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American Airlines Buddy Pass: Everything You Need to Know

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American Airlines Buddy Pass is a unique benefit that allows American Airlines employees to share their travel privileges with friends and family. This pass grants access to standby travel, meaning that the passholder and their companion(s) will only be able to board a flight if there is available space. While this can be a great perk for those who have access to it, there are some important things to keep in mind before using a Buddy Pass.

To obtain a Buddy Pass, one must be an American Airlines employee or retiree. The passholder can then choose to share their travel privileges with anyone they choose, as long as the person(s) traveling with the passholder are listed as a designated companion. While the Buddy Pass can be a great way to save money on travel, it is important to understand the limitations and costs associated with using it.

Key Takeaways:

  • American Airlines Buddy Pass is a unique travel benefit that allows employees to share their travel privileges with friends and family.
  • To obtain a Buddy Pass, one must be an American Airlines employee or retiree, and the passholder can choose to share their travel privileges with anyone they choose.
  • While the Buddy Pass can be a great way to save money on travel, it is important to understand the limitations and costs associated with using it.

american airlines buddy pass

Understanding American Airlines Buddy Pass

American Airlines Buddy Pass is a benefit given to airline employees that allows them to offer discounted or free travel to their friends and family. The pass allows the recipient to fly standby on a space-available basis on American Airlines flights, which means that they will only be able to board the flight if there are empty seats available after all paying passengers have been accommodated.

The Buddy Pass is a valuable benefit for airline employees, and they are often willing to share it with friends and family members. However, it is important to understand that the pass is not a guaranteed ticket and that the recipient may not be able to get on the flight they want.

Non-rev or non-revenue passengers, including those on Buddy Passes, are typically the last to board the plane, and they may be bumped off the flight if paying customers show up at the last minute. It is also important to note that Buddy Pass travel is subject to blackout dates, and it may not be available during peak travel times.

When traveling on a Buddy Pass, it is important to be flexible and patient. The recipient should be prepared to wait for several flights before they can get on a plane, and they should have a backup plan in case they are unable to get on the flight they want.

In summary, the American Airlines Buddy Pass is a valuable benefit for airline employees that allows them to offer discounted or free travel to their friends and family. However, it is important to understand that the pass is not a guaranteed ticket and that the recipient may not be able to get on the flight they want. It is also important to be flexible and patient when traveling on a Buddy Pass.

How to Obtain a Buddy Pass

A Buddy Pass is a great way to save money when traveling with American Airlines. It allows a passenger to fly standby at a discounted rate, and even bring a companion along for the ride. Here’s how to obtain one:

Through an American Airlines Employee

The easiest way to obtain a Buddy Pass is through an American Airlines employee. If you know someone who works for the airline, ask them if they have any passes available. Keep in mind that employees only receive a limited number of passes each year, so availability may be limited.

Through Delta Airlines

If you’re a Delta Airlines employee, you may be eligible for a Buddy Pass with American Airlines. Contact American Airlines to inquire about eligibility and availability.

Through an American Airlines Credit Card

Some American Airlines credit cards offer Buddy Passes as a reward for spending a certain amount of money. Check with your credit card company to see if this is an option for you.

Bringing a Companion

When using a Buddy Pass, you can bring a companion with you for an additional fee. The fee varies depending on the flight and destination, so check with American Airlines for more information.

Overall, obtaining a Buddy Pass is a great way to save money when flying with American Airlines. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, it’s worth exploring your options to see if this is a viable option for you and your travel plans.

american airlines buddy pass

The Buddy Pass Experience

American Airlines offers its employees and their eligible family members and friends the opportunity to travel on standby with a Buddy Pass. This pass allows the traveler to fly at a discounted rate, but with the caveat that they are not guaranteed a seat on the flight they wish to take.

The experience of using a Buddy Pass can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the time of year, the destination, and the availability of seats. Generally, travelers should be prepared to be flexible with their travel plans and have a backup plan in case they are unable to secure a seat on their desired flight.

When using a Buddy Pass, travelers are placed on a standby list and must wait until all confirmed passengers have boarded before they can be assigned a seat. This can mean waiting for several flights before being able to travel.

If a seat becomes available, the traveler will be assigned a seat based on their priority level, which is determined by their relationship to the employee who provided the Buddy Pass. The priority levels are as follows:

  • Spouse/domestic partner
  • Parents/parents-in-law
  • Children/children-in-law
  • Siblings/siblings-in-law

If there are multiple travelers on the standby list with the same priority level, the order is determined by the time of check-in.

It is important to note that travelers using a Buddy Pass are not guaranteed a confirmed seat, and may be assigned a middle seat or have to wait for another flight. However, if a confirmed seat becomes available, the traveler will be upgraded to that seat.

First class travel is not available with a Buddy Pass, and travelers must be prepared to fly in economy or business class.

Overall, the Buddy Pass experience can be a cost-effective way to travel, but it requires flexibility and patience. Travelers should be prepared for the possibility of not being able to secure a seat on their desired flight and have a backup plan in place.

Using the Buddy Pass

When using a Buddy Pass, it’s important to know the rules and limitations associated with this type of flight benefit. The Buddy Pass allows an employee of American Airlines to provide a friend or family member with discounted or free air travel, but it does come with some restrictions.

First, it’s important to note that Buddy Pass travelers are considered standby passengers. This means that they will not have a guaranteed seat on the flight and may be bumped if the flight is full. It’s recommended that Buddy Pass travelers have a backup plan in case they are unable to get on their desired flight.

To use a Buddy Pass, the employee must make a reservation for their companion through the American Airlines reservation system. The reservation agent will provide information about the flight and any available seats. It’s important to note that Buddy Pass travelers may not be able to sit next to their companion and may need to take separate flights.

At check-in, the Buddy Pass traveler will need to present their identification and the Buddy Pass to the gate agent. The gate agent will then determine if there are any available seats on the flight and if the Buddy Pass traveler can be accommodated.

It’s important to remember that the Buddy Pass is a privilege and should be used responsibly. Buddy Pass travelers should be respectful of the airline’s policies and procedures and should not expect special treatment. By following the rules and regulations associated with the Buddy Pass, travelers can enjoy discounted or free air travel with American Airlines.

american airlines buddy pass

Costs Associated with Buddy Pass

When it comes to the American Airlines Buddy Pass, there are several costs associated with it. These costs can vary depending on the type of pass, the destination, and other factors. In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the costs you can expect when using a Buddy Pass.

One of the most significant costs associated with the Buddy Pass is taxes. When using a Buddy Pass, you will be required to pay taxes on your ticket. These taxes can vary depending on the destination and the type of pass you are using. It’s important to keep this in mind when planning your trip and budgeting for your expenses.

Another cost associated with the Buddy Pass is the $99 plus taxes fee. This fee is required when purchasing a Buddy Pass and is non-refundable. It’s important to factor this fee into your budget when planning your trip.

In some cases, you may be able to find discounts on Buddy Passes. These discounts can help reduce the overall cost of your trip. However, it’s important to be aware of any restrictions or limitations that may apply to these discounts.

When using a Buddy Pass, it’s also important to be aware of any additional fees or taxes that may apply. For example, there may be additional fees for baggage or seat selection. It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your Buddy Pass to understand any additional costs that may apply.

Overall, while the Buddy Pass can be a cost-effective way to travel, it’s important to be aware of the costs associated with it. By understanding these costs and budgeting accordingly, you can enjoy your trip without any surprises.

Additional Perks and Benefits

In addition to the discounted airfare, American Airlines Buddy Pass holders are entitled to a variety of additional perks and benefits. These benefits can include free flights, miles, travel credit, companion tickets, American Airlines Companion Certificates, and hotel discounts.

One of the most significant benefits of the Buddy Pass is the ability to earn miles on flights. The miles earned can be used towards future flights, upgrades, or even to purchase merchandise. Additionally, Buddy Pass holders can use their miles to book flights for friends and family members, allowing them to enjoy the same benefits as the Buddy Pass holder.

Another benefit of the Buddy Pass is the ability to earn travel credit. This credit can be used towards future flights, hotel stays, and car rentals. Buddy Pass holders can also earn companion tickets, which allow them to bring a friend or family member on a flight for free or at a discounted rate.

American Airlines Companion Certificates are another benefit of the Buddy Pass. These certificates can be used to book flights for a companion at a discounted rate. They are valid for one year from the date of issue and can be used for domestic or international flights.

Finally, Buddy Pass holders can enjoy discounts on hotel stays. American Airlines has partnerships with a variety of hotels, allowing Buddy Pass holders to enjoy discounted rates on their accommodations.

Overall, the American Airlines Buddy Pass offers a variety of additional perks and benefits that make it a valuable investment for frequent travelers. From free flights to hotel discounts, the Buddy Pass is an excellent way to save money on travel expenses.

american airlines buddy pass

Buddy Pass for Retirees and Wholly-Owned Employees

American Airlines offers Buddy Passes to its retirees and wholly-owned employees. These passes are a great perk that allows them to share their travel benefits with friends and family. The Buddy Pass program is designed to provide retirees and wholly-owned employees with the opportunity to share their love of travel with their loved ones.

Retirees and wholly-owned employees can share their Buddy Passes with anyone they choose, including their spouse, children, parents, and friends. The passes allow the recipient to travel on standby at a reduced rate, making it an affordable way to travel. The pass holder can use the pass for themselves or give it to someone else.

Non-wholly owned regional employees are not eligible for the Buddy Pass program. However, they may be eligible for other travel benefits through their employer.

Companions of retirees and wholly-owned employees may also be eligible for discounted travel. The companion must be traveling with the retiree or wholly-owned employee and must be listed on the reservation. The discount varies depending on the fare class and destination.

It’s important to note that Buddy Pass travel is not guaranteed. Pass holders and their companions are only able to travel on standby and must be flexible with their travel plans. It’s also important to check the Buddy Pass travel policies and guidelines before booking a trip.

Overall, the Buddy Pass program is a great benefit for retirees and wholly-owned employees of American Airlines. It allows them to share their love of travel with their loved ones and provides an affordable way to explore the world.

Buddy Pass and Partner Airlines

American Airlines offers its employees and eligible family members the Buddy Pass program, which allows them to travel on standby at a discounted rate. However, the availability of these passes is subject to certain restrictions and limitations.

One of the benefits of the Buddy Pass program is the ability to travel on partner airlines. American Airlines has agreements with several airlines, including British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas, among others. This means that Buddy Pass holders can travel on these airlines and enjoy the same discounted standby rates.

It’s important to note that the availability of Buddy Pass travel on partner airlines is subject to the specific airline’s policies and restrictions. For example, some airlines may only allow travel on certain routes or during certain times of the year. Passengers should check with the airline directly for more information on their policies regarding Buddy Pass travel.

Another important partner airline for American Airlines is Southwest. While Southwest is not a part of the Oneworld alliance, it does have a partnership with American Airlines. This means that passengers can earn and redeem miles on both airlines, as well as enjoy certain benefits such as priority boarding and baggage handling. However, Buddy Pass travel on Southwest is not currently available.

Overall, the Buddy Pass program and partner airlines offer great benefits for American Airlines employees and eligible family members. However, it’s important to understand the restrictions and limitations of the program, as well as the policies of the partner airlines.

American Airlines Airpass and Buddy Pass

American Airlines Airpass and Buddy Pass are two different programs that allow customers to save money on flights. The Airpass program is designed for frequent flyers who want to purchase a set number of flights at a discounted rate. The Buddy Pass program, on the other hand, is a benefit that American Airlines employees can give to friends and family members.

American Airlines Airpass

The American Airlines Airpass program is available for purchase by anyone, but it is most beneficial for frequent flyers. The program allows customers to purchase a set number of flights at a discounted rate. The more flights you purchase, the lower the cost per flight. The Airpass program is available for both domestic and international flights.

