Delta Airlines Buddy Pass: Costs, Rules, and How It Works

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When it comes to employee welfare and benefits, airline travel perks are very much in demand. And one of the most famous benefits is Buddy Pass, it is a non-revenue reserve travel advantage offered to employees by some of the major airlines such as Delta Airlines. 

What is a Delta Airlines Buddy Pass?

A Delta Buddy pass is a traveling benefit extended to the friends and families of Delta Airlines employees. It allows the pass holder to travel on standby for a considerably less fare, sometimes only at taxes and fee charges. This pass is part of Delta’s non-revenue program, meaning the traveler does not generate any revenue for the airline and can just travel if there is space available on the aircraft.

This pass is generally offered to:

• Current Employees (Pilots, Cabin Crew, Gate agents, etc.)
• Retirees
• Eligible Companions and Dependents

The buddy pass is not a free ticket but a standby ticket, meaning they will board the plane only if there are unsold tickets left after all the paying and priority passengers are seated.

Who can use a Delta Buddy Pass?

Delta employees are allotted a specific number of Buddy Passes per year, which they can give to their friends, family, or anyone of their choice. The chosen people do not need to be related to the employee, but need approval and maintain decorum as they travel under the employee’s benefit.

Note: The behavior of buddy pass travelers reflect on the employee who issued that pass. Any malpractice or non-compliance of rules can result in taking strict actions on the employee including cancellation of travel privileges.

How do Delta Buddy Passes Work?

Here is how a Delta Buddy Pass procedure generally works:

• Issuing pass: Delta employee assigns the buddy pass to the traveler through Delta employee portal.

• Booking: The buddy traveler can view and list the flight standby travel through delta employee booking system or designated non-revenue travel portal.

• Standby Travel: On the day of the flight, travelers check in and wait at the gate. Boarding is granted on the basis of available seats and standby priority. Standby priority in Delta is based on tiered system:
  • Employees on business tier.
  • Employees on Leisure.
  • Immediate families.
  • Budding Pass travelers (at lowest priority).

• Boarding: If a seat is available then the traveler is assigned a seat, typically in the economy cabin. If not, then the traveler has to try again in the next available flight.

How much is the Delta Buddy Pass cost?

Delta Buddy Passes are not free, but notably cheaper than the regular flight tickets. The cost usually includes: 

• Taxes
• Airport and security fees
• International travel charges (if applicable)

However, the costs may vary depending on the destination, Government taxes and charges, Class of Service (Upgrades can be done on the basis of seat availability).

A domestic Buddy pass trip costs around $40-$70 in taxes and fees on an average while an international trip might cost $150–$300+ depending upon the destination and departure/arrival.

Tip: Buddy passes travelers should only pay when they successfully board the flight.

What are the Rules and Restrictions associated with Delta Airlines Buddy Pass?

Delta enforces several rules and restrictions to maintain the integrity of this program. It’s a privilege to travel with Buddy Pass, not a right.

Key rules are:

• Dress code: Buddy Pass travelers should look professional and polished. All the offensive clothing like ripped jeans, tank tops or flip flops are not allowed for them. Only business casual attire.

• Behavioural Standards: Buddy Pass travelers are required to behave generously with Delta staff and other passengers. Any disrespect or misbehaving can result in the immediate suspension of travel privileges.

• Luggage Policies: Baggage policies are nearly the same for Buddy pass travelers as the paying passengers. Though some restrictions can be applied depending upon employees position.

• Flight Access: Buddy Passes do not guarantee a seat. High demand routes and holidays can reduce the chances of boarding. Therefore, it’s better to have a backup plan.

Note: Never argue with the Delta staff regarding boarding priority or policies. Any issue can reflect poorly on the sponsoring employee.

Pros and Cons of Delta Airline Buddy Pass:

Traveling with a Delta Buddy pass is great, but it comes with some pros and cons. 

Pros:

1. Low cost travel, pay only taxes and fees – considerably cheaper than the standard fare.
2. Access to any domestic or international route.
3. Non- employees can enjoy the travel perks reserved for the staff. 
4. As long as the seats are available and passes are left one can travel multiple times.

Cons:

1. Travel is standby, if seats are not available one can’t travel.
2. Travel can be unpredictable as there is no recommended time.
3. Travelers must look polished and maintain professional behaviour all the time. 
4. Buddy pass holders are pursued at the lowest priority.

Important Update: Delta Airlines is ending Buddy Pass Program in 2026

As for 2025, Delta Airlines will start gradual removal of the Buddy Pass program. The changes are as follows:

• In 2025, Employees will only receive four Buddy Passes, reduced from the previous eight passes.

• No new buddy passes will be issued after January 1, 2026. However, the ones issued before the 2025 pass anniversary could be used until they expire.

• This decision comes into being due to low usage rates and employee feedback.

Instead of Buddy Passes, Delta Airlines is expanding and improving the other travel benefits:

1. Secondary Companion travel: Employees can assign a person who can travel unlimited and unaccompanied on standby with a beneficial priority status.

1. Fly confirmed for less (FCFL): A new benefit that allows you to buy confirmed tickets at a discounted price providing more accuracy than standby travel.

To Conclude

Delta Airlines Buddy program offers an opportunity for friends and family members to travel at low cost but it comes with unpredictability. It’s a benefit best suited for those with flexibility and patience. As Delta Airlines prepares to set this program down in 2026, travelers should make the most out it while they can.

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