Traveling just got much cheaper. And much more stressful…
A friend of mine offered me a large quantity of United buddy passes, so my travel for the foreseeable future–if I so choose–will be cheap and likely in premium cabins on international flights. But my first experience flying standby, a trip to Chicago last weekend, makes me think that I might just end up buying tickets. Flying standby is not as glamorous as it may seem.
The plan was to meet up with a couple colleagues from Frankfurt in Chicago on Thursday evening, then drive to our buddy’s house in Green Lake, Wisconsin for the weekend. I booked myself on an afternoon Philadelphia-Chicago flight at 4:31p (getting to the airport is quite a story…but I’ll save it for another post) and made it to the gate just before boarding had started. I looked up to the upgrade waitlist and saw:
Ha! No problem–as long as I got the economy class seat. (you standby directly into first class on United Airlines, but with the complimentary domestic upgrade benefit for UA elites, standbys rarely get into a premium cabin).
But with the flight checked in full, I was still number 9 on the standby list! I hung around until the end of boarding, when two more standbys got on, but I still wasn’t close. With the next and last flight of the day to Chicago oversold, it looked like I wouldn’t make it.
Unless I connected.
I checked loads and flying via Cleveland looked more promising than via Newark or Washington Dulles. The Cleveland flight was departing shortly, so I made my way over to the gate and was issued a boarding pass for the flight.
No lounge access in Cleveland, but the wi–fi internet was complimentary and fast and I found an electrical outlet to plug in my laptop at the gate to my Chicago flight. It felt like I was a kid again…
There were three seats left on the Chicago flight with two on the standby list, so I got the seat–Economy Plus on a CR7. I made it to Chicago a little later than planned, but it worked.
Last night I had to play the game all over again. The first flight to Philadelphia was operated by a CR7 and I was number 7 on the waitlist. Five eventually cleared, but I was left without a seat.
Next flight was a 757-200, booked even, so my chances looked good. I walked over to the gate and found the flight was delayed 30 minutes due to a late arriving crew. Soon enough, the crew walked up led by Captain Denny Flanagan! Captain Denny walked right up to me, shook my hand and greeted me by name. I am actually pretty good at remembering names, but Denny never forgets a face! Last time I had the chance to fly with Captain Denny I gave up my seat for a bump; this time I was just hoping for an economy class seat on the flight so I would not have to wait three hours for the next flight.
I made it onto the flight…an exit row middle. Smooth flight, good crew, and I made it back to Philadelphia only 10 minutes behind schedule.
Summing up my first non-rev experience on UA: exactly what I expected.
I won’t say how much I paid, but it was a much, much, much better deal than buying a revenue ticket. On a shorthaul route like Philadelphia-Chicago, flying economy and missing a flight is not really a problem, but going forward I will be paying the $300-400 for a revenue ticket to California and back when I 1.) earn miles and 2.) typically get an upgrade to first class.
Flying internationally is a more difficult issue. Fares are great, but taxes are high. With base fares as cheap as $79 on many transatlantic UA flights, I am really looking at choosing between flying business class and earning no miles or flying non-upgradeable coach and earning miles. That’s a tough choice…and I lean toward the coach option, or better yet spending a bit more and upgrading.
I look forward to seeing what sort of travel I can squeeze into the next several months, but as you can see, the choice to use non-rev benefits is not quite as easy as it may seem. But still a welcome dilemma!
I fly non-rev on a regular basis in Europe… load factors have increased over the past months. And here it isn’t as easy to reroute.
But when I look by how much the US carriers have improved their SLF, then flying standby must have gotten really tough.
Can you use the jumpseat on a buddy pass? That’s usually the last chance here; I’ve made a flights where people got bumped but non-revs still got the jump.
@flo: I could have done jumpseat on LH when I was with Star, but not with United. Believe me, I tried…
What does “FOP not found” mean?
No idea. Screenshot you can share?
I fly UA non-rev all the time, but have been very lucky this year. I have only found my self bumped from I flight once trying to get back home on a Sunday. It does help that I live by a hub and I pray for those miss connects so I can get on. It is kind of nice being able to fly international business or first for a almost nothing compared to buying a ticket (taxes and such). You will have to give us an update about your first non-rev international experience as I have found this to be interesting this year especially at NRT.