There are a few restrictions to the Airpass program. The flights must be booked at least three days in advance, and there are blackout dates during peak travel times. The Airpass program is also non-refundable, so customers should be sure they will use all of the flights before purchasing.

American Airlines Buddy Pass

The American Airlines Buddy Pass program is a benefit that American Airlines employees can give to friends and family members. The program allows the recipient to purchase a flight at a discounted rate. The employee must purchase the Buddy Pass for the recipient, and the recipient must pay the taxes and fees associated with the flight.

There are some restrictions to the Buddy Pass program. The recipient must be traveling with the employee, and the flights are subject to availability. The Buddy Pass program is also non-refundable, so recipients should be sure they will use the pass before accepting it.

Overall, the American Airlines Airpass and Buddy Pass programs can be beneficial for customers who travel frequently or have friends and family members who work for American Airlines. However, customers should be aware of the restrictions and limitations of each program before purchasing or accepting a pass.

Privacy and Policy

When using American Airlines Buddy Pass, it is important to be aware of the company’s privacy policy. American Airlines takes the privacy of its customers seriously and has implemented measures to protect their personal information.

According to the privacy policy, American Airlines collects personal information such as name, address, phone number, email address, and credit card information. This information is used to provide services to customers, process transactions, and communicate with them about their travel plans. American Airlines may also use this information for marketing purposes, but customers have the option to opt-out of receiving marketing materials.

American Airlines may share customers’ personal information with third-party service providers who assist in providing services to customers. These service providers are required to maintain the confidentiality of customers’ personal information and are not authorized to use it for any other purpose.

Customers have the right to access, correct, or delete their personal information at any time. They can do so by contacting American Airlines customer service or by logging into their account on the American Airlines website.

American Airlines takes measures to protect customers’ personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. These measures include using secure servers, encrypting sensitive data, and implementing physical and technical safeguards.

Overall, American Airlines’ privacy policy is clear and transparent about how the company collects, uses, and protects customers’ personal information. Customers can feel confident that their privacy is being respected when using American Airlines Buddy Pass.

Navigating the American Airlines Site

Navigating the American Airlines site can be overwhelming for first-time users, but with a few simple steps, anyone can find what they need quickly and easily. The American Airlines site is designed to be user-friendly, with a clear and concise layout that makes it easy to find the information you need.

The American Airlines site has a variety of features that can help you navigate the site more easily. One of the most useful features is the search bar, which is located at the top of the homepage. Simply type in the keyword or phrase you’re looking for and hit enter. The site will return a list of results that match your search terms.

Another useful feature is the navigation menu, which is located at the top of the homepage. This menu provides quick access to the most important sections of the site, including flights, hotels, cars, vacations, and more. Simply click on the section you’re interested in to be taken directly to that section of the site.

The American Airlines site also has a mobile app, which can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play. The app provides all the same features as the website, but with the added convenience of being able to access them from your mobile device. The app also has a number of additional features, including the ability to check in for your flight, view your flight status, and more.

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When it comes to content, the American Airlines site has a wealth of information on everything from flights and destinations to baggage policies and loyalty programs. The site is updated regularly with the latest information, so you can be sure that you’re getting the most up-to-date information available.

In conclusion, navigating the American Airlines site is easy and straightforward. With a few simple steps, anyone can find what they need quickly and easily. Whether you’re using the website or the mobile app, you’ll find all the information you need to plan your next trip with American Airlines.

Guest and Companion Tickets

American Airlines Buddy Pass program also offers guest and companion tickets. These tickets are a great way for employees to share their travel benefits with friends and family.

Guest tickets allow an employee to purchase a ticket for someone who is not their companion or dependent. The guest must travel with the employee, and the employee must be on the same flight as the guest. Guest tickets are subject to availability and are priced based on the destination and time of travel.

Companion tickets, on the other hand, are for an employee’s companion or dependent. The companion must travel with the employee, and the employee must be on the same flight as the companion. Companion tickets are also subject to availability and are priced based on the destination and time of travel.

It is important to note that the employee must be present at check-in with their guest or companion, and the employee must also be traveling on the same itinerary. Additionally, there are restrictions on the number of guest and companion tickets an employee can purchase per year.

Overall, the guest and companion ticket program is a great way for American Airlines employees to share their travel benefits with loved ones.

Understanding Flight Loads and Standby List

When flying on a buddy pass with American Airlines, it’s important to understand the concept of flight loads and the standby list. Flight loads refer to the number of passengers on a flight, including those with confirmed seats and those on standby. The standby list is a list of passengers who do not have confirmed seats but are hoping to board the flight if there are available seats.

Passengers on a buddy pass are typically placed on the standby list, which means they do not have a confirmed seat until all other passengers with confirmed seats have boarded the flight. The standby list is prioritized based on several factors, including the passenger’s status with the airline, the time of check-in, and the type of buddy pass being used.

It’s important to note that flight loads can change at any time. For example, a flight that was originally empty may suddenly become full due to a group booking or a flight delay causing passengers to be rebooked on another flight. This means that passengers on the standby list may not be able to board the flight they were hoping for.

Passengers on a buddy pass should also be aware that they may be asked to give up their seat if a passenger with a confirmed seat needs to be accommodated. This is known as being “bumped” and can be a common occurrence when flying on a buddy pass.

In summary, understanding flight loads and the standby list is crucial when flying on a buddy pass with American Airlines. Passengers should be prepared for the possibility of not getting a seat on their desired flight and should be aware of the potential for being bumped.

Compensation for Employees

American Airlines offers a variety of compensation options for its employees, including flight attendants and pilots, as part of their benefits package. One of the most popular forms of compensation is the buddy pass, which allows employees to give a friend or family member a discounted or free flight ticket.

The buddy pass program is a great way for employees to share the perks of working for American Airlines with loved ones. The pass can be used for both domestic and international flights, and the discount can be as much as 90% off the regular fare. However, it is important to note that the pass is subject to availability and blackout dates may apply.

In addition to the buddy pass, American Airlines provides its employees with a range of other benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. The company also offers training and development programs to help employees advance their careers within the airline industry.

Overall, American Airlines is committed to providing its employees with competitive compensation packages that recognize their hard work and dedication to the company. By offering benefits such as the buddy pass, the airline is able to attract and retain top talent in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules for american airlines buddy passes.

Buddy passes are a benefit provided to American Airlines employees, which allow them to give discounted airfare to friends and family. However, there are certain rules that apply when using a buddy pass. The first rule is that the employee must be present at the time of check-in. Additionally, buddy pass travelers are considered standby passengers and may not be guaranteed a seat on the flight. Finally, buddy pass travelers must adhere to American Airlines’ dress code policy.

How many buddy passes do American Airlines employees receive?

The number of buddy passes an American Airlines employee receives depends on their job position and seniority. Generally, full-time employees receive four buddy passes per year, while part-time employees receive two.

How do I obtain a buddy pass for a flight?

To obtain a buddy pass, you must know someone who works for American Airlines and is willing to give you one. Once you have a buddy pass, you can use it to book a flight through the American Airlines website or by calling their reservations line.

What is the discount provided by a buddy pass?

The discount provided by a buddy pass varies depending on the flight and availability. However, typically, buddy pass travelers can receive up to a 75% discount off the regular fare.

Do Delta buddy passes have a cost?

Delta Airlines also offers buddy passes to their employees, but they do come with a cost. Delta employees must pay a fee to obtain a buddy pass, and the cost varies depending on the pass type and destination.

How many buddy passes do airline employees receive?

The number of buddy passes an airline employee receives varies depending on the company and job position. Generally, full-time employees receive more buddy passes than part-time employees, and senior employees receive more passes than junior employees.

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RETIREE TRAVEL Your guide to updates and next steps for non-rev travel

Learn more about our use of NRTP, the final policy alignment and the ways PSS cutover will affect non-rev travel. One PSS, one code, one non-rev travel system

The cutover to one reservations system, otherwise 1. NRTP becomes interim travel system: All flights are moving to one known as Passenger Service System (PSS) cutover, reservations system. That change will occur on the non-revenue side as well. So, at cutover, we will all use Non-Revenue Travel Planner (NRTP) is quickly approaching. Just as we’ll make changes to book non-revenue travel. The good news is that if you’ve traveled for our revenue customers, we’ll also make on American flights since dual access, you’re already familiar with the system. If you haven’t, there are a few simple steps you’ll need to take changes for our non-revenue travelers. We’ve prior to travel. We’ll also transition legacy US Airways, Piedmont and broken down these changes into three topics: PSA vacation (D1) and guest (D3) pass allotments to NRTP. This won’t be our end-state system, but will tide us over until we have a new one that incorporates the best of both Travel US and NRTP.

2. Final policy alignment: There are a handful of policies that need to be harmonized before, at cutover and early next year.

3. PSS cutover: Our Reservations and Airport teams are already hard at work preparing for PSS cutover. Legacy US Airways agents are currently training to process non-rev passengers to align with the way legacy American agents process travelers flying on American metal. It’s important you familiarize yourself with these changes to ensure a smooth (and improved) travel experience. There are also a few things to keep in mind on the night of cutover, including a guest pass (D3) travel restriction. We’ll share more in this guide.

NON-REV TRAVEL | 2 Travel US decommissioned, NRTP continues

1. Register your American employee ID number As all flights move to one reservations system at 1. Go to System Access Manager (SAM) PSS cutover on Oct. 17, 2015, non-rev travel will 2. Select Help (bottom right under log in) 3. Click on First Time User Registration move to one interim system as well. We say interim 4. Input your American ID number into the User ID field and click because the team is hard at work creating an end- submit state travel system. Travel US will officially go out 5. Confirm the name associated with the User ID 6. Confirm user account validation information of service Oct. 17, 2015, and all employees and • Hire date retirees will begin booking travel through NRTP. • Birthdate • Location 7. Choose password reset questions 8. Set up a password If you’ve already registered your American employee ID, but forgot your password, you can reset it at sam.aa.com. Action required 2. Update your Secure Flight Information Before booking travel in NRTP, all legacy US Airways, Piedmont and PSA 1. Log into Secure Flight with your AAID and password. employees and retirees must take action. 2. Select the pencil icon to update your information. Click on Access NRTP If you haven’t already completed these steps, please do so immediately. blue check mark to save your changes. This will allow you to log on to NRTP and book travel.

NON-REV TRAVEL | 3 Action required continued.

New to NRTP? Adding guest travelers If you haven’t used NRTP since we launched dual access, we have a 1. Log on to the American Airlines Retiree site number of resources to help you navigate the site. Visit the American 2. Select Travel Airlines Retiree site or your company’s portal for details. 3. Click Traveler Information 4. Under Add a new traveler, select D3 Guest and click Add Registering your guest travelers 5. Read and agree to the security statement Legacy US Airways employees and retirees will now need to register their 6. Complete all required fields guest pass riders prior to booking a guest pass in NRTP. You may register All other travelers will automatically transfer from Travel US to NRTP, up to 12 (D3 boarding priority) guests in your NRTP profile. They may be assuming you’ve updated their Secure Flight information in Travel US. your extended family members or your personal acquaintances. Once registered, your guest travelers must remain on your list for a minimum of 12 consecutive months. Please note that you do not have to enroll all of What’s not changing? your guests at one time; you may add additional guest travelers throughout Legacy US Airways employees and retirees will continue to verify travel the year provided you have available slots. You may begin adding your dependents within the Benefits Service Center at my.aa.com. For travel guest travelers to NRTP on Oct. 8, 2015. eligibility only, there is no deadline to provide documents. However, please know that it takes 10 to 12 days to review documents and create travel profiles before the dependent may travel. Piedmont and PSA employees and retirees will continue to follow their respective travel dependent enrollment processes.

