United Airlines Buddy Pass – Everything You Need to Know

The United Airlines Buddy Pass is one of the most talked-about travel perks among airline employees and their close connections. It offers a way to travel at a significantly reduced cost, but it also comes with some very specific rules, procedures, and limitations. For anyone lucky enough to receive one—or those considering working in the airline industry—it’s important to understand exactly what a Buddy Pass is and how to use it.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through how the United Airlines Buddy Pass works, who is eligible, what to expect when flying standby, and tips to make the most of this unique travel benefit.

What Is the United Airlines Buddy Pass?

The United Airlines Buddy Pass is a travel benefit offered to United Airlines employees, retirees, and certain eligible family members. It allows them to extend discounted, standby flight privileges to friends or extended family. The “buddy” part of the pass refers to the fact that the traveler is flying on behalf of the employee’s benefit—usually at a very low cost compared to standard ticket prices.

The Buddy Pass is not a free ticket, but it does offer deeply discounted travel, often requiring payment of only taxes and fees. The catch? You must fly standby, which means you only get on the plane if there are empty seats after all paying passengers have boarded.

Who Can Use a United Airlines Buddy Pass?

Not everyone can access a United Airlines Buddy Pass. Only United employees and eligible retirees can issue Buddy Passes, and they decide who gets to use them. Typically, these passes are shared with:

• Close friends

• Extended family members (not immediate dependents)

• Colleagues or acquaintances (at the employee’s discretion)

The number of Buddy Passes an employee receives varies based on their role, seniority, and employment agreement. While immediate family may qualify for more direct travel privileges, the Buddy Pass is intended for extended or non-dependent relationships.

How the United Airlines Buddy Pass Works

When you're issued a Buddy Pass, you don’t receive a traditional confirmed ticket. Instead, your name is added to the standby list for your chosen flight. Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Booking a Flight: The employee books the flight through the United employee travel portal, entering the buddy's information and selecting the desired route.

2. Paying Fees: You’ll need to pay applicable taxes and fees, which vary depending on the route and destination.

3. Standby Status: You are placed on the standby list and will only get on the flight if there are available seats after all revenue passengers and higher-priority standby travelers (like other employees and their families) have boarded.

4. Traveling: If you make it onto the flight, you're issued a boarding pass at the gate, often just before departure.

Flying Standby: What You Should Know

Flying on a United Airlines Buddy Pass requires patience, flexibility, and a good understanding of how standby travel works. Here are the most important things to know:

• No Guaranteed Seat: Your flight is never guaranteed. If the plane is full or more senior standby passengers are ahead of you, you may not fly at all.

• Dress Code: United requires Buddy Pass travelers to dress in a clean, neat, and respectful manner. Athletic wear, flip-flops, or anything too casual may be denied.

• Priority Matters: The standby list is prioritized based on employee seniority and fare category. As a Buddy Pass holder, you're at the lower end of that list.

• Travel Off-Peak: To increase your chances of getting a seat, aim to fly during mid-week, off-season, or early in the morning when flights are less full.

• Multiple Attempts: Sometimes, it may take several attempts or alternate routes to reach your destination, especially on busy travel days.

Rules and Limitations of the United Airlines Buddy Pass

Before traveling with a United Airlines Buddy Pass, it’s important to understand the rules and limitations:

• Non-Refundable Fees: If you don’t get on the flight, the taxes and fees you paid may not be refundable.

• Flight Changes: Changes to flights must be made by the employee through their travel portal.

• Behavior Standards: Buddy Pass users represent the United employee who issued the pass. Rude or inappropriate behavior may negatively impact the employee’s standing or result in loss of privileges.

• No Mileage Accrual: You won’t earn frequent flyer miles or status points on a Buddy Pass ticket.

• Domestic and International Use: Buddy Passes can often be used on both domestic and international flights, but policies may differ depending on the region and seat availability.

Pros and Cons of Using a United Airlines Buddy Pass

Pros:

• Very low travel cost

• Access to United’s vast network of destinations

• Opportunity to experience premium travel for less

Cons:

• No guaranteed seat – travel plans can fall through

• Limited flexibility on busy travel days

• Dress code and behavior expectations must be followed strictly

• No mileage or loyalty benefits

Tips for a Better Buddy Pass Experience

1. Be Flexible: Always have a backup plan, especially for return flights.

2. Monitor Flight Loads: Ask the employee to check flight loads in advance so you know your chances.

3. Pack Light: Traveling with carry-on only makes it easier if you need to switch flights or run between gates.

4. Be Early: Arrive at the airport well in advance so you're high on the standby list for your check-in time.

5. Stay Polite: Gate agents have the final say on who boards. Be respectful and patient.