My friend which dad flies for northwest told me it is pretty much like going on standby; but you have priority over ppl that are in standby. And you pay only a quarter of the normal ticket price...

What you are talking about is non-reving a flight. Most airlines allow your family to fly for free or for a small fee. In addition to you flying for free, your family which includes your wife or companion, children under 21, and mother and father all fly for free on my airline. Depending on your airline some have agreements with other airlines to travel for free or for a discounted fare. The legacy carriers generally don't participate. Don't forget this is all stand-by, so hopefully there are a few open seats. In addition to what BRI85 said you are always lower than paying passengers when flying stand-by at least at every airline I've worked.

That has nothing to do with it. Non-union pilots from decent companies don't have a problem, while some union pilots like gojets (and go! in HI) are often not welcome. Some folks will deny Jetblue also, because they have a significantly sub-standard payscale.

The jumpseat in the EMB145 works very poorly. It is uncomfortable not only for the person in the jumpseat, but the other two pilots in the cockpit.

J/s are the lowest priority for a cabin seat...even lower than travel agents traveling on those freebie passes they get.