NON-REV TRAVEL | 4 Vacation and guest passes Billing

Next up, we’ll make a few updates On Oct. 7, 2015, we will remove all available and As we’ve shared before, travel payment within on your behalf. unassigned legacy US Airways, Piedmont and PSA NRTP is a payroll deduction. Once we’re all in NRTP, vacation and guest pass allotments from Travel US. The payroll deduction will be the source of payment for very next day, Oct. 8, 2015, they will be visible in NRTP. all fees for active employees. For retirees, you will be invoiced and required to submit payment online. You can begin to view your travel and billing history Viewing your pass bank summary on Oct. 8, 2015. 1. Log on to the American Airlines Retiree site 2. Select Travel Viewing your travel and billing history 3. Click Traveler Information 1. Log on to the American Airlines Retiree site 2. Select Travel 3. Click Travel History

Any unused electronic upgrades purchased in Travel US will be automatically refunded after Oct. 17, 2015. As a reminder, once You can expect to see we move to our the refund within 30 end-state travel to 45 business days, system, payment depending on your will be electronic. credit card company.

NON-REV TRAVEL | 5 myIDTravel

In March 2015, we announced we were merging our Zonal Employee The majority of agreements are set up for ticketing by American (tickets Discount (ZED) programs. Since then, the team has been hard at work that begin with 001). To purchase flights, you may use any form of aligning agreements with our interline partners in advance of PSS payment accepted by American for commercial ticketing. Because integration. On Oct. 17, 2015, as the “US” airline and ticketing codes we’re ticketing you, any refunds will be processed by American through are sunset, all ZED ticketing will be completed through American’s link the myIDTravel tool. to myIDTravel and will follow the ZED agreements in place between American and the other airlines. As is the case today, instructions for flight listings can be found on each airline’s ID Agreements page of myIDTravel as well as www.flyzed.info. What does that mean for you? Beginning Oct. 8, 2015, you’ll book your ZED travel through the What does this mean for travel you’ve already booked? American Airlines Retiree site. Starting Oct. 8, 2015, you’ll no longer have access to transactions made Accessing the myIDTravel tool through the US Airways myIDTravel site. myIDTravel will run a program 1. Log on to the American to refund unused tickets issued by US Airways that are no longer valid Airlines Retiree site for travel. This automatic refund includes tickets beginning with 037 2. Select Travel issued for travel on Air Canada, British Airways, Japan Airlines, Malaysian 3. Under Other Airline Travel, Airlines and United Airlines . Tickets issued by any other airline through click myIDTravel tool myIDTravel will not be automatically refunded. Before Oct. 8, 2015, you will need to submit the refund request for any unused tickets that do not begin with 037.

Requesting a refund 1. Log on to myIDTravel via Wings 2. Select Travel History 3. Select any unused tickets that do not begin with 037 4. Click the refund

NON-REV TRAVEL | 6 Employee travel policies will be aligned. Here’s what you need to know.

Personal Emergency/ Bereavement Travel Booking Process

We’ve already aligned our Personal Emergency/Bereavement Travel booking policies. With the use of NRTP, employees and retirees will no longer contact Inventory Services to complete booking. Instead, we’ll adopt the legacy American approach. To book emergency travel, contact your manager who will have a Passenger Name Record (PNR) created for you and secure needed flights. If you are unable to contact your manager, call 1-888-WE-FLY-AA (1-888-933-5922) for emergency travel assistance. In that case, a copy of your PNR will be sent to your manager. You must notify your manager as soon as possible that emergency/bereavement travel has been authorized for you and any eligible travelers.

NEW POLICY IN EFFECT: SEPT. 1, 2015

NON-REV TRAVEL | 7 Baggage liability

THE NEW POLICY As we finalized our non-rev baggage liability policy, we looked internally at the way American and US Airways covered non-rev baggage issues and externally at the way other carriers handle them. Positive space business travelers We found that The current American and Space available customers 1. Our two policies for positive space business travel were already aligned. US Airways policies mirror will not be compensated for 2. W e differed when it came to space available baggage liability. one another; there will be interim expense claims or 3. Other carriers vary in their approach — from covering space available no change. Should you have those incurred due to a delay baggage like a revenue customer to not covering them at all. issues with your positive space in baggage (such as purchasing checked baggage , the company replacement items). will pay for all types of claims and deliveries. To initiate the If your checked bag is process, you’ll need to file mishandled, you’ll continue mishandling claims at the to file mishandling claims at airport and continue to submit the airport. The key change claims to Central Baggage for for legacy American is that, as tracing and compensation. a non-rev customer, you will need to pay for delivery of your Space available travelers bags or pick them up from the Should you have issues with airport. As you do today, you your space available checked may continue to submit claims baggage, the company will to Central Baggage for tracing. pay for certain types of claims, NEW POLICY IN EFFECT: OCT. 1, 2015 including: • Loss • Damage to bag and contents NON-REV TRAVEL | 8 Fare structure alignment

If you’ve traveled on both airlines since we launched dual access, you THE NEW POLICY know that both airlines have different fee structures for non-employee and dependent travel. At a high level, the main difference comes into The new fee structure goes into play when traveling domestically. American charges per segment based effect no matter which carrier largely on mileage and US Airways charges per origin and destination you’re flying on. It applies (O&D) zone. For international travel, both carriers charge flat fees — to travel on American and American applying on a segments basis and US Airways on an O&D basis. American Eagle flights operated by our wholly owned and non- As we move to one reservations system, we will use one wholly owned carriers. You can common fee structure for non-revenue travel: estimate your travel charges 1. Employee and coach travel will remain free with NRTP. Within the system, (service charge waived). under Flight Information, 2. W e will have unified pricing for guests/in-laws, choose NRSA Charges. Simply parents and premium cabin upgrade charges for enter your segments and click all non-revenue passengers, all based on mileage. View Charges. POLICY IN EFFECT: OCT. 17, 2015

NON-REV TRAVEL | 9 PSS cutover

Consistent travel experience Night of cutover and beyond

At PSS cutover, non-rev travelers will notice a few legacy US Airways Our Reservations and Airport colleagues will be busy the night of PSS cutover and the agent process changes consistent with legacy American non-rev weeks following as they implement new processes and help our revenue customers through procedures, including: the transition. We will not restrict any employee or retiree non-revenue travel during PSS • Agents will add the through (T) designator for connecting non- cutover. We will, however, have a short five-day embargo on D3 guest pass travel, Oct. 16, revenue travelers from other airlines (OALs) to American flights. 2015, through Oct. 20, 2015. While we typically try to avoid embargoing any non-rev travel • Agents will have the ability to transfer individual non-rev travelers privileges, we want to make sure we’re supporting our colleagues working in the operation to the standby list of a flight with a different destination while during cutover. This brief restriction will allow them to better focus on our paying customers. maintaining the original time of check-in. • Non-rev travelers will also have the ability to be transferred from Here’s how PNRs will be handled leading up to and at cutover: the standby list of a canceled flight to a flight with a different destination without changing the original time of check-in. PNR type PNR treatment If LUS flight is canceled Oct. 16

Additionally, beginning Sept. 15, all mainline and wholly owned employees Space available leisure Not migrating to Sabre No re-accommodation and retirees will be able to take advantage of the interactive voice Positive space business Not migrating to Sabre No re-accommodation response (IVR) system when calling 1-888-WE-FLY-AA (1-888-933- 5922). Simply press Option 2, and use your American ID number and pin AA20 Migrating to Sabre Re-accommodated in Sabre (which is the last four of your social security number) to purchase or book American flights. This means the legacy US Airways Employee Travel Line IVR (1-800-325-9999) will no longer be active beginning Oct. 17, 2015.

Guest Pass Travel Restriction To ensure our colleagues can focus on revenue customers during PSS cutover, guest pass (D3) travel will be restricted beginning Friday, Oct. 16, 2015, through Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015. The exception to this embargo is a guest pass rider traveling with an employee or retiree. NON-REV TRAVEL | 10 Your Transition Next steps Checklist All Employees and Retirees This is a lot of information to digest, so we want to be sure you have the m Familiarize yourself with our travel policies. As part of this transition, we’re harmonizing resources you need as we make this transition. On this page and the next, a handful of remaining policies. you’ll find an overview of the changes discussed in this guide as well as the m Consider ways you can help our operation actions you will need to take as we all get ready for PSS cutover. at PSS cutover and beyond. Legacy US Airways, Piedmont and PSA Travelers If you have any questions, please contact Employee Travel. m Register your American employee ID number and update your Secure Flight information in Travel US. m Familiarize yourself with NRTP. m Register your guest travelers (D3) in NRTP. m Continue to verify your eligible travel dependents through the Benefits Service Center. m Oct. 8: Begin booking ZED travel through the myIDTravel link on the American Airlines Reitree site. m Oct. 8: Log on to NRTP to view your vacation (D1) and guest (D3) pass balances. m Oct. 8: Log on to NRTP to view your travel and billing history.

NON-REV TRAVEL | 11 YOUR PSS CUTOVER TRANSITION

Timeline 2015 2016

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

SEPT. 1 SEPT. 15 OCT. 1 OCT. 7 OCT. 8 OCT. 17

Emergency/ All mainline Non-rev bag LUS, PDT and PSA LUS, PDT and PSA guest Travel US discontinued/ bereavement and wholly liability policy guest and vacation traveler registration can NRTP continues travel policy owned aligns pass allotment begin in NRTP aligns employees discontinued in Non-rev fare alignment and retirees Travel US LUS, PDT and PSA can can access Non-rev processing 1-888-WE-FLY- access NRSA Billing/ differences for LUS AA (1-888- Travel History in NRTP agents 933-5922) interactive LUS, PDT and PSA voice response guest pass allotment system moves to NRTP

LUS, PDT and PSA vacation pass allotment moves to NRTP

LUS can access ZED travel via the American Airlines Retiree site

NON-REV TRAVEL | 12

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The Ultimate Guide to Non-Rev Travel for Airline Employees

Welcome to the world of non-rev travel, one of the most exciting perks that come with being part of the airline industry. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just embarking on your journey, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the insights you need to make the most of your non-rev travel experiences.

Unpacking Non-Rev Travel

Non-rev, short for non-revenue, travel is a fantastic privilege extended to airline employees. It enables you to occupy unsold seats on flights to your dream destinations during your downtime, either for free or at significantly reduced rates. Not only do you get to enjoy this perk, but it often extends to your family members and even a few friends, depending on your airline’s policy. However, keep in mind that non-rev travel isn’t guaranteed. You may need to wait on the standby list and hope for spare seats on the flight.

Who Can Benefit from Non-Rev Travel?

In most cases, non-rev benefits are available to airline employees and their immediate dependents, including partners, parents, and children. Some airlines also offer a limited number of “buddy passes” to their employees, which can be given to friends. The priority for non-rev travel often depends on the “pass levels” set by the airline, with the employee and their immediate family usually given top priority on the standby list. Parents and those flying on buddy passes typically follow in that order.

Can Non-Rev Travel Be Used on All Airlines?

Although non-rev travel is not possible on all airlines, many airlines have partnerships that allow their employees to use their non-rev benefits with partner airlines through the ID90 program. However, the rules for who can non-rev with partner airlines can vary, and usually, those flying on ID90 benefits will be placed at the end of the standby priority list.

How to Navigate Non-Rev Travel?

The process of non-rev travel typically begins with using the airline’s online portal to select the desired flights. The portal provides information about the current load of each flight, helping you choose flights with lower loads to increase your chances of securing a seat. You then sign in 24 hours before your flight, giving you a standby list ranking. Arriving at the airport, you check in at the gate and wait for your name to be called. If there are no open seats, you have the option to roll over to the next flight.

Understanding Non-Rev Loads

The non-rev portal or the ID90 website provides information on flight loads, showing how many passengers are booked on each flight and how many seats are open. This is crucial for non-rev travelers to gauge their chances of getting a seat on the flight, but unfortunately, this information is not always reliable. And that’s where StaffTraveler is helpful.

