In general, most airlines do not offer free tickets to their pilots. Pilots work as contractors and are typically not entitled to any kind of airline benefits like free tickets or other discounts. However, some airlines may offer pilots limited discounts on tickets, typically for family and friends.
According to the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, such discount programs involve extra fees and may provide the pilot with a voucher that can be used to purchase a ticket at a reduced rate.
Additionally, while the airline may list a discounted fare on its website, the pilot may only be able to purchase the ticket at the discounted rate using their airline-issued ID. Even though most airlines don’t offer free tickets to their pilots, these discounted tickets can be a valuable benefit for pilot family members or friends.
How many free tickets do pilots get?
The exact number of free tickets available to pilots varies depending on their airline, company policy, and their individual status, but most airlines allow them to fly for free on a space-available basis.
This means that the pilot can select any available flight and take it for free as long as there is an empty seat in the aircraft. Some airlines also offer pilots a limited number of free companion tickets, which means that the pilot can bring someone along at no cost.
Further, depending on the airline’s policies, a pilot may also be able to share his or her travel benefits with family members and close friends. To be eligible for this benefit, a pilot’s family and friends may have to meet the airline’s requirements such as age, destination, and flight time.
How many buddy passes does a pilot get?
Pilot buddy passes are provided to pilots employed by an airline as an employee benefit. The number of passes a pilot receives depends on the airline. Generally, buddy passes are distributed annually for personnel use, and some airlines have limitations on how many may be issued to each pilot.
Most airlines provide from two to four passes per year, and some may provide anywhere from one to eight or more. Depending on the airline, additional passes may also be obtained after working a certain number of qualified hours or by meeting certain performance criteria.
The passes typically allow the pilot’s family and friends to fly without ticket cost. The terms of usage and applicable restrictions may vary within different airlines.
