Travelers get on the standby list by speaking to a ticket agent or gate agent This usually must occur in person at the airport, and not over the phone When the flight boards, agents give any available seats to standby passengers, who wait at the gate to be called
What are the rules for flying standby?
All standby passengers need to have a confirmed ticket, either by purchasing one outright or thanks to a “buddy pass” from an airline employee Many airlines’ websites and mobile applications can assist you with flying standby concerns In other instances, ticketing agents can help you get on a standby list
What does it mean to fly on standby?
Flying standby used to mean showing up at the airport without a ticket and trying to land a discounted seat on an undersold flight Now, you often need a ticket to be eligible to fly standby, but you may be able to catch an earlier flight, get an upgraded seat, or fly to a different airport in your destination city
How do you end up on standby for a flight?
To fly standby, passengers can request to fly standby when checking in online or at the airport Once requested, the airline advises passengers to head to the departure gate early; however, standby status won’t be known until 30 minutes prior to flight departure
Is it worth it to fly standby?
I would say flying standby is worth it in certain circumstances — BUT NOT ALWAYS Make sure to consider your needs If you can’t deal with losing a few days, or if uncertainty makes you anxious… If you’re able to operate within that uncertainty, flying standby is a great option
Is standby first come first serve?
Because passengers are placed on the standby list on a first come, first served basis, this will maximize your chances of success If you’re using a buddy pass, be prepared to stay for the last flight of the day, since airlines will place paying customers first
How do you fly for free?
How to Fly for Free: Get a travel reward credit card Earn miles through a frequent flyer program Volunteer to get bumped Use a companion ticket Work for an airline Know someone who works for an airline Fly on military “Space A” flights
How does standby Work American?
Same-day standby allows you to standby for an earlier American or American Eagle flight on your day of departure If you’re standing by for an earlier flight on your departure day, you will retain your original flight reservation until you are confirmed on the earlier flight
Do airlines do standby anymore?
Standby is never guaranteed; today’s airlines work hard to fill every seat, so empty ones for standby travelers are harder and harder to come by But they do exist A few standby seats are free, but most will cost you Those who buy more expensive refundable economy seats also may get free standby
How do I book a standby ticket?
You can fly “standby” at no additional charge or for a minimal fee Review your ticket receipt or your online ticket via the airline’s website Check the restrictions Check the desired flights for availability Enter the city-pair and flight time desired as though you are making a reservation
What happens if I miss my standby flight?
If you don’t make the standby flight, you’ll still have your original confirmed flight to fall back on Not a shabby deal
How do I get on standby list American?
You can request standby or confirmed flight changes online, by phone, at an airport check-in kiosk, or at the ticket counter 24 hours prior to departure
What’s a standby list Delta?
Standby is the list you’re on until you get your seat Everyone on a BE fare is on the standby list until their seat is assigned It does not mean you’re going to be bumped It means you’re standing by for your seat assignment Your seat will be assigned when you arrive at the gate
Do you save money by flying standby?
Standby Today Flying standby is no longer a big money saver; in fact, you may end up spending more money This is because you’ll need to purchase a ticket to even be eligible, and then you’ll likely be charged a fee if you’re able to grab a seat
Can you fly standby on a different day?
Standby requests can be made beginning 24 hours before departure of the original flight, but the new flight must be on the same calendar day Silver Medallion members and those with no status can only standby for an earlier flight
Can you fly standby on United for free?
If you can’t confirm a seat on another flight or can’t change without a fee, you can always join the standby list for an earlier flight for free If your itinerary includes several flight segments, you’ll need to stand by for each flight individually
How are standby seats assigned?
Travelers get on the standby list by speaking to a ticket agent or gate agent This usually must occur in person at the airport, and not over the phone When the flight boards, agents give any available seats to standby passengers, who wait at the gate to be called
Who gets priority on standby?
Every airline has its own priority system, but in general, the order for boarding standby passengers is as follows: Full-fare passengers Commuting flight crews Standby passengers from the airline (in order of seniority or time of check-in)
Does Southwest do standby?
Those who have Anytime or Business Select Southwest tickets are allowed to fly standby, without paying an additional fare, between the same cities on the same day if there is an open seat on an earlier flight In addition to flying standby, you can always cancel and rebook anytime with no fees