Know someone who works for an airline? Ask them to get you a buddy pass! Buddy passes are non-revenue, standby tickets provided as a benefit to all airline employees. The employees then share those passes with friends and family. The passenger is eligible to fly for free but has to pay the taxes and fees of the flight. An employee may get up to 10 buddy passes per year that expire annually. An employee may get up to 10 buddy passes per year that expire annually.