deportation.

If they come from a country that requires a Visa, a buddy pass might not go well with the US Consular Officials however they probably would not know it's space available if nothing is said, be careful here.

I would err on the side of caution and make sure your friend or whomever actually left the country by the time their visa expires so you do not get in trouble or have your friend in trouble as well... (i.e full flights excuse will not go well with the INS)...
*Steps off on the Airline Employee Soapbox*
Have fun and welcome to FT once again!

mary ann perry

We despartly need buddy passes to travel to Utah my father=inlaw is terminally ill please reply need four or five please reply