Well, I also hope the OP enjoys a good trip.

But for me, this just does not work.

For an extra $150 or such I would get a confirmed seat that I could reserve in an aisle (even ignoring my status that gets Y+). I would not have to sweat the standby list. I would get RDMs and MQDs.

Not even a close decision for me.

Freudian slip?

He/she could also delay the flight by arguing that some paying passenger should switch seats so that the OP isn't stuck in a middle seat or indeed, in anything other than his/her most preferred FC seat. A loud argument with the GA about how the OP's DL employee buddy is so important that the OP should be treated better despite flying for "free" would be so lovely.

Well this thread sure is going downhill fast..

I read that as "Well this trip sure is going downhill fast. Which is likley to happen seeming as the persons buddy probably doesnt know any more about the buddy passes than the OP

I really think YMMV (HEAVILY) with buddy passes. People talk about them like they're the black plague. I cleared JFK-NRT-HNL-LAX-JFK over the course of two weeks recently, all in BE. I would say you need to have your "friend" keep a close eye on the DLNet listing. I was pretty high up on the list about 2 hours out and got to JFK for the NRT flight and 6 people had popped up ahead of me. Still cleared, but do realize a lot of DL employees and retirees list at the last minute.

Do not use these passes if you're trying to go to a popular destination, leaving on a friday and returning on a sunday. You'll get stuck, or won't ever make it out. Almost all of my flights were on Monday's and Tuesday's.

Also, take some of the money you're saving and get yourself an expert flyer subscription. Comes in handy.

I had purchased a SkyClub membership outright (and also got a year's comp'd one when I hit DM), and brought the actual membership card with me. I had no trouble getting into any lounges. DL employees are allowed to purchase their own memberships and use the DL lounges if they'd like. The lounge dragons didn't seem to think this was any different.

Don't even think about using the SkyPriority anything (lane, check in line, bag drop, etc).

I missed how this is domestic. At least there are multiple daily flights and routings that OP can use if they fail to get on a flight unlike international where there are less options

Also now that i noticed it's domestic, the odds of getting in F are extremely low due to complimentary upgrades to elites especially on this popular hub to hub route.

DL changed their policy on lounge access a few years ago to allow NRSA access with a valid membership. Previously, even if you had your own Personal SC membership and were flying NRSA, you would not be allowed into the SC.

They should be demanding the 50% MQM bonus! They paid good money for the passes :rolleyes:

Aye you could be on to something.
Buddy Passes are not really NON-REVenue FREE passes.
They are reduced fare revenue standby tickets.
There is a monetary factor involved and as such should get SkyMiles credit
for that transaction and if using a DL Amexco card as payment get/receive
Skymiles for that also.
I understand that taxes and international fees are exempt from SkyMiles
accrual - but a fare is fare is fair game !
Starting next year a whole new ball game for consideration - it will no longer
be a DYKWIA or what type/kind of class ticket you are on BUT simply what
you PAID to accumulate those miles - the more you pay the more the miles.
AND then the hidden frequent flier (payee) factor kicks in with multiple
doubling and tripling miles.
I wonder what kind of effect that this is going to have on the Amexco/Delta SkyMiles program ?

Doesn't full F get 200% MQM now?

Passes dont earn EQM so they do not earn PQD either. If on AMEX sure it counts towards the $25K minimum spend but that is all.