How to use StaffTraveler to get Non-Rev loads?

With StaffTraveler , you can check the flight loads for the flights you wish to staff travel on. It enables you to get the accurate, reliable non-rev loads you need from your colleagues at the airline you need them from. With over 600,000 members from all airlines in the world answering more than 20,000 load requests each day, your request will be answered in no time.

How it works? Let’s say you want to staff travel from New York to Amsterdam. You post requests for the flights from JFK to AMS on the airlines you can staff travel on, on the dates you want to know the seat availability for. People at the airlines of your selected flights get a notification and answer your requests with the actual loads. You receive a notification with the updated loads, and you can decide if it’s smart to go to the airport to get that Non-Rev ticket or not.

Costs Associated with Non-Rev Travel

The cost of non-rev travel varies depending on the airline and the specific policies in place. Typically, non-revvers are not required to pay the full fare that regular passengers would pay for a ticket. However, associated fees or charges are usually involved, such as taxes, service fees, or airport fees. These costs can vary and may be different for each airline.

Advantages of Non-Rev Travel

The benefits of non-rev travel are crystal clear: it’s affordable and offers unmatched flexibility. This perk allows you to explore the world at a fraction of the usual cost.

Disadvantages of Non-Rev Travel

While non-rev travel offers a world of benefits, it also has its challenges. These might include the need to find alternate routes to your destination, the possibility of not securing a seat and having to delay or cancel your trip, or the potential of spending a considerable time waiting at the airport. Therefore, patience and flexibility are key to a successful non-rev travel experience. But to be more informed if you will get that standby ticket or not, you can use StaffTraveler to get Non-Rev loads.

Start planning

Non-rev travel is a unique perk that comes with being an airline employee. While navigating the system may seem complicated at first, with a good understanding of how it works, you’ll soon find yourself jetting off to those destinations you’ve always dreamed of visiting. So, why wait? Start planning your next adventure and take full advantage of the wonders that non-rev travel brings to your life as an airline employee.

Download the StaffTraveler app and join for free to make your non-rev trips easy and stress-free by acquiring reliable and up-to-date flight loads from the world’s largest airline community.

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How Airline Employees and Their Families Fly Free

american airlines retiree non rev travel

If you know somebody who works for an airline, you've probably heard them talking about their flight benefits. One of the perks of working for an airline is "free" travel to anywhere that carrier or its partners fly, but there are plenty of conditions.

Traveling for Free as an Airline Employee

The most important point to clear up is that airline employees do pay for their travel unless they are commuting for work. Even though they may not be responsible for covering the airfare that you would normally pay to fly, they are responsible for paying the taxes and fees on their tickets.

Airline employees traveling for pleasure are referred to as "non-revenue passengers." In other words, the carrier isn't making any money off them, so they're prioritized below the lowest paying revenue passenger (including those traveling on award tickets). Most airline employees also fly standby, so they won't know if they're going to make it on a flight until after everyone else has made it on board. With unpopular routes, there shouldn't be any trouble, but if they're traveling on international flights to cities that the airline only serves once each day, and the flight is full, they'll have to try again. If they have prepaid accommodations or tours, standby travel can actually end up being very costly.

Even with their benefits, the taxes and fees alone—which include security fees, international fees, and fuel surcharges—can total hundreds of dollars on an international itinerary. And while their total travel costs are lower most of the time, they hardly get to fly for free.

The good news for employees is that in certain situations, any seat may be up for grabs. If there's a first class or business class seat that hasn't been sold, they may end up getting to sit there for the same "price" as traveling in economy, or for a little extra. Of course, there's no guarantee, and even passengers using upgrade certificates or miles to move up to the next cabin have a higher priority.

Discount Travel for Friends and Family of Airline Employees

Sometimes friends and family can get in on the "non-revenue passenger" travel. Each airline has different policies and procedures for an employee's "non-revenue" guest, ranging from buddy passes to full-out booking options. Here are the policies of four major airlines in the U.S. 

American Airlines Buddy Pass Policies

Qualified American Airlines employees are allowed to fly for free, along with their registered guests and companions. Retirees who pass the "65-point plan" (a minimum of 10 years of active service, and the retiree's age plus years of service must equal or exceed 65) also qualify for "non-revenue" travel. Those who wish to travel business class or above must pay an additional fee, based on their itinerary. Fees for premium domestic travel inside the United States are based on distance, while international premium cabin travel is a flat fee based on the destination.

What about friends or companions that aren't parents, spouses, or children? Qualifying American Airlines employees are allocated a certain number of "buddy passes" each year. Buddy pass travelers receive lower boarding priority than American employees on vacation, other employees and eligible travelers, retirees and parents. 

Lastly, American Airlines employees can opt to buy full price tickets, to which a 20 percent employee discount is applied; this ensures an assigned seat and is considered a full fare ticket.

Delta Buddy Pass Policies

Much like American, Delta employees get to extend their travel privileges to friends and family. However, how it applies is a different policy than their Dallas-based counterpart. 

After successfully working for Delta for 30 days, employees are allowed to use their free travel benefits to see the world. Additionally, spouses, minor-dependent children up to 19 years old (or 23 for full-time students) and parents may also receive reduced-rate travel. That doesn't extend to everyone: non-dependent children, travel companions, extended families, and guests are only eligible for reduced-rate travel.

When flying on a Delta buddy pass or as part of an airline program, everyone is boarded on a standby basis. If there is room available after all other passengers have been accounted for, then the benefit flyers can board. According to the employee benefit page, domestic flights are "free" but travels to international destinations are subject to government and airport fees. 

Southwest Airlines Buddy Pass Policies

Even though it's open seating, Southwest Airlines passengers are allowed to snag open seats on flights as part of their benefits package.

Employees receive free, unlimited travel privileges and can offer their Southwest travel benefits to their eligible dependents: spouses or committed registered partner, eligible dependent children 19 or younger (24 if they are full-time students), and parents. While Southwest has agreements with other airlines for benefits, traveling "non-revenue" is not always a free experience, as fees can apply based on the carrier and destination. 

Southwest employees also have the benefits of "SWAG Points." When employees are recognized for their good work or take part in incentive programs, they can earn points that can be exchanged for buddy passes, frequent flyer points, or event tickets. 

United Airlines Buddy Pass Policies

At United, employees still get to hand out buddy passes to their friends and family, but the scope is very limited. According to the airline, employees and their families may receive travel privileges which include discounted rates and unlimited standby travel. 

What does the program actually look like? A bulletin from the Association of Flight Attendants outlines the program in detail. Employees must select their friends eligible for "non-revenue" travel in December for the next year. After the deadline passes, no friends can be added to their list. Employees can also elect to receive 12 buddy passes every year to distribute among friends.

What kind of pass also matters at United. Enrolled friends traveling with the employee, retiree, or their spouse are given the highest boarding priority, while those flying alone on a buddy pass are given the lowest priority.

What to Know About Buddy Pass Travel

Friends of airline employees get to fly for a cheap price if room is available—sounds like a good deal, right? Unfortunately, it's not as easy as having your airline employed friend book a ticket, passing the TSA checkpoint , and going on vacation. 

As noted above, flyers on a buddy pass are the lowest passengers on the standby list. If their flight is just about full, there's a good chance they won't make it on board. Buddy pass passengers are usually only permitted to fly in coach, but the policies vary by airline.

In addition, buddy pass flyers are considered representatives of the airline, no matter how old they are. As a result, they must adhere to a strict dress code, which often includes business-casual dress standards. If they do not meet these strict criteria, they may be denied boarding with no sources of repayment.

The Worst Times to Fly as a Non-Revenue Passenger

Using free or buddy pass travel is a terrible idea during peak times, such as:

  • The Sunday after Thanksgiving
  • Holiday weeks (Christmas week, Memorial Day, Labor Day, etc.)
  • Any time that there's inclement weather , like the winter months

If a flight is canceled, all of the displaced passengers will be accommodated on the next scheduled flight. If it's full, they'll end up on the standby list above non-revenue passengers. As an example: If a plane that holds 250 passengers isn't permitted to fly, that could mean 250 people ahead of you on the list (although that's an extreme example).

"Non-revenue" travel can be quite rewarding, but it's important to remember that you may end up not flying that day, or you could be stranded in a city that you weren't planning to visit. If that happens, you're on the hook for meals and hotel rooms—the airline won't help at all. Before you ask your friend for help and try your hand as a "non-revenue" flyer, be sure to weigh the pros and cons of every situation. In some situations, it may be cheaper to pay for your ticket instead of flying on a buddy pass.

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aMERICAN aIRLINES RETIREES' COMMITTEE

Important travel information - part i.

The Jetaway Mobile APP for Retirees was discontinued on 

Sept. 30, 2023. 

Retirees must use AA' Retirees Website for travel planning and booking options. www.retirees.aa.com

1.  Error Msg. When Booking Flights

2.  The Travel Planner & the Travel Guide

3.  Non-Rev Standby Codes - Boarding Priority

4.  Changing Travel Pass Classifications

5.  "Defined" Connections for Non-Rev

6.     Revenue Passenger Standby Codes  

7.  AA Alliance & Partners

8. Seat Assignment Information   

9. Definition of Co-Terminals

10. Track Your Lost Bag on AA

ERROR MESSAGE

If you are checking flight schedules in the Travel Planner; you may get a message that says 'Something Went Wrong'.

If you are searching for NON-STOP FLIGHTS between two cities and there is..... only connecting service,  you will get the message: 'SOMETHING WENT WRONG' you must uncheck the NON-STOP BOX ONLY.

AA RETIREES WEBSITE

  The American Airlines' Retirees Website is the official website for all retirees and contains the official Rules and Regulations for non-revenue travel.

The AMRRC website should be used by retirees for informational purposes only.

The official AA Website for Retirees:

www.retirees.aa.com

For AA Legacy Retirees -

You must use your former employee number (some leading zeros may be required), and create a password to 

log-in to the website.

Passwords must be changed every 90 days, and security questions are required.

Some requirements for log-in to the Retirees  website may be different for airlines merged into AA.  

AA TRAVEL PLANNER

The Travel Planner is used for 

Non-Revenue TRAVEL PLANNING 

on AA and Envoy flights.

The TRAVEL PLANNER is used to -

>  View flight schedules.

>  Check availability on flights.

>  List your travelers on flights.

>  Check-in for flights (add travelers' names on the airport priority list), 

> View airport priority lists.

> Check gates/times. 

> Estimate applicable service charges.

                                          

AA TRAVEL GUIDE

Non-rev standby codes.

  The Travel Guide defines the official RULES & REGULATIONS and the TRAVEL ELIGIBILITY  requirements for travel on  American Airlines or regional affiliated subsidiaries (Envoy, Piedmont, PSA).

CHANGING PASS TRAVEL CLASSIFICATIONS

BOARDING PRIORITIES

A9 Emergency/Bereavement Pass Travel (Employees & Retirees)

D1 Vacation Pass (Employees & Retirees) 

D1T Connecting Passenger 

D2 Employee Personal Travel

D2T Employee Connecting Passenger

FLIGHT DECK JUMP-SEAT

D2WP and D2WA codes indicate a pilot who has reserved the flight deck jump-seat (FDJ) pursuant to their CBA. If they are not cleared to the FDJ, they will be cleared in priority order amongst all other D2s.

PARENTS TRAVELING  AS  A  D2

Designated parents may only travel as a D2 when travelling with the employees who is traveling as a D2. Employees and parents must travel D2 together. The employee may not use a D1 while their parent travels as a D2. 

D2R Retiree Personal Travel

D2RT Retiree Connecting Passenger

D2P Parent Personal Travel  (Traveling w/o employee/retiree.

