Traveling with American Airlines, especially if you're looking to utilize non-revenue travel benefits (often referred to as "listing"), can be a fantastic way to explore the world at a significantly reduced cost. However, it's a unique system with its own set of rules and procedures. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, whether you're an American Airlines employee, a retiree, or traveling on a buddy pass.
Ready to embark on your next adventure without breaking the bank? Let's dive into how to successfully list on American Airlines!
How to List on American Airlines: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of listing on American Airlines primarily pertains to non-revenue travel, which includes employees, retirees, their eligible family members, and individuals traveling on "buddy passes." This type of travel is "space available," meaning you can only board if there are empty seats after all paying passengers have been accommodated.
Step 1: Understand Your Eligibility and Travel Privileges
Before you even think about listing, you need to confirm your eligibility and understand the specific travel benefits you have. This is the most crucial first step because it dictates everything from who you can list to what priority you'll have.
Sub-heading 1.1: Employee and Retiree Privileges
If you are an American Airlines employee or retiree, you typically have the most comprehensive travel privileges. These usually include:
Unlimited space-available travel for yourself, domestic partners/spouses, children, and parents/in-laws (often with a small fee for parents/in-laws).
Access to a certain number of "buddy passes" each year, which you can distribute to friends and other family members.
Higher boarding priority compared to buddy pass travelers.
The ability to utilize ZED (Zonal Employee Discount) tickets for travel on other airline partners.
Sub-heading 1.2: Buddy Pass Traveler Considerations
If you are traveling on a buddy pass, remember that you are flying at the lowest priority. This means:
Your travel is entirely dependent on seat availability.
You will pay a discounted fee for the pass, plus applicable taxes and fees, which can vary significantly based on the route.
There might be a dress code you need to adhere to (often business casual).
You cannot earn AAdvantage® miles or Loyalty Points on buddy pass travel.
Sub-heading 1.3: Other Eligible Travelers
Certain American Airlines partners or contractors might also have specific non-revenue travel agreements. Always confirm your exact privileges with your sponsoring entity or American Airlines' employee travel services.
Step 2: Access the American Airlines Non-Revenue Travel Portal
Once you've confirmed your eligibility, the next step is to access the dedicated system for listing non-revenue travel.
For American Airlines Employees and Retirees: You will typically use the "Travel Planner" system available via Fly.AA.com. This portal allows you to manage non-revenue travel on American Airlines and American Eagle flights.
For ZED Travel on Other Airlines: If you're an AA employee or retiree looking to travel on a partner airline using ZED tickets, you'll likely use myIDTravel.
Buddy Pass Riders: The American Airlines employee who gave you the buddy pass will usually be responsible for "listing" you in the system. They will then provide you with the necessary details, such as an electronic ticket or a Priority Verification Card (PVC).
Step 3: Search for Flights and Check Load Factors
This is where the flexibility aspect of non-revenue travel comes into play.
Be Flexible! Since you're traveling space-available, flexibility with your travel dates and times is paramount. Weekends, holidays, and peak travel seasons will have much higher loads, making it harder to get a seat.
Check Flight Loads: Before listing, it's highly recommended to check the projected flight loads (seat availability). American Airlines employees have access to tools that provide this information. For buddy pass travelers, your sponsoring employee can often provide these load figures.
Tools like StaffTraveler (a third-party app) are popular among airline employees and non-rev travelers for getting reliable flight load information for various airlines, including American.
Consider Multiple Options: Don't just list for one flight. If possible, list for several flights to your desired destination, or even consider alternate airports nearby, to increase your chances of getting on board.
Step 4: Create Your Listing
This is the actual "listing" process where you indicate your intention to travel on a specific flight.
Input Passenger Details: You'll need to enter the full name (as it appears on your government-issued ID), date of birth, and gender for each traveler. For buddy pass riders, ensure the sponsoring employee has this accurate information.
Select Your Route and Dates: Choose your desired origin, destination, and travel dates based on your flexibility and the flight load information you gathered.
Review and Confirm: Double-check all details before confirming your listing. Any errors could cause issues at the airport.
Receive Your Listing Confirmation: Once listed, you'll receive a confirmation, which might be an electronic ticket, a PNR (Passenger Name Record), or a Priority Verification Card (PVC). Keep this information handy.
Step 5: Prepare for Your Travel Day
Your preparation on the day of travel is crucial for a smooth non-revenue experience.