I worked for AA for ten years. Lots of friends asked me for buddy passes. After giving them the speech about how bad it sucks, a few insisted on using them so I’d give them passes and suggest when to travel and what to wear to increase their chances of getting on flights. Only one guy asked me for passes again after his first experience and that was because he was a college student and had more time than money. It wasn’t that bad for employees, they have higher boarding priority. But I eventually took a job that paid $8k/yr more. That’s about how much I valued the benefit because I wasn’t at a hub so it was harder to travel and because I was getting married and I knew kids would follow and I didn’t even want to think about non-revving with young children.
I non-revved for 19 years as an AA employee. I would never go back as it simply isn’t worth the trouble. I see First/Biz more now as a 1K then I ever did as an employee … bot domestic and international. And as a “buddy”, you’re even lower on the priority list than the employee.
No lounge access in CLE ?? There’s a nice and large United (CO) Club there.
@steve64: As a pass rider, I could not use my SAS Gold status to gain entrance to the lounge. I do not have a United Club membership.
@Nick: I believe pass privs are a bit different for Express Jet. Do you get tri-cabin first or BusinessFirst on ex-Con flights if traveling alone? I can only (at least in theory… 😉 ) get into business class on a tri-cabin plane on an international flight. Domestically, not that I’d ever get an upgrade, I’d be eligible for highest cabin of service.
As an Express Jet Pass Rider I am able to fly on UA and DAL. Depending on what I book on employeeres I can fly first on a 3-cabin plane or BusinessFirst, both traveling alone. On my last trip to Asia I was able to fly BusinessFirst from EWR-NRT and First on UA Metal NRT-IAD. I have noticed that it is almost impossible to get first on a domestic flight. Being Express Jet they only difference is that my pass priority is lower than that of a UA employee
Nick, are you listed as a spouse or dependent? Since I am just a “buddy” I cannot get first, which is a big bummer.
I am listed as a travel companion (which I guess is like a dependent). It is still a nice perk to have someone “buddy passes” for last minute travel.
@Nick Have you booked Economy and end up in a higher cabin for international flight? Just curious. Even though the the tax and service fees for First and Business classes are great deal when compared to a normal ticket price, they do add up when you travel a lot.
I was able to fly on passes on NWA and definitely was easier in the 90’s, especially being able to get into World Business Class (remember that?) before unlimited elite upgrades and more people using miles to upgrade internationally. But lately flights are much more full and especially in our situation of typically having to make a connection and now with wife + 2 kids in tow it just isn’t worth it within the US. My dad was the employee and now as a retiree I am eligible for a non-dependant pass so am one category above everyone else with a buddy pass, though the everyone else includes my wife and kids, so not a true advantage when traveling together. The cost of a buddy pass for the routes I priced was usually 50-60% of an advance purchase coach fare.. so for us with the added risk of a connection combined with having to get four seats instead of just one, it just doesn’t make sense for us. However, for those with just one or two people and especially those living in a hub city, it can be a fantastic deal if you can be flexible.
@tommy: Indeed, international national flights are much more expensive than domestic flights for buddy passes, though the difference between economy and business is not much. I have not flown internationally yet on a buddy pass and likely won’t–I’d rather be in coach but earn 20K award miles.
Hello,
Does anyone know what the current benefits are like for ExpressJet employees. Do they only fly on DL or UA or do they get both.
Thanks
I am CX cabin crew.I want to fly to NYC or ORD from LAX ,2012Dec31 to 2013Jan05.
Am I able to apply crew seat for myself and jump seat for my husband, if possible, How to do ?
I am not able to find any place to apply.
does anyone know if there is a UA “load history” so i can look at the month of May for the best days to try a non-rev flight NYC TO SHANNON, IRELAND?
@Nick I am also an expressjet pass rider, how do you book flights with Delta?
My husband (Herman Jimerson) retired from Continental Airlines in 1983 andI have a lifetime pass with them and I would like some informationon wheather I can use it on United and at what cost.
You can check non rev loads at http://www.NonRevCheckin.com.