D2PT Parent Connecting Passenger

Continued --- BOARDING PRIORITIES

ACC Employees of AA’s Regional Affiliates & Eligible Travelers

Regional affiliated employees and accompanying eligible travelers traveling on their own  METAL  (company-owned aircraft) operated as American Eagle will be cleared before  any mainline employees or retirees, or wholly-owned subsidiary, or other regional  affiliates’ employees and family, regardless of boarding priority level.

(e.g., a Republic employee and accompanying eligible travelers traveling on a Republic operated aircraft operating as American Eagle will board before any other non-revenue  travelers, including D1s).

ACCI Applies to a passenger who is ticked and primarily to employees of Air Wisconsin (and also to other regional affiliated employees who are not yet able to use the Travel  Planner.  

D3 Guest Pass Travel

D3T Guest Connecting Passenger

                            

CHANGING PRIORITY PASS TRAVEL CLASSIFICATIONS

If you change from a D2 to a D1 in the connecting city you will lose your THRU/CONNECTING “T” status appended to your name on the airport priority list.

EXAMPLE  – Original flight listing is for D2 travel from LAX/PHL/MUC; you travel as a D2 LAX/PHL and change to a D1 from PHL/MUC; you must cancel the PHL/MUC segment and re-book it as a D1. 

Canceling and re-listing will establish a new check-in time and you will lose the THRU/CONNECTING "T" status appended to your name; however --- you will have a higher priority boarding status of a D1, rather than, a D2T.  

      

REVENUE STANDBY CODES

  REVENUE PASSENGER STATUS CODES for passengers are NUMBERS following a standby code and identify the passenger's AAdvantage status with AA. 

1 = Concierge Key

2 = Executive Platinum

3 = Platinum Pro

4 = Platinum

5 = Gold 

CONNECTING NON-REVENUE TRAVELERS

"connecting" non-rev travelers.

Non-Rev passengers connecting to a flight are considered "THRU" passengers and their boarding priority code will be appended with a "T" to indicate you are a "THRU/CONNECTING passenger".  Connecting Non-Rev Travelers will be boarded ahead of locally boarding non-rev travelers (who have the same priority boarding code; D1, D2, etc.).

  If y

  If your flight listing (PNR) contains “connecting” segments, the same priority code will be applied automatically to the connecting flight airport priority list when you are accommodated at your origin city. Your name will not appear on the airport priority list of the connecting flight until you are accommodated on your originating flight. 

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

When connecting to an international flight from a domestic flight you MUST do the following:

  • HAVE YOUR PASSPORT SWIPED BY AN AIRPORT AGENT AT YOUR CITY OF ORIGIN.   

IMPORTANT : If you do not have your passport swiped in your city of origin; 

you will lose your original check-in time (created by the retirees' website) 

for your connecting flight.

IMPORTANT :  Your name will not 

appear on the priority list for your international connecting flight until 

you are accommodated on your originating flight. 

MORE -- ABOUT CONNECTIONS

THRU PASSENGERS

The system will now automatically 

add the through "T" status

 if your connecting flight is scheduled 

less than 16.5 hours between the scheduled arrival and the  scheduled departure time of your flights, as long 

as the segments are in the same PNR.   

(It used to be 12 hours). 

___________________________________

CONNECTING Flig

CONNECTING Flights 

More Than 16.5 hours

If your connecting flight is more than 16.5 hours from your origination flight, your check-in time will default to the time you are placed on the standby list 

as a “THRU/CONNECTING” traveler when you were issued your boarding pass for your originating  flight ----- 

NOT the time you checked- in using 

the retirees' website.

        ___________________________________

CONNECTING Flights Not in Same PNR

When your connecting flight is not in 

the same PNR, you MUST check in 

with an agent at the connecting city 

and present your inbound boarding 

pass from your originating flight.

The agent will add the THRU/CONNECTING  "T" indicator 

to your name on the priority list 

of the connecting flight.  

CO-TERMINALS

ONE-WAY PASS TRAVEL                                                      CO-TERMINALS

Co-Terminal ..... and .....Multi-City Airports serving the same area are considered to be the same city for purposes of using one-way passes.

Co-Terminal/Multi-City Airport  

  • BWI - DCA - IAD
  • OAK – SFO – SJC
  • LAX – ONT – BUR – LGB – SNA
  • EWR- HPN – JFK – LGA
  • LHR – LGW - STN

aa alliance and other airline partners

One world alliance airlines.

  • American Airlines
  • Alaska Airlines 
  • British Airways 
  • Cathay Pacific 
  • Finnair 
  • Iberia 
  • Japan Airlines 
  • Malaysia Airlines 
  • Qantas 
  • Qatar Airways 
  • Royal Air Maroc  
  • Royal Jordanian Airlines 
  • SriLankan Airlines

OTHER AIRINE PARTNERS

  • Air Tahiti Nui 
  • Cape Air 
  • China Southern Airlines 
  • Etihad Airways 
  • Fiji Airways 
  • GOL Airlines 
  • Hawaiian Airlines 
  • IndiGo 
  • JetBlue* 
  • JetSMART 
  • Silver Airways 

*Status benefits and mileage accrual on JetBlue-operated flights will be granted to members who added their frequent flyer number to their ticketed reservation prior to July 21, 2023 for

*Status benefits and mileage accrual on JetBlue-operated flights will be granted to members who added their frequent flyer number to their ticketed reservation prior to July 21, 2023 for travel through January 31, 2024.

**Effective July 21, 2023, you will no longer be able to redeem miles for flight awards on JetBlue. Existing flight award reservations will be honored but changes will not be allowed.

REDEEM MILES ON AA.COM

  • Air Tahiti Nui
  • Alaska Airlines
  • British Airways
  • Cathay Pacific
  • Etihad Airways
  • Fiji Airways
  • GOL Airlines
  • Hawaiian Airlines
  • Japan Airlines
  • Malaysia Airlines
  • Qantas Airways
  • Qatar Airways
  • Royal Air Maroc
  • Royal Jordanian Airlines
  • Silver Airways

IMPORTANT SEAT ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION

Airport standby list & seat assignments.

The airport standby list is processed 

from the top down. Seat assignments are given to passengers based on what seats are available when you are processed from the list.

D1 travel classification does not 

mean you will be assigned a specific 

cabin or seat. 

The list is worked with the open seats that are available at that time the agent beg

The list is worked with the open seats that are available at that time the agent begins processing standby on the list .

When travelers choose seats they are PAYING for their seats , and they usually choose the "more" desirable seats available. The seats remaining are 

usually the "less" desirable (middle or rear seats on the aircraft).  

MIS-CONNECTIN PASSENGERS However, as people do not show up 

for the flight (for various reasons or as a result of mis-connecting flights) there are times that "more desirable seats in the cabin" can open up when seats are dropped for passengers who are not going to make the flight. 

LISTEN UP ~ About Seat Assignments!

Because of the ever-changing status of  flights, and if you are at the top of the airport priority list (and processed as some of the first standbys on the list) you are more likely to get on the flight, but you may get a "less" desirable seat. 

If you are at the bottom of the list, 

you may luck-out because of last-minute openings of "more

you may luck-out because of last-minute openings of "more desirable seats" from passenger(s) who have missed the flight. But, please remember, the lower down on the priority list determines IF you will even get on the flight.   

Also, if the computer system generates seat assignments for non-rev standbys, 

it starts the seat assignments from the rear of the a/c forward and there are specific seats labeled as "less desirable" in the system for non-rev travelers. 

   IF the Agent has the time and can manually assign seats, she/he can try to avoid assigning the "less" desirable seats to non-rev travelers.

  And, lest we forget, a seat anywhere on the aircraft is way better than the one in the terminal waving buh bye.    

Please DO NOT blame the agent or complain to others because you get a less desirabl

Please DO NOT blame the agent or complain to others because you get a less desirable seat than a non-rev who was processed from the airport priority list after you.  

Please do not assume that an Agent processed passengers out of order because someone processed after you was assigned a 'better' seat.  

TRACK YOUR LOST BAG ON AA

Where are my bags.

Passengers can now track their lost bags on www.aa.com 

Keep track of your bags from check-in to touchdown  

using your record locator or bag tag numbers. 

Tracking of your bags is done using www. aa.com   

Other Recommendations

---  Make sure your name and address is on the inside and         outside of your bag.

---  Place a copy of your ITINERARY inside of your bag(s) 

---  Avoid buying a Black suitcase.

---  Ensure old addresses, old phone numbers, and old bag tags are removed. 

Luggage Tracker

---  You may want to purchase a LUGGAGE TRACKER. 

---  What is a luggage tracker and how does it work. 

Copyright © 2018 AMRRC, Inc. American Airlines Retirees Committee - All Rights Reserved.

These Gold Wings

Non-Rev Travel 101: A Beginner’s Guide

non-rev travel tickets

Working in the aviation industry comes with its perk and non-rev travel is a big one.

Flying for free or very cheap is possible for flight attendants like me.

How ? That’s what I’ll explain in this article.

What Is Non-Rev Travel?

Non-rev or “non-revenue” travel is one of the main perks that comes with working for an airline.

It basically refers to the flight benefits that pilots, flight attendants, and even some gate agents receive.

It’s called non-reving because the airline does not receive revenue for the employee’s spot on the airplane.

Non-revs are also not guaranteed a spot on the airplane, they have to wait on the standby list and hope that there will be extra space.

Basically, non-revenue travel is the privilege airline employees have to sit in unsold seats and ride along on flights to their desired destinations during their off time.

The best part, they can usually share these benefits with their families, and even a few friends, depending on which airline they work for.

Who Can Non-Rev?

Non-rev benefits are usually given to the airline employee and their direct dependents including:

  • Their partner

Some airlines also give their employees a limited number of “ buddy passes ” that can be given out to friends.

And if you aren’t legally married some airlines will allow you to anyone you choose as your “travel companion” for a set period of time.

⚠️ Not all non-revs are created equal though.

Most airlines have different “ pass levels ” that determine the order in which non-revs appear on the standby list .

➡️ Generally speaking, the employee, their partner (or travel companion), and their children will all have a higher designation on the standby list, meaning they will have higher priority to get the empty seats on the plane.

➡️ Parents typically come next. And people flying on buddy passes are last.

Can You Fly Standby on All Airlines?

No. But many airlines have agreements with other airlines that allow their employees to non-rev on other airlines.

These airlines usually include whatever code-sharing partners are connected to a given airline but may even include a few airlines outside of their specific airline group.

These agreements are part of a program known as ID90 .

Usually, only the employee and their dependents can fly with ID90 partners, and each airline will have different rules about who may non-rev with them and who may not.

🚨 Note : People flying on ID90 benefits will usually fall to the end of the standby priority list.

How Does It Work to Fly Standby as a Non-Rev Traveler?

Generally speaking, each airline has its own online portal that employees can access to arrange their non-rev travel.

Here I’ll quickly run through the basics of flying non-rev.

Booking your Non-rev travel

Usually, you start by going into this portal and selecting the flights you would like to be on.

The portal will usually tell you what the current “load” of each flight is.

Loads refers to the number of revenue passengers who are currently booked to fly on a given flight.

💡 As a non-rev you want to look for flights that have lower loads to increase the likelihood that you will get an open seat.

Signing in for your flight

Then, 24 hours before the flight you sign in via the portal.

At this time, you will be given a standing on the standby list that tells you about the order in which open seats will be assigned to hopeful non-revs.

Some airlines determine this by seniority, so the more senior a flight attendant is with the company, the higher they will be on the standby list.

Other airlines determine this on a first-come-first-serve basis, meaning those who sign in fastest will be at the top of the list. (Depending on pass level).

At the airport

After you have signed in you will arrive at the airport just like you would for any other flight.

Your standby boarding pass will get you through security and then you head to your gate.

👉🏻 At the gate, you should check in with the agent and let them know you are on the standby list.

They will then assign seats in order based on the standby list.

