American Airlines Companion Pass vs Delta Buddy Pass: Which Is Better in 2025?
By BuyMyFlightPass Team in Companion Passes — published
When it comes to discounted or nearly free standby travel, two of the most popular options are the American Airlines Companion Pass and the Delta Buddy Pass. While both offer huge savings, they work very differently.
At BuyMyFlightPass.com, we help travelers access verified companion and buddy passes from airline employees. In this guide, we break down which pass offers the best value in 2025.
American Airlines Companion Pass (Overview)
The American Airlines companion pass is one of the most powerful flight perks in the industry.
Key Benefits
- $0 taxes on most domestic flights
- Low taxes on international routes
- High standby priority compared to buddy passes
- Ideal for frequent domestic and international travelers
Best For:
- Frequent coast-to-coast flyers
- Entrepreneurs + creators
- Travelers who need reliability
- Long-distance relationships
Delta Buddy Pass (Overview)
The Delta buddy pass is a discounted standby ticket given to friends and family of Delta employees.
Key Benefits
- Discounted fare + taxes (still very low-cost)
- Strong availability on major Delta routes
- Good for domestic and some international travel
- Great option for flexible travelers
Best For:
- Flexible travelers
- People who fly during off-peak times
- Budget travelers
- Occasional flyers
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | American Airlines Companion Pass | Delta Buddy Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Usually only taxes | Discounted fare + taxes |
| Standby Priority | Higher | Moderate |
| Domestic Travel | Excellent | Excellent |
| International Travel | Strong | Moderate |
| Reliability | High | Medium |
Which Pass Is Better for 2025?
If you want the best savings and priority, the American Airlines Companion Pass wins. If you prefer flexibility and low-cost domestic standby travel, the Delta Buddy Pass is a strong option.
Through BuyMyFlightPass.com, travelers can access both — safely and securely — through verified airline employees.
Final Thoughts
Both passes offer massive savings, but the companion pass provides higher priority and more consistent access in 2025. Choose the one that fits your travel style best.
Part of our complete guide: What Is a Flight Pass and How Does It Work? · Flight Pass FAQ · Apply for a companion pass