"Cheap flights" can mean very different things. Understanding the three main paths helps you choose the right one for each trip.
The quick comparison
| Option | Cost | Seat guaranteed? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buddy pass (non-rev) | 80–90% off | No — standby | Flexible travelers chasing the lowest price |
| ZED fare (interline) | 50–90% off | Usually standby; some space-positive | Travel on a different airline than the lister's |
| Confirmed ticket | Full fare | Yes | Fixed schedules, peak dates, tight timing |
Buddy pass
The cheapest option, issued by an airline employee on their own carrier. Standby only. Ideal when you can flex your dates and want the deepest discount.
ZED fare
ZED (Zonal Employee Discount) is an interline agreement that lets airline staff and their companions travel on other airlines at set discounted rates. Most ZED travel is standby, though some fares can be confirmed (space-positive) at a higher price. ZED is what opens up 100+ partner carriers worldwide.
Confirmed ticket
A normal revenue ticket. You pay full fare but you own the seat. When the date is fixed and the flight is full, this is the only reliable choice — and there is no shame in mixing: a buddy pass out when you are flexible, a confirmed ticket back when you cannot miss work.
How to decide
Ask one question: can I flex? If yes, a buddy pass or ZED fare saves you the most by far. If no — peak holiday, a wedding, a tight connection — pay for the confirmed seat and travel stress-free. Flight Insider focuses on the first case: get a standby quote for any route and we will show you the price and the odds before you commit.