My family works for United so I travel on Standby but still paying a portion of the regular price. Sometimes is hard when flights are full but my real issue flying standby is the service provided by the crew. We are very easy going people, and In different occasions we have been treated different from others custumer just because we are standby. Example: on our international flight ( we paid around $1.000) I kindly asked for a glass of water, the flight attendant made me go to the back of the flight to get it myself. Let alone the rude attitude every time talking to us. We made a complaint once we arrived, and we were told just because we were standbys were had no “right” to complain, and we were suggest it to forget about it because we did not want our family employed by United to have problems at work. In another occasion, we were waiting to be called to board,, apparently we were called by other names, so ofcourse we did not react, after half hour of waiting and knowing there was space in the plane, I approached the desk and asked why were didn’t get called, the person looked at me and said in a loud and disrespectful tone ” I called you twice, you are a standby!!! “just get in the plane”
It’s horrible!!
how much does a standby tickets to belize cost with united airline. this is international flight . thank you ornella
Been trying to find standby tickets since I have to fly short legs pretty frequently to visit home but haven’t had luck finding any. Flying can get pretty expensive, anyone know how you get SB tickets??
I must be the world’s luckiest non-rev. In eight trips to western Europe over the last three years, I’ve never been bumped once I reached the airport. 16 legs, 13 of those in first class, the other three in Econ+. It probably helps that none of my flights are necessary, except to get home. Maybe I’m just choosey about what I’m willing to risk, load-wise. I have to fly from North Carolina to Newark to catch an international flight so I don’t bother if it’s really tight either way, or there are no fallback return flights that look good. But the crew has always been great. A good tip is if you catch the crew transport into town, pick up the driver’s tip for everyone. Amazing what about $1/head will get you in thanks on the trip home and it’s still cheaper than a taxi or train. A nice box of chocolates for the crew on the flight out is also very much appreciated.
Nonrevnue travel Glamorous? I don’t think so Willis. This notion came from the 50-60s “Jet-set.” These days, Jet-Set? Don’t make me laugh. Once someone did me a favor and I thought about giving her a pass, then proceeded to write a one-page Procedure. When I read it back to myself, I realized how ^%#&@ stressful is flying standby, I wouldn’t be doing this person a favor. Standby passes are good if the employee is a cell call away and can/willing to “guide” you on the travel day, otherwise, just buy a %&^$@ ticket because you may end up spending more money trying to get home.
But it really depends not the person–I am a “veteran” non-revver and I know exactly what to do. I am trying to get from San Francisco to Burbank today and have already missed my first flight. Now I am hoping for a seat on the next flight, five hours later. I have a club card and have been very productive here. It depends on the person–flying on a pass can be a tremendous blessing.
Does anyone know how i can get one to try? Or if someone has extra they dont want?
Non-rev travel is getting worse and worse with each passing year now. The airlines have gotten excellent at revenue/capacity management. So good, in fact, that their ‘inconvenienced’ revenumodated.
The final insult was finding out that UA charges other airline employees a $25 fee just to list with a human being with their rationalization that you can otherwise go to a cryptic web address to do it yourself. How insulting/offensive in taking advantage of industry employees who have taken wage cuts and pension elimination during the years…. And this is in a period of profits for the airlines….
This industry never ceases to amaze me as to how low they can stoop….
Happy Travels !
I am a non rev parent. Best thing I ever did was join CO’s president’s club for life which UAL no longer offers. I have spent many hours relaxing there and have invited other non revs to join me . As far as flying, I try to do it on Wednesdays I live in Fl and it is a little tough to get in and out in the winter. I take the attitude that this is an ADVENTURE! And I’ve had plenty! My first non rev experience was waiting 12 hours to get out of Orlando! After that I got smart! Been doing this since 1998. I’m in my 70s. Keep a positive attitude, smile and compliment the gate agent. That’s all I can offer. 🙂
I have been working for United for 11 years now and have never paid for a ticket just the taxes internationally and sometimes the 1st upgrade difference ($90usd +/-). I have flown on American, Southwest, Lufthansa, SAS, Singapore Airlines, Delta, Alaska, Aeromexico, Varig, Air France, Emirates, Qantas, Virgin America, Jet Blue, Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines, US Airways……too many airlines to mention and of course United. All non-rev……I have flown over 430 times last time I counted. I will probably never pay for a ticket because I know so many employees all over the US and different parts in the world that if need to worst I can always ask them for a favor as I have given favors for many when it comes to travel. If you are ever in need of a cheap flight and you need to leave out of Los Angeles I can help you out. Of course I make a very small cut or none and expect a travel favor in return.
