As much as some FTers complain about us talking about Buddy Passes here, I have a question. Is a Buddy Pass typically priced at 10% of the ticket cost? Just trying to determine the value of a buddy pass over using miles since the former comes with the stress of whether one will or will not make it on the flight (with the tradeoff of possibly getting premium cabins on intl routes).

Nope.

A Buddy Pass TLV-FLL-TLV runs somewhat over $500. Depending on the time of year, an LUT ticket for that route costs about $1200. Biz Class (I) will cost about $3100 and full Biz anywhere from $6000-$8000.

Buddy Pass Travel LIM
 

Anyone had any recent experiences with buddy pass travel into and out of LIM lately? I live in Lima and from time to time use a buddy pass, but the last time I tried (Aug 2009), the ticket agent told me that they were barely able to accommodate employees much less buddies. I ended up getting a refund for the pass and used Skymiles instead, mainly because I had to return urgently. I am considering trying to travel the week before Christmas LIM/ATL. I can depart over the course of several days. Anyone with any insight think it's worth the trouble?

Pass Question
 

Hi, I know that Buddy pass questions are frowned on here,but I am trying anyway as I can't seem to get clear info. elsewhere.

The situtation is a family member is offering my family (3) passes to fly to LHR/LGW in the Spring 2010 prob. may/june. I am concerned because the direct flight to London is no longer offered from CVG where I would fly out of.

I am wondering how passes work with connections, are you cleared to the final destination or would I clear say CVG-NYC/ATL then have to roll the dice again with a NYC/ATL-LON ride?

The person offering the passes is a little sketchy on the details and since my husband hasn't been home in 13 years I am not sure I want to bank the holiday on a craps shoot.

No, as has been stated already buddy pass questions are definately not liked around FT, go and ask the person who gave them to you. In addtion to annoying us, the paying cutomers of Delta, you are also possibly risking your "buddy's" employment by asking such questions in public and hence your own opportunity to travel in this way.

The only time a buddy pass would be cleared to a final destination would be on a direct flight with enroute stops (i.e. same flight number). In your situation, you would have to roll the dice again in ATL/NYC.

You will not be cleared for any segment until very shortly before take off.

What is worse is that your baggage may well be cleared for your first segment even though you can't get on it.

I once flew on a buddy pass TLV-ATL-FLL, returning on the same routing. I flew TLV-ATL-FLL with no problem. On the way back, I arrived at FLL at 6 am, even though my flight to TLV did not leave until 10:30 that night. I simply wanted to be certain that I would get on some flight to ATL.

After the first three flights of the day took off without any space for me, I asked a GA which flights look like I have a chance of boarding. I was told that the only one would be the last flight and it would arrive in ATL too late for me to catch the TLV flight.

My friend who gave me the buddy pass told me to try to get on a flight to New York (any airport) and then go to JFK for a flight from there to TLV. I asked the GA how I could get my checked luggage back and was informed that I could not -- it was already waiting for me in ATL.

In the end, he got me on a flight to BOS where I was able to get another flight back to ATL, get my baggage, re-check it for TLV, and get on my flight.

Buddy passes can be great for international flights, especially during off-peak seasons, as you have a good chance of sitting in Biz Elite. For domestic flights, the odds are that you are going to wind up in coach (assuming there is room) and even then you may have to take three middle seats spread out throughout the plane, making it a far from pleasant trip for your family.

technically Buddy pass passengers are paying passengers--they just pay less. In fact, for Revenue Management purposes, they are actually included as paying passengers in statistics for enplaning/deplaning and revenue purposes.

Secondly, there is no risk to the employee for their buddy asking questions here.

A bit of advice if you travel on buddy pass.

First never ever travel on peak periods or anything close to peak. That knocks out first two people asking questions about buddy passes .

Two never ever travel with checked bags as you do not know if you are going to make the flight as if you do not know anything you can be bumped by everyone and anyone since you are the bottom rung. You are are lower than pond scum. You are lower than the living organisms that feed off of pond scum. You also should not be flying on a buddy pass if you have to ask questions.

Three...you should be young and unemployed and have no responsiblities in the world and have enough cash on hand to buy a last minute FULL FARE ticket after you get bumped off of several of the flights you are waiting.

Four...You should never be using a buddy pass because you are going to get the person who gave them to you in trouble and make a fuss after getting bumped flight after flight after flight.

Five...you should never ever travel with more than 1 or two people because you increase the odds. If you are traveling in larger groups ( Your group will be stressed) some of you will make and some may not. Who goes? Who stays behind....

BUY A TICKET!!!

Oh and never ever use buddy passes for a honeymoon! You have no protection what so ever on mis ops ,etc.

If you are on your honeymoon you have no right at all to even be flirting with Miss Ops, much less get to the point where you need protection with her!

:D:D got me!

DL Buddy passes are usless now
 

With the smaller, oversold planes a Buddy pass is a bad joke on those who purchase them.

South America is always dicey given the weight restrictions. When I was an employee I wouldn't even risk it.

Available BP to WA?
 

If there is someone willing to donate 3 BP, my kids and I are needing to get to WA! Intentions were to drive back but our car broke, and they're missing school. If anyone has BP, we are trying to fly home.