How to Fly Standby (“Non-Rev”) as a Pilot’s Spouse

Read these step-by-step instructions and tips on how to fly standby as a pilot’s spouse to make the most of this incredible benefit!

Flying standby, or non-revenue (“non-rev”), as the spouse of an airline pilot can be an exciting and valuable perk. It provides opportunities for spontaneous free travel as long as you maintain flexibility. However, navigating the non-rev process can be challenging. Below are step-by-step instructions, valuable tips and tricks and frequently asked questions to make your standby experience smooth and enjoyable.

Understanding Standby Travel: What It Means

The benefit of standby travel, also known as non-revenue or “non-rev,” allows you to board a flight for free on a space-available basis. This means you won’t have a confirmed seat until all paying passengers are accommodated. As the spouse of an American Airlines pilot (or any American Airlines subsidiary), you are eligible for this privilege. In fact, most airlines have some form of this benefit available.

Who is Eligible for Non-Rev Travel?

Please note: this list is specific to American Airlines. Be sure to check your specific airline for their eligibility and terms.

• A pilot’s immediate family members, including spouse and non-adult children: unlimited D2 passes and six D1 passes per year
• A pilot’s parents: unlimited number of D2P passes, subject to service fees
• A retired pilot
• Close friends (after one year of employment): 16 D3 “buddy passes” per year, subject to service fees

Step-by-Step Instructions for Flying Standby: Condensed

1. Confirm eligibility.
2. Create an employee travel account.
3. Search for flights.
4. Check load factors (seat availability).
5. Consider your priority level when booking.
6. Book your flight.
7. Check in as soon as possible (typically 24 hours before departure).
8. Print your temporary boarding pass(es).
9. Arrive early.
10. Find your gate.
11. Check in with gate agent to request official boarding pass(es).
12. Remain patient and flexible.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Flying Standby: Expanded

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria for companion travel.
2. Create an Employee Travel Account: Set up an account on the airline’s employee travel portal. You’ll need your spouse’s employee number and your personal details.
3. Search for Flights: Select your departure and arrival airports, dates, and preferred flights.
4. Check Load Factors: Monitor flight loads to assess availability and chances of getting a seat. Load factors indicate the percentage of seats occupied on a flight. For American Airlines, for example, availability (likelihood of getting a seat) is color-coded. For example, a flight listed in green means high likelihood of getting on the flight at that particular time. Yellow would mean it’s a toss-up, and red would mean it’s not likely you’ll get on the flight. As the departure date nears, be sure to check availability again to make sure the flight hasn’t booked up. If it has, it may be wise to cancel and book another flight with more availability.
5. Consider Your Priority Level when Booking: For American Airlines, for example, each family member is given six D1 passes per year and unlimited D2 passes. You might consider reserving your D1 passes for trips requiring multiple legs or for trips from which you must be home by a certain date or time. Also, if it’s a destination which has several flight offerings each day, it’s often best to book as D2. You’ll learn to be strategic with your D1 passes! (More on this below.)
6. Book Your Flight: The closer you can wait until departure date, the more accurate the number of seats available will be. Therefore, if you can wait until last minute to book your flight, it’s wise to do so.
7. Check-In 24 Hours Before Flight: Log into the airline’s travel portal to complete online check-in RIGHT AT 24 HOURS BEFORE THE DEPARTURE TIME. It’s first come, first serve within your priority tier. For example, if you and six others are traveling D2 on a particular flight and you’re the last one to check in for the flight, you’ll fall under not only all D1-status fliers, but also all D2 returning/connecting passengers and the other D2s that check in before you.
8. Print Your Temporary Boarding Pass: As soon as you check in for your flight (typically 24 hours in advance), you should receive an email with your temporary boarding pass(es). If you have these printed before you arrive at the airport, you can skip the ticket counter completely and head right through security with your temp boarding pass and ID. If you’re unable to print them ahead of time, you’ll need to stop by that specific airline’s ticket counter to request printed temp boarding passes before going through security. Be sure to tell them you’re flying non-rev.
9. Arrive Early: Arrive at the airport well in advance to secure your spot on the standby list. Check the airport’s guidelines for check-in and standby procedures.
10. Find Your Gate: Find your gate. The gate will be listed on the travel portal, but you should also confirm on the Departures/Arrivals screen in the terminal, as gates frequently change.
11. Check in with Gate Agent to Request Official Boarding Pass: When the gate agent arrives at the gate desk, give them a few minutes to get settled, then check in with them. Let them know you’re flying non-rev. They’ll take your ID and/or temporary boarding pass to look you up. If there is room on the flight, they will then call you up and issue an official boarding pass.
12. Remain Patient and Flexible: Standby travel requires flexibility as you might need to adjust your travel plans. Be open to alternative flights and routes.

