Some people really freak out when anyone mentions "buddy passes." Actually I find it more entertaining than anything! (not to mention, as pointed out multiple times above, often inaccurate replies/answers!).

Removed. Sorry old link.

Link is to a thread from 2003...:confused: Process is automated now.

Sorry about the past old link. I removed it. I found this one from DL. Good info:

http://travelinfo.delta.com/dlnonrev/Buddy_quette.pdf

Here is another (not from DL):

http://nomadiknation.com/q-a-how-to-...-work-for-you/

Remember you are S4 (low). You should have the person that gave you the pass check flts for you.

Buddy Pass / Benefits for Diamond member?
 

Hi. Searched the forums but couldn't find this answer...

I am a Diamond member and wondering what perks would I receive if I use a buddy pass (from my bother in-law).

Specifically do I get to check-in extra bags for free? Early boarding? Would this make a difference in potential upgrades (domestic US flight)?

Thank you.

Your status is essentially meaningless as a pass rider. All pass riders receive two free checked bags. They board when the zone into which they are cleared (if they are cleared--check the GIDS). This would not give you any chance at getting a seat in the highest class of service outside the standby priorities which have nothing to do with status held. The only benefit that comes to mind that you could use would be SC access.

One other thing I can think of is possible access to the priority security line or any other line with a dragon that allows Sky Priority customers using your physical DM card. I've never flown on a pass, but I'm guessing pass holders don't get access to the crewmember line which would render this pointless.

True, I forgot about that potential benefit as I have GE and thus Pre.

Another good read.

http://www.bjandtony.com/standby.htm

Buddy passes are great if a student or retired. I just heard the airlines are cracking down on the sales of these things. Good luck.

Item number 6 in the BJ and Tony site is the key, and it is truer now than ever. You cannot look at the status of a flight, even a week away if it is a weekend flight, and be confident you will make the flight. Load factors are such that you just cannot bank on getting a standby flight until a day or so before the flight departs. Even then you are subject to the usual operational vagaries. You have to be prepared to leave 2-3 days early to get someplace close to where you are headed if it is an international location.

Advice for buddy pass recipient
 

Hello,


I am traveling next week to Spain and had a few questions about being on a buddy pass:

If there is space in Biz, will the agent automatically give it to you?

Is there anything else I can do to increase my chances? Be extra nice to the female agent? Compliment her? Dress well? Ask directly?

Thanks!

As an employee, the one that supplied you with the Pass should be able to answer your questions regarding "Buddy Pass Etiquette"

You can do a search on the forum for "buddy pass" but realize that some people who post on the DL forum have strong (some VERY strong) opinions about posting any question about buddy passes. flightattendantsteve gave you good advice in a very polite way. Others with previous experience might give you more specifics.

What exactly is the premise that underlies the hostility to buddy passes? Please explain

Presumably you should be asking the person that gave you the buddy pass these questions. I'm pretty sure they wouldn't wan t you asking them on a public website.