Ruth Haines
Flying standby is a great option for those with flexible travel plans and a lower budget. While it was once a budget adventure, allowing travellers to buy cheap tickets in exchange for waiting hours or days in the terminal, it is now reserved for those who have been involuntarily bumped from their original flight, those who want to get on an earlier or later flight on the same day, and airline employees and their families. Standby fees vary from airline to airline, but typically cost $25 to $100, with most airlines charging a $75 same-day change fee. Some airlines, such as Southwest, offer same-day standby free of airline charges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can fly standby? | Airline employees, their families, eligible companions, passengers who want to get on an earlier or later flight, passengers who missed their flight, passengers whose flights were cancelled, passengers who were bumped from their original flight due to overbooking. |
| Who cannot fly standby? | Unaccompanied minors, groups. |
| When can you fly standby? | Same-day standby is available on select flights. |
| How can you get on the standby list? | Online, on the airline app, at an airport kiosk, or by talking to an agent at the ticket counter or departure gate. |
| How much does it cost? | Standby fees typically cost $25 to $100, with most airlines charging a $75 same-day change fee. Some airlines offer free standby. |
| How does the process work? | If you are on the standby list, you haven't been given a seat on the plane and are not guaranteed to board. During boarding, names are called in order from the list, and passengers are issued seats as they become available. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Standby availability
Some common reasons for being placed on the standby list include involuntary circumstances such as weather disruptions or flight cancellations, being bumped from your original flight due to overbooking, or missing your flight due to a missed connection. Additionally, those who want to take an earlier or later flight to their destination can also opt for standby availability.
It is important to note that the availability of standby seats has decreased over time due to increased security measures and airlines' efforts to maximise seat occupancy. Standby fees typically range from $25 to $100, and most airlines charge a $75 same-day change fee. However, some airlines like Alaska Airlines offer free same-day standby to passengers with pre-purchased tickets on select routes.
When considering standby availability, it is essential to be patient and flexible as you may need to wait or walk from gate to gate. Additionally, for same-day changes and standby, requests must be made at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure to avoid a no-show policy.
Overall, standby availability can be a beneficial option for travellers with flexible plans, providing the possibility of getting to their destination earlier or smoothing out tight connections.
Claiming Tax Back at US Airports: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Standby fees
It's important to note that standby seating is not guaranteed, and you may not get a seat on your desired flight even if you have been waiting for hours and have a high priority on the standby list. This uncertainty can be stressful and may require backup plans if you miss your flight. Additionally, standby policies and fees may change with little notice, so it's essential to check with your airline for their latest information.
Some examples of standby fees and policies from specific airlines include:
- JetBlue: $75 standby fee when booking between the same cities on the same day.
- American Airlines: $75 standby fee, waived for first-class, business-class, AAdvantage Elite members, and military personnel.
- United Airlines: $75 standby fee, waived for Premium members.
- Delta: $75 same-day standby fee for earlier flights, unless you have top-tier status in their SkyMiles program.
- Frontier: Elite members of their EarlyReturns program can standby for free, while others pay a $99 fee.
- Alaska Airlines: Offers free same-day standby on select routes, while other routes incur a $25 fee.
While standby travel can offer discounted fares and flexible travel options, it's important to understand the fees and uncertainties involved. It may be more suitable for experienced travelers who are comfortable navigating airlines and airports.
Exploring Airport Baggage Claim Access
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Same-day changes
For Delta Air Lines, the Same-Day Standby option is available for travel within the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands on Delta and Delta Connection flights. It is not available for international flights or for changing origin and/or destination airports. Same-Day Confirmed changes from connection to nonstop flights are also not permitted. Delta Main Basic (Basic Economy) fares are not eligible for Same-Day Confirmed travel changes. Same-Day Standby is a complimentary service, but applicable change fees may vary based on the ticket type and fare rules.