If the flight is full, they will usually do this towards the end of the boarding process, so you just have to hang out and wait to hear your name called.

If the flight is open, they might give you a boarding pass right away.

What happens if there isn’t an open seat?

At this point, you will have the option “roll-over” to the next flight and wait to see if there is an open seat on that one.

Or try to figure out another route to get to where you want to go. If you choose to do this you will be higher on the priority list, for the new flight(s).

Can You Get Non-Rev Loads?

If you have access to the non-rev portal or the ID90 website, you will be able to see the loads for flights you want to non-rev on.

Usually, the portals will tell you how many passengers are booked on each flight, what classes they are booked in, and how many seats are open per cabin . They will also tell you how many non-revs have already indicated an intention to be on that flight.

Not all airlines will share loads with non-employees though , so in that case, the best way to estimate is to look up your flight on the airline’s website and see how many tickets are available to book. This will give you an idea of the number of open seats.

How Much Does it Cost to Non-Rev?

Generally speaking, employees and their dependents will only be charged for international travel, basically to reimburse the airline for international landing taxes .

People flying on buddy passes will often also have to pay a small service charge that amounts to a certain percentage of the ticket price for their flight.

In the US, most employees can non-rev domestically for free.

I’ve traveled both on my own employee benefits, and now as a buddy pass non-rev.

Flying from the US to Germany I paid $130 round trip, for premium economy as an employee, since that was what the international taxes amounted to.

As a buddy pass non-rev, I paid $675 round trip, with a business class seat on one flight and a premium economy seat on the other.

Put simply the savings are significant .

When you fly as an ID90 passenger you will pay more than you do when you fly on your own airline.

Pros of Non-Rev Travel

The benefits of non-rev travel are clear!

It’s cheap and very flexible.

Cons of Non-Rev Travel

The cons are a little less clear until you’ve tried it a few times, but they generally include:

  • Scrambling to find another way to get to your destination , sometimes by employing coming up with some very creative, multi-stop routes. For example, I once flew from Charlotte NC to Harrisburg PA, to get to Chicago IL.
  • Not getting a seat and having to delay or cancel your trip.
  • Waiting at the airport all day just to get a spot on the flight you need to get home.

The first time my parents non-reved it was to my flight attendant training graduation ceremony. They ended up stuck at DFW (Dallas Fort Worth) for 10 hours waiting to get a flight back to Charlotte.

On the flip side, they also enjoyed business class seats on the way to Germany, Hawaii, and Alaska. So, I think they got the most out of my benefits while I had them.

Non-revenue travel is one of the main benefits of being a flight attendant , but the system can be complicated and hard to navigate at first.

Once you get a handle of how it works, you’ll be sure to be jet setting off to all the places you dreamed of going when you decided to work for an airline.

Have you flown yourself with non-rev travel? How do you find it? Let me in the comments.

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  • Boeing & Aerospace

Free flights for a million current, retired U.S. airline employees

Non-revenue travelers use last-minute, leftover seats on flights around the U.S. and abroad.

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At the end of her Caribbean honeymoon, Sara Nelson planned a two-day jaunt — all the way to London. But the flight attendant and her husband ended up in Paris, opting for sightseeing instead of theater. It’s just part of the surprising life as a “non-revenue” traveler, a little-noticed tribe of more than a million current U.S. airline employees, retirees, and their loved ones who get access to free flights all over the world.

There’s a catch to this globe-trotting free-for-all. Trips made by non-rev passengers are dictated entirely by the availability of leftover seats at the time of travel. “Flight attendants recognize that when they’re planning their vacations, they’ve got to be flexible because they may or may not get there,” says Nelson, who works for United Airlines and serves as international president of the Association of Flight Attendants- CWA, which represents about 50,000 attendants. Her paramount rule: “Have a backup in mind. It’s just something you do.”

These “free” seats to Paris or Cancún can enable a lifestyle of wanderlust — sometimes lodged in first-class seats, with a nominal fee — for workers who are far from wealthy jet- setters. Lucky non-rev passengers can set out on a trip on the spur of the moment, a choice that carries exorbitant costs for normal travelers. “It’s nice to just jump on a flight and go to the West Coast,” says Jim Record, a retired Northwest Airlines pilot who lives in Long Island, N.Y. “Let’s face it — that’s not bad.”

For decades, the chance to fly in an empty seat has served as a powerful recruitment and retention tool for U.S. carriers. Yet airline employees tend to focus on the grubby, chaotic realities of their perk rather than the jealousy-inducing glamour.  

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The world’s largest carrier, American Airlines, counts 750,000 people eligible to fly for free. That number includes not just current employees and their spouses, children, and parents but a quarter-million retirees, a group enraged by changes to the fringe benefit following American’s 2013 merger with US Airways. About two dozen retirees have sued American for breach of contract and deceptive business practices, and the plaintiffs are now seeking class-action status that would cover more than 20,000 retired American flight attendants. Angry retirees have taken to protesting at the airline’s annual shareholder meeting. 

The biggest change was to split American workers and retirees into separate groups for seat priority, as other U.S. carriers do, while creating a new priority category for retirees, called D2R. The merged airline scrapped a seniority system that US Airways had used to allot seats while cutting the number of free, one-way “buddy passes” that retirees receive each year, from two dozen to eight. Current workers receive 16 of these guest tickets per year. Taken together, the retirees’ lawsuit alleges, these changes place them “behind at least 500,000 people, including current employees and their spouses/domestic partners/registered companions and eligible children.”

American executives say that on most flights, all non- revenue travelers tend to get a seat — or none do. Retirees manage to board 76 percent of the time when they try, according to American, slightly ahead of current employees, at 74 percent.

The policy change was significant for “the legacy American side” of the company, says Elise Eberwein, the American executive vice president who oversaw the blending of American and US Airways’ travel policies and became the target of retiree ire. The revamped non-rev system followed years financial strain before American filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in late 2011 — a process that damaged insurance and pension plans for current and former workers. Changes in the post-merger freebie program were “the straw that broke the camel’s back, I think, as far as the emotional aspect of it,” says Eberwein, a former TWA flight attendant.

“The general opinion today of employees is that you’re not going to get on an airplane.” 

Southwest Airlines, which has more than 230,000 eligible non-rev travelers, boards active employees first, followed by family members of employees and then retirees. Within those groups, the company follows a “first-come, first-served” system, says Southwest spokeswoman Katie Coldwell. Retirees enjoy lifetime travel privileges if they have worked for at least 10 years and if, when they retire, their age and years of service combine to at least 65. 

Delta and United declined to say how many people receive travel benefits; combined, those airlines have about 165,000 employees.  

The next time you see a long standby list on a video screen by the gate, you’ll have some idea of how much flexibility an airline worker must apply to the process of finding flights with an empty seat — almost always one in the middle. First go ordinary passengers. Then gate agents turn to non-rev travelers, including employees of other airlines who are typically eligible under reciprocal flight benefits. Among this group are those wielding a buddy pass, a free flight opportunity airlines give employees to hand out to friends or family. It’s a chance — not a guarantee — to occupy an unsold seat to some fabulous destination.

A buddy pass puts you very low in the priority queue. “I wouldn’t give them to anybody unless I was trying to torture them,” says Uma Arunachalam, a veteran flight attendant for American. 

The chance to fly for free is still a powerful draw to work for an airline, but the nature of the benefit is changing with steeper passenger loads that are running about 84 percent across U.S. airlines, according to federal data. Following the 2008 recession, airlines reorganized in bankruptcy, merged, and recorded soaring profits by keeping seat supply in very close proximity to traveler demand. All 10 of the highest load factors have come after the 2008 recession, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics noted in its recent release of March traffic data.

Load factors on domestic flights are even higher. In June, for instance, Delta, United, and American all notched rates above 87 percent — making it trickier for non-rev travelers to snag unsold seats.

The general opinion today of employees is that you’re not going to get on an airplane,” says Nelson, the longtime United flight attendant. Back in the 1990s, airline workers could show up at the airport with a relatively good idea as to which flights would yield a freebie seat. “It was almost a certainty that you were going to get on the plane, and it was also usually certain that you’d sit in first class,” she says.

Seat scarcity is compounded because many non-revvers aren’t headed to a Hawaiian beach but just trying to get to work. Following the wave of mergers, airlines have closed or reduced staff bases in many cities. This means that many employees are forced to commute to the job, even if it involves cross-country flights. Today, Nelson says, about half of U.S. flight crews commute to work, with the number even higher at bases in expensive cities such as New York and San Francisco. 

Arunachalam, the American attendant, is one of the serious ones. She flies non-rev about once per month, indulging her love for exploration and surprising her San Francisco-based co-workers with the frequency and length of her jaunts. “I think it’s not that [airline employees] don’t like to travel, I  think it just makes them nervous to not be able to predict what’s going to happen,” she says, shortly after a trip to Morocco. The vagaries of non-revving don’t bother her. She generally travels solo or with her boyfriend, avoiding peak times at which a seat probably won’t be available.

“I guess I take a Zen Buddhism approach to it,” Arunachalam says. “If I can’t go to Rome, then I’ll just get to Paris and find a flight from there.” 

The jammed planes and the travails of non-rev travel are not the only reasons they don’t jet off to exotic locales as much as they might. “The last thing they want to do when they have a day off is get on an airplane and go somewhere,” says Nelson. It’s a bit like hanging out in your office on the weekend.

View from the Wing

American Airlines Penalizes Employees Who Buy Their Own Travel To Ensure They’re Ready To Work

by Gary Leff on September 25, 2022

There are numerous rules that go along with flying so-called ‘free’ (there are often fees for international travel, and for some there can be tax consequences as well).

One of the stranger ones on American Airlines is that employees cannot book conflicting paid travel and non-rev travel . In fact, they aren’t even allowed to list for non-rev travel on American is they have paid or mileage award tickets with the same origin and destination within 24 hours on another airline like Delta.

Even if you cancel your paid or award travel first, you aren’t allowed to list with American 24 hours before or after the time of that reservation.

Here’s why this really makes no sense. American Airlines won’t give ‘positive space’ travel (confirmed reservations) to employees who need to commute to their base city to start their trip. An employee might be based in Los Angeles, but live in Las Vegas. And they need to get to L.A.

So they buy a paid ticket as backup out of their own pocket to make sure they show up on time, and of course they try to non-rev on American.

If they make it onto an American flight, they’ll cancel the Delta space to use later (likely using it as a backup again for a later trip). In this case the employee potentially coming out of pocket helps American Airlines to stay reliable.

It’s actually smart for an employee to buy a backup itinerary now that most fares have no change fees, since they may be able to use one ticket purchase over and over again as a hedge, until they get unlucky and have to use that ticket to go to work. Of course buying revenue travel on Delta, and then cancelling the itinerary, isn’t costing American money and isn’t something American is likely to know about, either.

More From View from the Wing

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About Gary Leff

Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel - a topic he has covered since 2002. Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »

More articles by Gary Leff »

General industry cooperation to not do that. I totally get it. Otherwise you have your own employees causing mass amount of loss revenue. I have never not made it to work because I can’t get on a flight but if that happens there are commuter clauses there for your protection. Only a few more months of commuting for me then I’m based at home. Commuting is a real nightmare

It’s the employee’s choice to live away from their base ..

This Policy is in place for ALL EMPLOYEES not just flight crews.. additionally FAs can standby and fly in a jump seat if no other seat is available.

Louise … not always. Some people move and set up their families in one city and choose an airline based on where the bases are. A few years later that base may close. Airline employees can’t just move to another airline without giving up what could be a lifetime of seniority. Not everyone can just move their family every time a base closes. It’s a very incredible benefit to be able to commute for free and there are commuter clauses to protect those who can’t make it for whatever reason. The title of this article is extreme in how it’s worded. Employee aren’t penalized for buying tickets … employees are penalized for buying tickets on the same route they are flying standby on.

