Interesting that this is posted today, which is the first day of a change in the employee travel policy.

AF, like most airlines, extends travel benefits to their employees, as well as family members (spouse/domestic partner, dependent children, parents >60 years). AF also, like many airlines, provides "buddy pass" or "travel partner" tickets (4 per year). However, the "travel partners" were always required to travel with the employee...until about a year or two ago. At that time, the rule changed and allowed for the travel partners to travel without the employee, albeit at a lower boarding priority (these are all standby travel only, on a space available basis).

This rule change resulted in a small percentage of people abusing the system, where they would sell their travel partner passes at a profit. Having worked for several airlines, and having friends at several others, I can tell you this is commonplace across the industry where this benefit is offered. I have also known of people being fired if they are caught.

Today (1st July), the ability for AF travel partners to travel without the employee has been abolished.

This will surely ease the insanity at various airports that were especially popular for the companion travelers. Hundreds of "travel partners" standing by at CDG to get on flights that were already full. JFK has been crazy too, with dozens (approaching one hundred) standing by on a daily basis during the past few months.