Southwest Airlines offers both Same-Day Change and Same-Day Standby options. Same-Day Change allows customers to switch to an earlier or later flight on the same calendar day, as long as there is an open seat and the origin and destination airports remain the same. Same-Day Standby allows customers to retain their current flight while being listed for standby on an earlier flight via the Southwest app, mobile web, or a Southwest Agent. Both options are free of airline charges, but government taxes and fees may apply.
American Airlines offers same-day confirmed changes and standby options, subject to availability on select flights. Customers can request changes starting 24 hours before departure through the app or online. Seat selection is not available during the flight change request. American Airlines does not allow changes to departure/arrival airports, the number of flight segments, connection cities, or switching from a through flight to a connecting or nonstop flight.
Alaska Airlines allows customers to request same-day standby at the airport by adding their names to the standby list through a customer service agent. Standby requests must be made before the departure of the original flight, and seat availability is typically unknown until 30 minutes before the flight departs. Alaska Airlines also offers a same-day confirmed flight change option, which allows customers to switch flights for a fee if seats are available.
It is important to review the specific policies and procedures for same-day changes and standby options with each airline, as they may vary. Additionally, some airlines may charge fees for these services, while others offer them for free.
Exploring the City Straight from the Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Involuntary reasons
Involuntary standby usually follows a flight disruption, such as unexpected delays, cancellations, or missed connections. In these cases, passengers may be placed on a standby list for another flight to reach their destination. This is often a priority list, with revenue passengers who missed their original flight through no fault of their own at the top.
In the case of involuntary standby, passengers can use multiple methods to secure a seat: lining up to speak with gate agents, using the airline's app, checking the website, and calling customer service.
Some airlines allow passengers to choose the standby option during check-in online, via an app, at an airport kiosk, or by talking to an agent at the ticket counter. It is important to note that same-day standby and same-day changes are subject to availability and specific airline policies. For example, some airlines require passengers to change their flight or request to be added to the standby list at least 10 minutes before the original flight's departure, or a no-show policy will apply.
Overall, while flying standby can help straighten out travel schedules, it also comes with greater unpredictability, as there is no guaranteed departure or arrival time.
E-Cig Availability at Atlanta Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Airline differences
While the option to fly standby is available across multiple airlines, the specifics of the process vary.
American Airlines
American Airlines allows passengers to select the standby option during check-in online, on their app, at an airport kiosk, or by talking to an agent at the ticket counter. If you bought a ticket with a partner airline for a flight operated by American, you can stand by or buy a same-day confirmed change. You can request a change starting 24 hours before departure online or on the app, and after you check in, you will receive a new boarding pass and receipt.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines allows A-List Preferred and A-List members to take advantage of same-day standby even with Basic fares. Same-day changes and standby must be requested at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of the original flight, and if using the app or mobile web for standby, you must list your name 30 minutes ahead of scheduled departure.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines offers free same-day standby to passengers with pre-purchased tickets. Standby seating is offered only for nonstop flights between Anchorage and Fairbanks, Seattle and Portland, and Seattle and Spokane. Passengers flying standby must be at the departure gates 30 minutes prior to departure. Same-day standby can be requested during check-in or at the airport by seeing a customer service agent.
United
United allows passengers to choose standby as an option during check-in online, in the app, at an airport kiosk, or by talking to an agent at the ticket counter. They take it a step further by automatically assigning seats 30 minutes before a domestic flight and 60 minutes before an international flight. If you sign up for day-of-travel notifications, they will notify you when your seat has been assigned.
It is important to note that the availability of standby seats has decreased over the years due to increased security measures and airlines' use of seating algorithms to maximize flight capacity.
Currency Exchange at Dublin Airport: Where and How?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Flying standby means that you have the option to make same-day changes to your travel plans if seats are available on your desired flights. This means that you can get to your destination earlier or later than originally planned.
You can get on the standby list by entering your name at the ticket counter, at the departure gate, or on the airline's app or website. You must be on the list at least 10 minutes before your original flight's departure time.
Standby fees typically cost $25 to $100, with most airlines charging a $75 same-day change fee. However, some airlines, such as Alaska Airlines, offer free standby.
Yes, you can fly standby from a different airport as long as your origin and destination airports remain the same.