I’m not sure how AA knows when any passenger, let alone their employees, books a reservation on another airline. Of course it makes sense for an airline not to allow an employee to fly standby for free in a market where they have previously bought a confirmed ticket. The A321T first class discussion has been had on OMAAT but if AA was not selling sufficient numbers of seats in first class to justify the cabin, how employees use it has nothing to do with the math AA had to use to choose to eliminate it. Commuting is a choice. No other employee in any other industry would expect to be able to work hundreds if not thousands of miles from a job. If you want to do it and can make it work, fine, but don’t expect any special privileges to live that kind of lifestyle. Plenty of crews do actually drive to their own base – like the vast majority of Americans that still go to work.

A few notes as an AA occasional nonrev… booking a nonrev ticket only generates a PNR and does not actually hold back any seats from being sold. As for the rule- the main reason is that if you have a nonrev ticket and check in, then the gate agent or system will might clear it- this can cause issues should you have an existing paid PNR. I’ve never heard of the 24 hour rule or flying another airline with a nonrev PNR for the same O/D but can see it possibly creating an issue with TSA. When I nonrev I book my travel through the portal and then just hand the TSA agent my ID as it will find me in the database matching my precheck number – no need for a ticket but can pull up the bar code in my email if then need it. I’ll then go to the gate and if I clear- the agent will then hand me a boarding pass for my confirmed seat.

The main goal for their nonrev rules is to creat more predictability and less havoc for others trying to nonrev.

International first class is very seldom empty and, particularly post-Covid, is almost impossible to obtain a first class seat in.

But the seats are not full of first class paying passengers.

It is full of revenue upgrades and award tickets, both of which are supposedly an award for showing AA loyalty.

AA is now taking that away.

BTW, I have never seen the rule against buying a revenue ticket on another carrier when listed for a non-rev seat on AA. In fact, AA would never know.

All I see in the Travel Guide is:

“Employees, retirees, eligible travelers and guests who hold a confirmed reservation, have purchased a revenue ticket or redeemed miles for a flight are not allowed to also list as a nonrevenue pass traveler on that flight or any other flights with that same routing within 24 hours from the departure time of the flight a revenue ticket has been booked or purchased.”

I don’t get the complaint here. They’re choosing to live out of base and they knew the rules when they made that choice. It’s about as logical as saying AA is “penalizing” crew who live in base by making them pay for a car and gas to get to work.

“No other employee in any other industry would expect to be able to work hundreds if not thousands of miles from a job.:

Absolutely not true. Thousands of Americans commute by air for their jobs. It is very common in IT, accounting, and government for employees to commute. And, I am not even touching upon the thousands of employees who moved to ‘work from home’ because of Covid. Not all road warriors are visiting clients!

JohnB, and employees in all those other industries pay for their commute and do not have the option to fly standby. American would be happy if their employees wanted to buy a ticket and they don’t mind if you fly standby. They just don’t want you to try and do both and pick the best option.

Wait! Leff actually taking the workers side? Be still my heart!

My god Do tim and I agree on something?

Hi I’ll make flight attendant I usually ride a jump seat haven’t had any problems well maybe some over the years but you have to be qualified to ride the assembly. I can’t really make this suggestion because it only works for me I personally am the flexible type of employee which means I basically don’t have a life LOL no family no siblings wife girlfriend know that and I am very good looking ladies I’m available LOL no getting back to what I was saying try to make your domicile your home that’s what I have done there is always good in every city even in Detroit I know a lot of us miss our relatively I miss mine I’ll never see them again and I’m completely single but you know what I’m more happy with the job you have to decide what brings you more happiness the job of commuting back home I know a lot of times spouses and girlfriends have commitments you have commitments but it’s all about flexibility they love you enough The Love Will survive it’s strong enough so good luck and make the best any work there’s a lot of beautiful places in this country

Ol GAAry just stirring the pot doing some armchair criticizing. Yawn.

With all do respect, This has always been, at every airline…. Employees (should) know not to cancel paid space if they do this its stupidity…. this was hammered into my thick skull in training Day 1 back in 1997 talking about pass Benefits….

Andrew Retired 22 year airline employee

How many employees actually book revenue tickets for commuting? I can’t imagine it’s very many. Maybe some with somewhat crazy commutes (like from Guam to continental US).

I’m sure the airlines are worries about people booking revenue tickets for a vacation or personal trip, and then canceling that ticket. If done last minute, they know the seats are held for the revenue ticket, and they know their position on the standby list and how full the flight is. Imho, that’s a pretty clear abuse of the system.

If this is actually a problem, perhaps the airline can sell them tickets, for their commute route only, with the condition that if the plane goes out with empty seats (or they would have otherwise cleared on standby), they get refunded, or partially refunded. Then the employees are protected on routes, and the airline doesn’t lose potential revenue.

Is this really any of our business? Unless we work for an airline, none of this really matters to us, IMHO.

The Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reads as follows: “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” In other words, no one is being forced to work for an airline. If this provision is as onerous as Mr. Leff makes it out to be, the affected parties are free to leave their employment. Moreover, these issues are collectively bargained, and it’s that important, it can be negotiated. If a person doesn’t like the outcome of the negotiation, he or she is free to pursue the option mentioned above – work elsewhere.

Gary, you’re citing a rule that’s been around since the ’80s or longer, then putting a click-bait title on it. Stop it, you’re becoming irritating.

It’s to prevent airline employees booking a seat (and thus holding a seat) and then ultimately flying standby (for free) in that held seat. A simple rule that makes sense. All employees know it. I’m not aware that airlines can track bookings on other (non-affiliated) airlines. I’ve worked in the industry for 30+ years.

I’ve commuted.every week for 32 years and still flying. It’s common practice to oversell a flight bc the airlines have a “percent’ figured that won’t show up. Non revs get a seat IF AVAILABLE. They could care less about my listing for that purpose. What they do not want are employees listing on multiple flights and using different statuses. It’s away to control the “cheaters” and keep it as fair as possible. More airline people commute than most can imagine. It’s not just crew, it’s displaced or by.choice, mechanics, ramp, agents, managers. Pilots have negotiated space positive commuting. Airlines.are all different, I read some comments and wonder where they came up with their info. I have personally never purchased a ticket to get to work or home. I plan accordingly, and if I don’t make it, not very often, there is the commuter policy of which has its own rules as well. Every job has its perks, ours is the ability to live where ever. It’s not a new concept. AA just announced it is closing the SFO base. That’s 400 employees that will either have to move, commute, quit or retire, and not just flight crew, it affects ALL employees. Some that have never commuted on a flight a day in their life. And LAX is not an option, its closed to transfers, even for displacement. I’m merely stating info, not complaining, so any drama queens and s*** stirrers out there, zip it. I like my job. Granted it’s not what it was and has changed immensely over 32 years, but so does most everything. I could go on, especially about what some of these so called travel experts say to the public about traveling. Ugh. But that’s another story.

This post is your worst ever. You are totally ignorant about airline employees commuting to work. Try actually knowing what you are talking about before you post.

The only thing I don’t get about this policy is why they apply it to other airlines. American doesn’t lose any revenue if their employees cancel a Delta or Southwest ticket at the last minute because there are enough open seats to non-rev on AA.

But, as Tim Dunn noted, this aspect of the policy is basically impossible to enforce. AA has no way of knowing whether its employees cancel a United ticket at the last minute because they non-reved on AA instead.

If Ford has to close a plant, do you think thier employees get free transport to work at a different plant 300 miles away? What irks me is that “standby” employees often are place in upgraded seats vs. putting loyalty members in them.

The ignorance of the general public when it comes to airlines and the travel industry. The most brilliant one said it’s not your business if you don’t work for them. The expectation to live in base is outdated. With a good percentage of the workforce in this industry being less than 2 years old, and the cost of housing… the cost of living having outpaced wages exponentially, many people can’t afford to even think to live in base. The markets in big cities where one paycheck won’t even cover rent. Not everyone was born in 1901 and has the seniority and money to afford 3k in rent every month. The airlines of the time when these policies were designed, no longer exist. The schedules are more packed, the benefits are slim and job protection is non existent. You say no other job has people who commute thousands of miles. No other job doesn’t have a sick policy, no other job tries to figure out the most restrictive rules to abide by in certain states to under pay it’s employees, no other job has to serve the population and deal with the ire of lunatics over weather. This is not like any other job and cannot be compared. Employees in the airline industry are overworked, underpaid and get less job protection than a cashier at burger king. These employees getting to work is what gets you people to Honolulu for no real reason. These people being able to get to work is what gets people to the capitol to riot without consequence. These people getting to work is what ensures people can be there for the birth of their child or to. Say goodbye to their mom. No other job does that either. Flight crew need to be able to get to work to serve the pissy ungrateful people who think it’s all a choice. It’s not always. When ther are 13 locations you can work out of across the planet and only 4 are available for you to work out of, it’s not a choice. When you live in base and have to commute out of base because the base is closed to transfers and new hires, and has been for more than a decade, it’s not a choice. It is a choice to fly and b***** and complain about something you would lose your sh** over if it affected you. It’s not a choice, the policies are outdated and those who are ignorant should find other things to cry about. Stay on the ground, drive. We know you’re a nightmare to have on a flight.

Copy edit better.

‘In fact, they aren’t even allowed to list for non-rev travel on American is they have paid…”

Should be IF, not is.

Jack, don’t forget getting to Minneapolis or New York to riot, burn businesses and destroy public building with absolutely no punishment what so ever. And sure, why not get rid of the airlines since paying for an airline ticket to go on vacation is ridiculous. After all it is for “no reason.”

when will @gary learn that he’s an idiot who needs new sources for information.

His material has become just pathetic. I’ve offered to assist him in writing competent material, but he feels he’s far superior to those of us who ACTUALLY work in the industry and don’t claim to be professionals of the trade by way of buying our own tickets.

sigh…

This is actually a ZED rule, so it applies to 100+ airlines.

You can NOT have both a revenue ticket and non rev listing on the same flight, you have to cancel one of them.

An airline did an audit a few years ago that doesnt charge change fees and has low refundable fares. A LOT of employees would buy a refundable ticket on this airline, then go make a nonrev listing. 1 hour before flight, they’d cancel and refund the **revenue** ticket, in hopes it keeps a seat open for them. Other airlines caught wind of this at a conference (I was there!) and did their own research. One in particular noticed a lot of staff were doing this and well, yeah. Another airline saw staff would do the same with mileage tickets – buy a seat, and have a nonrev listing, and cancel/refund the mileage ticket then get on for free.

this is more than just commuters, its leisure travel too.

@haolenate – we’re not talking about the same flight though

I’m still stuck at no change fees. Surely Spirit isn’t included in that statement.

To the clown over at Ford making the stupid comment about being a loyalty member that should have more rights over a non-rev member. Who actually bought your airline ticket, you or your company??? I’m real tired of hearing about these elitist complaining that they’re loyalty members when in fact their company is the one actually paying for the ticket and their employee gets the benefit… Now if that money was coming actually out of your pocket then you have every right to complain. But yes we do, as all airline employees, deserve to have a nice seat once in awhile… Especially on vacation! At least we check our attitude at the door and not on the plane!

This really is nobody’s businesses except the employee’s. If you want to buy a ticket on another airline to get to work…who cares? All it makes you is a dependable and consciousness employee. Duh. Kinda a no-brainer. Oh yes, I forgot…so many have no brains anymore. Stay in your own lane and you won’t get run over.

I don’t work in the airline industry but I don’t envy the people that do. It’s a tough job and they all work hard. I challenge most people to work on the ground crews or in cramped airliners like airline employees.

This is a non issue. This article needn’t have been written. Employees who cancel their non-rev last minute alter the dynamics of ticket sales and even affect the decision making of their fellow employee non revvers if you will. Do your research. Ask people who do this.