@NON-REVELER: Would a skywest affiliate be able to non rev through a partner airline of UA? For example, would I be able to fly with SA Airways or British Airways in order to fly to Cape Town, SA?
My friend, a United Airline employee, registered me in accordance with the new policy covering Buddy Passes. She has had difficulty however listing me on a flight. As far as I can tell, the problem occurs when the form of ID is asked for. She tried checking driver’ license and when that failed, tried passport. Has anyone from United had this problem, and more to point, a solution?
Thanks for whatever input you can provide.
Fred, the problem seems to be that you need to input this info every time (or almost every time) you book a trip.
Click on “Add/Edit Secure Flight Information” and in the “Edit Secure Flight Document” box click on the plus sign and try adding the info again.
Matthew, thanks for the tip. I’ll pass your comments to my friend and keep my fingers crossed. Times have changed since I was employed by Eastern Airlines. Those were days of 55% load factors (on busy flights). We paid $5.00 for economy and $10.00 for first..
Our daughter works for UA and my hubby and I have flown non rev a couple of times. I have a question I hope someone can answer:
When we list as first class and pay the higher fee, but receive an economy seat is there any way we can get a refund of the difference?
Thank you
Hi Karen,
Unfortunately, it is not an automatic process, but if you visit United refunds (website below) you will be able to enter your ticket number and will get the refund within 24-72 hours. Under comments just write, “NRSA — paid for first, flew economy”
http://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/reservations/refunds/refund.aspx
I’ve been bugging my poor United employee brother so many times about this that I hope to avoid yet one more question. I’m enrolled with United as Extended Family Buddy and just booked (hopefully) a round trip flight from Indianapolis to Quebec City. The itinerary shows up on the United pass site but I get a message saying an e-ticket has not been sent to my email address because “FOP not found”. I sent a message to etc@united.com (didn’t have any luck with a phone call) but don’t want to wait very long for a response, as I leave July 11. Any good ideas for a phone number that would work for me? Thanks so much…
@Mark: That seems to be a technical error on the pass site indicating, “formatting objects processor”, essentially that the script behind the page could not complete the e-mail request. If you send me the record locator (send it to my e-mail matthew at upgrd dot com) I can try to send you the e-ticket to print or call the Pass Line at 877 825 3729.
Hello. I have a quick question I hope someone could answer. Can our relatives use our buddy passes for international travel? Thank you.
@Annie — are you an active employee?
all that united buddy pass crap is crap excuse me continental crap the good days are gone continental has took over and they change rules like you change socks spend your money on a real ticket no hassel and the employee gets to keep his job continental don’t want united employees or there family on those flights that’s why they allways over sole united is gone its all continental they should have never merged what a bunch of crap
Hi, my sister just graduated and starts work next week as a stewardess, she told me i could travel because she is an employee., i think she have to wait 6 months to start getting the benefits. Will i be offered buddy pass or is any other kind of ticket given to siblings? Could u give me the info on companion traveler. Thank u
Aggie, are we talking about United Airlines?
Hi, I am an enrolled friend. I have a normal paid reservation (coach) for a transatlantic flight coming up (I have to make it). I’m curious if there’s some way to use the enrolled friend benefit to list for business class or first? What would happen if I listed as non-rev for the same flight? (I’d be happy to ‘lose’ the coach fare)
Thanks!
Bob, this is possible — list for business/first, keep coach ticket if you don’t make it, but it violates United pass rider rules and your friend could get his/her pass privileges revoked. Thus, I would not gamble with this.
A friend of mine might give me a pass for next year with united. I would want to use it primarily to flight international. Houston to Europe mostly. Was wondering considering that Houston is a big hub for United what are the chances to get bumped off the flight.