Dress Code: While not always strictly enforced for every non-revenue passenger, it's generally advised to dress neatly (business casual is a safe bet). Avoid ripped jeans, tank tops, or overly casual attire. Remember, you are representing the airline.
Pack Light: Since you're flying standby, it's advisable to travel with carry-on luggage only. This allows you to quickly change flights if your initial one is full, without worrying about rerouting checked bags. If you must check bags, be aware of standard baggage policies and potential fees.
Arrive Early: Arrive at the airport well in advance of your desired flight's departure, especially for international travel. This gives you ample time to check in, clear security, and monitor flight changes.
Check-in:
For American Airlines employees/retirees: You can typically check in up to 24 hours before departure at an airport ticket office or through the online portal.
For buddy pass riders: Your sponsoring employee may be able to check you in, or you might need to do so at an American Airlines check-in counter.
Important: For space-available travel, you must check in no later than 60 minutes for domestic flights and 90 minutes for international flights.
Step 6: At the Airport: Monitoring and Boarding
This is the most unpredictable part of non-revenue travel.
Monitor Gate Display/App: Keep a close eye on the gate display screens and the American Airlines app for real-time updates on your flight's status, gate changes, and the standby list.
Understand Boarding Priority: You will be placed on a standby list with other non-revenue travelers. Your boarding priority depends on your travel type (employee, retiree, buddy pass), your hire date (for employees), and the time you checked in.
Be Patient and Polite: Gate agents are busy, especially with full flights. Do not approach the gate counter repeatedly. They will call names from the standby list as seats become available after all revenue passengers have boarded.
Have a Backup Plan: Always have a backup plan. If you don't get on your desired flight, know which other flights you are listed for or be prepared to adjust your travel plans. This might mean waiting for the next flight, or if allowed by your pass type, looking into ZED travel on another airline.
Receiving Your Boarding Pass: If a seat becomes available, the gate agent will call your name and issue you a boarding pass. Congratulations, you're on your way!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check American Airlines flight loads?
You can check American Airlines flight loads through internal employee travel portals (for employees/retirees) or by asking your sponsoring employee if you are a buddy pass traveler. Third-party apps like StaffTraveler are also widely used for this purpose.
How to get an American Airlines buddy pass?
American Airlines buddy passes are given by active American Airlines employees or retirees to their friends and family members. They are not available for purchase by the general public.
How to use an American Airlines buddy pass for international travel?
Using a buddy pass for international travel is similar to domestic travel but often involves higher taxes and fees. You will also need to ensure you have all necessary travel documents (passport, visas) for your destination. Be prepared for longer wait times and potentially more competition for seats.
How to determine boarding priority on American Airlines non-revenue travel?
Boarding priority for non-revenue travel on American Airlines is based on a hierarchy that typically prioritizes active employees, then retirees, and finally buddy pass travelers. Within each category, priority is often determined by factors like seniority (hire date for employees) and check-in time.
How to dress when flying on an American Airlines buddy pass?
While not a strict uniform, it's generally advised to dress in business casual attire when flying on a buddy pass. Avoid ripped jeans, shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or overly revealing clothing. Presenting a neat and respectable appearance is a good practice.
How to handle checked baggage when flying standby on American Airlines?
It's recommended to pack light and use carry-on bags only when flying standby. If you must check luggage, be aware that if you don't get on your desired flight, your bags may need to be rerouted, causing potential delays. Standard baggage fees and restrictions apply.
How to know if my American Airlines buddy pass is refundable?
Buddy passes themselves are generally considered "tickets" and the fee paid for them is typically non-refundable if the travel doesn't occur, although specific rules can vary. The actual listing for a flight can usually be changed without cost as long as the origin and destination remain the same.
How to change an American Airlines non-revenue listing?
You can usually change your non-revenue listing (e.g., to a different flight time or date for the same origin and destination) through the online travel portal or by contacting the employee who listed you.
How to deal with full flights when trying to list on American Airlines?
If your desired flight is full, remain flexible. Check subsequent flights, consider alternate airports, or be prepared to wait. Having a backup plan, including accommodation if you're stuck overnight, is essential. Avoid taking out frustration on gate agents, as they are simply following procedures.
How to find out American Airlines employee travel benefits?
American Airlines employee travel benefits are detailed in internal company resources, such as benefit guides and intranet portals, accessible to active and retired employees. These documents outline eligibility, policies, and procedures for non-revenue travel.