And this brings a new question to the table. If a buddy pass rider is also a medallion, would they be exempt from the bag fees just like they are because they are a medallion?

Is this a new route? DL announced that all new international destinations have a one year embargo for Buddy Passes to allow the new stations to get up to speed. Lots of Buddy Pass riders do not know all the rules and cause a lot of headaches, which I saw firsthand in FRA last week --- they were upset about not being able to line up at the B/E checkin counter, talked out loud about being non-rev stand bys, etc, and the agent got a supervisor to give them a talking to, and I didn't see them on the flight.

No, when you are on a buddy pass your status means nothing. Better not to even mention your status, IMHO.

Buddy Pass NW Merger - Anybody that knows something! especially employees
 

Hey guys,
I am new here and this seems like the only forum that might be able to help me. My wife and I have been offered buddy passes and we would like to use them to go the the Philippines for a Honeymoon/ mission trip in August. Traditionally Delta has not flown the the PI, but Northwest is the only American carrier that does.

My question is, will I be able to use those buddy passes in August for a Northwest flight given that the two are merging. Does anyone know the timeline of the merger. And does anyone know whether delta buddy passes would work.

Thank you in advance you your insight. I have read other forums and found there are some people out there that are very helpful.

Probably not the best forum for your question--the folks here don't like buddy pass questions.

That said, you should be able to use the buddy pass for your trip as long as it is after June 23rd which is when the pass policies of both airlines merge and become one policy.

Safe travels.

As you get closer to the target dates ask your friend to make sure there are no blackout periods that could affect you

You need to ask the employee that is giving you the passes those questions.

According to the latest info, while many things will be completely merged for NW/DL employees on June 23, buddy passes, "due to technology constraints", pre-merger DL employees' buddy passes will NOT be possible "until full inventory integration in 2010".

As another poster mentioned, the person offering you the passes is the better person to ask, not here, but it seems many people (employees/retirees) have not read deep enough in the info given out to know this. Except for buddy passes, it seems all else is harmonized as of June 23.

I would suggest you ask your "buddy" to print out all the rules for buddy pass travel and give to you --- it is sad to see people on buddy passes who don't know the rules and then get in trouble, or cause trouble for the givee.

JFK-AMM has been operating for some time now. Buddy passes are allowed on this leg. The new rule you are referring to affects new stations opening up after the new non-rev policies take effect (23Jun).

I believe the buddy pass tickets issued prior to the new non-rev policy announcement were grandfathered in. I see a number of buddy pass travelers on select flights to SYD the first week of July for instance.

Indeed. As a non-rev, your status means nothing. You're less important than the Asparagus in the cargo hold.

I have a question about traveling on a buddy pass. How are FAs told to treat buddy pass riders? When I traveled on one, the FA took my order last (which is fine, but Ive never seen that happen to other buddy pass riders), and she was also quite surprised when I wanted a refill on my coffee at breakfast and on my wine at dinner. I didnt mind, but I did think it looked strange to the other pax. There were about 8 buddy pass riders sitting around me, and we were all treated that way. Not complaining, just wondering what the proper procedure is towards buddy pass pax regarding inflight service.

There are no separate procedures for service to buddy pass riders. Non-rev travelers are all treated the same. Cabin crew knows who is who and if they are a revenue passenger or not. In my experience, non-rev meal orders are taken after all revenue passengers by order of seniority (this would be the employee who gave you the buddy pass' date of hire generally). I personally make it a point not to ask for anything over the standard meal service when I travel. If cabin crew offers additional beverages, like refills of wine during a meal service - I generally accept it.

The only thing the HRPM states remotely related to your question is:

- Never overindulge in alcoholic beverages. Nonrevenue passengers boarded in coach sections must pay for all alcoholic beverages served, as well as rental of headsets for movie flights.
- Do not request drinks to be taken off the aircraft.
- Never ask for additional or special meal service. Identify yourself to the flight attendant as a nonrevenue/reduced-rate traveler when there is a meal shortage. Special meals (salt-free, low calorie, etc.) cannot be ordered.

I find it odd though that you are asking questions about non-revenue/buddy pass travel here on Flyertalk. Whoever gave you a buddy pass ticket to use should have provided you with a copy of the HRPM that outlines the rules governing non-rev travel (HRPM 1014/1017) or at the very least briefed you on the proper etiquette.

Hope this helps.

I followed the proper etiquette; I was informed from other nonrevs that the FAs were not following procedure in that they were especially stingy. I have never used it before and followed all rules (perhaps to overkill) since it was my first time. FTers are generally very knowledgeable in a variety of areas so asking here is appropriate.

I find it odd though that you are answering questions about non-revenue/buddy pass travel here on Flyertalk.

Any employee benefits should be discussed between the employees themselves or between the employee and any benefactors of an employee's benefits, not in a public forum.

Buddy Pass- Charleston, SC - Brussels
 

I have to go to Brussels, from Charleston, from January 2010 to April 2010. The exact dates, I am not sure at this moment.

However, I have a friend working for delta and offered me a buddy pass.

Is this safe? How much will it cost? Should I just buy a ticket in advance?