# How many Buddy passes does United give?
## United Airlines Buddy Pass |1-808-865-4414 |Rules

**1. 🧳 What Is a Buddy Pass?**
A Buddy Pass is a standby travel voucher provided to United Airlines employees. It allows registered non-revenue passengers (friends or family) to fly on a space-available basis—after all paying customers and higher-priority travelers have boarded. Typically, you only pay applicable taxes and fees, not the full fare.
[United Airlines Buddy Pass](https://traveltips247.bettermode.io/discussions/post/how-many-buddy-passes-does-united-give-MnUor6akD140sPv) |1-808-865-4414 |Rules

**2. 🎯 How Many Buddy Passes Are Granted?**
Once an employee completes six months of service, they receive:

12 round-trip Buddy Passes (or 24 one-way passes) per calendar year, covering all registered “buddies”.

Up to 10 registered buddies may share those passes—each flight segment uses one pass .

“Employee gets 24 legs to allow all the buddies to use (or 12 RTs)… they can only register 12 buddies total throughout the year.”

So overall:

Feature Details
Total one-way passes 24
Equivalent round-trips 12
Max buddies to share them 10

**3. 👥 Who Can Be a Buddy?**
Buddies must be preregistered via the United employee’s account (Flying Together system)

Maximum of 10 unique individuals on the roster per year .

Employees may also choose a primary companion instead of buddies—but selecting a companion reduces or eliminates Buddy Pass access .

**4. 🛫 How Buddy Pass Travel Works**
Buddy travel is standby only—no confirmed seat. Priority is given to employees, dependents, retirees, then companions, with buddies last.

Each flight segment requires one use—connecting legs/downline also draw multiple passes.

Cost: Taxes and fees (airport, security, surcharges), typically charged only if you fly.
United Airlines Buddy Pass |1-808-865-4414 |Rules

**5. ⏱️ Listing and Check-in Rules**
You must add your name to the standby list: at least 12 hours before for domestic, 48 hours for international flights

Dress code: Business-casual; no denim tears, flip-flops, etc.
.

At the gate, you wait and hope for available seats—highly unreliable during peak periods.

**6. 🎁 Employee Perks and Limits**
Buddy Passes start after six months of employment.

Employees also receive 8 Vacation Passes for high-priority standby use in Premium cabins .

Additional perks: unlimited standby travel for employees, primary companions, dependents, and retirees .

Registered buddies have no official login to United systems—they depend on employee setup.

**7. ⚠️ Limitations & Things to Know**
Low standby priority – You’re behind many categories of travelers .

No seat guarantee – Even hours in advance can’t promise space.

Non-transferable – Passes can only be used by preregistered buddies.

Baggage fees apply same as other non-revenue passengers .

Multiple passengers on Buddy Pass might not sit together.

Peak season restrictions – flights are fuller, making standby harder.
**[United Airlines Buddy Pass](https://traveltips247.bettermode.io/discussions/post/how-many-buddy-passes-does-united-give-MnUor6akD140sPv)** |1-808-865-4414 |Rules

**8. 🧠 Insider Tips for Better Odds**
List early: 48h out internationally, 12h domestically .

Fly off-peak: Non-rev friendly slots include mid-week/mid-day flights.

Travel light: One carry-on helps in quick rebooking if rerouted.

Be airline casual: Dress neat and polite—image matters in standby selection .

Have a backup plan: Book a flexible refundable revenue ticket or late hotel just in case.

**9. 🧭 Real-World Experience**
According to veterans:

“You’re probably low on the priority list… you were number 42 on the standby list… flight had five open seats… waited for hours… gave up.”.

Buddy pass travel can be thrilling—but unpredictable. The more flexible and patient you are, the greater your chance of scoring a seat.

**10. ✅ Final Overview**
Total Buddy Passes: 24 one‑way (12 round-trips) per year.
**[United Airlines Buddy Pass](https://traveltips247.bettermode.io/discussions/post/how-many-buddy-passes-does-united-give-MnUor6akD140sPv)** |1-808-865-4414 |Rules

Max Buddies: 10 registered individuals.

Service eligibility: Begins after 6 months of employment.

Standby only: No seat guarantee; taxes/fees apply on board.

Best use case: Off‑peak, spontaneous travel; bundle perks with vacation passes.

Buddy passes can be a fun, low-cost travel method—if you’re prepared for the waiting game and lack certainty. They’re great for adventurous or spontaneous friends, but not for time-sensitive itineraries.
[United Airlines Buddy Pass](https://traveltips247.bettermode.io/discussions/post/how-many-buddy-passes-does-united-give-MnUor6akD140sPv) |1-808-865-4414 |Rules

Need help with listing deadlines, optimizing your standby chances, or comparing vacation vs. buddy pass strategies? I’m happy to help plan your best approach!