How To Fly for Less: Your Guide to Buddy Passes

Limitations of Buddy Passes

While buddy passes offer fantastic savings, there are limitations:

• Blackout Dates: Many airlines impose blackout dates during busy travel seasons (like holidays), meaning you may not be able to use your buddy pass during those times.
• Priority: Standby travelers using buddy passes generally have lower priority compared to airline employees and their families. This means that even if there are open seats, those with higher priority may take precedence over you.

Tips for Using a Buddy Pass Effectively

1. Plan Ahead: Always keep your travel dates flexible and have backup options ready in case your first choice is fully booked.
2. Understand Policies: Familiarize yourself with the specific policies of the airline from which you’re flying regarding fees, booking procedures, and any additional charges that may apply.
3. Use StaffTraveler: Consider downloading apps like StaffTraveler that help users check seat availability on flights before heading to the airport. This can save time and help you make informed decisions about when to fly standby.
4. Be Patient: Standby travel requires patience as it involves waiting for available seats after all ticketed passengers have boarded.
5. Travel Light: Since checked baggage might not always be accommodated due to limited space, packing light with just carry-on luggage can make your journey smoother.