Printable View
Hey guys, I was recently added as a companion on my friends AA account. I've got a quick question. I flew a few times so far, all domestic. It seems like every leg I take she is being charged tax on the flight which is taken out of her paycheck. Is this standard? I was under the impression that a companion had the same benefits as the employee itself. I also only thought there would be taxes on international flights. Can anyone please offer some clarification on this? Thanks!
Welcome aboard Companion, there’s a seat for you right down front. And YES, there are taxes – taxes my friend, are inevitable.
Thanks for the reply. So are taxes only for the companion pass? What about actual companions and family? I have a friend who is a flight attendant and her kids, husband, parents are traveling everywhere once a week. Is she charged for taxes as well? Or is just because I have the companion pass as opposed to being an actual family member.Quote:
Originally Posted by Migflanker
Companion you're getting deep into the weeds - there are taxes and fees on buddy passes. Your friend (the sponsoring employee) has a limited number of passes and has offered you one. Don't stress over someone else's costs or how often they travel. If the cost and conditions of buddy pass travel (which your friend will/or has explained to you) are acceptable - there you go, if not you can always fall back on making your own reservations. Non-revving is a topsy-turvy world, as a pass rider you'll have plenty of stress with fluctuating loads and priority lists - don't add to your carry-on.Quote:
Originally Posted by companion
I wasn't trying to make it more complicated or worry about someone elses travel. But when she explained the companion thing to me she said that I could travel wherever I wanted and would have the same benefits as her. She said she could only make one person her companion. She said she also has 8 buddy passes per year. I'm aware the buddy passes have to pay the fees. But she does not pay taxes on her legs as an employee so I assumed since my travel was the "same as hers" that I wouldn't be paying taxes on anything domestically either. She is a new employee so I'm not sure if this was a misinterpretation on her end when explaining to me. Is there a phone number I can call to get further clarification? Or a manual I can read on this? I'm really just trying to fully understand because I just took a few trips and it deducted money from her paycheck. Thanks for your helpQuote:
Originally Posted by Migflanker
If I may intervene, first, welcome to the nonrev world, regarding your question, only the employee has the answer it is her responsibility to brief you about the rules, not anybody else. And yes if there is a charge on a domestic leg there is a tax. Enjoy your future trips.
Have your friend print out the AA travel guide. This will go over the cost for flying as a travel companion and how they go about getting the money, normally as imputed income.Always best to get the answers from your friend who is giving you the benefits.If they do not know they should have a travel center they can ask.
I am an employee, as of today, if you are a Registered companion(like spouse) then you won't pay anything.
only buddy passes are deducted from paycheck.
Not true. There is a difference between a registered companion and spouse regarding taxes, fees and imputed income.Quote:
Originally Posted by pradeepreddy
thanks i'm going to do that. She's a brand new employee (2 months in) so she just isn't sure of a lot of stuff. I just thought it was strange that I was paying Buddy Pass prices when I'm listed as her 1 and only companion. I'm going to check out the travel guide and see what it says.Quote:
Originally Posted by offroader