Delta buddy passes are considered the most excellent feature to have a standby flight at discounted rates. This is available for the Delta employees and their family members. The Delta Airlines buddy pass can make family visits and trips possible and easier. However, this program changes so often. The recent change was made by the authorities in 2025 itself. The biggest change is that the airline has announced that they are soon going to close this facility soon. This means anyone who has a buddy pass should use it as soon as possible.
A brief synopsis of Delta Airlines buddy pass
Before getting into the Delta Airlines buddy pass rules, one must know what exactly Delta buddy passes are. These passes are nothing but a feature that ensures a standby travel for the Delta staff members at a discounted rate. It can also be used by the family members and close friends of the Delta members. Please keep in mind that buddy passes do not ensure a confirmed ticket. This means the Delta buddy pass holders can only travel if the airline has a vacant seat before take-off.
How does Delta buddy pass work?
A buddy pass is only released for those who are active Delta Air Lines members and fulfill certain eligibility criteria. Once they get one, they will need to enroll in Delta Airlines’ frequent flyer program – Delta SkyMiles.
After this, they can use the buddy pass to book tickets on their preferred route.
While using Delta Airlines buddy pass, one must keep a few important things in mind to make the most out of it.
- A standby air travel: While redeeming the benefits attached to the Delta buddy pass, one will get a standby travel. This means the seat will not be confirmed until all travelers have boarded their flight. Buddy pass holders will only be able to travel if there is a vacant seat before departure.
- Priority list: Before boarding, the rank of buddy pass holders is determined by the authorities. In general, it is in the following order: pilots and flight attendants, active Delta workers and their close family members, retired members of Delta, and friends of Delta employees using these passes.
- Flight tickets: Delta usually issues buddy passes in a segment. In simple terms, it can only be used for one-way travel. In addition to this, two buddy passes will be needed for connecting flights, even if it is a one-sided trip.
- Standby position: A buddy pass by Delta Air Lines comes with a standby position. It depends on different factors, including the availability of the seats, the person who is using the buddy pass, and so on.
What are the Delta buddy pass rules?
When using buddy passes by Delta Airlines, one must keep in mind that they are subject to some rules and regulations. To familiarize themselves with those rules, one must go through the updated Delta buddy pass policy.
Preference in the standby list
Anyone using the buddy pass of Delta Airlines will be on the last of the passengers’ list, which is often called the standbys. This means they will be the last ones to grab the seat (only if there is a vacant seat). Besides, professional ranks decide when a buddy pass holder boards the plane. For instance, pilots and flight attendants are given priority over other Delta staff.
Traveling with kids
When flying with kids, Delta Airlines buddy pass allows child escorting. However, it is subject to seat availability on the flight. In addition to this, the mother and the kid don’t need to get seats together or in the same row.
One-way trip
According to the rules of the Delta buddy pass, one can only book tickets from one side. A notable point here is that this benefit is only for the direct flights. In case there is a connecting flight, passengers will need two buddy passes. Similarly, for a round trip, two passes will be required.
Baggage allowance
A traveler who is using a Delta buddy pass will need to follow the same rules of carry-on and checked baggage as other passengers. However, depending on the travel class, baggage benefits will be improved.
Cancellations and changes
A Delta buddy pass is a non-refundable ticket. In addition to this, bookings done with buddy passes cannot be changed. This means if you have booked a trip for a certain location or date, you cannot change it if things are not as per your plans.
Standby during peak travel seasons
Even though buddy passes come with a standby option, the chances of getting a seat decrease when this is the peak travel season, such as major holidays. To cope with this issue, it is advised to stay flexible with your plans.
No seat selection
Since buddy passes come with a standby feature, passengers will only get the seat that is vacant after the final boarding of other ticketed fliers. This simply means that a buddy pass holder will not have any option to select their preferred seats.
What is the standby on Delta buddy passes?
Every passenger often asks the meaning of standby. This means passengers with buddy passes will be allowed to board the flight when other passengers are already in their designated spots, and still, there are some vacant seats. One will need to stand at the last of the boarding queues. Many times, the chances of getting a seat are lower. For instance, if it is the holiday season, chances are higher that all seats are sold.
Flying standby with Delta buddy passes comes with certain challenges and issues. For instance, there is no assurance of getting a seat. This means when there is no seat in your preferred airline or flight, passengers may get the seats on the next available flight. However, this is still not assured. This simply means that fliers will need to wait longer than expected. Lastly, the wait is even longer during the holiday seasons, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.
What is the Delta buddy pass price?
Since they are additional benefits exclusively available to the Delta workers, the cost is lower. However, one cannot buy them by paying the Delta Airlines buddy pass cost because they are reserved benefits for the staff. The only fee or amount paid by the user is just the taxes and other miscellaneous charges. However, these are only applicable on certain routes.
In addition to this, even if the airfare is applicable, it would only be the difference amount (if any) or the base fare that is lower than the regular prices of the tickets. It all depends on the different scenarios, circumstances, and factors. For instance, in-flight services, destination, cabin class, etc., directly impact the applicable charges, besides the value of a buddy pass.
How many buddy passes do Delta employees get?
Delta Airlines buddy passes are given under different criteria. This specifically includes the employees’ tenure in the airline. Furthermore, the inter-office and other workplace policies play a significant role in deciding the number of buddy passes that will be released for an employee.
According to the rules, Delta employees are eligible to get buddy passes once they complete 6 months of working tenure with the company. Again, the job role, department, and seniority play a significant role in determining the buddy passes. Even though there is no clear number of passes that a Delta employee gets in a year, they are limited.
To sum up!
The greatest thing about the Delta buddy pass is that one can help their family and friends travel to various destinations at discounted airfares. Of course, buddy pass holders should keep in mind that it is a standby service.
Thus, they will only be allowed to board the plane when there is a vacant seat after the final boarding call and all ticketed passengers have already boarded. herefore, it is advised to plan ahead of time and during an off-peak season. Also, stay flexible with the schedule to fly with the most economical rates.
