(tongue in cheek)

So your argument against my post is that management is ALWAYS honest with the workforce?

(( back to reality ))

Pass benefits are part of the contract negotiations with the larger airlines... that's why you'll see SkyWest have a different United benefit than a Trans States or Mesa employee. Typically wholly-owneds are treated just like mainline staff with slightly lower boarding priorities - ie PSA/Piedmont on USAirways.

Example: Republic gets registered guest on USAirways, yet Mesa doesn't. Its because YV has not paid the 'upcharge' to US for that privilege.