How Do American Airlines Buddy Passes Work?

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Are you planning a trip, and someone you know works for American Airlines? Lucky you! You may have heard about American Airlines buddy passes, and now you’re curious about how they work. In this article, we’ll explain the ins and outs of American Airlines buddy passes, so you can take advantage of this great travel perk.

American Airlines buddy passes can save you a lot of money on airfare, but they can be a bit confusing. Don’t worry, we’ll break it down for you. We’ll cover what buddy passes are, how to use them, and what restrictions come with them. So, let’s get started!

How Do American Airlines Buddy Passes Work?

H2: Understanding American Airlines Buddy Passes

If you have a friend or family member who works for American Airlines, they may be able to gift you a “buddy pass.” Buddy passes are standby tickets that allow you to fly on American Airlines at a discounted rate. In this article, we will take a closer look at how American Airlines buddy passes work, as well as their benefits and limitations.

H3: How to Obtain a Buddy Pass

To obtain a buddy pass, you must have a friend or family member who works for American Airlines. They may receive a certain number of buddy passes each year, which they can gift to anyone they choose. Keep in mind that buddy passes are a privilege, not a right, and your friend or family member may not always have passes available.

Once you have a buddy pass, you will need to call American Airlines reservations to book your flight. Buddy passes cannot be booked online. You will also need to pay any applicable taxes and fees, which can vary depending on your destination.

H3: Buddy Pass Restrictions

Buddy passes come with several restrictions that you should be aware of before booking your flight. First, buddy pass holders are always standby passengers, which means you will only be able to board the flight if there are empty seats available. This can be risky if you need to be somewhere at a specific time, as you may not be able to get on the flight you want.

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Second, buddy pass holders are typically given the lowest priority when it comes to boarding. This means that you may be the last to board the plane, and you may not be able to sit with your travel companion.

H3: Benefits of Buddy Passes

Despite their limitations, buddy passes can be a great way to save money on air travel. The biggest benefit of buddy passes is their low cost. Depending on the route and time of year, you may be able to fly for just a fraction of the cost of a regular ticket.

Buddy passes can also be a great way to visit friends and family who live far away. Since the tickets are standby, you can book a last-minute trip without breaking the bank.

H3: Buddy Pass vs. Employee Pass

In addition to buddy passes, American Airlines employees also receive “employee passes,” which are similar but come with a few key differences. Employee passes are typically reserved for immediate family members of American Airlines employees, and they come with higher priority when it comes to boarding and seating. Employee passes also typically have fewer restrictions than buddy passes.

However, employee passes are also more expensive than buddy passes, and they are not available to the general public.

H3: Tips for Using Buddy Passes

If you plan to use a buddy pass, there are a few tips you should keep in mind to maximize your chances of getting on your flight. First, try to book your flight during non-peak travel times, such as weekdays or early mornings. This will increase your chances of getting on the flight you want.

Second, be flexible with your travel plans. If you are willing to take a connecting flight or fly to a nearby airport, you may have better luck getting on a flight.

Finally, be patient and courteous to the airline staff. Remember that you are flying standby, and there are no guarantees that you will get on the flight you want. However, by being polite and understanding, you may be able to increase your chances of getting on the next available flight.

In conclusion, American Airlines buddy passes can be a great way to save money on air travel, but they come with several restrictions and limitations. If you plan to use a buddy pass, be sure to understand the rules and limitations, and follow the tips outlined in this article to maximize your chances of getting on your flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about American Airlines Buddy Passes:

What are American Airlines Buddy Passes?

American Airlines Buddy Passes are a type of travel benefit that American Airlines employees can give to family and friends. These passes allow the recipient to fly on American Airlines flights for free or at a greatly reduced cost, depending on the type of pass and the employee’s status.

The passes are a way for American Airlines employees to share their travel benefits with loved ones, and they can be a great way to save money on airfare if you know someone who works for the airline.

How do you get an American Airlines Buddy Pass?

You can only get an American Airlines Buddy Pass from an American Airlines employee. The employee must be eligible to give out passes, and they can only give them to people they know personally. You cannot request a Buddy Pass from American Airlines directly, and you cannot purchase them from anyone.

If you know someone who works for American Airlines, you can ask them if they have any Buddy Passes available to give out. Keep in mind that employees only receive a limited number of passes each year, so they may not always have them available.

What are the restrictions on American Airlines Buddy Passes?

There are several restrictions on American Airlines Buddy Passes. The biggest one is that they are space-available passes, which means that the recipient is only allowed to fly if there is an empty seat available on the flight. This can make it difficult to plan travel, especially during peak travel times or on popular routes.

Additionally, Buddy Passes are typically considered standby travel, which means that the recipient is not guaranteed a seat on the flight. They may have to wait for multiple flights before they are able to get on a plane, and they may have to change their travel plans if they cannot find a seat on their desired flight.

Can you use American Airlines Buddy Passes for international travel?

Yes, American Airlines Buddy Passes can be used for international travel. However, the restrictions on the passes still apply. The recipient must be able to find an empty seat on an international flight, which can be more difficult than finding a seat on a domestic flight.

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Additionally, international flights may have additional fees or taxes that the recipient will be responsible for paying. These fees can vary depending on the destination and can be quite expensive, so it’s important to factor them into your travel plans if you are using a Buddy Pass for international travel.

Can American Airlines Buddy Passes be upgraded to first class?

No, American Airlines Buddy Passes cannot be upgraded to first class. The passes are only valid for economy class travel, and there is no way to upgrade to a higher class of service using a Buddy Pass.

If you want to fly first class on American Airlines, you will need to purchase a first class ticket or use your frequent flyer miles to upgrade your ticket. Buddy Passes cannot be used for this purpose.

How Do Buddy Passes Work?


In conclusion, American Airlines Buddy Passes can be a great way to save money on air travel, but they do come with some restrictions and limitations. By understanding how they work and following the rules, you can make the most of this benefit.

Firstly, it’s important to know that Buddy Passes are a perk offered to American Airlines employees and their friends and family members. They allow the pass holder to fly standby on a space-available basis, meaning they can only board the flight if there are extra seats available after all paying customers have been accommodated.

Secondly, there are some limitations to using Buddy Passes. They cannot be used to book flights in advance, and they are subject to blackout dates and restrictions based on availability. Additionally, the pass holder’s travel companion must follow certain dress code and behavior guidelines.

Overall, understanding how American Airlines Buddy Passes work can help you take advantage of this benefit and save money on air travel. Just be sure to follow the rules and be flexible with your travel plans to make the most of this perk.

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