How Do American Airlines Buddy Passes Work?

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Chief Editor of - Fancy Fly USA

Are you interested in flying with American Airlines but don’t want to pay full price for a ticket? Maybe you have heard about buddy passes and are wondering how they work. Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about American Airlines buddy passes.

Buddy passes are a great way to save money on flights, but they come with some rules and restrictions. We will walk you through the process of obtaining and using a buddy pass, as well as the benefits and limitations of these passes. So, let’s get started and discover how you can fly with American Airlines for less!

How Do American Airlines Buddy Passes Work?

How Do American Airlines Buddy Passes Work?

Are you planning a trip and looking for ways to save money on airfare? If you have a friend or family member who works for American Airlines, you may be able to take advantage of a buddy pass. But how do American Airlines buddy passes work, and what are the rules and restrictions? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this travel perk and help you understand how you can use it to your advantage.

What is an American Airlines Buddy Pass?

An American Airlines buddy pass is a type of travel voucher that allows designated employees to give free or discounted airfare to friends and family members. These passes are a popular perk among airline employees, and they can be a great way for non-employees to save money on flights. However, there are some important things to know before you start planning your trip.

First of all, it’s important to understand that buddy passes are not the same as regular airline tickets. They are subject to certain restrictions and limitations, and they are typically only valid for standby travel. This means that you won’t have a guaranteed seat on the flight, and you may have to wait for an available seat before you can board.

Who Qualifies for American Airlines Buddy Passes?

Not everyone can receive an American Airlines buddy pass. These passes are typically only available to designated employees of the airline, such as pilots, flight attendants, and other staff members. However, some employees may be able to give passes to non-family members as well, such as friends or acquaintances.

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If you know someone who works for American Airlines, it’s worth asking if they have any buddy passes available. However, keep in mind that these passes are often in high demand, and your friend or family member may not be able to give you a pass on short notice.

Using an American Airlines Buddy Pass

If you are able to obtain an American Airlines buddy pass, you’ll need to follow certain rules and restrictions in order to use it. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Buddy passes are typically only valid for standby travel, which means that you won’t have a guaranteed seat on the flight. You’ll need to wait for an available seat before you can board.

2. Buddy passes are subject to blackout dates and other restrictions. Make sure you check the terms and conditions of the pass before you try to use it.

3. You’ll need to dress appropriately and behave professionally when using a buddy pass. Remember that you are representing the airline, even if you are not an employee.

4. Be prepared to be flexible with your travel plans. Standby travel can be unpredictable, and you may need to adjust your schedule or make alternate arrangements if your flight is full.

The Benefits of American Airlines Buddy Passes

Despite the restrictions and limitations, there are some great benefits to using an American Airlines buddy pass. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider using one:

1. You can save money on airfare. Buddy passes can be a great way to travel for free or at a significantly reduced cost.

2. You can travel to a wide variety of destinations. American Airlines flies to many destinations around the world, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

3. You can experience the excitement of standby travel. Standby travel can be a fun and exciting way to travel, as you never know where you’ll end up or who you’ll meet along the way.

American Airlines Buddy Passes vs Regular Airline Tickets

When it comes to booking travel, there are pros and cons to using an American Airlines buddy pass versus purchasing a regular airline ticket. Here are some things to consider:

1. Buddy passes are typically less expensive than regular airline tickets, but they are subject to restrictions and limitations.

2. Regular airline tickets come with guaranteed seats and fewer restrictions, but they can be more expensive.

3. Buddy passes are a great option if you are flexible with your travel plans and don’t mind waiting for an available seat.

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4. Regular airline tickets are a better choice if you need to travel on a specific date or time and can’t risk being stranded at the airport.

The Bottom Line

American Airlines buddy passes can be a great way to save money on airfare and travel to exciting destinations around the world. However, it’s important to understand the rules and restrictions before you try to use one. If you are able to obtain a buddy pass, make sure you follow the guidelines and be prepared to be flexible with your travel plans. With a little patience and a lot of luck, you could be on your way to your dream destination in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people have when using American Airlines Buddy Passes.

Can anyone use a Buddy Pass?

Buddy Passes are a benefit given to American Airlines employees, retirees, and their eligible family members. They can be shared with friends or extended family members, but only the employee or eligible family member can request the pass from American Airlines.

It’s important to remember that Buddy Passes are standby tickets, so there is no guarantee of a seat on the flight. Passengers using Buddy Passes should be flexible with their travel plans and be prepared to potentially wait for a flight with available seats.

How many Buddy Passes can an employee give out?

The number of Buddy Passes an employee can give out depends on their job position and years of service with American Airlines. Generally, an employee receives a certain number of Buddy Passes each year that they can share with friends and family.

It’s important to note that Buddy Passes do have expiration dates and can only be used during certain times of the year, so it’s important to check the terms and conditions before planning a trip.

How do I use a Buddy Pass?

To use a Buddy Pass, the pass holder must request a pass through the American Airlines website or app and provide the name and travel information of the person they are sharing the pass with.

Once the pass is requested, the pass holder and the person using the pass will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to check-in for the flight. It’s important to remember that Buddy Passes are standby tickets, so there is no guarantee of a seat on the flight.

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Can I upgrade my Buddy Pass ticket?

Unfortunately, Buddy Pass tickets cannot be upgraded to a higher class of service. Passengers using Buddy Passes will be booked in economy class and cannot use miles or cash to upgrade to a higher class of service.

However, passengers using Buddy Passes can still earn miles for their flight and can use those miles towards future flights.

What happens if I miss my flight using a Buddy Pass?

If a passenger using a Buddy Pass misses their flight, they will need to request a new pass and go through the same process to request a new flight. It’s important to note that Buddy Passes are subject to availability, so there is no guarantee of a seat on the next available flight.

If a passenger misses their flight due to a delay or cancellation caused by American Airlines, they may be able to be rebooked on a later flight without having to request a new Buddy Pass.

How Do Buddy Passes Work?


In conclusion, American Airlines Buddy Passes are a great way to share your travel benefits with friends and family. By understanding the rules and restrictions associated with these passes, you can ensure that your loved ones have a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. Remember that Buddy Passes can be a valuable tool for building relationships and creating lasting memories, but they also require careful planning and communication to use effectively.

In summary, Buddy Passes allow you to share your airline benefits with up to five people at a time, including family members, friends, and even coworkers. These passes can be used for both domestic and international travel, but they come with certain restrictions, such as limited availability and blackout dates. To use a Buddy Pass, you will need to book your flight through American Airlines and provide your pass number and other information.

Overall, American Airlines Buddy Passes offer a great way to extend your travel benefits to others and make the most of your airline rewards. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a business trip with colleagues, these passes can help you save money, build relationships, and create unforgettable experiences. So why not take advantage of this valuable perk and start sharing your travel benefits today?

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