Gah this is really dumb. I don’t understand the point of this article. I know lots of comments say this already, but I just have to add to the list.

1. Holding a revenue seat, in the hope you can get one for free that same day is stealing from your airline. You are preventing that seat from being sold to a passenger who would have purchased it. It is called standby for a reason, if you can’t handle the risk don’t do it. 2. No one on earth is forced to commute!! They want to live one place, but work in another. Yes bases close and that sucks. But if you don’t want to commute, move. Just like EVERY OTHER JOB ON EARTH when your local “office” closes. Don’t want to commute on standby still? Quit. Commuters have it pretty good, live where you want to, get the highest priority, and ability to jumpseat. You can get on that plane if it is 100% full if you are at the top.

Have back up plans, be flexible, know your limits. If you can’t be flexible, don’t fly standby. Most airlines offer their employees discounts on revenue tickets, buy one. This is also not just American Airlines, bet you cannot find a single airline that allows this.

I’ve flown hundreds of thousands of miles on standby, sometimes it is amazing. Sometimes is sucks, but I would not trade those benefits for the world.

Well Delta flights confirmed employees who go to work and they live out base

Someone will be late now , if it don’t make sense do it ✈️

Nonrevs do not “hold a spot” from paid travelers. Oversales and revenue passengers always come first.

While it is True that commuting airline employees have a choice to live in base or commute, as made by several commenters, it is also true that airlines would not be able to adequately fill the positions from only that cities labor pool. If the could they would. Therefore a commuting option is a win/win bennefit for the company and employee.

Ethically it’s just wrong and shouldn’t be allowed. Booking a seat and then closing the ticket at the last moment means the airline was prevented from being able to sell that seat because you held it. That’s not fair to the airline be it the one they work for or another airline. It’s really just outright fraud. You are booking a ticket fully intending not to use it if at all possible. I’m all for having people figuring out a backup for anything they do but it should not be at the expense of other people or companies. You do have the ability to check out seat availability for standby. It gives a pretty good idea if you’ll be able to get out on any given flight to are chosen destination on the day in question. Now that can change dramatically due to a mechanical on an airline, or your own, and everybody runs and fills up those empty seats so it’s not 100%. However it does give you an idea if you might need to go a day early or a less direct route to get to where you going. Anybody who works outside of their house has to commute either sure or long distance it’s their choice. Lots of companies close offices or move them and if you pick a a company that traditionally does that sort of thing you either go with a flow or change jobs you don’t take business away from a company or prevent other families and traveling because they’re not in the seats on the airplane they want to go on because you’re holding a seat along with other friends and none of you have any intention of using them if at all possible.

I think you may have this backwards. I can’t see any was this hurts American. The nonrev passenger only gets a seat if the seat hasn’t been sold. Who possibly gets hurt is the airline with which the nonrev has booked. If they cancel at the last minute that airline may lose a rev seat. Now if the rev seat was booked on American, then the rule would make sense. But otherwise it may just be an agreement between airlines. Do any other airlines have this rule? Maybe it’s a common agreement.

R Airline employees are the most self entitled, spoiled employees in the world.

Joe G. That’s ridiculous. Every other industry finds workers in the geography they need them.

Easy solution to this problem. Just require your employees to live within 100 miles of base. This industry has a problem of letting the employees set the rules of the airline instead of the other way around. If you don’t want to live where you work than maybe you are in the wrong business. And I don’t want to hear the excuse of I csnt afford to live there so I must commiute. I realize most commutes are probably within 500 miles. but what about the captain for your next flight commuting from la to nyc and then “safely” flying you from nyc to India. The company needs to start taking control of its “team members”….dont like it…here’s the door. Long story short dont make your problem the companies problem

God damn this is the worst kind of clickbait the kind that makes the airlines look bad but really it’s just the author being a dumbass and not understanding how business works in a certain industry. If I were you I would just delete this because it’s trash and it makes you look stupid.

@j. williams – when you criticize something without pointing out a single thing that you believe to be incorrect that doesn’t make you look smart?

Hey Gary, so I checked with the Travel/Pass Bureau managers for a few airlines and the rules do vary from carrier to carrier. While we do have the IATA/ZED rule/regulation regarding having both a standby listing AND revenue ticket for the same flight, some airlines are going a step further and prohibiting both a non-rev listing on flight 123 and then having a confirmed seat on flight 789, getting on flight 123 as a non-rev then cancelling flight 789. American has that rule within a 24 hour period.

Southwest has also had the same rule for a while, they also don’t like folks who go from a revenue ticket status to a non-rev standby status. (full disclosure: I did get in trouble for doing this, was on a connection, had a super long layover, and there was delayed earlier flight, but the agents wanted to charge me the add-collect to move over to that flight (it was like a $300+ “change’) – so I just went on myIDTravel and booked a ZED-LOW ticket for like $25. and got on.

You really dont know what you are talking about, and seem ro have NRSS, PS, Zed, and PCT completely messed up. Did you copy and paste this information feom several sources? The only eule of thumb is you cannot list multiple times for the same flight, and even that is not fully monitored. Most folks will list on NRSA, then ID90 as a backup, and finally rev confirmed as a last minute option,

@Nick – we aren’t even talking about the same airline let alone the same flight…

What American might want to put forth the effort to look into instead is employee abuse of flight benefits.

Comments are closed.

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Gary Leff

Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »

American Airlines changes its frequent flyer rules—again

American Airlines is making some changes.

Looking to achieve frequent-flyer status with American Airlines? Book direct.

The carrier has announced another round of changes to its loyalty program, saying passengers will only receive Loyalty Points and AAdvantage miles if they book directly with American, one of its partners, or a “preferred” travel agency. Flights booked elsewhere won’t earn miles.

The new rules go into effect in July.

At present, there’s no word on which agencies qualify as “preferred”—and it could be early June before that’s cleared up. The Wall Street Journal says that classification will depend “on whether they have adopted modern booking technology.”

“Booking with us provides a better travel experience,” the carrier argued in its announcement. “You can manage your trip online, receive travel credit for canceled trips and more. Plus, you’ll continue to earn miles and Loyalty Points through our non-airline partners and on eligible purchases with an AAdvantage credit card.”

Direct booking also lowers costs for the carrier.

For passengers who opt for basic economy fares, booking direct is the only way they’ll earn AAdvantage Miles or Loyalty Points. Preferred travel agency bookings will not be eligible.

American last announced a major overhaul of its frequent-flyer program in 2021, doing away with using how far or often someone flew to calculate status. That’s when Loyalty Points were introduced, which could be earned via travel or spending on branded credit cards.

Other airlines have followed its lead, with Delta announcing a big overhaul on its SkyMiles rewards program last year, which resulted in a bit of a rebellion among that company’s customers, forcing Delta to walk back some of its changes .

American noted that any existing reservations booked with third parties or non-preferred travel agencies will earn miles or Loyalty Points.

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american airlines retiree non rev travel

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VIDEO

  1. Will American Airlines REGRET its New Order?? #737max

COMMENTS

  1. Retiree Site

    Pay information. Former U.S. and Canada-based team members can view historical paycheck information for up to 36 months after leaving the company. Here's how: U.S.-based team members. All workgroups: Pay Portal. Canada-based team members. April 9, 2021 and later: Current payroll system. Prior to April 9, 2021: ePost.

  2. American Airlines staff travel information

    Making staff travel easy and stress-free, like it should be! American Airlines staff travel information for your next non-rev flight. Provided by the StaffTraveler community. Notes on: general, Baggage, Dress code, Listing, check-in, boarding, refunds, special, included flights, excluded flights, visa, listing phone number, email info, refunds ...

  3. New to non-rev travel and now registered companion on AA--a few questions!

    5,300. Welcome aboard JayA and welcome back to non-rev travel. First of all TWA retirees now (after the merger TWA retirees did not receive any AA passes) have the same travel privileges as all other AA retirees; which means your great aunt and you, as her registered companion (RC) have unlimited fee-waived COACH travel.

  4. PDF Travel Guide

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  7. American Airlines Buddy Pass: Everything You Need to Know

    To obtain a Buddy Pass, one must be an American Airlines employee or retiree, and the passholder can choose to share their travel privileges with anyone they choose. ... Non-rev or non-revenue passengers, including those on Buddy Passes, are typically the last to board the plane, and they may be bumped off the flight if paying customers show up ...

  8. Your Guide to Updates and Next Steps for Non-Rev Travel [PDF]

    1. Register your American employee ID number As all flights move to one reservations system at 1. Go to System Access Manager (SAM) PSS cutover on Oct. 17, 2015, non-rev travel will 2. Select Help (bottom right under log in) 3. Click on First Time User Registration move to one interim system as well.

  9. The Ultimate Guide to Non-Rev Travel for Airline Employees

    In most cases, non-rev benefits are available to airline employees and their immediate dependents, including partners, parents, and children. Some airlines also offer a limited number of "buddy passes" to their employees, which can be given to friends. The priority for non-rev travel often depends on the "pass levels" set by the airline ...

  10. How Airline Employees and Their Families Fly Free

    American Airlines Buddy Pass Policies. Qualified American Airlines employees are allowed to fly for free, along with their registered guests and companions. Retirees who pass the "65-point plan" (a minimum of 10 years of active service, and the retiree's age plus years of service must equal or exceed 65) also qualify for "non-revenue" travel.

  11. NonRev.net Forums

    Contains no unread forum posts. Forum is a category. Forum is a Link. nonrev.net's Airline Employee Forum: A place to talk about interline travel, interline discounts, nonrev discounts. Covers hotels, car rental, flights, tips and tricks, and more...

  12. HELPFUL TVL INFO PART I

    The American Airlines' Retirees Website is the official website for all retirees and contains the official Rules and Regulations for non-revenue travel. The AMRRC website should be used by retirees for informational purposes only. The official AA Website for Retirees: www.retirees.aa.com. For AA Legacy Retirees -.

  13. Non-Rev Travel 101: A Beginner's Guide

    What Is Non-Rev Travel? Non-rev or "non-revenue" travel is one of the main perks that comes with working for an airline. It basically refers to the flight benefits that pilots, flight attendants, and even some gate agents receive. It's called non-reving because the airline does not receive revenue for the employee's spot on the airplane.

  14. Non-Rev Status Holders? : r/americanairlines

    As far as upgrades as a non rev it's based on check in time and your nonrev level. D2 for AA employes and all the others in that category like D2R for retires, D2P for parents, etc. The highest check in level is D1 and employees and their spouses or registered companions get 6 one ways a month.

  15. Enrollment and Eligibility

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  16. Free flights for a million current, retired U.S. airline employees

    Southwest Airlines, which has more than 230,000 eligible non-rev travelers, boards active employees first, followed by family members of employees and then retirees.

  17. American Airlines Penalizes Employees Who Buy Their Own Travel To

    There are numerous rules that go along with flying so-called 'free' (there are often fees for international travel, and for some there can be tax consequences as well). One of the stranger ones on American Airlines is that employees cannot book conflicting paid travel and non-rev travel. In fact, they aren't even allowed to list for non-rev travel on American is they have paid or mileage award ...

  18. AA Lounge Access for Non-Rev, Employee & Family

    3. Forum Jump. American Airlines | AAdvantage - AA Lounge Access for Non-Rev, Employee & Family - So the deal is, we are based out of Chicago. My wife works for AA and we fly AA mostly out of USA to international destinations they offer. I also go back home to Australia either with Qantas or AA, out of lax, depending which flight.

  19. American Airlines switches up its frequent-flyer program

    Preferred travel agency bookings will not be eligible. American last announced a major overhaul of its frequent-flyer program in 2021, doing away with using how far or often someone flew to ...

  20. American Airlines Is Once Again Changing How Fliers Can Earn Rewards

    For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com. ... Travel; American Airlines Is Once Again Changing How Fliers ...

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  22. Federal Register :: Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary

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