All of the above are very, very helpful pieces of advice.

You're an "employee" by proxy so you must present yourself with the utmost respect and courtesy. If you don't clear the flight do not beg, plead or cause a scene. You are not getting on!

As the brother of a JB crewmember I've been fortunate to have had access to the buddy pass benefit. In 10 years, though, I may have used 4 buddy passes. I take them rarely as I hate the nail-biting stress at the gate. You won't know anything until after EVERYONE has boarded and you're still sitting there as each standby gets picked off.

Your friend should track the loads of the flight(s) you intend to take. The friend should also track the list of other standbys. You will be the lowliest of the status rank of standbys however checking in as early as possible will get you a jump over another lowly standby like yourself.

I practically always decline my sister's offer to come visit on a pass.