I’m mostly concerned about the return trip due to work. Also as far as what the actual cost is to fly using the pass. Is it just the taxes I see listed when I try to buy a ticket in the united website? Trying to make an informed decision about the pass since is my understanding it can only be assigned to someone once a year. If I’m not going to be able use it too much I would rather have her give it to someone else.
If it makes any difference she has been employed for little over 10 years and is my understanding that is factored into how stand by seats are allocated?
@Gabriel, Houston is a tough city — London is easier than Amsterdam or Frankfurt, generally, but I would be hesitant to use the pass if you have to be home on a certain date, especially if you are talking about summer in Europe.
Imputed taxes on buddy passes are assessed when you pay, so that amount that is charged to your credit card will be your only obligation. If you are an actual pass rider, watch out for imputed taxes, which will creep up on you if you take too many flights. These taxes will be in addition to the government taxes you are responsible for.
You will be low down on the seniority list as a pass rider of an employee with 10 years seniority. Not terrible, but not great — figure you’ll usually be toward the bottom 1/3 of the list.
Do enrolled friends attached to 25 year employee still have to pay any taxes whey they fly?
@David — my understanding is no.
Great. That information helps a lot @Matthew. Thank you
My husband is retired UA. For the first time ever we are faced with checking a bag. It’s a pretty much open flight. What’s the procedure?
Thx 🙂
Tammie, your first two bags (up to 70lbs) are at no charge.
My brother in Law is a pilot in United so he put me on his benefit list to fly for free , So I ussually fly to argentina , and I always was lucky and sometimes I fly Bussiness obviousle paying a fee that I think is around 150 bucks , not bad for an international flight ! This year i was not lucky trying to Fly from IAH to Narita , Tokyo I had to go 3 days to the airport and the third day i got a seat , not bussines but i got on the plane !!!
Hi,
Flying international with a buddy pass. What’s my checked baggage allowance
1 free checked bag up to 50lbs with buddy pass on int’l flight.
(no luggage on domestic itinerary)
I am listed on my friends account as companion and try in the internal system to book international flights, but none ever show up for UA express jet.
Hi, I am an LH-employee and I’ve tried to get on a national flight on UA 3 weeks ago. Never made it on, cancelled my ID90-ticket and wait for the refund since. Does anyone know, how long this takes with UA?
@BRINI: Aren’t ID-90 tickets issued via ID90Travel.com?
Or can you go to those cool ticketing machines at LH hubs and issue UA tickets there on LH stock?
Of course flying standby has pros and cons; you have to be very careful about dates, season, route etc.
If you handle properly all this factors you can get the best of the industry benefits.
I work for Delta 6 years, now I fly as a retired, and I always get business class on international flights ( domestic impossible they give upgrades to everybody).
So… to me is totally worth it, all the agony waiting at the airports is forgotten when you see yourself enjoying your glass of champagne, your flatbed seat and the wonderful meals they serve, and you remember how much you paid and you laugh inside.
My son just graduated from his UA Flight Attendant class. We used to fly non-rev when he worked for Delta and even though it was stressful at times, was always worth it. I am so excited to have non-rev benefits again. Can’t wait for my first international flight!!!
t happened when I was flying with my wife, now i will be flying alone. I had found that waiting patiently helps. Make sure you dress well because the person at counter will check your attire carefully.
del ual my son has been an employee of ual since nov 1985. will that much senority help get me on non rev flights
Yes Fred, it will help tremendously.
Hi … I will be flying on a non-revenue UA flight tomorrow and have two questions:
1. Do I need to check in 24 hours in advance on line?
2. Is there a charge to check or carry on luggage?
Hi Mary,
There is no need to check-in online, although I would to save yourself the hassle at the airport.
Baggage fees depend — are you traveling on a buddy pass? If so, there is a fee for checked bags. If you are traveling as an immediate family member or spouse of an employee, there is no fee.
@Matthew– Thank you for your prompt response!!
I am considering entering the airline industry with United. I have read through ALL the comments above and have a good understanding that patience & flexibility is necessary when taking advantage of the standby perk. Although, I don’t understand the dress code? Regarding standby, can I as an employee also bring a guest as standby? How realistic is it to expect to fly standby when traveling from a Friday night to Sunday night out of Los Angeles to ANYWHERE really. Thanks so much for the info! I am trying to see if it is a good fit for me to leave the aerospace industry and move into airlines. I do enjoy traveling but given a standard 9-5 work week, weekends are my only hope.
