The United Airlines Buddy Pass offers friends and family of United employees the chance to fly at a discounted rate. However, it operates on a standby basis, meaning you'll only get a seat if there are unoccupied spots after all paying passengers have boarded. It's important to note that only friends and family of United employees are eligible for this pass, and it cannot be sold or transferred. While the buddy pass offers a significant discount, it's not free—users typically pay a percentage of the base fare. Flexibility is key when using a United Airlines Buddy Pass, as there’s no guarantee of getting a seat on your desired flight.