In his defense, it wasn't always that way.

Remember the days of, "if I can't get first, I'm not going."?

Course, back then 60-75% loads were considered "good" by the airlines. Now-a-days, if you're not well north of 80%, you're losing.

Another consequence of yield-trashing bargain basement fares.

Anymore, I only give buddy passes to other airline guys, who know the drill.

Course, my dad always seems to get the last seat on every flight he tries. Brags about it and to hear him talk, it's something he does, and not just dumb luck. Like everybody else is "just doing it wrong". Pretty funny to listen to, actually.

To the OP, these days, better to just not give buddy passes to the un-initiated. Good way to get YOUR privileges revoked, and - or- , scar your "buddy" for life.