@Maggie: Dress code is not really enforced. If you are a United employee you will be allowed buddy passes to anyone (though you do have to register them in advance) or can designate two “buddies” who would enjoy higher boarding priority. Parents and spouse would also have access.
Getting out of LAX is hard. I tried to get to Washington last Friday night for a funeral on Saturday and could nota make it — flights were full and my boarding seniority is over 20 years (i.e. I was ahead of many).
The nice thing about working for United is that you can also enjoy 20% off revenue tickets, which may work out better than the stress of standing by…
I’ve read now the past two years of comments and wonder – must I have a pass from an airline employee to fly nonrev? I was talking to an DL employee about their buddy pass they don’t use, but haven’t heard anything from them. I fly to Europe once a month already, but would love to more often. Might my friends who fly for the airlines be able to help?
What is the ePass telephone number to change flight times?
+186635937277
Can you take pet with you as a non-rev?
Yes.
I’m listed as a UAL “enrolled friend,” interested in flying non-rev to New Zealand. I’ve been reviewing NZ’s visa requirements and it appears a confirmed return ticket may be required (standby return ticket would not be acceptable). Would anyone happen to know anything about this or standby travel to NZ in general?
Becky, I recommend you book a fully refundable ticket back to the States — make sure there are no fees to cancel. True, it means that you’ll have as much as $2K tied up, but as soon as you board your standby flight you can cancel and refund the “placeholder” ticket.
Don’t do it on United unless the ticket home to SFO is way in the future — UA frowns upon booking a confirmed ticket and trying to standby on the same time (viewing the confirmed ticket as a way to game the system).
My sister is a flight attendant for United and my girlfriend and I have flown as non-rev/standby passengers (usually lowest on the seniority list) several times over the past few months with minimal delays or flight-bumps. It has saved us a ton of money so far. While I have been a United MileagePlus Explorer cardholder for several years, the two “free” passes to the United Club I receive annually disappeared after only a few trips. I am now thinking about paying for a MileagePlus Club membership since we are flying United so frequently now. My question is: Will the fact we book our flights on the United Employee Reservation website AND use my sister’s paycheck deduction as the method of payment (this is to avoid credit card refund hassles for cancelled flights) prevent me from utilizing the benefits of being a MileagePlus Club member (including unlimited United Club Access and the Premier Access security line)? We would obviously not receive Premier boarding since we are standby, but it seems like we should still be entitled to the applicable benefits that are not related to Premier boarding or baggage handling. Also, would the answer change if we were to book the reservation using my (soon to be) MileagePlus Club Card instead of paycheck deduction, and are there any benefits other than reward points to using my Card instead of paycheck deduction? Apologies for the long-winded question, but I wanted to make sure the finer differences between our reservation were clear to any potential experts on the subject who may have answers for us! Thank you for your great blog and keep up the good work!
Hi Andrew, great questions. Here’s my understanding:
1. No trouble accessing lounge on standby tickets with a United Club card or even a Star Gold card.
2. Baggage and boarding benefits of Explorer card do not technically apply, but Chase should credit you the baggage fee after the fact. A bit cumbersome, but if you are using buddy passes checked bags fees always apply.
Hi Matthew,
I fly for Cathay Pacific. My wife wants to Nonrev from Hong Kong to Newark with her dog? Is this possible?
Cheers!
Kevin
On United or Cathay? United does allow pass riders to bring a dog just like a regular traveler.
What is the difference between a UA buddy pass and companion pass?
Companion passes have a higher waitlist priority and is eligible for seating in three-cabin first class on three-cabin aircraft and two-cabin business on two-cabin longhaul flights. Buddy passes only allow for business on three-cabin aircrafts: otherwise only economy. Furthermore, buddy passes are limited in number and restricted during high season from many cities in Europe and Asia. Companion passes are unrestricted (though that doesn’t mean you will get a seat).
