I use passes frequently, not on JetBlue but another airline, and I've had good luck. But I'm considered the "companion" of an employee so maybe I have higher status than a "buddy" pass? Not sure about that. I have companion status even when we're not traveling together. I only use the passes when I can be extremely flexible. Only one time I did not make it to my destination on the day I wanted to be there. I had to do an overnight in St. Louis enroute SEA-AUS on a holiday weekend as this was the only connection I could get, all other flights were full. Not a big deal to me, I got a cheap hotel at STL and arrived AUS the next morning. If I absolutely have to be somewhere, I buy a ticket. Another thing, never check a bag when flying non-rev. And take the smallest carry-on you can get by with, because you quite likely will end up in a middle seat with all overhead bins full.