What is the Priority Ranking of Pass Types (D1, D2, D3)

When booking your flight, priority will be given in the following order, from highest priority to lowest priority:

• D1 Through-Status (Returning or connecting flight)
• D1
• D2 Through-Status (Returning or connecting flight)
• D2
• D2R (Retiree)
• D2P (Parents)
• D3 (Buddy Pass)

Fliers among each tier rank in priority based on when they check in for the flight. That’s why it’s so important to check in THE MINUTE CHECK-IN OPENS.

Tips and Tricks for Successful Standby Travel

• Book Your Trip Last-Minute: The closer to your trip you can wait to book your flight, the more likely the seats showing “available” will stay about the same. The more time you leave between booking and leaving on your trip, the more opportunity there is for revenue-paying customers to buy tickets, thus filling up the flight and booting you off.
• Check in Exactly 24 Hours Before Your Flight: Log in exactly 24 hours before your flight to check in (or as soon as checkin is available, per airline guidelines). Not 22 hours before. Not 23 hours and 58 minutes. EXACTLY 24 hours before. It’s first-come, first-serve in your standby priority tier.
• Opt for Less Popular Routes: Consider flying during off-peak times or to less popular destinations. Flights to major tourist destinations might be more challenging to get on standby.
• Avoid Peak Travel Periods: Weekends, holidays, and busy seasons may reduce your chances of getting a seat. If possible, plan your trips during quieter times.
• Use Multiple Gateways: Larger airports with more frequent flights increase your options. Consider driving to a nearby major airport with more flight choices.
• Dress Appropriately and Be Pleasant: As a non-rev passenger you are representing the airline to an extent (and you’re representing your employee-spouse!). Be courteous to flight crew and other passengers always. Be willing to give up better seats to other passengers needing accommodations, such as those in wheelchairs or those flying with children.
• Stay Positive and Patient: Standby travel requires patience; maintain a positive attitude. There’s a chance you might not get on your first-choice flight, but stay optimistic and adaptable.
• Use D1 Passes Strategically: For example, if you’re really wanting on a flight that has six seats available and there are two D1s and five D2s available, you can take your chances or you can use one of your (limited) D1 passes to bump yourself up higher than the D2s. Also keep in mind it costs you nothing to cancel a flight and rebook as a different priority status, i.e. changing from D2 to D1 or vice-versa.
• Be Ready for Plan B: Have a backup plan in case you can’t get on your preferred flight. Consider alternative routes or nearby airports as alternatives. Be prepared to pay for a flight if standby doesn’t work out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): How to Fly Standby

• Is Standby Travel Free? Standby travel CAN incur nominal fees (i.e. processing, baggage), but most of the time immediate family can fly entirely free. Different airlines have different benefits, rules, and exclusions, so be sure to check the policies for your specific airline.
• Can I Bring Luggage? Yes, you can bring checked and carry-on luggage following the airline’s guidelines. Ensure your baggage adheres to size and weight restrictions.
• Can I Fly Internationally on Standby? Yes, you can fly internationally on standby, but ensure you have all required travel documents, including a valid passport and any necessary visas.
• Can I Use Standby for Business or First Class? It never hurts to try. It is possible to fly first-class as standby, but it depends on availability. Unless you’re flying with a child under six years old, you can select “Premium” class when booking through the portal. It doesn’t guarantee first-class, but if there are seats available and you’re high enough on the standby priority list, it’s likely you’ll snag one. But certainly be prepared for the possibility of flying in economy class even if you select Premium when booking.
• What Happens If I Can’t Get on the Flight I Want? If your first choice isn’t available, the airline generally tries to accommodate you on the next available flight. You may need to wait for later flights. Alternatively, you can ditch the standby process and just pay for another flight. Paying customers always get top priority.
• Can I Use Standby for Multiple Connections? Yes, you can, but keep in mind that each connection may add complexity to your travel plans. Ensure you have enough layover time between flights.
• What happens if I can’t get out on standby and need to get home? Be sure to have a backup plan. Keep an eye on flights available through other airlines and be prepared to pay for one of those flights.
• Do I use up multiple D1 high-priority passes on trips with more than one leg? A D1 pass is used per one-way trip – not per flight. For example, if you book a round-trip flight as D1 from Kansas City to London with a connection in Charlotte, you’ll use two D1 passes; one for the trip out and one for the trip back. If instead you want to book D2 on the way there and come home as D1 (if you must be home by a certain date, for example), that would only use up one D1 pass.

Final Thoughts

Flying standby as the spouse of a commercial airline pilot can be an incredible way to explore new destinations or visit loved ones more frequently. By following the step-by-step instructions, implementing our tips and tricks, and being prepared for potential challenges, you can make the most of this fantastic travel benefit. Remember, flexibility and patience are key to a successful standby adventure!

With proper planning and a positive mindset, you can take advantage of this amazing opportunity to fly standby and create unforgettable travel experiences with your pilot spouse. Enjoy your adventures in the sky!

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