Hello! My mom inlaw works for united over 20 years. We have taken 2 domestic flights, pretty hasstle free. Not bumped as of yet! We wanted to know, are we able to take international flights with out the emplloyee accompanying us and how likely can we get into business class. SF TO NRT
On a three-cabin plane, you should be eligible to standby for business on a P4 basis (fairly low seniority). No first class and no business on a two-cabin plane.
Hey There! I was wanting to list a friend under a buddy pass and she wants to take her dog. It is a beagle/lab mix. Do I have to notify United she is bringing the dog ahead of time? Also, will the dog be allowed in the cabin if it is not in a kennel? It weighs 45 lbs so I am not sure it would fit as a ‘carry on’ kennel dog. I assume it would go underneath or she would need to get some clearance to keep it in the cabin. Thanks for any info.
Emotional support animal?
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/animals/in_cabin.aspx
Otherwise it is $125, but permitted for pass riders.
Hi! I have been non-revving with UA since birth! My father is a 38 year active employee, and I have fond childhood memories of our family of 4 running from gate to gate through various airports all over the world trying to make the next flight after being bumped, my parents deciding which child to take should only 2 seats be available, and almost never being able to sit together. Now that I’m older I fly on an extended family buddy pass and find it extremely difficult just going back home to visit (LAX-ORD). I always buy a ticket if I have to be somewhere on a specific date. My dad is finally retiring at the end of this month and I’m debating whether to ask him to include my husband and I as his enrolled friends (I understand after retiring the buddy passes disappear, and he only gets to choose 2 enrolled friends per year). Do you know what the priority is for enrolled friends in comparison to extended family?
Hi Kristina,
Enrolled friends travel as SA3P or SA3V, but will join the retiree as SA0V on a vacation pass.
Hi all,
I am taking a gap year next year to explore the world and my friend offered me to become the 3rd eligible pass rider at her husband’s UA benefit. She told me that I’d have to pay $25 to fly domestic and $50 to fly internationally.
I have a couple questions that I would appreciate if you could help me to answer:
1. Does the $25 and $50 includes taxes or I will have to pay taxes on top of it every time I fly?
2. I will do some intense international traveling. As an eligible pass rider (but with no family ties). Can I also use the benefit with United’s partners? Would the fee be the same? I was noticing that if I want to connect from one country to another from UA I would have to come back to the US almost every time and that wouldn’t be viable;
3. Is the benefit unlimited? Can I use as many international flights as I’d like?
4. I will be backpacking, and although I plan on following the dress code chances are that I may look a bit messy. Do employees frown upon backpackers?
Thank you all for any help sent my way.
Hi May,
1. The amount you pay will vary with distance (international) and seat class you book. For example, to fly first class from California to Seoul, you would pay about $160, business class $140 and economy $40. On the other hand, flying from LAX to New York in economy you would pay zero and first class $40.
2. Assuming you will be an “enrolled friend”, I do not believe you are eligible for “ID-90” discount fares. If you will be travelling within Asia or Europe, I would suggest to use one of the budget regional airlines such as Air Asia.
3. Yes, it is unlimited.
4. Regardless of which seat class you book, ALWAYS look presentable and follow the UA pass rider dress code.
And note that effective 11/01/17 imputed taxes will be pre-payed and quarterly W-2s will be sent (as opposed to 1099s).
Matthew
A friend has been working for United and asked if I wanted to be an “enrolled friend”. My question is about the imputed taxes. He thinks that if I take a trip to PHL to ORD and back, that he will be hit with some kind of imputed tax at a later date that I would have to reimburse him for. Is this true, and how much is this tax? If it is based on the full value of a ticket, this benefit would be just about worthless.
Hello…I am becoming an “enrolled friend” on United. I am excited about this opportunity to utilize these travel benefits. I understand there will be some sort of “imputed income”. Can someone please explain how that works and the approximate cost or an example. I don’t want my travel to cost the employee any additional money for me to use the flight benefits I will use. ANY help/advice on these benefits would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Will be about $20-200/one-way trip [depending upon location and class of service], billed to the employee quarterly.
My child and I are ‘enrolled friends’ under a retiree’s benefits. Does anyone know if my child (12 year old now) can travel alone using the enrolled pass? If no, what is the age that a minor can fly alone using the pass? Also, does anyone know when can the child be eligible to standby for first or business class if traveling with me? Thanks!
HI, I am an enrolled friend designated pass rider on United and recently used passes to fly internationally. Because of the difficulty of the connections, I had to list for and cancel several flights (all because I didn’t get onto the flight and decided to try a different route) My credit card was charged when I initially listed for each of the flight segments. Will that automatically come off since I didn’t get on the flights and then cancelled the selection? Or do I need to request a refund? And if I do have to, what category would that be under. I couldn’t find anything that looked like refund for non rev pass. Thank you
Hi Ann, This is not an automatic process. Just choose ticket refund on united.com/refunds, but note in the comments section that you are a pass rider. Glad you were able to make it home!
HI, I am an enrolled friend designated pass rider on United. Can I fly on a different air line for example JetBlue the reason that I’m of my question is that something I travel internacional and JetBlue have more opportunity than United.
Nope, United only.
I have a quick question. I noticed that some flights, no matter when I try to look for available ones, give me the message that “All flights have departed or no flights found for this request.” even if they’re months out. For example, ABQ-AKL (Albuquerque to Auckland, New Zealand). Does this mean we cannot fly standby to said destination? I’ve searched for an answer, but we haven’t seemed to get actual clarification.
Is this during the time of year that the seasonal AKL flight is running?
So I’m trying to fly non-rev to Asia in December to visit family. I have Zed benefits so I can fly interline on any airline pretty much but my primary non-rev is through United. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience trying to non-rev during the mid December period. Is it even worth the try? I know it’s a crazy time to fly and everyone going on Christmas holiday.
Thanks.
Hi ,
What rank does enrolled frient of a flight attendant gets with UA ? My friend only been working for United for a year now , she offered to enroll me and thinks that there is a priority enrolled member that will get the same ranking as it would be her (fairly high for flight attendant even though she worked only for a year ) . Is this correct?
If not, Matthew , can you please clarify possible ranking?
SA3P (personal) or 3V (vacation) when traveling alone and SA1P or SA0V when traveling with you.
My friend that works for United Airlines just add me as an “enrolled friend”. How long does it take for me to be active and eligible for all the perks? Is there a difference between enrolled friend, pass rider and a buddy pass?
Lastly, if I’m traveling to London from IAH (Houston) and there’s a connection in Paris with a different airline, can I still book the trip or I’m only allowed to fly UA flights only?
You will only be able to standby on United-operated flights.
If you are traveling with the employee, there is ZED space and standby opportunities on Lufthansa and TAP.
Thanks for the swift response. Do you know how long it takes to be active in the system once you’ve been added as “enrolled friend”?
Question I’m thinking about applying for a United job and I’m now working for delta. Was wondering is it hard to get first class international seats for a non rev united employee ??
Depends on route and season. It is much easier during low season from hubs like LAX and IAD.
I am a retired UA employee of 32 years. How is the seniority figured when a flight is boarded with non-revs? I was told that 10 years is deducted from your years of service for boarding purposes. Is this true???
10 years is not deducted, but you would travel at SA3P if using a personal pass, behind any active employee traveling. If traveling on a vacation pass, you are at SA0V, the highest standby level, which would then be further sorted by actual seniority.
Hi! I have a companion pass with United through a friend. I am planning on flying international first time and I’m flexible on where I go so I’m trying to snag first class. A few of the cities say 1 open first class but the seat map shows 8 unassigned seats first class. Are these seat reserved for premium members or is there a chance I could make it into one of these first class unassigned seats even tho it lists first class open standby seats as one available?
Really depends on the flight. Sometimes premium seats are blocked if economy class is oversold. Check the upgrade lists to see how many people are on the waitlist. Right now, there is virtually nowhere you can go that has open premium seats. My best recommendation if you just want a premium seat is to fly to Tokyo and fly right back.
When on the United app and looking at ‘boarding totals’ for the flight availability it shows upgradable premiers: 12 … with 3 open business seats available.
Just confirming upgradable premiers get those seats before an SA1P that is on a business standby non-rev ticket?
Correct. Revenue first, then positive space, then space available.